As always, the BQNA had a busy year, with an ever-growing community. Below is a summary of the BQNA’s board activities, acting as your community liaisons at the local, federal, and provincial level to governments, business and community groups.
Emergency Preparedness Plan
Currently we are reaching out to those interested in taking part in an advisory committee on an Emergency Preparedness Plan in response to the bomb scare we had in October 2022. After a well-attended public meeting in December 2022 to hear concerns and offer solutions, the BQNA engaged our councillors office to work with the Toronto Emergency Management Office (TEM) at the city to develop a plan specific to our community. The community advisory board will join Police and Fire Services, Billy Bishop Airport, and the City’s TEM representatives to finalize the plan’s framework & public education materials by early 2024. Once finalized, TEM is open to presenting them to BQNA and other community groups.
Supervised Injection Site at 545 Lakeshore Blvd
Our recent BQNA board meetings this fall focused on gaining information and discussing the Supervised Injection Site at 545 Lakeshore Blvd where harm reduction services were added in April for residents of the shelter. Summaries of these meetings with Public Health (November) and with Homes First, who operate the shelter, and Toronto Police Services (October), as well as actions you can take and how to report concerns.
Air Quality Study
We also are wrapping up our two-year Air Quality Study of our neighbourhood conducted by the University of Toronto, in partnership with Toronto Public Health, City of Toronto Planning Department and Ports Toronto. The reports have been written and reviewed by the AQ committee and a public presentation and workshop to share results is being held January 22, 2024 at the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre (WNC) from 6:30-9:00 p.m.
The Tripartite Agreement
We are preparing materials for a City staff report and presentation to Executive Council at City Hall on January 30th, 2024 in response to Ports Toronto's request to open up the Tripartite Agreement early. The Tripartite Agreement is a 50-year lease on the lands currently occupied by the Island Airport, set to expire in 2033. It governs how Transport Canada, the City and Ports Toronto jointly oversee Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport. The request comes as federal regulations require all airports to extend their runways. For BBTCCA, this means substantial cost to infill parts of the lake and harbour to create the required runway extensions.
Lots more to check out, including responding to the removal of the popular Harbourfront Skating Rink and the opening of Bathurst Quay Commons and the Corlick Cultural Centre, next to the Canada Malting Silos, this coming fall.
The BQNA meets monthly on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. We generally alternate one month in person at the WNC and one month online, on zoom. All residents of the Bathurst Quay Neighbourhood are general members of the BQNA and welcome to attend or share your ideas and concerns with your reps in advance.