The best way to learn how important the Waterfront is to Toronto is to visit on a summer day. That is why YQNA has invited Prime Minister Mark Carney, with the support of 60 other neighbourhood associations in Toronto from FoSTRA and FoNTRA — umbrella groups from Sheppard Avenue in the north down to the lake. Several MPs in Toronto are delivering the invitation to Mr. Carney.
We are hoping the Prime Minister can find the time to meet his many supporters in Toronto. There will be no speeches or ceremonies, but a boat ride, entertainment or just relaxing on our beautiful Waterfront can be arranged. As soon as we hear from Mr. Carney’s staff, we will share the news.
Floating Convenience Store
This is the sixth summer that we see art floating in the Harbour Square Basin, each one a delight. The Global Convenience store was recently anchored near the boardwalk. It is the work of Toronto artists Trevor Wheatley and Cosmo Dean. The store looks familiar and surreal at the same time, with changing products in the storefront and ducks and kayaks bobbing around. It is the product of Waterfront Toronto’s Floating Public Art program and here to stay for the summer. On the first day, a familiar NoJets sign was placed in the front window to protest a jet airport, but was considered a rogue act and quickly removed.
Latest on Jets
- A group of civic luminaries including Ken Greenberg, Anne Golden and Helen Burstyn have launched a “Reality Check” website challenging the jet proposal: https://torealitycheck.ca. Support comes from notable Torontonians including Margaret Atwood, former Ontario Premier Bob Rae, David Mirvish, and former Mayors David Crombie and Art Eggleton. Check it out!
- Toronto Port Authority is challenging building heights already approved for Ookwemin Minising in the Port Lands, saying they might be too high for the Island Airport. No mention of jets, but the buildings “‘may also impact other instrument flight procedures that have not been named” in an attached NAV Canada letter. YQNA Co-Chair Ed Hore says the argument “seems to be that developers, the City and Waterfront Toronto are subject to ill-defined restrictions that could change at any time, and would probably change a lot if jets were allowed.” This uncertainty appears to stretch as far as South Etobicoke. See the TPA’s judicial review application.
Arts Galore in Terminal Theatre
The theatre in the Terminal Building has been revived and is entering a new era with many different art forms on stage. That is exciting news, because after Harbourfront Centre ended its management of the Fleck Dance Theatre, its future was uncertain. The Toronto Stage Company came to the rescue, and producer Jon Chaters has announced the first season. It offers theatre, opera, musicals and dance, with single tickets and subscriptions available now. Imagine that we will be able to see La Bohème, The Pirates of Penzance and Martha Graham’s legendary dance company in the Terminal Theatre! Take a look at their season and book your favourite shows. It’s a good time to support culture on the Waterfront.
The Money Trail
JP Morgan, USA’s biggest bank, holds the leash — or controls the consortium that owns the Billy Bishop Airport terminal. That consortium is Nieuport Aviation, which paid an egregious $750 million for the terminal in 2015. Now they are burdened with declining passenger traffic and questionable long-term financial performance.
Enter Doug Ford! In his back-room style he expropriated Toronto’s part of the airport land and perhaps the City’s say in its future, all to revive the dream of an expanded jet airport. Yet no public plans exist, especially business plans.
Jets were turned down ten years ago as being completely unsuited to the Waterfront. Now residents are determined once more to save the Islands and the Waterfront — the true gem of our city.
May Meeting Minutes
YQNA’s public meeting in May featured Norm Di Pasquale along with former Mayor David Crombie and engineer Hal Beck, all highlighting grave issues with the jets proposal. Also featured were MPP Chris Glover, MP Chi Nguyen, City Councillor Ausma Malik, and Morganne Campbell of Harbourfront Centre. Read the new minutes by volunteer Didi Wu or see the video on YouTube!
