[getsmart-l] Airport @ Regional Council march 28th

[Bonnie Littley]

Hey all,
Just wanted to let you know that the GTAA did their annual presentation to
Regional Planning committee, and from that presentation came the motion
below.
I hope to see you on Wednesday March 28th at 10 am or if you cannot attend,
please send emails and letters to Council through the clerks office. Also
with provincial and federal elections coming up it would be a good idea to
make a point to your representatives of the incredible amount of air
pollution we don't need from another airport, and transit dollars we do need
and want our tax dollars to be used for! Climate Change action is what we
want!!

 Alternative economic development ideas - Sustainable ideas!!!

 Some may see a Pickering airport as an easy fix for our economic troubles -
but is it the best long range plan for a sustainable future? I think we can
do much better, just may take just a little more effort

I'm concerned that by referring to a "comprehensive due
diligence review of the studies" and then the preconceived notion that the
exercise will be "confirming the need" for an airport - all in the same
sentence doesn't seem like an open, transparent process or due diligence to
me!
Also, to ask to start a hugely expensive EA before the needs are properly
assessed is just plainly irresponsible.

contact the clerk's office at clerks at region.durham.on.ca


MOVED by Regional Chair Anderson,

>                      (68)                    "THAT we recommend to
Council:
>
>
>                      a)          THAT Transport Canada be requested to
>  accelerate their comprehensive due diligence review of the studies
>  submitted by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority confirming the need
for a Regional/reliever airport on the Federal Pickering Lands;
>
>                      b)          THAT Transport Canada be urged to
initiate
>  the Environmental Assessment process for the construction of a
>  Regional/reliever airport on the Federal Pickering Lands;
>
>
>                      c)          THAT the Federal Government remain
> committed to protecting the Federal Pickering Lands; and
>
>                      d)          THAT a copy of this resolution be
forwarded
>  to the Prime Minister of Canada; the Federal Minister of Transport,
>  Infrastructure and Communities; the Premier of Ontario; the Ontario
>  Minister of Transportation; the Federal and Provincial Opposition
Parties; the Greater Toronto Airports Authority; and the Area
Municipalities."
>
>                                                   CARRIED
>
>