This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Trinity-Spadina MPP Rosario Marchese urged the Ontario government to stop passing the buck on the proposed expansion of the Billy Bishop Airport, and to show leadership by defending the province’s interests in a healthy and vibrant waterfront.
“According to Waterfront Toronto, the province’s half-billion-dollar investment in the waterfront has paid off. Since 2001, Waterfront Toronto has generated $240 million in revenue for the province and attracted development projects worth $2.6 billion,” explained Marchese during question period. “This success is threatened by plans to expand Billy Bishop Airport to allow jet planes, which Waterfront Toronto’s CEO warned could bring traffic congestion, noise, impacts to public space and disruption to boating and maritime activity.”
To date, the provincial government has remained silent on the issue, preferring to let Toronto city council and the federal government handle the debate over the expansion.
Marchese acknowledged that many residents enjoy the convenience of the island airport, but stressed that “opening up the airport to jets and long-haul flights threatens the liveability and vibrancy of Toronto’s waterfront.”
The veteran downtown MPP said the government should simply not shrug the issue off as a federal matter. The Province of Ontario has a one-third stake in Waterfront Toronto, the independent agency overseeing the development of Toronto’s central waterfront. The Province has a clear interest in the waterfront’s success, said Marchese.
“The public wants a sustainable and vibrant waterfront, and the public has been clear that this does not include mega-malls and Ferris Wheels, mega-casinos, and it does not include a mega-airport either,” said Marchese. “Will the Minister stand with the public and defend the province’s interests on the waterfront?”
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