Statement on proposed TCCA pedestrian tunnel

TORONTO , Oct. 6 /CNW/ - In response to an inquiry, the Toronto Port Authority ("TPA") advised today that it has concluded that there is now insufficient time for the TPA to proceed with construction of a new pedestrian tunnel under the federal government's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund guidelines. The proposed tunnel would link the Toronto waterfront with the Toronto City Centre Airport under the western channel.

"Although the tunnel concept was warmly received by a majority of Torontonians, it must be concluded that there is now insufficient time for the TPA to be assured that it will be able to meet the federal government's deadline for 'substantial completion' by March 2011," said Alan Paul , Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Port Authority.

The TPA will provide no further comment at this time.

The Toronto Port Authority was incorporated on June 8, 1999 , as a government business enterprise under the Canada Marine Act as the successor to the Toronto Harbour Commissioners. It is a federal public authority providing transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses. The TPA owns and operates the Toronto City Centre Airport, Marine Terminals 51 and 52, and the Outer Harbour Marina. The TPA also provides regulatory controls and public works services to enhance the safety and efficiency of marine navigation and aviation in the port and harbour of Toronto .

For further information: the TPA is available on the TPA website at www.torontoport.com