In 2003 David Miller campaigned as Mayor and promised that if elected he would kill plans to build a bridge connecting downtown Toronto to the Island Airport. Miller became mayor and the bridge was never built. However, then bridge proponent and fledgling Porter Airlines still became successful without the bridge.
Now again in 2o09 the bridge debate and boxing gloves are being re-laced. And again between Miller and this time the Toronto Port Authority (TPA). The TPA is asking for Federal stimulus money to fund half the cost, and Miller is once again opposed.
I can tell you this. This summer I flew Porter Air to Chicago. It's a delightful and professional airline where people actually care about passengers. The Captain came out and invited my son to the flight deck (while still on the ground) and presented him with a signed postcard of himself, the co-pilot and crew. The airport lounge is civilized and very comfortable; free wi-fi, beverages, and snacks. Check-in for international flights takes 10 minutes because US customs is on arrival at the destination. Totally different experience compared to Air Canada.
So rather than supporting an infrastructure that fosters great Canadian businesses and services Greater Toronto travellers, Miller tried to pull a fast one and spend it all on streetcars. If I recall correctly, Miller supported the disastrous Toronto to Rochester ferry.
This should be an interesting fight, especially if Jack Layton and wife and councillor Oliva Chow get into it. But this time I wonder how many people will be listening to the guy who caused the garbage fiasco of 2009.
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Imagine two tunnels at the eastern and western gaps that allow for bike and pedestrian traffic, and complete a circumference through the Toronto Islands and the Queens Quay via the port lands.
All the charity runs could be done there.
The Island airport would be serviced via the western gap tunnel that would exit at Hanlans point.
Imagine the eastern gap tunnel made of a clear acrylic substance, showing Lake Ontario aquaculture, and feeding into an aquarium which could be built where the abandoned Rochester Ferry terminal is.
Just Imagine!
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