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 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. The province has also not held any consultations about this work with the general public.

As an active sailor in the west end of Toronto, having access to this waterfront with the expectation that it will be protected for use by the community, is central to my love for the place I live. The name Toronto is derived from a Mohawk word meaning "where there are trees standing in the water." To poison those waters is to poison these trees, and to destroy the fabric of this place.

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. Please deny this permit.