Keep or scrap the bus lane? Councillors will debate tonight

Hamiltons controversial downtown transit lane will be the focus of discussion this evening as Hamilton city council debate whether to scrap it altogether or find ways to make it better.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger will introduce a motion to look at modifying the lane, which runs from Mary to Dundurn Street.

On the flipside, Coun. Chad Collins will try to gain support to stop enforcing the lane.

The transit lane was supposed to be a one-year pilot project running from October 2013 to October 2014. But with the Oct. 27 election, its been extended.

Staff will come back with a report on Jan. 7, Eisenberger says. He wants to include options such as making the lane rush-hour only and allowing high-occupancy vehicles.

• RELATED:Are complete streets losing steam at Hamilton city hall?

Collins says most residents hes talked to dont like the lane.

Also on Wednesdays city council agenda:

• Coun. Jason Farr will move extending $1.1 million in city grants for the buildings in the Gore, from 18 to 28 King St. But the developer tells CBC Hamilton that hes not interested.
• Coun. Sam Merulla will move installing cameras at hot spots for illegal dumping in parks.
• Coun. Lloyd Ferguson will move naming an Ancaster leash-free dog park after Corp. Nathan Cirillo. Cirillo reportedly attended the park with his dog.
• Merulla will move a motion to call on the province to strengthen the payday loans act to prevent payday loan businesses from offering an exchange on gift cards for half of their face value.

CBC Hamilton reporter Samantha Craggs will tweet live from the meeting, which starts at 5 p.m. at city hall. Follow her at @SamCraggsCBC or in the window below.