Council will appeal a Superior Court ruling that struck down a city bylaw to regulate community mailbox installation - and it will also seek backup from other governments.

Council voted 10-5 Wednesday to appeal a decision by Justice Allan Whitten, who found Hamilton's last-minute bylaw violated the federal jurisdiction of Canada Post, which is installing the so-called "supermailboxes" on the Mountain as part of a plan to end door-to-door mail delivery.

Some councillors publicly advocated against the anticipated $75,000 appeal Wednesday. "We lost miserably," said Coun. Lloyd Ferguson, who argued the city is spending too much money pursuing contentious legal battles.

But more councillors were convinced by the opinion of hired constitutional expert Ian Binnie, a former Supreme Court justice, that an appeal is worth a shot.

City solicitor Janice Atwood-Petkovski also told councillors it is possible the province and other municipalities will join the court appeal.

"This is a very important fight ... This is about control," said Coun. Scott Duvall.

In favour: Aidan Johnson, Jason Farr, Matthew Green, Scott Duvall, Doug Conley, Brenda Johnson, Rob Pasuta, Arlene VanderBeek, Terry Whitehead, Maria Pearson

Opposed: Chad Collins, Sam Merulla, Lloyd Ferguson, Judi Partridge, Mayor Fred Eisenberger