Waterfront Toronto Releases First Phase of Peer Review of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Runway Extension and Introduction of Jet Aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

August 25, 2015, Toronto, ON - Today, Waterfront Toronto is releasing the first phase of the independent peer review of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Runway Extension and Introduction of Jet Aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (EA). The peer review, which is being conducted by a consultant team led by ARCADIS Canada, is being undertaken to respond to stakeholder concerns and enhance the transparency of the overall environmental assessment process. Waterfront Toronto is overseeing the peer review, which is being supported and funded by PortsToronto.

This first phase of the peer review evaluated the EA’s Draft Study Design Report and comments from the 30-day public review period, as well as information from the Peer Review Working Group to determine whether:

• The study methodology is consistent with federal and provincial EA processes and best/global environmental assessment practices;
• Sound public and stakeholder engagement processes were undertaken;
• Public and stakeholder comments received were adequately addressed; and,
• City Council direction was adequately addressed.

The Phase 1 report can be found here.

The next phase of the peer review will evaluate the EA’s effects assessment; it is expected that it will be completed by this autumn. The results from each phase of the peer review will be made public as soon as each are completed.