By: Stephen Clare
Speaking at TwelvEighty last Thursday, Oct. 23, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi quipped that he was here to “steal our children.” Though the comment was paired with a hearty chuckle and Nenshi’s trademark smile, the sales pitch that followed was no joke.
The popular mayor, ranked last year by Maclean’s as the second most powerful person in Canada, first reminisced about his Mac campus tour as a prospective student and journey to public office before launching into his presentation. There was no doubt about the purpose of the talk. Nenshi was here to sell Calgary to the young, soon-to-be-job-hunters of McMaster.
Speaking casually and confidently, Nenshi sang the praises of his city, which ranged from healthy job prospects to a thriving culture scene. He was particularly proud of Calgary’s recent ranking by the New York Times as one of the 52 places you “need to see.”
It was clear that his pitch fell on eager ears. In the Q-and-A session following the talk, students jumped at the chance to ask about the city’s transportation infrastructure, recreational opportunities, and, of course, property taxes.
“The lowest in Canada,” Nenshi said, beaming.
The mayor himself lived up to his reputation as honest, friendly, and sharp. He made reference to Hamilton’s municipal election, light-rail transit debate, and relationship with Toronto. An off-hand comment about his less-than-favourable view of Prime Minister Harper drew laughter and perhaps a few raised eyebrows from the audience. The fact that the catering tables, laden with a feast of fried food, remained largely untouched speaks to Nenshi’s ability to engage an audience.
By: Aesfeoluwa Adobunrin
The sweets smell of fall, accentuated with pumpkin spice everything, where should you be this fall in Hamilton?
BAYFRONT PARK - 200 Harbour Front drive by Bay Street
If you are super stressed about midterms, just take a walk down the Waterfront Trail and de-stress. If you take a picnic, just be sure to leave the park as beautiful as you met it. If you would like to take a boat ride down the lake, or love bird watching, then Bayfront Park is perfect. Go with friends to watch the beauty of fall as the trees shed their leaves.
ESCARPMENT STAIRS - Scenic Drive to Chedoke Golf Course
With a mind-blowing 289 stairs, this is a beautiful place for the adventurous, extreme cardio lovers, and people who love going down staircases, but not coming up. You can also watch the waterfall at the top of the stairs. Take a bottle of water with you, and make sure to wear jogging or running clothes.
THEATRE AQUARIUS DOFASCO Centre for Arts - 190 King William Street
Time to switch from big cinema screens to live plays. The intensity of background music and heartfelt plays makes this place a must see this fall. From Mary Poppins musical to Agatha Christie’s mysteries, this theatre boasts a vast range of plays.
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS - 680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON Canada
There are four distinct beautiful gardens: arboretum, Hendrie Park, Laking Park, and Rock Garden. This fall they have a “Great Pumpkin Trail” event running from Oct. 23 to 24 between 6-7 p.m. The colors of fall in this large botanical garden and its mix of woodland path and rocky grounds makes for a gorgeous outing. Student prices are also available.
SASSAFRAS POINT TRAIL – Hike from Westdale by the aviary
By hiking through Cootes Paradise starting from Westdale, you can get to Sassafras point, which has a breathtaking view. You can access the trail from Oak Knoll Drive. The trail is great to walk with friends, family, or pets, and offers gorgeous trees and boardwalks to spend a fall day.
