I am a resident of Toronto…

I am a resident of Toronto and I am commenting on the proposal for an interim combined sewer to support development at 955 Lake Shore Boulevard (Ontario Place). I have taken sailing lessons and subsequently sailed near Ontario Place at the National Yacht Club, just meters away from the proposed area. I am opposed to the proposal which goes against decades of work by the City of Toronto to separate and replace combined sewers across the city to prevent the discharge of raw sewage into Lake Ontario. It also flies in the face of international agreements to protect water quality and habitat in the Great Lakes. This effluent also risks human health in terms of water quality at beaches, fishing and the quality of the lake as an attraction for Canadian and international visitors. All of those who participate in water activities in that area will be affected by this decision, including tourists as well as locals. On a summer day the waters surrounding Ontario place are full of people of all ages out in Kayaks, Canoes, and sailboats. If this were to proceed, these people would be at risk. This is particularly an issue due to the heavy rains we have seen in the last few years that will continue to come due to climate changes. Although this is proposed just for overflows, it is probable that it will be used frequently to account for stormwater influxes into the sewage system. The boating season is already short in Toronto, and if the waterways had to shut down for days after it rained, the entire local economy would be affected. The province has also not held any consultations about this work with the general public.

This proposal to benefit private sector initiatives, is not in the public interest and threatens the stability of the lake ecosystem in a time of severe biodiversity loss. It will also threaten and impact the ability of those who partake in recreational activities around the lake to do so effectively. Please deny this permit.