Rally to Save the Waterfront, Save the Birds - Public Event

We are inviting TOC members and the public to join us on a different kind of outing! 

As you know, there are plans afoot to expand Billy Bishop Airport which will impact the Toronto Islands and the waterfront in many ways, including increased pollution, habitat loss, noise, crowding, loss of housing and more. The "StopJetsTO" group is organizing a rally and march on Sunday, July 26, and we will be there to show our opposition to this plan.

One threat that we need to highlight and fight is the damage the expansion will do to birdlife, natural habitats and bird safety. We birders love to go to lakeside parks to watch birds in all seasons. Migratory birds use our green spaces to rest and refuel before continuing their long journeys. Resident and nesting birds need the habitats for their daily lives. Here are some concerns:

•      Environmentally Significant Areas on Toronto Island which includes nesting habitat for breeding Piping Plover
•     Tommy Thompson Park is a globally recognized Key Biodiversity Area.
•      Breeding colonies of cormorants, gulls, Great Egrets and Black-crowned Night-Herons near the airport and along the flight path of planes.
•      Large migratory birds like Tundra Swans and Whimbrel that follow the flight path used by planes along the waterfront.
•     The huge population of wintering waterfowl in the harbours and lakefront
• Toronto is a critical stopover for thousands of migratory birds

There will be a kickoff rally at 10:30 am at Harbour Square Park, followed by a march along Queen's Quay to HTO park, where there will be a boat flotilla. See 'NoJetsTO' for more background information and updates:

https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/194959/event/1

Directions: The TOC group will meet at 10 am at Queen's Quay, near the Tim Horton's (a traditional coffee stop for birders!). Queen's Quay Terminal is located at on the southwest corner of Queen's Quay and York St. The Timmies is located inside the building at the south end. Enter the building from the entrances on the east side of the building (near the water).Then we will walk to the rally point a short distance away.

Dress for the weather, the event is rain or shine.

Please bring along friends and family! 

For more information, contact outings@torontobirding.ca