Re: ERO Notice 019-9534…

Re: ERO Notice 019-9534 Ontario Place – Infrastructure Ontario – Environmental Compliance Approval (sewage)

Due to the age of the infrastructure in Toronto, all along the Lake Ontario waterfront there are Combined Sewer Outfalls (CSO’s). I have been told that there are 51 between the Humber and Don River estuaries. The local sewer pipes combine storm water and actual sewage, carrying this mix to the treatment plants. During heavy rains, the pipes cannot hold the amount of water, and the excess runs out of the CSO’s into the harbour.

The City of Toronto has an approved plan to deal with this polluting legacy. Giant interceptor pipes the size of subway tunnels are to be laid inland of the waterway to catch the filth and redirect it to the treatment plant. The programme has begun with an interceptor along the bank of the Don River itself. (Yes, at one time the river was also seen as a good place to send sewage). The big pipe for the inner harbour is not yet funded, and may not be completed until the mid- to-late 2030’s. So, for up to the next decade, our harbour will still be polluted after every heavy rainstorm, and we know that heavy rainstorms are getting more frequent and more fierce.

One of the CSO’s lies on the south edge of Exhibition Place and discharges underwater near the Ontario Place West Island, just beyond the breakwater. This puts sewage into the lake quite close to the shore, with its beaches and recreational water sports. The City has an interim solution, while waiting to build the big pipe; it plans to extend the CSO’s in the area to discharge one kilometre offshore, where lake currents should help to sweep the effluent away as well as diluting it more.
The proposal in question, of cutting off the CSO even shorter, is intended to allow the spa developer, Therme, to add landfill to the West Island and create a new beach beyond the breakwater. Obviously, Therme would not want sewage matter on its own beach.

If the CSO discharge pipe ends in the water inshore of the breakwater, the effluent will end up even closer to the shore than it does now. And because of the breakwater, the water in the West Channel is often calm and almost stagnant. The effluent will not get dispersed and diluted. A quick look at Google maps shows that the breakwater runs the entire length of the shoreline from Ontario Place to the Humber, with only small gaps for boat access.

A similar situation exists close to my home at the foot of Lower Simcoe Street, where a CSO at the head of the slip discharges into the marina. The water is cloudy and dark, and the smell in the summer can be nauseating. I feel sorry for the boat owners using the marina. At least nobody is trying to swim there.

However, all along the shore many people like to swim in the calm water. It is also widely enjoyed by people using small watercraft like kayaks and paddleboards for exercise and enjoyment. These craft are apt to capsize on occasion and dump their passengers into the water. Which, under the proposal before you, would often be polluted with raw sewage; floating turds, used condoms, drug paraphernalia, pathogens like E. Coli, industrial wastewater and street run-off.

Think about that for a moment.

People in that water, getting it on their skin and possibly into their noses and mouths. Getting sick with rashes and gastroenteritis. Maybe even dying from E. Coli.

These people may be just ordinary folks getting out on the water in the summer to stay cool and get a break from their cramped apartments. These people may also be elite athletes training for or competing in watersports. Do you want them to be ill? Do you want them to boycott Toronto because the City cannot offer a clean place to play?

How much will the Provincial Government pay for the pipe cutting job, that will only benefit a private enterprise and will put the health of thousands of Ontarians at risk? How much better to use that money to help the City of Toronto put its solutions into effect, sooner rather than later? Even the interim solution of EXTENDING the pipe, not shortening it? With the pipe in place, Therme could add its landfill material ON TOP. The project is already approved, so there would be no delays for permits and such. It could go ahead as soon as the ice melts. Once the landfill in in place, the City will have to go around it to lengthen its pipe, at additional cost.

For all of the reasons and explanations above, I strongly object to the proposal to cut off the Exhibition Place CSO, and I urge you to reject it.