Upper James Street (Hamilton, Ontario)

By 1850 a four-storey stone structure was erected at the site and it was called the Mountain View Hotel.

The building was destroyed by fire in 1878 and replaced by a new five-storey structure that included an elaborate observation tower on its eastern end in 1881.

In 1890 a pavilion suitable for roller skating and dancing was added attracting various family and organized events.

James Street, at the base of the Niagara Escarpment was the site of the city's first Incline railway (1892–1932).

In regards to the incline railways, the brochures go on to boast, "There is no finer view anywhere on the North American continent than the panorama to be seen from the Hamilton mountain.

In the background, flanked on the east by the famous Niagara Fruit District and on the west by the beautiful Dundas Valley and a range of hills, combine to make a picture no artist could paint.

Construction began in November 1890 with the clearing of the right of way between James Street South and the Caledonia Road near the site of the Mountain View Hotel.

The 75-second ride provided a convenient link between the city and Barton Township for both pedestrian and horse-drawn traffic.

Improved mountain access roads and the rise in popularity of motorized traffic caused a steadily declining numbers of customers.

The abandoned rails and equipment were removed during World War II and the right of way came under the jurisdiction of the Hamilton Parks Board.

TradePort, winner of the bid to take over the airport, assumes responsibility to manage, finance and operate it under a 40-year lease.