Cleaning up Hamilton's core

The city wants to bring downtown stakeholders together to devise ways to tackle crime and safety concerns and turn around the negative perception of the core.

The idea comes from Hamilton police -- who have been criticized by Councillor Bob Bratina for not clamping down on downtown crime and letting "unfriendly persons" occupy Gore Park. It's being endorsed by members of the police services board, including Mayor Fred Eisenberger.

The Downtown Business Improvement Area shares concerns about panhandlers and unsavoury characters hurting convention business and has called for action.