I can divide my semester up into two segments: (1) my time spent at CityLAB, (2) the time I spend explaining what CityLAB is to outsiders. So far, I can say that I am a professional at one of the two. CityLAB Hamilton is an innovation hub that brings together student, academic, and civic leaders to co-create a better Hamilton for all. CityLAB students are a mix of McMaster, Mohawk and Redeemer students who want to learn, explore, and help the City of Hamilton.
My project this semester has been working towards creating a pedestrian and cyclist friendly trail way around the perimeter of the Cootes-Paradise region, also known as a Greenway. This idea of a Greenway fits into CityLAB’s overall theme this year of climate change and the fact that this project is still in its early phase means that there’s space for creativity and making it our own. This semester has given me the time and opportunity to ride through trail systems that are already in Hamilton, such as the Bayfront trail and the Hamilton-Brantford trail. While these trail segments in the vicinity of Cootes Paradise exist, developing my own appreciation of them motivates me to work on providing a better trail system that connects existing segments. We’ve also been able to collaborate with a group from the SUSTAIN 4S06 class at McMaster, who will be doing the community engagement part on the project.
With the interdisciplinary nature of the group, there are parts that apply for everyone. One member is designated to GIS mapping, another to design, another to marketing the idea of the Greenway, and with my quasi-background in Political Science, I can work on policy recommendations. I would say this is my favorite part about CityLAB -- it provides an opportunity to collaborate with students from other disciplines on a level that you would have never got the chance to otherwise. While I have pride for my own program, you gain respect from and insight into all of the other faculties involved.
When you first begin the program, the instructors will tell you that CityLAB students are expected to lead. Contrary to other leadership courses that I have been a part of, our project is entirely our responsibility. This gives students the opportunity to develop our project management skills; as we are responsible for developing and sending agendas out to city partners before meetings as well as designing and orchestrating workshops that contribute towards our projects end goal.
CityLAB’s Semester in Residence has been the best part of my undergrad and I would highly recommend the program for anyone who is up for the challenge. In a time when climate change activism is more apparent than ever, it can feel overwhelming as to what tangible outcomes a single individual can contribute. Thinking that my work could help build a Greenway, which will ultimately make sustainable transportation more accessible and safe, I realize that CityLAB has provided me with a special opportunity to catalyze the climate conversation.