Waterfront Toronto team to peer-review intentions of Island airport



Andrew Hilton —

Following an open procurement process, Waterfront Toronto has selected Arcadis Canada as the successful consultant team to conduct a peer review of the PortsToronto Environmental Assessment (EA) on the proposed runway extension and introduction of jet aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (BBTCA), as proposed by Porter Airlines. Waterfront Toronto will oversee the peer review, which is being supported and funded by PortsToronto.

The peer review is being undertaken to address concerns raised by stakeholders as to whether the study design and effects assessment is consistent with relevant global best practices and meets federal and provincial EA processes. The peer review will be an independent process to enhance the rigour and credibility of the overall EA.

The peer review will be divided into two phases:

Phase 1 – Peer Review of the Study Scope


This phase will peer review the draft scope/study design to evaluate whether:

• The study methodology meets federal and provincial EA processes and best / global environmental assessment practice;
• Sound public and stakeholder engagement processes were undertaken;
• Public and stakeholder comments received were adequately addressed; and,
• City Council direction was adequately addressed.

It is anticipated that this phase will be completed during the summer of this year.

Phase 2 – Peer Review of Effects Assessment


This phase will peer review the Final Draft Environmental Assessment Study Report to evaluate whether:

• The study methodology and conclusions drawn meets federal and provincial EA processes and best / global environmental assessment practice;
• Sound public and stakeholder engagement processes were undertaken;
• Public and stakeholder comments received were adequately addressed; and,
• City Council direction was adequately addressed.

It is anticipated that this phase will be completed by the fall of this year.

A final report on the peer review will include content from Phase 1 and 2 and also provide context to the peer review, an executive summary of its findings, tables and descriptions of the review, including appendices if necessary, conclusions and next steps – if applicable.

The results from each phase of the peer review will be made public as soon as each are completed.

The peer review will include a working group that will provide input and context into the process. The working group will include representatives from the Stakeholder Advisory Committee, the City of Toronto, Waterfront Toronto, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and PortsToronto.

Updates on the peer review will be provided at meetings of the EA’s Stakeholder Advisory Committee, Agency Advisory Committee and at a planned EA public meeting in the fall.