Time after time, Torontonians have said “no” to a fixed link to the Islands. In 2003, Mayor Barbara Hall’s deciding vote in favour of a fixed link, betrayed her supporters. Hall, the incumbent, extremely popular and thought to be a shoo-in return, lost!  Mayor Miller campaigned against a bridge and an expanded airport and won!  The people of Toronto – not merely Island and waterfront dwellers – but professional and recreational boaters, environmentalists, transportation consultants, and Toronto waterfront lovers of all ages, voters from ALL neighbourhoods, including Forest Hill, North Toronto, Lawrence Park, Beach, Rosedale and more, said NO again, as they always had before.

Why is the TPA, knowing voters have always disapproved, attempting to promote a tunnel again?  Are they doing this in expectation of immensely expanded but unwanted, air traffic? After paying $4.5 million for a new ferry in 2006, why another $5 million ferry? A new $45 million terminal?  Who is paying for the premature formal request for proposals?  The Federal Government again?  In 2007 they handed $35 million dollars to REGCO, parent company of Porter Airlines, after TPA fully aware of opposition, went ahead with contracts. Are GE Asset Management’s equity group and Dancap Equity Group still eager investors?    Even at peak passenger levels of 400,000 in the 80’s, the Island airport was subsidized annually by over $1.7 million dollars. Currently, are there government subsidies (my taxes!) of any kind whatever for the TPA, the new ferry or the airport?  For exactly how much, for what and by whom?  The whole situation begs investigation and full public disclosure.

 laceName>TorontolaceName> laceType>IslandslaceType> are threatened.  For over 130 years, only the fierce determination of Toronto citizens has protected them from commercial interests. They are a precious heritage, an invaluable asset and a stunning tourist attraction.  Visitors of every age and nationality are delighted with the ferry trip across the sparkling waters of laceType>LakelaceType> laceName>OntariolaceName> and the unparalleled view of the spectacular Toronto skyline from that vantage point.  They find it amazing that we have preserved such a tranquil and lovely auto-free oasis only 10 minutes from the hot downtown streets.  A fixed link would mean a tragic loss.

 All consideration of a tunnel should end RIGHT NOW.  Though never a waterfront or Islands dweller, as a concerned Toronto native and taxpayer, I am strongly opposed to a tunnel, the TPA new ferry and the new $45 million terminal!   Let’s ditch the TPA and get moving on the fast light rail to Pearson.  That would be sensible economically andenvironmentally.   

 Shirley Bush