Main and King as 2-way? Hamilton councillors debate Wednesday

City councillors will debate converting Hamiltons two main downtown thoroughfares to two-way traffic on Wednesday.

The general issues committee which includes councillors from all wards will study a list of possible future two-way street conversions. Most noteworthy on the list is converting Main Street West and King Street West from Dundurn to the delta where the two streets meet.

Other potential conversions: Bay Street, Queen Street, and Cannon Street West from Wilson to Sherman Avenue.

In fact, nearly every major one-way street in Hamiltons lower city is included on future conversions under consideration by staff.

The report includes a five-year plan for converting many of Hamiltons one-way streets to two way. In it, staff recommend the committee adopt the five-year strategy and make it a priority in the citys transportation master plan.

The issue is sure to generate debate. Some councillors, such as Brian McHattie of Ward 1 and Jason Farr of Ward 2, are advocates of two-way streets. But others, such as Lloyd Ferguson from Ancaster and Brad Clarke of Stoney Creek, have spoken against the idea.

The city already plans to convert Bold Street from James to Queen, King William from John to Wellington, Rebeccafrom John to Wellington, Hughson North from Wilson to Barton, Park Street North from York to Barton, Hess Street South from York to Barton and Caroline from Main to York.

In the past 10 years, conversions have included James Street North, John Street, Caroline Street South, St. Joseph's Drive and Charlton Avenue East.

Other items on Wednesdays agenda:

• An$850,000 grant to Wilson-Blanchard for heritage properties at 18, 20, 22, 24 and 28 King St. E. These properties have caused controversy when the public learned that the company planned to demolish the historic buildings in the Gore district and leave only the facades.
• A motion from Coun. Brad Clarke to include fluoridating Hamiltons water supply to a referendum next fall.
• Coun. Brian McHatties motion to drop a $75-million lawsuit against the federal government regarding the Red Hill Valley Parkway.

The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. at city hall. Reporter Samantha Craggs will cover and tweet live. Follow her at @SamCraggsCBC or read her tweets below.

One-way streets in Hamilton: A timeline