Mayor Olivia Chow pushed back Thursday against comments by Ontario’s transportation minister following the federal government’s decision to halt plans to extend the runways at Billy Bishop Airport. During a press conference Monday, Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria accused the federal government of listening to a “small fringe group in Toronto” when making its decision to stop a potential expansion. While speaking to reporters at city hall Thursday morning, Chow was asked by reporters about Sarkaria’s comments, saying that “a very large group of people from across Toronto” spoke up in opposition to the provincial government’s plans. “They spoke with one voice, and we thank the federal government for listening to them.” In July, Transport Canada conducted a survey that received 87,000 responses from residents in regards to the proposed airport expansion. Chow cited the survey, saying: “87,000 people in Toronto spoke up,” she said, adding that numerous residents’ associations from across Toronto spoke up in opposition as well. “That’s why we want to thank them (Torontonians) in the month of August,” she said. Free ferry rides for kids and seniors On Thursday, in a motion led by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik and Chow, city council passed legislation offering free ferry rides to kids and seniors travelling to the Toronto Islands in the month of August. “In recognition of the tens of thousands of Torontonians who made their voices heard, we’re going to make the ferry free for kids and seniors for the month of August.” According to Chow, the money for the program will come from Toronto’s Section 37 funding, which is a sum of money that comes from Toronto developers who contribute to the city budget in order to obtain licensing allowing developers extra building height or density. “We hope that families, young people and seniors take advantage of these free fares, visit the Island, have fun and see why this green space is so precious,” Chow said.
