“Why are we considering this project?”  Why, indeed, since the project is totally unnecessary and expensive?  The well-built $12 million dollar, almost new ferries are completely adequate for reliable access across the narrow 100 metre gap between mainland and airport.  Why is a perimeter road necessary now for security and maintenance when the airport has existed and been maintained for over 30 years?  Is it truly currently operating with inadequate communications and security services?

 The Tunnel -  The fevered imagination that produced the “pedestrian tunnel” (fixed link) needs a dose of reality.  It simply does not make sense to dig a multi-million dollar tunnel, have people descend on lifts or escalators, trudge 100 metres (400 yards) across the gap and then ascend to the airport terminal at the other end.  How ridiculous!  It is presently very simple for passengers to board a ferry, travel straight across the gap and disembark at the airport.  The tunnel is clumsy and undesirable and a fixed link in various  guises has already been rejected many times by Toronto citizens.

 Summary of Effects -  There can be no question that the statement “No adverse significant effects are anticipated from the project”, is overly optimistic.  Anyone who has observed simple road repairs or construction sites knows that.  Trucks and heavy equipment will cause blocked traffic along the west end of Queens Quay and around Bathurst Quay area plus unbearable dust and noise affecting the adjacent residential homes, schools and community centre.

 There will also be disruption to the nearby marinas, commercial boat operators and popular recreational boating.  The construction will not last a mere few weeks, but six months throughout the entire tourist season. This is hardly minimal disruption. Mitigation plans will do little to improve the overall situation.

 Project Costs -  It has been said repeatedly that taxpayers will not bear a cost burden, the project will be covered by a (originally) $15, then $20, now $25 passenger fee. However, the airport has received millions of dollars through the Airports Capital Assistance Project – ACAP.  This seems a bit puzzling, given the fact that the rules say: “To be eligible under ACAP, airports must receive regularly scheduled passenger service, meet airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada.”  Since the TPA is an arm of the Government and owns the airport, the relationship seems almost incestuous.  And where does the Government get the funds it dispenses?  Indirectly, taxpayers fork over.

 The TPA Poll -  I went through the survey carefully, page by page, that was presented at the July public meeting. It is my strong feeling that first, the background info and then the questions to responders, were carefully programmed and guaranteed to get not impartial, but desired positive responses for TPA airport expansion.  The ground was laid by asking if they were aware of all the good things the TPA was responsible for, including airport available for MedVac flights.  Later questions gave alternatives, with any answer  guaranteed to appear as a positive response.  They posed the tunnel as beneficial to Toronto Island residents because a new water main would be installed, and a pedestrian tunnel as more practical than ferries.

 Everyone I have spoken  to who has flown Porter has said that it was a delightful experience.  Not a single one was aware of the neighbourhood, schools and community centre 100.metres (400 yards) away, although they felt that there could be future danger from more high-rise condos, and once aware of the nearby homes and community, felt the airport should stay small.

 I still wonder what the long range plans for development might be when the airport fails to live up to hype.  It seems inconceivable that big investors and financial institutions  want to participate. 

 Although never a Toronto Islands resident, I have great affection for them and am distressed at the changes that a pedestrian tunnel or any other fixed link and an expanded airport would bring.  They are a beautiful heritage and valuable tourist attraction, with 940,000 visitors between May and October this past year.  Only about 4% were island residents. I believe that the tunnel is utter folly and urge you to abandon the project

 Shirley Bush