Aerial view of Billy Bishop Island Airport
This is a copy of a post by
Jeffrey P. Jones on Facebook
Jeffrey P. Jones added this explanation. Steven and I both filled in a
Transport Canadapublic survey about expanding the Billy Bishop,
which currently only deals with small planes. Our Ontario Premier
Doug Ford wanted to expand the airport into a major airport accepting
10, million people per year. But 87,000 of us filled in the very skewed
survey (which slanted towards making us accept the idead),and said,
"No don't do it, this is an insane idea," (phrased much more discreetly
of course. We held our breath, and then I read this announcement.
Tomorrow there is a No Jets Toronto walk along Lake Ontario across
from the island to celebrate this win. Fingers crossed the win lasts.
The parks along Lake Ontario's waterfront are beautiful, and the city
needs them. As an artist who loves being near water, and frequently
takes walks along the lake, I need these parks.
Here's the announcement shortened by me.
"The federal government has rejected a plan to expand Billy Bishop City
Airport in Toronto. Transportation Minister Steven MacKinnon issued a
statement on Friday saying that he would not proceed with the expansion
plan suggested by Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
“We will always work collaboratively with our partners in studying the
region’s connectivity needs and protecting the interests of local residents,”
MacKinnon wrote.
“However, we will not pursue any plans that infringe on treasured public
spaces like Little Norway Park or Hanlan’s Point Beach, result in elevated
noise, have significant environmental impacts, or hinder Toronto’s ability
to build much-needed housing,” he added.
The minister’s comments come on the heels of public consultations which
ended Friday after a two-week period and elicited more than 87,000 responses."
So Steven and I are happy tonight, and so are many of our neighbours.
Have a loving your life day!
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