Culture of Peace in Hamilton, Ontario
an article by Professor Dick Preston

We in the Hamilton Culture of Peace Network are putting together a history of our accomplishments from April 2000 to now - a list of evidence that Hamilton is moving toward a Culture of Peace. This will serve us as a background document as we develop our plans for creating a web-based social geography of Hamilton's peace-related people, groups and activities. It will include events and processes in which the city, businesses, faith groups, and local NGOs have moved forward under the 6 principles listed in the Manifesto 2000. This will be just a beginning, but will demonstrate that much has happened in the city in the decade.

Following an idea of Hamilton Councilor Brian McHattie, we are now preparing a grant application to fund a facilitator/social geographer position for a substantial period of time. One task of a facilitator is to get ideas flowing between groups. From the data obtained, Hamilton's Culture of Peace Commission will identify, meet with, sensitize each to the other peace-related activities in the City, keep a running inventory of groups, their past accomplishments and future plans. This will give us the ability to assess the progress made by city agencies, NGO's, businesses and other agencies and individuals, whose activities enhance Hamilton's Culture of Peace, such as the reduction and transformation of violence, while moving to resolve/reduce destructive conflict wherever possible.

Recently we have been involved in support for a Hamilton Peace Park, adjacent to the City Hall. We have reviewed the concept plan prepared by municipal staff and find it very satisfactory. We will continue to consult with staff and council, as needed.

While Hamilton’s diverse community cannot expect conformity on every issue, all can agree that the best place to raise a child requires a culture of peace.

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What is a culture of peace city
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURE OF PEACE

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