I oppose the interim…

I oppose the interim combined sewer proposal at 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West for Ontario Place's development. The plan would redirect untreated sewage into the West Channel, threatening public health and water quality for beachgoers, rowers, and swimmers.

This retrograde approach contradicts Toronto's comprehensive infrastructure plan to reduce combined sewer impacts on water quality.

The proposal involves concealing waste discharge with nets at the shoreline, while ignoring established guidelines that discourage new connections to combined sewer systems until necessary upgrades are completed. This development would increase system capacity demands during heavy rainfall, potentially worsening sewage overflow issues.

Infrastructure Ontario's rushed approval process has bypassed proper consultation and planning procedures, disregarding the project's significant environmental and health implications. While presented as a temporary solution until the completion of the Coxwell and Inner Harbour tunnels, history shows temporary solutions often become permanent.

This private development-driven initiative compromises decades of progress in protecting Lake Ontario's water quality and ecosystem. The permit should be denied to safeguard public health, environmental integrity, and our commitment to Great Lakes protection.

Several significant environmental impacts can be anticipated:

Water Quality Impacts:
-Direct discharge of untreated sewage into Lake Ontario's West Channel
-Degradation of aquatic habitat and water quality
-Potential harm to fish populations and aquatic ecosystems
-Public Health and Safety
Increased risk of waterborne pathogens at nearby beaches
-Compromised water quality for recreational activities
-Potential contamination affecting fishing and local food sources
Ecological Effects
-Disruption to local aquatic ecosystems
-Potential impacts on threatened or endangered species
-Cumulative effects on the Lake Ontario ecosystem

Infrastructure Concerns:
-Increased pressure on existing combined sewer system
-Risk of overflow during heavy rainfall events
-Potential long-term impacts despite "temporary" designation
-The proposal appears to contradict established environmental protection measures and could result in significant negative impacts on both environmental and public health outcomes.

References:
Environmental Protection Act (Ontario)
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Environmental Impact Studies
Ontario Water Resources Act
City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Master Plan
Environment Canada Great Lakes Ecosystem Assessment Reports
City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Master Plan (2003)
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
Infrastructure Ontario Environmental Registry posting ERO 019-7675
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Waterfront Guidelines
Ontario Clean Water Act (2006)