Forum slams city for hampering art scene

There was no shortage of irony: It was at a forum exploring whether the arts can save Hamilton that a local arts advocate delivered the news he is being taken to court by the city for illegal use of an abandoned factory he is working to turn into an downtown arts attraction.

Gary Santucci, owner of the Pearl Company on Steven Street, says he has a court date next month to answer charges about his use of the former coffin and jewellery factory as an art gallery and performing arts space.

He and partner Barbara Milne have been embroiled in a complicated, three-year fight with the city over the zoning on the property.