Dear Hamilton City Council,

Transportation in all forms is integral to a thriving City and downtown core. Hamilton’s economy thrives when people and goods move efficiently and affordably between destinations. Roads and parking, public transit, walkable neighbourhoods, cycling and taxis are all important services supporting moveable cities in economic growth. Equally important is the expanding selection of new services to also move people and goods efficiently and affordably, such as car-sharing, bike-sharing, and more recently, Uber and ridesharing.

Hamilton businesses support greater choice. As local business owners and operators, we recognize the value and benefit of a competitive marketplace, which fosters product and service selection excellence. If the City of Hamilton decides to reform the vehicle for hire industry in Hamilton, then we encourage the City to do so in way that recognizes the demand for and need to move people around Hamilton, including Uber and ridesharing services.

The debate around Uber is a perfect example of what’s at stake in Hamilton for local small business. It’s important that Hamilton City Council pass smart ridesharing regulations or else future initiatives like uberRUSH in Hamilton won’t be possible. uberRUSH is an on-demand delivery network that makes getting things in your city from local businesses more convenient, affordable, and reliable than picking it up yourself. In short, if there is no Uber and ridesharing in Hamilton, there is no uberRUSH in Hamilton. Thus, getting the regulations around ridesharing in Hamilton right is critical for local business.

It is important that Hamilton continues to provide maximum affordable and reliable choice for Hamilton businesses.

Adam Borisko, Pearson Dunn Insurance Solutions
Rachale van der Veen, Graphic In Traffic
Alexis fletcher, Owner, kabuki spa
Bill Curran, Principal, TCA/Thier+Curarn Architects Inc.
Trish Tonaj, Phaze2inc
Louis Muscat, Owner, Wendel Clarks Classic Grill and Bar
Matthew Webber, Owner, Berkeley North
Andy Fretz, National Sales Mgr, Conbraco
Peter John VanDyk, Partner, P.V.& V Insurance Centre
Felicia VAN dyk, Sales associate, Mohawk College
Nick Dika, Arkells
Adrian Duyzer, Partner, factor[e] design initiative
Matt McPeak, Creative Director, Factor[e]
Leonardo Quattrociocchi, Broker of Record, Ambitious Realty Advisors Inc.
Juliana Weber, Office Administrator, Ambitious Realty Advisors
Shelby Walters, Media Relations & Marketing Coordinator, Ambitious Realty Advisors Inc., Brokerage