New Plans-Toronto City Centre airport.
 

See the link below:

http://www.canada.com/search/site/st...D-612CE7174630

I was surprised not to see a New York-area airport included in that list.

I have been following the Island Airport saga for a long time now and I really hope another airline does start service from here. I used to fly Ontario Air (I think that is what is was called...) back and forth to University from the Island and, at $40.00 return, it was a lot better than VIA. Lets just hope the new carrier is reasonable......

A rather heated meeting last night as both sides of the debate set out their positions on this matter. This report from the TORONTO STAR covers the highlights of the meeting:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?I44726D02

And this one is a column on the debate and sides in it:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?P3B764D02

So I would not bet on a new carrier starting next year. Not everyone loves airports and airliners.

[This message has been edited by Shareholder (edited 10-09-2002).]

Indeed not everyone loves airports or airliners and this debate has been raging for quite a few years now. The first debate was to allow jet traffic to the Island but now it seems as though a back-room comprimise has been reached and in come the turbo-props (and a whole bunch at that!) The economical impact is far too great to pass on - hence this is my basis for believing this will go through.

Shareholder - if you are game, I would be willing to take this bet (perhaps a pint at the Main Island Ferry docks to watch the planes/lack of planes would be a good wager?)

I think that is an ommission in the article, other coverage I've seen has included EWR. LGA is not possible without pre-clearance.

I'll take you up on the bet, and hope I lose. Know just the place on the Harbourfront pier for a pint of Creemore lager next summer.

Nice one - what place are you thinking of? The Boathouse?

TORONTO STAR editorial in favour of airport expansion:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z2AA61212

The TORONTO STAR has been conducting a call-in poll on whether Toronto Island Airport should be expanded. This unscientific poll attracted 1129 calls over two days. 82% of callers supported expanding the facility to handle more flights, 18% opposed such a move.

The question was:

"City council is looking at a plan to expand the island airport to boost the economy. Should the Island Airport be expanded?"

They forgot the route to BUF that we're looking for to get on the cheapies. Remember Skywalker and it's lovely twin otters? Was it $20 each way? I guess you're too young.

Decision regarding bridge to Island is expected later today from City Council meeting:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?X6E961692

I find this whole debate *SO* frustrating. They are arguing about so many different issues. IMO the biggest issue, and the one the should deal with first is allowing aircraft based on their noise rating rather than engine type. Their refusal to allow AC's 'Whisper Jets' to land there has needlessly destroyed a huge amount of revenue potential. IMO there is little point in expanding the Island Airport's facilities if they continue to allow only propeller planes for scheduled service. All the business traffic will continue to take limos to YYZ, and most of them leaving, ironically, from the same corner where the AC YTZ shuttle stops.

Although I support allowing quiet jets to land, I oppose the proposed fixed link, unless it is a tunnel. Those of us that sail know how valuable access is to the western gap. On top of this, (although it is possible to telephone) the customs reporting station is in the airport's facilities and this means crews that have crossed will have to deal with increased traffic in the Eastern gap (which happens to also be used by freighters etc) and must cross the entire inner harbour to report-in.

[This message has been edited by Fly Boy (edited 11-27-2002).]

Still no definitive decision from Toronto City Council yesterday, though at a closed door meeting the following interim step appears to have been approved.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Q21412892

It appears that in exchange for the Ports Authority [who own the Island Airport and the land it sits on] to drop their $1 billion suit against the city, Council will approve the building of a bridge to the island [airport]. This will pave the way to expanding flight slots, permitting the proposed new airline to start up its operations after building a new terminal building.

Dropped by City Hall in the late afternoon yesterday [paying my taxes] and couldn't miss the throngs of people wearing "Toronto Island Airport GO" buttons. A few were in JAZZ FA uniforms. Must have been at least 50 or 60 souls.

Looks like expansion of this airport is now in the hands of the new all-DASH400 series Q400 carrier:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?A39862A92

Watching the debate in City Hall was an experience is mis-statements and fact twisting. Opponents made much of how cities like Barcelona did not have waterfront airports, not noting BCN is located less than 15 km from city centre and linked by a 10-minute rail link to the central rail station. Or that Cleveland and Vancouver didn't have waterfront airports. Which of course is false, Vancouver flying seaplanes from Coal Harbour and Cleveland still operating its lakefront airport for small planes.