Mr. McQueen,

I appreciate the TPA perspective on these questions and am aware of the poll results. My 2 primary concerns with the TPA polls are 1) The sample size does not provide a definitive result & 2) we don't have a direct & clear question that truly measures "airport" attitudes based on current and proposed traffic levels.

I would like to see a specific question that asks about airport operations, based on up to 212 flights (unconfirmed) that measures whether or not people agree OR disagree that this airport is beneficial to Toronto.

If we want a binding question that definitively asks if the airport should stay open OR close, (I am not aware of any legal precedent for this), maybe it should be apart of the next mayoral election as a separate proposition. Put the direct question on the ballot and let's see the results.

CAIR is of the opinion that "Opposition to the airport and its expansion is growing." & "The expanded island airport has been imposed by the Toronto Port Authority against the wishes of the majority of the people of Toronto."
I haven't seen any data to back this up.

There are airport opponents that live on Steeles Ave., and there are airport supporters that live on the waterfront.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some people cannot tolerate the airport and that it excessively disrupts waterfront residents and visitors. While others, who live very close to the airport, see it as beneficial, a key piece of transportation infrastructure and believe opponents are over-reacting. A 3 hour lineup for the ferry weeks ago tells me that the Island Park is still an enjoyable destination. The issue is so subjective and political that a definitive answer is elusive.

As a comparison, I have looked at the Boston waterfront and found that 2km from their downtown core sits a large, non curfew, mostly jet (including 747s), 1000+ daily slot airport. There is a large neighborhood (Winthrop) to the Northeast that sits 200M from one of the primary runways - closer than any current BBTCA residents. What is the state of the Boston downtown and waterfront? My initial research indicates that the airport has not hindered development and enjoyment of the harbor area by visitors and residents alike.

To me, Boston is a prime example of a multi-use waterfront that isn't dominated one way or another by parks, residences, businesses and industry. If I recall, the Fung report did not come to any conclusions about the role of the BBTCA in a revitalized Toronto waterfront but suggested that a multi-use concept was the angle that should be pursued.

This multi-use compromise is the basis of my support for the airport - excluding ill timed power runs (very early or late) & blatant curfew violations (not the 1 - 3 minute variety).

Further to my comments about the Boston waterfront, here is a photograph of the Boston downtown core taken in the midst of some large aircraft parked at Boston Logan Airport.

I had no idea the airport was so close to the city core until I saw this.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/British-Airways/Boeing-747-436/1693374/L/

Take Care!
Joe