January 2010 Quick Updates

·         The upcoming municipal election is a focus for Deluce et al (is his goal to get rid of any remaining constraints in the tripartite agreement by buying a mayor?) – Bob’s been very visible in the Smitherman campaign. Will George make the same mistake Barb Hall made in taking the wrong side of the TPA/airport issue to curry favour with the money? Will the campaign be starkly monied interests vs. communities’? 

·         Porter’s bumping up against the tripartite agreement’s limits on slots (landings and takeoffs/day) – the precise number to be established by the forthcoming Transport Canada study. The last TC study stipulated 97 slots – without helicopter noise that we need to ensure is included. Appallingly, the TPA announced Christmas Eve that it “anticipates” up to 212. Porter’s over 100 most days now.

·         Lisa Raitt’s being investigated by four federal Commissioners for her recent breaches – Ethics, Privacy, Elections and Lobbying – who, we’re told are collaborating. Watch for their report.

·         Long shot – we filed an objection to Porter’s renewal of its licence to fly into the US, based on Lisa’s statement to the US government that the Island Airport was open to US airlines – which it isn’t, of course. No decision as yet. Will Deluce’s amazing string of good luck finally run out?

·         The TPA shot itself in the feet so may times over the past year that it’s a wonder it’s still standing. From doctoring minutes to expense abuse to continuing curfew breaches to conflict of interest, to the recent disclosure that its own rules requiring tenders for all contracts over $100,000 were breached by the TPA contracts with Porter and the Port manager, Logistec 

·         The media are much more interested in us recently – we’ve been in a front page Star story, on CBC TV news, CBC Radio’s Here and Now, and Sun TV’s Canoe Live just in the past week.

·         We’re beginning to liaise more closely with the Clean Train Coalition – our goals are so complementary, and there will be good opportunities for mutual support.

·         The TPA refused to respond to repeated City board of health queries on airport pollution issues. Our health expert (and Bathurst Quay resident) Dr. Pieter Jugovic and community reps will be deputing at the board’s January 18 meeting.

·         The TPA’s community noise liaison meetings have been a serious joke – coming up, after huge delays, with a list of noise amelioration measures last July that were entirely off-the-shelf, and could have been implemented years ago if they were serious. For the next meeting in February, we need to sort out how to make it work for the community.

·         Adam Vaughan has been the most amazing and stalwart advocate for us at city hall, with Pam McConnell, and both of their staff being most supportive. David Miller has been a huge disappointment for us, with his staff refusing to even communicate with us on how to effectively address community concerns. We’re all stymied as to how to remedy this.

Brian Iler, chair
CommunityAIR