Toronto Star - September 4, 1997
Report urges restrictions on night flights at Pearson
Proposed noise rules not enough, Mississauga says
By Mike Funston
Toronto Star Staff ReporterA proposed noise control agreement between the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and the airlines using Pearson International Airport isn't tough enough, Mississauga officials say.
Placing restrictions on runway use is desirable, but not as proposed, said planning commissioner Tom Mokrzycki in a report to Mississauga Council's general committee yesterday.
The draft agreement contains provisions for airlines to apply for exemptions to night flight restrictions (midnight to 7 a.m.) and may even encourage more such operations without regard for the noise effects, Mokrzycki said.
"This could be an opening for the airlines to exploit an extra few hours of operation time," said Councillor David Culham.
Officials from the airports authority came under fire recently after it was revealed that a secret program allowing two landings a day between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. had been going on for six months.
The aim was to determine whether additional overnight flights could be permitted without bothering residents near the airport. A report on the findings is to be released on Sept. 25.
The proposed noise control agreement, according to authority officials, is to formalize and improve upon previous policies.
"The air carrier may, upon 30 days written notice, apply to the GTAA for permission to conduct regular scheduled operations during those hours regulated by the night flight restriction program," the proposal states.
But Mokrzycki said that the "GTAA is not seeking support or comments from council on this matter," adding that "it would be to our advantage to request that conditions be added to the agreement."
These include:
Prohibiting night flights on the new north-south runway when it opens later this year, except for weather, safety or emergency reasons.
Requiring airlines to convert their fleets to quieter, modern jets such as 767s and the Airbus series, by 2002.
Evaluating the noise impact on residential areas before approving night flight applications.
Asked to comment on the recommendations, authority spokesperson Bruce Reid said they welcome council's input.
"The airport authority is pleased Mississauga is reviewing the (draft) noise management agreement, and hopefully this will add to the quality of the final agreement when we get one."