This comment is in regard to…

This comment is in regard to the proposal for an interim combined sewer for the development at 955 Shore Boulevard (Ontario Place). I am strongly opposed to the proposal, which runs counter to the sensible, dedicated, and long-standing effort of the City of Toronto to separate and replaced combined sewers across Toronto to prevent the toxic discharge of raw sewage into Lake Ontario. This is an important public good, for humans and surrounding ecosystems. In fact, this public good is not only the concern of Torontonians; the aforementioned proposal runs counter to Canada’s international agreements to protect the water quality and natural habitats of the Great Lakes. This proposal also puts human health and well-being at risk, given water quality for swimming, enjoying clean beaches, and fishing is important to hundreds of thousands of people—both locals and international visitors alike. This risk is not something that has even received the consent of Ontarians, as the government of Ontario has skirted democratic principles and not held consultations about this work with the general public. This proposal devalues public interests in order to favour private ones. As a political economist, I know that this proposal is not even based in sound long-term economic rationale, and disregards the need for taking public value and safe ecosystems into account. This proposal is not in the public’s interest and threatens the health of our the lake and surrounding ecosystems during a pivotal time of severe biodiversity loss—a time when we should be protecting them. Therefore, I plead you to please deny this permit.