On Tuesday, Council considers a bigger, busier Island Airport
“We only have one waterfront. Its vitality and value to the city should not be put at risk by an airport expansion proposal that currently raises more questions than answers.”
— John Campbell & Mark Wilson, Waterfront Toronto
Dear CodeBlueTO supporter:
Thank you! It’s been a long and worthwhile effort to keep our shared vision for Toronto. CodeBlueTO was created to defend Port Lands planning from being taken over by a Ferris Wheel and shopping mall. Now, there’s a new challenge.
On April 1, City Council is voting on the proposal to, among other things, expand Toronto Island Airport’s runway into the harbour and further west. Unfortunately, many Councillors remain unconvinced of the social, economic and environmental benefits that Waterfront Toronto’s balanced approach brings to our shoreline.
A city staff report raises concerns that still need to be addressed, including:
- the airport being too big
- traffic being too busy for the area
- safety for local schools
- health effects of air pollution in a densely populated area
There are other things that CodeBlueTO worries about:
- a negative impact on Waterfront Toronto’s plans for the Port Lands
- danger to wildlife
- possible public green space loss
- what the effects will be for harbour boating and the Waterfront in general
We can succeed only if people like you speak out. Those who want a bigger, busier Island Airport are spending money we don’t have: on expensive advertising and paid lobbyists now pushing to have an airport dominate our jewel on the lake.
If we are going to keep a fine balance of uses on our Waterfront, Councillors need to hear from you! We need you to call or email your Councillor before Tuesday. Say that you live in the area, and will be voting this October, and that you will be watching what happens this week very closely. Don’t forget to mention your address, too.
If we are going to keep a fine balance of uses on our Waterfront, Councillors need to hear from you! We need you to call or email your Councillor before Tuesday. Say that you live in the area, and will be voting this October, and that you will be watching what happens this week very closely. Don’t forget to mention your address, too.
THERE’S STILL TIME! Please make sure your member of Council knows you want a Waterfront in keeping with the plans we’ve been working on for so long! And thank you once again for believing in a shared vision: “Our city, our Waterfront.”
Have your say about how much the Waterfront means to you!
Quote from the Toronto Star March 18, 2014: Expanded island airport would mar the waterfront