Re: Pearson Airport expansion
Greater Toronto Airports Authority CEO Lloyd McCoomb wishes to increase traffic through Pearson to generate more revenue. The mandate of business is to generate revenue.
There are also the ancillary effects: more customs and security employees, more service employees and airline employees. This is economic development at its best.
However, to really spur economic growth we need to be operating the airport 24 hours a day at full capacity.
When I moved to Mississauga, flights ran 6 a.m. to midnight, then the hours expanded to 1 a.m. and sometime in the past few years this went to 2 a.m. Cargo flights run all night.
I live in west Mississauga, 20 kilometres from the airport, and I am unable to keep my windows open at night because of the noise.
The missing factor in Mr. McCoomb’s argument is quality of life for those affected by the increased traffic load at the airport.
I'm happy for those fortunate enough to travel. However, let's not forget those who live here and are affected by the operations at Pearson Airport. Sleep is essential for people to be productive in their lives and jobs.
Let's find a balance between PIA being an excellent airport and the impact on those who are negatively affected by its operations.
