Posted with full permission from the Hamilton Spectator
City log
James N. Allan Burlington Bay Skyway
Hamilton Essentials Compiled by Peter Van Harten
(Oct 10, 2006)
Today in Hamilton history
* Oct 10, 1985 -- The new James N. Allan Burlington Bay Skyway was completed and opened but not before a furor about its name.
The province wanted to name the twin spans -- including the new $38.7 million harbourside bridge --the James N. Allan Skyway but loud protests and petitions from Burlington residents resulted in the sign being taken down by embarrassed officials within 24 hours.
In a typical political compromise, the Burlington Bay name of the earlier lakeside span -- built in 1958 for $19 million -- was retained along with the official tribute to the 90-year-old veteran Dunnville politician and former transport minister James Allan who took the protests gracefully.
Hamiltonians itching to get the city's name on the QEW bridges over the canal lost out.
The earlier Toronto-bound span was temporarily closed in 1986 for an $11 million renovation and replacement of its concrete deck.
The harbourside span is 2,215 metres, while the original span is 400 metres.
The government of Upper Canada bought the Beach Strip from the Mississauga Indians for L100 in 1795.
City log
James N. Allan Burlington Bay Skyway
Hamilton Essentials Compiled by Peter Van Harten
(Oct 10, 2006)
Today in Hamilton history
* Oct 10, 1985 -- The new James N. Allan Burlington Bay Skyway was completed and opened but not before a furor about its name.
The province wanted to name the twin spans -- including the new $38.7 million harbourside bridge --the James N. Allan Skyway but loud protests and petitions from Burlington residents resulted in the sign being taken down by embarrassed officials within 24 hours.
In a typical political compromise, the Burlington Bay name of the earlier lakeside span -- built in 1958 for $19 million -- was retained along with the official tribute to the 90-year-old veteran Dunnville politician and former transport minister James Allan who took the protests gracefully.
Hamiltonians itching to get the city's name on the QEW bridges over the canal lost out.
The earlier Toronto-bound span was temporarily closed in 1986 for an $11 million renovation and replacement of its concrete deck.
The harbourside span is 2,215 metres, while the original span is 400 metres.
The government of Upper Canada bought the Beach Strip from the Mississauga Indians for L100 in 1795.