Sarah Mann
The Hamilton Spectator

(Jan 14, 2010)

Few Hamiltonians are unfamiliar with phrases such as "urban decay" or "cleaning up the streets."

Many of us are rightfully concerned about the rights of people living in poverty, sex workers and people experiencing homelessness in the wake of "cleanup" efforts.

On one side of the debate, city councillors are demanding cleaner streets and a more attractive, marketable and lucrative Hamilton. On the other side are humanitarians, activists and social service providers, arguing for universal access, human rights and basic survival for the city's most vulnerable residents.

The problem with the debate isn't the illegitimacy of the cause, but the framing of the "solution" to urban dissonance as a balance between public interest and the needs of those who are threatened with displacement.