CommunityAIR press release, August 2, 2010

NOTE: This release has been amended to clarify that CommunityAIR supports the Clean Train Coalition's
position that the rail link to Pearson should be electrically powered.

CommunityAIR is pleased to learn that Metrolinx will take over the construction and
operation of the rail link between Union Station and Pearson International Airport. This
will provide rapid, easy access between the downtown and the airport.
With this decision, there is no reason for the continued operations of the Toronto City
Centre Airport at the Island. This airport brings excessive noise and air pollution to
thousands of people and is a blight on Waterfront redevelopment. It is time that the airport
closed.
With the rail link, Porter, and the other companies operating out of the Island Airport, can
move to Pearson and still have the advantage of providing convenient services to their
customers.
The closing of the Island Airport is a huge opportunity for the downtown. Now is the time
to begin to discuss the exciting possibilities of what to do with the airport lands.
Surrounded by Lake Ontario and the bay, with the Toronto skyline to the north and adjacent
to the Island Park, this property is the most beautiful location in the GTA. An inspired plan,
with parks, public facilities and private development will create a site that is complimentary
to the redevelopment of the Waterfront, and help to make Toronto the liveable, green city
that we all dream about.
This is a huge opportunity. Let’s move forward with an electric train link to Pearson and the
redevelopment of Island Airport lands.