After the CODI conference, one of my major revelations was — Pittsburgh rocks! Who knew it was full of beautiful river and mountain views (mountain in the Hamilton Ontario sense, i.e. the Niagara Escarpment), art galleries, a magnificent conservatory and botanical garden with a the stunning Dale Chihuly glass art sculpture show currently installed, a nice sense of history, two functioning 1870’s vintage incline railways and a walkable downtown and riverfront? More bridges than any other city than Venice. Should be the twin city of Hamilton! Football team’s colours are black and yellow. Steel industry past. Health care a new major focus. Arts on the upswing. Yay, gritty steeltowns reinventing themselves for the 21st century!
