Public’s input sought on jets at island airport
Posted August 27, 2013 12:47 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The public will have a say in whether or not jets will be allowed to fly out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
On Tuesday, the City of Toronto said in a release that it would conduct a public consultation process on the turbulent issue.
“The focus of the consultation is to assess how changes to the airport would impact the city, including the ongoing revitalization of the waterfront and nearby communities on the water’s edge,” the city said.
In April, Porter Airlines said it purchased up to 30 Bombardier jets for $2.08 billion and would seek permission to fly the jets out of the Toronto island airport.
Jets are prohibited from flying at Billy Bishop under a tripartite agreement between the municipal, provincial and federal governments.
Currently, Porter uses Bombardier’s Q400 turboprops.
Some of the issues the consultations will focus on are noise, safety and the economic and public health impacts of the proposed changes.
When the announcement was made in April, Porter president and CEO Robert Deluce said an extended runway would be necessary to accommodate the larger aircrafts.
Don Carty, Porter Airlines’ board chairman, said a 168-metre addition to each end of the runway would be necessary.
Jets would allow Porter to fly to Vancouver, Edmonton, Florida and California. Deluce said if approved, it would increase employment at Porter by 1,000 jobs to 2,400.
Some expressed concerns about pollution from the jets, but Deluce argued that modern jets are quieter and cleaner than when the tripartite agreement was signed in 1983.
A final report on the consultations will be submitted to the city’s executive committee at its Dec. 5 meeting.
“Pending decisions made by the City’s Executive Committee, the final report will then go to Council for consideration,” the city said.
With files from Erin Criger
Consultation Information:
Town Hall Meeting:
Thursday, Sept. 12
Direct Energy Convention Centre, Exhibition Place – Salon 205 100 Princes’ Blvd.
6-7 p.m. (drop-in)
7-9 p.m. (presentations and discussion)
Residents can find more information, and complete an online survey at http://www.toronto.ca/bbtca_review
They are also encouraged to attend one of two workshops hosted by city staff and technical consultants.
Workshop 1:
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Fort York – Blue Barracks Rm.
250 Fort York Blvd.
2 to 3 p.m. (drop-in)
3 to 5 p.m. (workshop)
Workshop 2:
Monday, Sept. 9
Metro Hall – Rooms 308/309
55 John St.
6 to 7 p.m. (drop-in)
7 to 9 p.m. (workshop)
