Thank you to those who fought on behalf of our local and migrating fine-feathered friends!! With big money and big lobbying efforts by Porter Airlines and the Toronto Port Authority, however, the battle to save our waterfront isn't over. Keep in mind: if their airport expansion plans are given the green light, local and migrating birds in the area will be in danger because they will cull bird populations and tamper with bird environments in the area. Jet engines are more dangerous to birds than propellors (and birds are more dangerous to jets!) Please keep informed of developments. You can go to
http://www.nojetsto.ca/about-us/ for updates. I am in no way a member of their executive or steering committee. I am an average citizen and avid birder who values our waterfront and all the creatures who depend upon it, and I am so grateful to No Jets for all they have done in the fight to save our waterfront.
Here is a message from Citizens for a Healthy Toronto Waterfront about certain Motions directly referring to bird populations that City Council passed during the vote on the airport proposal last month:
Following the Executive Committee Meeting about the proposal to allow Jets and an Extended Runway at Toronto Islands Billy Bishop Airport, Toronto City Councillors voted to ensure the following
Citizens for a Healthy Toronto Waterfront
April 25 at 12:21pm ·
Thank you #TOcouncil for ensuring that an Airport Master Plan & Environmental Assessment include a review and analysis of:
1) The impact that expansion of the Island Airport may have on the bird populations in the Inner Harbour Area and Tommy Thompson Park; 2) The potential danger that existing bird populations and bird colonies may pose to air traffic and air passengers. & 3) City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Cluster B to consult organizations including Bird Studies Canada, Animal Alliance of Canada, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Toronto Field Naturalists during the preparation of the Airport Master Plan and Environmental Assessment.
