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"Deaths due to air pollution to skyrocket: CMA"

Branching Out: Time for an Artistic Adventure

So you've seen restaurants and cafés from all over the city (offering incredible deals by the way) joining the Passport initiative, but today I thought I'd draw your attention to our latest, one-of-a-kind destination.

Starting immediately, you can bus on down to the Kool Klay (Paint Your Own Pottery) Studio, where you and your friends or family can paint their own clay creations, or paint pre-crafted pottery available in-store.

Here's an excerpt from their website:

"Drop in on your own, with friends, or with your kids to paint a piece of ceramic bisque. Feel free to bring a coffee or we'll make one for you, relax and you are ready to begin your artistic adventure. Choose a piece of bisque, check out our Ideas Book, choose from a wide variety of colours and start painting. Your masterpiece will be ready for pick up in about one week, after we have clear glazed and fired it.

We stock a selection of over 200 different items - everything from dinnerware to dragons, which you can paint in our studio or take home to finish. Our staff is continuously learning different methods of painting and trying out new products. Only the most interesting and successful methods are offered to our customers, as we want to keep your stress level low."

Why not make the Kool Klay one stop on an Art Themed Adventure Day! Grab a bus from home headed downtown, and spend a couple hours, at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, then once you've seen how the pros do it, hop on the Number 5 Bus and take it into Downtown Dundas to create your own Masterpiece at the Kool Klay.

We're growing!

Our map is brand new and we're already adding to the list of Hamilton destinations offering discounts when you present your HSR Day Pass. Of course, we are unable to get them on the 2008, but any new locations will be offering their discounts immediately, and you can find them in our online directory.

Just this morning I added Eastown Bar & Grill to the list. They claim to have the best burgers in Hamilton (which I intend to verify in about an hour), and are offering a whopping 15% off your bill (liquor not included).

There are many more to follow!

Also, if you haven't picked up a copy of the map yet, you can find them at all urban branches of the Hamilton Public Library, any of our participants, the Downtown Farmer's Market, and the Hamilton Go Station; or give us a call and pick up one from our office, 905-549-0900.

"Here's a brilliant idea"

Take a look at Saturday's Spec article about the Day Pass deal.

Thanks to all who came out to the Media Launch!

Our project is now off to a flying start. A few hundred copies of the map were given out on Friday, but don't worry, the rest of the 10 000 will be in circulation soon. Once you pick up your copy be sure to take advantage of the discounts all over Hamilton. As of Friday, the project is active.

Have you been on an adventure using the HSR Day Pass already? Planning one soon? Share your experiences or ideas with us, and we'll post them here. Email us at passporttohamilton@environmenthamilton.org!

If it ever stops raining in Hamilton, I suggest hopping on the Gore to Shore Trolley and spending a day at Pier 8. It was a great location for a launch, and is home to 6 of our discount locations.

Passport to Hamilton Media Launch!

We are excited to launch this project on Friday July 18th at 10:00am at the “Williams Coffee Pub” on the waterfront and we hope you can make it. The launch will include free trolley rides, ice cream and an energy savings kit (worth $35.00) and lots more. Come enjoy a bautiful morning at the pier and pick up one of the first copies of the Passport to Hamilton Map!

The Passport to Hamilton Map is almost ready to go to press. Here's a sneak peak...

Also, take a look at these pictures taken at the launch of the new Wentworth 12 Bus Route, celebrated by the HSR, Environment Hamilton, and the Keith Neighborhood.