7/17/2011 6:12:10 PM

July 14, 2011

Agreement reached on pedestrian tunnel to island airport

Toronto City Council today authorized the City to enter into a Master Agreement with the Toronto Port Authority (TPA), which will facilitate construction of a pedestrian tunnel between the Toronto mainland and the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on Toronto Island. A City watermain project, which may be completed as part of the pedestrian tunnel, would provide a secure, long-term water supply and sanitary sewer service to all Toronto Island residents and businesses and save the City millions of dollars.

"The pedestrian tunnel to the island airport will provide a greater level of service for airport users and will be delivered at a significantly lower cost, saving taxpayers money," said Mayor Rob Ford. "The City expects to save more than $10 million on its water infrastructure as part of this project and the Toronto Port Authority expects to save approximately $2.5 million to $3.5 million on the pedestrian tunnel portion."

"The City will continue to work collaboratively with the Toronto Port Authority to make the pedestrian tunnel project a reality," said City Manager Joe Pennachetti. "City staff have worked diligently to reach this milestone."

To implement the pedestrian tunnel project, Council has authorized as part of the agreement that:
o The City declare surplus and convey to the TPA a dockwall easement (City owned land officially designated as Parks and Open Space).
o The TPA convey an easement to the City to satisfy the Official Plan requirements.
o The City enter into a temporary lease with the TPA to allow for the use of part of the Canada Malting Lands for construction staging, taxi staging and parking.
o City staff expedite the rezoning of 450 Lake Shore Avenue West to allow for additional parking/taxi staging.
o The City receive the conveyance of a sliver of land adjacent to the road allowance near Ashbridges Bay.

The agreement also includes a provision relating to the relocation of the Toronto Island Airport Terminal Building (known as the Administration Building or "Terminal A") for future use. The City of Toronto recognizes the importance of preserving the building as a Heritage structure and will assist in efforts to have a third party own and operate the building in a manner consistent with its Heritage status. The Toronto Port Authority has offered to relocate and reassemble the building securely at no cost to the City.