Dear Mr. Meisner,

I am writing to voice my strong objection to a proposed amendment to the Toronto Port Authority Regulations that would allow a bridge or similar fixed link to be constructed between the Toronto Island Airport and mainland Toronto.

In addition to there being no valid reason to amend the existing regulations, The Federal Government paid $35 million to the Toronto Port Authority and to Porter Airlines to ensure that no link would be built. Further, changing the regulations would be a colossal waste of money.

Torontonians want a waterfront that is a clean, green space for them to visit with their families and friends. This is evidenced by the tremendous support for Waterfront Toronto’s revitalization initiatives and the large number of people who routinely attend meetings held by Waterfront Toronto. A fixed link would increase airline traffic, resulting in higher levels of noise and air pollution which would decrease the appeal of the waterfront.

The City of Toronto has objected to this link and as the federal representative for this area, I oppose the link as well.

I am against any changes to the Toronto Port Authority Regulations that would permit a link to be built. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this matter further.

Sincerely,

Olivia Chow, MP, Trinity – Spadina