Would jets mess up proposed Ontario Place renewal?

‘The dangerous Island airport expansion plans put the revitalization of Ontario Place in peril’

By Will Molls –

Anshul Kapoor, spokesman for nojetsto.ca

NoJetsTO welcomes the announced revitalization plans for Ontario Place that include the creation of an urban park and waterfront trail. However, the planned expansion of the Toronto Island airport is putting the renewal in jeopardy due to pollution and noise from jet aircraft and extended runways.

“Torontonians cherish Ontario Place and we all want to see it revitalized,” NoJetsTO spokesman Anshul Kapoor said. “But the dangerous Island airport expansion plans put the revitalization of Ontario Place in peril.”

With the proposed runway extension of at least 168 metres on each side, airplanes will be starting their take-off rolls or landing from Ontario Place within 250 metres – half of the current distance. The lowest approach will be 250 metres away from the entire length of Ontario Place.

“Jet aircraft with their noise and pollution will likely drive away visitors from a revitalized Ontario Place”, Kapoor added. “We can’t let the airport expansion damage such a vital family destination on the waterfront.”

The province is planning on opening the urban park and waterfront trail in time for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games – just before the first jet aircraft could take off from the Island Airport.

“A Mini-Pearson by the lake will destroy the serenity of the planned 7.5-acre park,” Kapoor concluded.

NoJetsTO is a coalition of concerned citizens and groups dedicated to preserving Toronto’s mixed-use waterfront and a boutique Island airport. Representing residents and organizations across Toronto, NoJetsTO opposes the expansion of the Island Airport through jet aircraft and extended runways. NoJetsTO’s goal is to protect the current Tripartite Agreement that governs the Island Airport.