CommunityAIR press release, January 17, 2012:

Opponents of the continuing expansion of the Island Airport leafleted Porter CEO Robert Deluce’s speech at the Empire Club today.

“We thought it important that attendees get a more complete understanding of the impact Island Airport expansion has had on our Waterfront and its residents than they would get from Mr. Deluce.” said Brian Iler, Chair of CommunityAIR.  “The noise, pollution and traffic congestion increase daily.”

While the group was handing out leaflets in the Royal York Hotel to those coming to hear Deluce, two security guards appeared and forcibly evicted one of the CommunityAIR volunteers–for leafleting

“This was a public meeting–even I hadreceived notice of it-I would have thought that the Empire Club and the Hotel would be more respectful of free speech.” commented Iler.

The leaflet (published in a separate blog posting), points to

• the broken promises of noise constraints,
• the impact the expanding airport has had ‑ particularly on Bathurst Quay residents, and
• the “gravy plane” of federal government largesse that has made the expansion possible.