Hamilton now aims to be 'the best place to raise a child and age successfully'

For years, Hamilton's vision statement has been "the best place to raise a child."

Soon, it will be "the best place to raise a child and age successfully."

City council's general issues committee agreed Wednesday to modify the vision statement as part of its new visioning exercise for 2016-2025.

The new statement is more inclusive, councillors say.

It reflects people who don't have children for whatever reason, said Coun. Matthew Green of Ward 3. It also captures the city's desire to be accessible for senior citizens.

The former statement always seemed exclusive, said Coun. Donna Skelly of Ward 7, and "it's always bothered me."

Coun. Tom Jackson of Ward 6 moved adopting the new statement, which the city's seniors advisory committee suggested.

City council will ratify that, and other aspects of its new vision, on June 8.

The old vision, in its full form, is "To be thebest placeinCanadatoraiseachild,promote innovation,engage citizensandprovide diverse economic opportunities." City manager Chris Murray says the new vision drops the latter part of that statement.

The general issues committee is continuing to discuss the strategy Wednesday.

A draft copy minus the new vision statement is embedded below. Click here to view a mobile version.