Sucking, Blowing, Thawing, and Shirking

Vincent J. Curtis

12 Mar 23

RE: Clairmont: Focus on the long game.  Spectator editorial 11 Mar 23.

When it comes to sucking and blowing at the same time, it’s hard to beat a Spectator editorial writer.  In this case, we get both complaining about the winter that won’t end and global warming.  Apparently, when the earth’s atmosphere warms, freeze-thaw cycles in Hamilton will become more frequent, leading to faster erosion of the face of the escarpment.

Freeze-thaw cycles have been a feature of Hamilton’s weather for as far back as there are records.  How a warming climate will make them more frequent is a meteorological mystery; but having cast incense upon the altar of climate change, let’s get down to brass tacks.

The retaining wall of the Clairmont has reached the end of its service life.  When it was built fifty years ago, it was known to have a finite service life, because erosion of the escarpment face was well-known even then.  The wall was not maintained as designed, and parts of it began to fail a decade ago.  None of this is a cosmic mystery, and there is no need to invoke the god of Climate Change before getting to work replacing it.  The work will require scaling of the loose rock, removal of accumulated debris, and finally replacement of the barrier wall.

The powers that be need to stop contemplating the inner meaning of escarpment erosion, shirking their responsibilities, and get on with the business of putting in another fifty year fix.

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