I am commenting on the…

I am commenting on the proposal for an interim combined sewer to support development at 955 Lake Shore Boulevard (Ontario Place). I am very 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 habit 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. 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. I am particularly appalled that this proposal would harm 63 fish species in Lake Ontario, including the American Eel which is an endangered species. Furthermore, having grown up in Toronto, the CNE is a huge part of the city's summer activities, which many people including myself enjoy. The CNE has already struggled due to monetary losses during the Covid Pandemic. This proposal would impact their 2025 Exhibition, including forcing them to cancel any water activities or exhibitions. A thorough environmental assessmemt is crucial and this issue should be handled using the City of Toronto's multi-year plan rather than rushing the issue, as this proposal would do, thus putting the environment and human health at risk which is unacceptable. Please deny this permit.
Please prioritize the greater well-being for the Lake, the wildlife it supports, and water in which we can swim, drink and fish in.