Island airport transparency promised

The Toronto Port Authority communicated "inadequately" with area residents over the expansion of the island airport, and will be more transparent in its dealings in the future, says the head of the agency.

The federally appointed port authority said late last year that between 42 and 92 more flights a day could be added in 2010 — a potential air traffic increase of 75 per cent at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

The move attracted criticism from harbourfront and island residents, and from city councillors like Adam Vaughan, whose constituents stand to be most directly affected by the expansion.

Complaints range from aircraft noise and environmental disruption to a lack of transparency on the part of the port authority, a federal government body run by appointed officials.

Speaking at the port authority's annual general meeting, Geoff Wilson, its president and chief executive, said he regrets the "acrimonious feuding that has taken place between the TPA and some nearby residents and some city councillors."

Several of those residents came to the meeting to voice their anger at the new terminal and noise created by aircraft that fly at night and during the early morning.

Wilson expressed support for the port authority's "strategic decisions."

'Working to fix this'

"However, I believe the TPA should assume some responsibility for inadequately communicating and consulting with nearby residents in making those decisions," he added. "And I have been working to fix this."

Vaughan was not satisfied, asking Wilson if he would be willing to open up the TPA'S dealings more to the public by providing details of when meetings are held, the agendas of meetings and what the outcomes are.

Wilson said the TPA will be more transparent, but not before September, when a new communications manager will go to work.

"Again, mea culpa on my side if there's been a shortage or a shortfall of information going back to the community," said Wilson.

The airport will have a new $50-million terminal by the end of 2010. The terminal — being built by Porter Airlines, the only carrier now operating out of the airport — includes a second passenger lounge, new aircraft gates and Canadian and U.S. customs checkpoints.

The port authority has given Air Canada and Continental Airlines preliminary approval to fly into and out of the airport. They will be required to sign a formal deal with the port authority before they can use the airport.