After the federal government halted Ontario’s plans to expand Billy Bishop Airport, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik are celebrating what they call a “waterfront victory” by offering free ferry rides to the Toronto Islands.
Chow will present a motion at council, supported by Malik, to provide free ferry tickets for children and youth 19 years old and younger, as well as seniors aged 65 and older throughout August.
The initiative is “in recognition of the tens of thousands of Torontonians who made their voices heard, and to show more people why the Toronto Islands are so special,” according to the motion.
“We know the waterfront belongs to the people and thousands spoke up about how important it was to stop the airport expansion. These residents come from all over Toronto, not just from Old City… from Scarborough, Etobicoke, and North York. Today Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik and I want to thank them for their hard work and love for our waterfront,” Chow told reporters at city hall on Thursday.
Malik mentioned that the free rides will allow more people to see “what we’re fighting for.”
While this program aims to show appreciation for Torontonians uniting around a common cause, Chow pointed out that anyone within the eligible age ranges can take advantage of these discounted rides-not just those living in Toronto.
The initiative is expected to cost around $940,000 with both Chow and Malik emphasizing that it won’t be funded by taxpayers. The funding will instead come from Section 37 funds collected from developers intended for community benefits in the Spadina-Fort York ward.
Malik noted that City financial staff have factored in potential increases in ridership due to free rides during August as well as during the upcoming Civic Holiday long weekend when estimating costs. Any remaining funds after August will go toward improvements at ferry docks.
“Section 37 has always been used by local councillors over the last three decades to enhance their neighborhoods or support projects beneficial for their area. Councillor Malik determined it’s important to protect our waterfront-this decision does not involve me touching Section 37,” said Chow.
Malik reiterated that utilizing Section 37 funds this way is both allowed and appropriate.
“This aligns with guidelines meaning providing this benefit for Torontonians will be cost neutral,” she stated.
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Chow Calls for Return of Expropriated Lands
Even while celebratory rallies have taken place thanking Torontonians for their efforts, the Province hasn’t recognized a win for the City yet. The provincial government insists it will move forward with expanding Billy Bishop Airport despite Ottawa’s rejection of its proposal. In a statement given to City News, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria remarked, “The benefits are clear: The project will contribute up to $8.5 billion annually to Canada’s economy, create thousands of jobs, and improve connectivity for millions of travelers across Ontario, North America and beyond.” “As we continue this work, we look forward to seeing a plan ensuring public spaces like the Toronto Islands are protected while addressing potential noise issues and environmental impacts,” he added. Sarkaria also mentioned plans by the provincial government regarding enhancements at Little Norway Park along with new housing opportunities in that area aimed at benefiting local communities in lasting ways. However, Chow is insisting that all waterfront lands expropriated under Ford government’s Bill 110 passed last June should be returned back to the City. This bill labeled parts of land as a “special economic zone” allowing Provincial bypassing municipal laws necessary for airport expansion approval. This Monday, Chow wrote an urgent motion directed at City Council requesting an end to what she calls “the province’s land grab” while demanding return of the City’s waterfront through repealing Bill 110. “With no further movement on Island Airport expansion now off table, the Province needs return our lands so we can proceed with creating the waterfront experience Torontonians deserve,” her motion states. “Little Norway Park, the Island lands, and every other location named within legislation belong rightfully to residents of Toronto,” it continues saying With files from Denio Lourenco Keep it Factual Add City News Toronto as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.Source link
