A Summary of City Councillors' Statements on the Porter Proposal
(Calling this page a work in progress is generous. Most information has been superseded by the mayoralty and council election that installed John Tory as Mayor.)
The last Toronto City Council consideration of the Porter Proposal was April 1, 2014.
The decision history, motions, and voting records can be found on the City's web site.
The decision history, motions, and voting records can be found on the City's web site.
Councillors' Initial Positions taken on Studying Porter Proposal (May 7, 2013)
Councillors who voted for the motion: Paul Ainslie, Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailao, Michelle Berardinetti, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Mike Del Grand, Frank Di Giorgio, John Filion, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Mark Grimes, Doug holyday, Norm Kelly, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, Josh Matlow, Peter Milczyn, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata, Cesar Palacio, James Pasternak, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Karen Stintz, Michael Thompson.
Councillors who voted against the motion: Shelley Carroll, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baremaeker, Sarah Doucette, Paula Fletcher, Maria Fragedakis, Mike Layton, Pam McConnell, Gloria Margaret-McMahon, Joe Mihevc, John Parker, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam.
Absent: Denzil Minnan-Wong
Councillors who voted for the motion: Paul Ainslie, Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailao, Michelle Berardinetti, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Mike Del Grand, Frank Di Giorgio, John Filion, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Mark Grimes, Doug holyday, Norm Kelly, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, Josh Matlow, Peter Milczyn, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata, Cesar Palacio, James Pasternak, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Karen Stintz, Michael Thompson.
Councillors who voted against the motion: Shelley Carroll, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baremaeker, Sarah Doucette, Paula Fletcher, Maria Fragedakis, Mike Layton, Pam McConnell, Gloria Margaret-McMahon, Joe Mihevc, John Parker, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam.
Absent: Denzil Minnan-Wong
Rob Ford, City of Toronto Mayor
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?it [2014-03-25]
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?it [2014-03-25]
Paul Ainslie
Ward 43 Scarborough East
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
Most recent? ==> http://www.paulainslie.com/FILES/Ward43ReportJune2013.pdf [not a position statement though]
Paul Ainslie's default position is in support of BBTCA expansion. Contradictory on two fronts: 1) says he will reconsider if reports are negative; they already are negative; and 2) positions himself as "fiscally responsible" because of preference of Scarborough LRT over Scarborough subway, yet seems ready to accept the fiscal irresponsibility of BBTCA expansion without realistic and comprehensive financial impact study and knowledge of Porter Airlines' financial stability.
Ward 43 Scarborough East
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
Most recent? ==> http://www.paulainslie.com/FILES/Ward43ReportJune2013.pdf [not a position statement though]
Paul Ainslie's default position is in support of BBTCA expansion. Contradictory on two fronts: 1) says he will reconsider if reports are negative; they already are negative; and 2) positions himself as "fiscally responsible" because of preference of Scarborough LRT over Scarborough subway, yet seems ready to accept the fiscal irresponsibility of BBTCA expansion without realistic and comprehensive financial impact study and knowledge of Porter Airlines' financial stability.
Maria Augimeri
Ward 9 York Centre
Ward 9 York Centre
Ana Bailão
Ward 18 Davenport
Ward 18 Davenport
Michelle Berardinetti
Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest
Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest
Shelley Carroll
Ward 33 Don Valley East
[believed to oppose expansion]
Ward 33 Don Valley East
[believed to oppose expansion]
Raymond Cho
Ward 42 Scarborough-Rouge River
[believed to oppose expansion; member of Board of Health]
Ward 42 Scarborough-Rouge River
[believed to oppose expansion; member of Board of Health]
Josh Colle
Ward 15 Eglinton-Lawrence
Ward 15 Eglinton-Lawrence
Gary Crawford
Ward 36 Scarborough Southwest
Ward 36 Scarborough Southwest
Vincent Crisanti
Ward 1 Etobicoke North
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?it [2014-03-25]
Ward 1 Etobicoke North
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?it [2014-03-25]
Janet Davis
[believed to oppose expansion; supports deferral]
Ward 31 Beaches-East York
From email correspondence: " I share the concerns about the airport expansion. City staff have recommended that we need more concrete information on the expansion proposal in order to assess its potential risks and benefits. City staff are advising they would need 18 months to do this. As a result, I will support a deferral when this matter comes to Council." [March 12, 2014]
[believed to oppose expansion; supports deferral]
Ward 31 Beaches-East York
From email correspondence: " I share the concerns about the airport expansion. City staff have recommended that we need more concrete information on the expansion proposal in order to assess its potential risks and benefits. City staff are advising they would need 18 months to do this. As a result, I will support a deferral when this matter comes to Council." [March 12, 2014]
Glenn De Baeremaeker
Ward 38 Scarborough Centre
Ward 38 Scarborough Centre
Mike Del Grande
Ward 39 Scarborough-Agincourt
Ward 39 Scarborough-Agincourt
Frank Di Giorgio
Ward 12 York South-Weston
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?it [2014-03-25]]
[old information]
"Frank Di Giorgio, Mayor Rob Ford’s budget chief, said he wants to see more concrete proposals, but for now is opposed to either extending the runway or allowing jets.
“If it’s only for the purpose of bringing in jets I’m not really in favour of it,” said Di Giorgio. “That’s my gut reaction. But you have to look at the impact of what they’re proposing.”"
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/2523478-porter-airlines-plans-for-new-jets-and-longer-runway-hits-turbulence-at-council/
Ward 12 York South-Weston
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?it [2014-03-25]]
[old information]
"Frank Di Giorgio, Mayor Rob Ford’s budget chief, said he wants to see more concrete proposals, but for now is opposed to either extending the runway or allowing jets.
“If it’s only for the purpose of bringing in jets I’m not really in favour of it,” said Di Giorgio. “That’s my gut reaction. But you have to look at the impact of what they’re proposing.”"
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/2523478-porter-airlines-plans-for-new-jets-and-longer-runway-hits-turbulence-at-council/
Sarah Doucette
Ward 13 Parkdale-High Park
[opposed to expansion; member of Board of Health]
Ward 13 Parkdale-High Park
[opposed to expansion; member of Board of Health]
John Filion
Ward 23 Willowdale
[believed to oppose expansion; member of Board of Health]
Ward 23 Willowdale
[believed to oppose expansion; member of Board of Health]
Paula Fletcher
Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth
[believed to oppose expansion]
Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth
[believed to oppose expansion]
Doug Ford
Ward 2 Etobicoke North
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
Ward 2 Etobicoke North
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
Mary Fragedakis
Ward 29 Toronto-Danforth
[leaning against expansion]
“...some have expressed an inclination one way or the other, including Councillors John Parker and Mary Fragedakis, who both said they are leaning against the proposal.”
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/11/27/porter-airlines/
Ward 29 Toronto-Danforth
[leaning against expansion]
“...some have expressed an inclination one way or the other, including Councillors John Parker and Mary Fragedakis, who both said they are leaning against the proposal.”
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/11/27/porter-airlines/
Mark Grimes
Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Norm Kelly
Ward 40 Scarborough Agincourt
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
“If there’s a way of enhancing the contribution that [Billy Bishop] airport makes to the economy of the city, and through that, the quality of life that we all enjoy here, then I’m prepared to listen to the argument very closely.”
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/11/27/porter-airlines/
Ward 40 Scarborough Agincourt
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
“If there’s a way of enhancing the contribution that [Billy Bishop] airport makes to the economy of the city, and through that, the quality of life that we all enjoy here, then I’m prepared to listen to the argument very closely.”
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/11/27/porter-airlines/
Mike Layton
Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina
[believed to oppose expansion]
Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina
[believed to oppose expansion]
Chin Lee
Ward 41 Scarborough-Rouge River
Ward 41 Scarborough-Rouge River
Peter Leon
Ward 3 Etobicoke Centre
Ward 3 Etobicoke Centre
Gloria Lindsay Luby
Ward 4 Etobicoke Centre
Ward 4 Etobicoke Centre
Giorgio Mammoliti
Ward 7 York West
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?it [2014-03-25]
Ward 7 York West
[Porter Expansion proposal proponent]
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?it [2014-03-25]
Josh Matlow
Ward 22 St. Paul'shttp://joshmatlow.ca/ward-22/newsletters/1383-councillor-matlows-community-update-for-november-28-2013.html
[supporting Staff recommendation to defer decision until 2015 to complete studies]
[Councillor Matlow's Community Update for November 28, 2013]
=================
Hi Ron,
Thank you very much for your email. I appreciate your feedback.
Over the past several months, I have heard from many Toronto residents expressing their voice about Porter Airlines and the proposed expansion of Billy Bishop Airport (BBTCA). I have, and continue to believe, that it is important to understand the facts, both benefits and concerns, to ensure that Council's decision is fully informed. The City of Toronto is currently undertaking a review of the request to amend the 1983 Tripartite Agreement between the City, the Government of Canada and the Toronto Port Authority (TPA), which would permit the landing of commercial jets at BBTCA. Council requested City Staff to report back with evidence and recommendations regarding Porter's request. This study was paid for by the TPA. Please click here to read City Staff's recommendations to the City of Toronto's Executive Committee that it would be premature to support Porter's expansion request before all relevant facts are made available. While I appreciate the service Porter Airlines provides to our city's residents, I believe it's responsible to support Staff's recommendations to allow them to provide Council a completed report to ensure the decision we make is fully informed and evidence-based.
Please always feel very welcome to let me know if you'd like me to call you to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Josh
[Feb 21, 2014: note addition of sentence "While I appreciate the service Porter Airlines provides to our city's residents, I believe it's responsible to support Staff's recommendations to allow them to provide Council a completed report to ensure the decision we make is fully informed and evidence-based." to text from Nov 28]
================
Ward 22 St. Paul'shttp://joshmatlow.ca/ward-22/newsletters/1383-councillor-matlows-community-update-for-november-28-2013.html
[supporting Staff recommendation to defer decision until 2015 to complete studies]
[Councillor Matlow's Community Update for November 28, 2013]
=================
Hi Ron,
Thank you very much for your email. I appreciate your feedback.
Over the past several months, I have heard from many Toronto residents expressing their voice about Porter Airlines and the proposed expansion of Billy Bishop Airport (BBTCA). I have, and continue to believe, that it is important to understand the facts, both benefits and concerns, to ensure that Council's decision is fully informed. The City of Toronto is currently undertaking a review of the request to amend the 1983 Tripartite Agreement between the City, the Government of Canada and the Toronto Port Authority (TPA), which would permit the landing of commercial jets at BBTCA. Council requested City Staff to report back with evidence and recommendations regarding Porter's request. This study was paid for by the TPA. Please click here to read City Staff's recommendations to the City of Toronto's Executive Committee that it would be premature to support Porter's expansion request before all relevant facts are made available. While I appreciate the service Porter Airlines provides to our city's residents, I believe it's responsible to support Staff's recommendations to allow them to provide Council a completed report to ensure the decision we make is fully informed and evidence-based.
Please always feel very welcome to let me know if you'd like me to call you to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Josh
[Feb 21, 2014: note addition of sentence "While I appreciate the service Porter Airlines provides to our city's residents, I believe it's responsible to support Staff's recommendations to allow them to provide Council a completed report to ensure the decision we make is fully informed and evidence-based." to text from Nov 28]
================
Pam McConnell
Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale
[opposed to expansion]
Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale
[opposed to expansion]
Mary-Margaret McMahon
Ward 32 Beaches-East York
[opposed to expansion]
http://www.councillormcmahon.com/councillor-mcmahon-on-the-expansion-of-the-billy-bishop-toronto-city-airport/
Ward 32 Beaches-East York
[opposed to expansion]
http://www.councillormcmahon.com/councillor-mcmahon-on-the-expansion-of-the-billy-bishop-toronto-city-airport/
Joe Mihevc
Ward 21 St. Paul's
[believed to oppose expansion; member of Board of Health]
Ward 21 St. Paul's
[believed to oppose expansion; member of Board of Health]
Peter Milczyn
Ward 5 Etobicoke-Lakeshore
[opposed to expansion; voted against deferral of discussion Dec 5 2013 Executive Committee]
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?it [2014-03-25]
Ward 5 Etobicoke-Lakeshore
[opposed to expansion; voted against deferral of discussion Dec 5 2013 Executive Committee]
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?it [2014-03-25]
Denzil Minnan-Wong
Ward 34 Don Valley East
[professes an open mind, but inclined in favour of expansion]
"But Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong said many of the arguments against the expansion have been made before, including during the battle in 2003 over building a bridge to the island airport that he championed.
“There were a lot allegations made at the time in terms of health and environmental impacts… that property values would go down, the neighbourhood would crash, and none of it has come to pass,” he said. “Property values have gone up.”
Mr. Minnan-Wong said because of this, he is inclined to support Porter’s proposal but remains open to listening the arguments against the plan. “No one has presented any evidence to suggest to me that there are any significant or substantial concerns. But I remain open minded to listening.”"
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/11/27/porter-airlines/
In Executive Committee, DMW remarked that he has seen many of the same protesters over the years, and they look healthier than ever, concluding that the health impacts of the airport were overstated.
Ward 34 Don Valley East
[professes an open mind, but inclined in favour of expansion]
"But Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong said many of the arguments against the expansion have been made before, including during the battle in 2003 over building a bridge to the island airport that he championed.
“There were a lot allegations made at the time in terms of health and environmental impacts… that property values would go down, the neighbourhood would crash, and none of it has come to pass,” he said. “Property values have gone up.”
Mr. Minnan-Wong said because of this, he is inclined to support Porter’s proposal but remains open to listening the arguments against the plan. “No one has presented any evidence to suggest to me that there are any significant or substantial concerns. But I remain open minded to listening.”"
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/11/27/porter-airlines/
In Executive Committee, DMW remarked that he has seen many of the same protesters over the years, and they look healthier than ever, concluding that the health impacts of the airport were overstated.
Ron Moeser
Ward 44 Scarborough East
Ward 44 Scarborough East
Frances Nunziata
Ward 11 York South-Weston
Ward 11 York South-Weston
Cesar Palacio
Ward 17 Davenport
Ward 17 Davenport
John Parker
Ward 26 Don Valley West
[opposed to expansion]
“...some have expressed an inclination one way or the other, including Councillors John Parker and Mary Fragedakis, who both said they are leaning against the proposal.”
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/11/27/porter-airlines/
"Jets at the island? Not now. Maybe not ever.
I understand that there are some voices urging that the island Billy Bishop Airport be closed altogether. I do not support that position."
http://www.johnparker.ca/comment-regarding-jets-island/
Ward 26 Don Valley West
[opposed to expansion]
“...some have expressed an inclination one way or the other, including Councillors John Parker and Mary Fragedakis, who both said they are leaning against the proposal.”
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/11/27/porter-airlines/
"Jets at the island? Not now. Maybe not ever.
I understand that there are some voices urging that the island Billy Bishop Airport be closed altogether. I do not support that position."
http://www.johnparker.ca/comment-regarding-jets-island/
James Pasternak
Ward 10 York Centre
Ward 10 York Centre
Gord Perks
Ward 14 Parkdale-High Park
[opposed to expansion; member of Board of Health]
Ward 14 Parkdale-High Park
[opposed to expansion; member of Board of Health]
Anthony Perruzza
Ward 8 York West
Ward 8 York West
Jaye Robinson
Ward 25 Don Valley West
Ward 25 Don Valley West
David Shiner
Ward 24 Willowdale
Ward 24 Willowdale
Karen Stintz
Ward 16 Eglinton-Lawrence
[supporting Staff recommendation to defer decision until 2015 to complete studies]
http://www.karenstintz.com/?p=2741
Ward 16 Eglinton-Lawrence
[supporting Staff recommendation to defer decision until 2015 to complete studies]
http://www.karenstintz.com/?p=2741
Michael Thompson
Ward 37 Scarborough Centre
Ward 37 Scarborough Centre
Adam Vaughan
Ward 20 Trinity-Spadina
[opposed to expansion]
https://www.facebook.com/notes/adam-vaughan/would-you-write-deluce-a-blank-cheque/10151867251474092
Ward 20 Trinity-Spadina
[opposed to expansion]
https://www.facebook.com/notes/adam-vaughan/would-you-write-deluce-a-blank-cheque/10151867251474092
Kristyn Wong-Tam
Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale
[believed to oppose expansion; member of Board of Health]
http://ward27news.ca/statement-on-the-proposed-expansion-of-the-billy-bishop-toronto-city-airport
Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale
[believed to oppose expansion; member of Board of Health]
http://ward27news.ca/statement-on-the-proposed-expansion-of-the-billy-bishop-toronto-city-airport
Mayoral Candidates' Positions on BBTCA Expansion
As with the survey of Councillors' positions above, this section is a work in progress. A full real-time list of candidates is available at: http://app.toronto.ca/vote/candidateListAll.do.
Morgan Baskin
[opposed to current expansion proposal]
From email correspondence: "Hello Ron, Sorry it took so long to get back to you. The last few day have been incredibly hectic.
I am not supportive of the BB airport expansion. I will release more info about why and details about that.
Thanks for getting in touch,
-Morgan" [March 10, 2014]]
[opposed to current expansion proposal]
From email correspondence: "Hello Ron, Sorry it took so long to get back to you. The last few day have been incredibly hectic.
I am not supportive of the BB airport expansion. I will release more info about why and details about that.
Thanks for getting in touch,
-Morgan" [March 10, 2014]]
Jeff Billard
[opposed to current expansion proposal]
From email correspondence: " I'm opposed to both expansion and restrictions being set aside for jets. The Tripartite Agreement is rare for a city to have, and the landscape of downtown Toronto in 1983 was very different than it is now. I think we should be looking at some way to renew the agreement in 2033, and limit expansion & jets so close to such a dense population." [March 6, 2014]
[opposed to current expansion proposal]
From email correspondence: " I'm opposed to both expansion and restrictions being set aside for jets. The Tripartite Agreement is rare for a city to have, and the landscape of downtown Toronto in 1983 was very different than it is now. I think we should be looking at some way to renew the agreement in 2033, and limit expansion & jets so close to such a dense population." [March 6, 2014]
Rob Ford
[supporting expansion with no further consultation on basis of Dec. 5 2013 Executive Committee position: see above]
[supporting expansion with no further consultation on basis of Dec. 5 2013 Executive Committee position: see above]
Al Gore
[seems ill-informed on the topics and issues surrounding the Porter Proposal]
From email correspondence: "The city should not be paying for the expansion of the airport.
The company should be either pay for better technology such as jets with better noise resistance or work out the issues that exist.
The noise levels should be the same as existing equipment.
If the city is to help financially then the city should be a partner and own part of the assets and business.
Al Gore" [March 14, 2014]
[seems ill-informed on the topics and issues surrounding the Porter Proposal]
From email correspondence: "The city should not be paying for the expansion of the airport.
The company should be either pay for better technology such as jets with better noise resistance or work out the issues that exist.
The noise levels should be the same as existing equipment.
If the city is to help financially then the city should be a partner and own part of the assets and business.
Al Gore" [March 14, 2014]
Robb Johannes
[opposed to current expansion proposal]
http://robbnotford.com/2014/02/18/no-jets-overhead/
http://robbnotford.com/2014/02/24/expanding-the-airport-conversation/
[opposed to current expansion proposal]
http://robbnotford.com/2014/02/18/no-jets-overhead/
http://robbnotford.com/2014/02/24/expanding-the-airport-conversation/
Matt Mernagh
[opposed to expansion]
From email correspondence: "Thank you for your inquiry and providing us with resources for research. We love to research. We are staunchly opposed to airport expansion and we can stick to our position because we are not backed financially by elites. Our grassroots campaign sticks to its goals because we have people like yourself on our team. Have a wonderful day! MM" [March 10, 2014]
[opposed to expansion]
From email correspondence: "Thank you for your inquiry and providing us with resources for research. We love to research. We are staunchly opposed to airport expansion and we can stick to our position because we are not backed financially by elites. Our grassroots campaign sticks to its goals because we have people like yourself on our team. Have a wonderful day! MM" [March 10, 2014]
David Soknacki
[sitting on the fence]
[from Toronto Star Q&A Jan 28 2014 ]
http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2014/01/28/qa_with_mayor_candidate_david_soknacki.html
"READER QUESTION: Do you think Porter Airlines should be permitted to extend their runway into the harbour?
SOKNACKI: It is much much more than a runway extension… At present, even without expansion, there is chaos. The City needs to approve a major planning document so that all of the pieces: residential, commercial, office jobs and airport fit together. That includes: transit, transportation, the school and other infrastructure. We still have a long way to go."
[http://www.reddit.com/r/toronto/comments/20mrie/mayoral_candidate_david_soknacki_iama/cg4ubl2 March 17, 2014]
"Hi, I'm copy pasting my answer from above to answer generally under what conditions I would support the expansion: My support for the airport expansion is contingent on three main factors. 1. Airport comply with more stringent emissions and noise regulations 2. Any aircrafts/runway expansion must comply with federal safety standards 3. Council must approve a plan for improving the chaos at the foot of Bathurst & Lakeshore. This plan must cope with current volumes as well as projected volumes, otherwise we'll have a shiny new expanded airport and a giant mess for those who live, work and go to school in the area.
In terms the jets vs no jets conundrum, I would say that it's not so much the specific technology that matters but the noise and safety standards, as well as costs and the existing environmental regulations."
[sitting on the fence]
[from Toronto Star Q&A Jan 28 2014 ]
http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2014/01/28/qa_with_mayor_candidate_david_soknacki.html
"READER QUESTION: Do you think Porter Airlines should be permitted to extend their runway into the harbour?
SOKNACKI: It is much much more than a runway extension… At present, even without expansion, there is chaos. The City needs to approve a major planning document so that all of the pieces: residential, commercial, office jobs and airport fit together. That includes: transit, transportation, the school and other infrastructure. We still have a long way to go."
[http://www.reddit.com/r/toronto/comments/20mrie/mayoral_candidate_david_soknacki_iama/cg4ubl2 March 17, 2014]
"Hi, I'm copy pasting my answer from above to answer generally under what conditions I would support the expansion: My support for the airport expansion is contingent on three main factors. 1. Airport comply with more stringent emissions and noise regulations 2. Any aircrafts/runway expansion must comply with federal safety standards 3. Council must approve a plan for improving the chaos at the foot of Bathurst & Lakeshore. This plan must cope with current volumes as well as projected volumes, otherwise we'll have a shiny new expanded airport and a giant mess for those who live, work and go to school in the area.
In terms the jets vs no jets conundrum, I would say that it's not so much the specific technology that matters but the noise and safety standards, as well as costs and the existing environmental regulations."
Karen Stintz
[supporting Staff recommendation to defer decision until 2015 to complete studies: http://www.karenstintz.com/?p=2741]
[supporting Staff recommendation to defer decision until 2015 to complete studies: http://www.karenstintz.com/?p=2741]
Sam Surendran
[supporting expansion/waffling, seemingly not well-versed on the topic]
From email correspondence:
=========================
Hello Ron,
Thanks for inquiry - my apologies for a quick reply.
In principle I do support expansion of Island Airport but it must meet noise, vibration, & other safety requirements. There also should be limitations on types of aircrafts that can land on the strip.
Airport expansion will have positive impact on business.
Thanks. [March 6, 2014]
===========================Sir,
Thanks for your input.
I have an open mind on accepting or not agreeing to the airport's expansion - I am not influenced by any business community.
My decision will solely guided by local community input, experts recommendations, & overall impact to local economy.
Please keep me posted on local view.
Thanks. [March 7, 2014]
===========================
[supporting expansion/waffling, seemingly not well-versed on the topic]
From email correspondence:
=========================
Hello Ron,
Thanks for inquiry - my apologies for a quick reply.
In principle I do support expansion of Island Airport but it must meet noise, vibration, & other safety requirements. There also should be limitations on types of aircrafts that can land on the strip.
Airport expansion will have positive impact on business.
Thanks. [March 6, 2014]
===========================Sir,
Thanks for your input.
I have an open mind on accepting or not agreeing to the airport's expansion - I am not influenced by any business community.
My decision will solely guided by local community input, experts recommendations, & overall impact to local economy.
Please keep me posted on local view.
Thanks. [March 7, 2014]
===========================
Sarah Thomson
[believed to oppose expansion; no public statement available]
[believed to oppose expansion; no public statement available]
John Tory
[discussion should be deferred]
http://www.johntory.ca/billy_bishop_statement [2014-03-25]
[sitting on the fence]
"I've always supported the Island Airport. The future of this city depends on creating jobs and attracting new investment. Porter has accomplished this. I'm skeptical about the proposed expansion of the airport and how that would impact traffic congestion on our streets and in the air. There are many unanswered questions that need answering and we will see if those answers emerge in reports and discussions which lie ahead." (Globe and Mail, 2014-03-01)
"Let's be clear. All of us have said no jets. All of us have said no expansion to the runways." [as prior mayoral candidate]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icLfw_dF6r0&feature=youtu.be
[discussion should be deferred]
http://www.johntory.ca/billy_bishop_statement [2014-03-25]
[sitting on the fence]
"I've always supported the Island Airport. The future of this city depends on creating jobs and attracting new investment. Porter has accomplished this. I'm skeptical about the proposed expansion of the airport and how that would impact traffic congestion on our streets and in the air. There are many unanswered questions that need answering and we will see if those answers emerge in reports and discussions which lie ahead." (Globe and Mail, 2014-03-01)
"Let's be clear. All of us have said no jets. All of us have said no expansion to the runways." [as prior mayoral candidate]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icLfw_dF6r0&feature=youtu.be
Richard Underhill
[opposed to expansion]
"No to Island Airport expansion for safety (bird strikes), environmental, noise and practical reasons (duplication of services). With an express train to Pearson Airport from Union Station ready in 2015, we will have convenience and choice at our fingertips while our waterfront will bloom as a recreational destination."
http://www.underhillformayor.com/platform/
[opposed to expansion]
"No to Island Airport expansion for safety (bird strikes), environmental, noise and practical reasons (duplication of services). With an express train to Pearson Airport from Union Station ready in 2015, we will have convenience and choice at our fingertips while our waterfront will bloom as a recreational destination."
http://www.underhillformayor.com/platform/