The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have come out in favour of a planned light rail transit (LRT) system.

The CFL team issued a one-sentence statement Thursday supporting the much-debated $1 billion project in Hamilton, one of the highest profile institutions to do so.

"The Tiger-Cats support LRT because it is a significant investment in Hamilton's future that will improve transit infrastructure," the team said in an email.

The team is the latest voice in a growing chorus of those who want the system.

This month, six local MPs and MPPs wrote open letters in favour of the project, along with seven former mayors and regional chairs. Dozens of businesses have also lent their logos to a poster supporting the project.

Meanwhile, another former mayor and current MP, Bob Bratina, says the city shouldn't rush on LRT, and a handful of business owners plan to distribute a petition against the project.

Taking the train to the game

A rendering shows LRT in the central lower city near Tim Hortons Field stadium. (City of Hamilton)

The Ticats play at Tim Hortons stadium, located one block away from the proposed LRT B line. That route runs from McMaster University to the Queenston traffic circle.

LRT would also run on the A line along James Street North from King Street East to the West Harbour GO station – or the waterfront, budget permitting.

Metrolinx has already started work on the proposed system, and the province has pledged $1 billion to build it. The city is giving input. Construction would start in 2018, with the system launching in 2024.

But Hamilton city council is due to vote in October whether to accept the provincial dollars.

A powerful punch

Some councillors have reservations over, among other factors, what will happen to B line fare revenue, and the impact on businesses during the long construction period.

Others say LRT is a green project and rare opportunity that will bring economic uplift to the city.

In the past, the Ticats have packed a powerful political punch when it comes to influencing major city decisions.

For example, the city initially purchased land and planned to put a new stadium in the west harbour. The team's opposition to that influenced the city's decision to keep the stadium in the central lower city.