I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my opposition to the proposal for an interim combined sewer to support development at 955 Lake Shore Boulevard (Ontario Place). This proposal undermines decades of effort by the City of Toronto to separate and replace combined sewers, a critical initiative in preventing raw sewage from being discharged into Lake Ontario. It also directly contravenes international agreements aimed at safeguarding water quality and habitat in the Great Lakes.

Allowing this project to proceed would jeopardize human health by degrading water quality at beaches, harming fishing resources, and diminishing the appeal of Lake Ontario as a destination for Canadian and international visitors. Toronto is a city striving to be recognized as world-class, yet this proposal takes us backward, reverting to outdated practices that threaten our progress, our reputation, and our natural environment. A city of Toronto’s caliber should lead by example in embracing sustainable, forward-thinking infrastructure—not undermine decades of progress for short-term private sector gain.

Furthermore, the lack of public consultation on this proposal is unacceptable. Prioritizing private interests over the public good and the health of the lake’s ecosystem, especially in a time of global biodiversity loss, is irresponsible.

I urge the government to deny this permit and ensure Toronto moves forward as a leader in sustainability and innovation, rather than reverting to practices that belong in the past.