I am very concerned…

I am very concerned regarding the proposal: ERO number 019-9534, Ministry reference number 9457-DBEJHZ.

As a kayaker, I paddle the water around Ontario Place and see the sewage discharge from the current Combined Sewer Outflow (CSO) south of the break-wall. With this proposal, that sewage will be trapped within the break-wall and not allowed to dissipate into the lake. While ideally, no sewage should enter the lake, placing this outflow behind the break-wall will create a toxic soup that will endanger water users, such as kayakers, canoeists, stand up paddleboarders, rowers, swimmers, etc. Triathlons incorporate their swim portions there, the CNE uses this area for their programming, such as water skiing. The sewage, including E-Coli will travel within the break-wall with easterly winds to pollute Sunnyside Beach endangering families there.

Even the Therme Spa, that the province is so insistent in giving Ontario Place for 95 years will be impacted, as they have indicated that they wish to run canoe and kayak programming. Perhaps IO should double check with the Premier and Minister of Infrastructure if they really want this project to negatively impact Therme in this manner?

As it stands now, it appears that the province will dump sewage within the break-wall for several years, before moving the exit of the CSO not very far offshore. Instead of taking a quick half-measure, the province should completely remove the CSO from dumping into the lake. This is the City of Toronto long term plan, so it would make fiscal sense to get it right the first time.

I strongly oppose this proposal due to the dangers it presents to the public, and implore the province to complete the work properly and eliminate the CSO entirely.

Thank You