NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2009
PC MPPs Concerned About Lack of Government Investment in Buttonville Airport
(Buttonville, ON) Without government investment in aviation infrastructure, the Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport will close, announced Derek Sifton, President of Toronto Airways Ltd. Progressive Conservative MPPs said that this closure will significantly undermine York Region?s economic potential and called on Ontario?s government to invest in York Region?s economic future.
?York Region is the fastest growing region in Ontario. At 22.4% it far outpaces the provincial average. Investment in infrastructure, in transportation, which is universally tied to commerce, is a key ingredient to York Region?s economic security,? Shurman stated. ?The Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport has provided such infrastructure for over 45 years by supporting numerous enterprises, providing essential services and creating jobs in the region.?
?Governments are funding projects that won?t come close to having the economic impact of this airport. The government should step up to the plate to ensure that this transportation hub continues to serve York Region and the GTA,? Frank Klees, MPP (Newmarket-Aurora) and PC Critic for Transportation and Public Infrastructure, added.
Following GTAA?s termination of its funding agreement with the Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport earlier this year, both Shurman and Klees asked Ontario?s Transportation Minister Jim Bradley to ensure that the airport, whether through federal or provincial investment, continues to operate.
?I was very encouraged by Minister Bradley?s response to my question when I first approached him on this issue,? said Shurman. ?I hope that his Cabinet colleagues will similarly acknowledge Buttonville Airport?s tremendous contribution to York Region?s economic viability.?
?The airport provides a very vital service for the people not only in the Toronto area but beyond the Toronto area?,? said Minister Bradley on February 26th of this year. ??we are all prepared to go to bat for Buttonville Airport because we agree that it is a very vital transportation link here in Ontario.?
Klees, who also approached the Transportation Minister on this topic, stressed the importance of government investment in Buttonville.
?Whether the funds come from the Ministry of Transportation, Public Infrastructure Renewal or Economic Development, the province has a responsibility to step in and resolve this issue. We are counting on Minister Bradley to follow through on the commitments that he made in the House and to work with his Cabinet colleagues to ensure the continued operations of this airport."
- 30-
For more information please contact:
Monika Bujalska, Executive Assistant to Peter Shurman, MPP (Thornhill)
416-325-2505, e-mail: monika.bujalska@pc.ola.org