Nov 28, 2013
By Scott Walker
Porter Airlines’ plans to fly jets out of Toronto Island airport may suffer a setback today.
There’s a report that city staff are going to recommend city council delay a decision on Porter’s plans until after the next election.
A staff report being released today is expected to recommend a delay in any decision until 2015. Staff say Porter’s plans rely on reduced noise levels of the new Bombardier CS-100 jet. But Transport Canada isn’t expected to confirm the jet’s noise levels until midway through next year.
Jets would allow Porter to reach new destinations in Florida and California.
Porter CEO Robert Deluce claims city officials have more than enough information to make a decision. He says some councillors opposed to the plan are stalling.
But Councillor Adam Vaughn, a long-time opponent of airport expansion, says Porter’s plans would call for $300,000,000 in infrastructure enhancements, and there’s no guarantee the island airport could handle the increased traffic.
The City’s Executive Committee will look at the report next week. Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly says he believes in a strong island airport, and will keep an open mind.
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