Thanks for the clarifications guys! Much of the pro for Hunter seems to be the proximity to the B-Line LRT. I wonder if it could be possible to include a spur track from the B-Line corridor to James North, via James St.
That's the A-Line LRT.
A few years ago, we had a 25-year concept of five LRT's, involving the B, L, A, S, T lines. The B-Line is the main line, and the one we want funded.
The A-Line is the "spur" you talk off. That is the James Street LRT that reaches both GO stations and the airport. Ironically, some of the city councillor resistance to getting our B-Line LRT getting built is currently the Mountain (Hamilton's "905" equivalent) is getting no LRT at first. (Hey -- give Hamilton a little credit where due -- we're, at least, more unamious on the LRT than Scarborough is, still a majority in favor).
Some people say Hamilton LRT is dead, but it is not really yet -- just kicked down the road further -- Within a few weeks, we may be hearing an announcement of a bus rapid transit expansion followed by a promise of LRT money that goes beyond the current elections (kicking the can further down the road), since Hurontario and other LRTs just got funding announcements. A expansion of the existing B-Line Express to frequent 24/7 service may be a consolation prize.
Back on topic, it's possible hourly AD2W goes to Hunter until the A-line gets built, then 15-min electrified AD2W goes to West Harbour. Hourly AD2W is feasible with freight sharing, but not 15-min. Rail-to-rail grade separation is needed for 1`5-min electrified service, but tunnel expansion would not be needed and would be much cheaper to West Harbour than downtown. It also buys Metrolinx time to get the B-line built, then the A-line built (in succeeding years). It won't be a spur, the mountain (905 equivalent) will be demanding their share, and the catchet of an airport train (and also the airport lands employment land talk/future office parks), politicking will ensure that if the A-Line gets built, it gets built both in the lower city and upper city, with the bonus of linking both GO stations to Hamilton's international airport.
Ironically, the mountain (like 905) needs to let the lower city (like 416) build the B-Line LRT, in order for the A-Line to be more likely to be built.