Hi neighbours, Many of you must be aware what’s in the air.
March Break is over, signs of spring are returning, and birds are back in Mimico — with groups like Citizens Concerned about the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront (CCFEW) hosting their popular Bird Walks. And the Easter Bunny will visit us for a photo op next Saturday (more info below).
But there’s something else in the air that many residents have been asking about:
Ontario to seize ownership of Toronto Island Airport lands and declare it a special economic zone
A special economic zone designation allows the province to suspend any provincial law or municipal bylaw.
Premier Ford plans to expropriate Toronto’s stake in Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) to clear the way for jets and a fivefold increase in passengers — from 2 million to 10 million yearly.
For context, Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) currently handles roughly 50 million passengers yearly — and has its own expansion announced (LIFT).
Mimico residents already hear and see aircraft as they pass directly above us under certain weather conditions. If you are curious to know what you see or hear: There are websites like flightradar24.com (used for screenshot below) that track aircraft.
While the MRA had to deal with similar concerns in 2013 (blog here) it’s not clear yet what exactly the plan is beyond “expansion”.
A 2017 environmental study by AECOM regarding expansion plans at Billy Bishop — which only surfaced through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request — identified concerns about air quality and public health, marine safety for recreational boaters, emergency response times on the water, and aviation fuel odour.
If the City of Toronto loses their influence over Billy Bishop the Federal Ministry of Transportation will decide together with the Province what happens next. We know the airport needs work to meet safety standards but how much expansion will happen additional to that?
MP James Maloney (Etobicoke–Lakeshore) said this week in Ottawa: “Anything that happens at that airport will be done in consultation with the community.”
We welcome that commitment.
More passengers doesn’t just mean more air traffic overhead — it means more people will be on our roads too. Traffic & Transit concerns are what we hear most about.
What else is adding to the traffic picture?
Ontario Place — with its spa, concert venue, a $400 million 3,500-space parking garage, and the $1B Science Centre relocation — is moving forward at the same time, and all without a cumulative traffic or environmental impact study that accounts for airport expansion too.
A recent study projects up to a 67% traffic increase on Lake Shore Blvd during peak events — and that’s before adding airport growth. We all know what bumper-to-bumper traffic looks like when the Gardiner clogs up and navigation apps send drivers through Mimico.
With Ontario’s new $13.8 billion deficit, residents are entitled to ask whether these projects represent the best use of scarce infrastructure dollars.
The infrastructure Mimico residents constantly ask us about is barrier-free access to Mimico GO and a GO station at Park Lawn — projects that would reduce car dependency and congestion.
If the Province is looking to invest in construction, we’d welcome public transit that takes cars off our roads — not projects that put more on them.
Want to learn more about Airport Expansion?
“Waterfront For All” has a free webinar on Tuesday March 31st at 7PM on Zoom with a panel of airport experts.
No JETS T.O. has a campaign online with more information.
Have concerns?
What else is in the air?
We had some wild visitors last week close to Mimico Library. Did you see them?
How can you help the MRA?
Get in touch, contribute knowledge and skills as volunteer or just become a member for $1/month so our volunteer board can confidently speak up when things happen in Mimico.
Our next board meeting is next week on April 1st, please email us if you have something we should add to our agenda for discussion.
Where to meet neighbours and the MRA board?
4th Annual Easter MRKT
April 4th, 11 – 4pm / Mimico Square 2445 Lake Shore Blvd W
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Meet MRA Board Members at the MRA tent.
A day of fun, shopping local, exploring the Mimico waterfront and seeing your neighbours. With a special visit from the Easter Bunny between 12pm-2pm on the main stage, bring the family by and snap a photo.
Spring Cleanup along Lake Shore Boulevard West
April 18, 10AM – 12PM / Lake Shore Boulevard West (Various Locations)
Join Councillor Amber Morley and your neighbours for a community cleanup along Lake Shore Boulevard West. All supplies will be provided. Volunteer hours available for high school students.
Please register: https://www.ambermorley.com/cleanlakeshore
Friends of Humber Bay Park: Shore Line Clean Up and BBQ
May 3rd, 9AM / Humber Bay Park West parking lot.
First Shore Line Clean Up & BBQ Clean Up of the Season HBSCA, Mimico Cruising Club and Friends of Humber Bay Park.
Friends of Humber Bay Park will meet with TRCA and Humber Bay Shores Condo Association at the Humber Bay West Parking Lot at 9 AM. The Clean Up goes until 12 pm.
Registration is advised. Gloves, bags and pickers will be provided. We ask participants to wear closed toe shoes suitable for rough surfaces as well as head covering if you like. Bug spray, sun screen, water and treats will be provided.
There will be a BBQ to follow at Mimico Crusing Club at 12:30 pm. When you register for the event in the morning, make sure to get your hand stamped. You’ll need it to attend the BBQ. There is limited supply for the BBQ so, arrive early so that you do not miss the opportunity to get your meal at the BBQ.
More information friendsofhumberbaypark@gmail.com or admin@hbsca.ca
Want to automatically see such events in your 🗓️ calendar?
Subscribe to the MRA calendar: Google Calendar, Outlook 365
What else is happening?
Scouts in Mimico
March 28th
Did you know Scouts (138th Toronto Group) meet weekly in Mimico? Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers & Rovers. Youth age 5 – 18. Scouts organize and hold weekend camps throughout the year for registered members, along with teaching various important life skills to better prepare our youth for tomorrow.
For their SPRING FOOD DRIVE you might have received a flyer (below) in your mail box.
In case you did not receive the flyer in your mail box but want to make a donation please reach out to Paul via email first so pickup or drop-off can be arranged.
CampTO registration opens
The City of Toronto offers 185 summer day camp programs for children and youth aged four to 16 across the city. Camps range from general interest to more specialized programs. Families can begin to plan out their summer and build their wishlists ahead of registration at 7 a.m. on:
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Tuesday, March 31 – General registration opens for all CampTO programs across the city.
Find all programs, dates and locations on the City’s Online Registration and Booking System.
Humber Bay Park West Shoreline Maintenance Project
The project will repair three beaches and five headland erosion control structures damaged by high lake levels and waves. Learn more on the project website.
Want to Get Involved?
We’re always looking for volunteers and contributors. If you’d like to help out or share ideas, get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.