Hello, I am finding it…

Hello, I am finding it very hard to provide a well informed comment on the request for increase in emission as there is not a lot of information available to the public. I have submitted an FOI on October 17th and haven't received the document yet and I have only as of yesterday been requested to send in more money to continue the processing, which I have done (File #A-2018-07190). It seems it will be another 30 days to process. This seems like a flaw in your system that you are asking communities to comment when they haven't been given enough time to get the information. Without more information some of the concerns that come to mind re: the increase in emissions are: 1) The unexplained high rates of asthma and cancer in the area. This information is available through Toronto Public Health and I do believe your ministry should review and comment with regards to allowing an increase in the area. 2) The area where that would be most impacted by an increase in emissions is an area with higher levels of poverty, marginalization, and people of colour. This comes to beg the question what area's that are considered 'poor' and 'diverse' are disproportionately impacted by air pollution and I think your ministry should take that into consideration when looking at these types of request and make a comment about environmental racism and this particular request. 3)This is an industry that emits an strong smell into the air. I am worried this will drive businesses out of the area and further impact the ability for people to get jobs in the neighborhood. There is already a high rate of unemployment in the are. St. Helen's continually has a "Help wanted" build board up on the road and they have not been able to address the high unemployment rate in the neighborhood. There is a new mall right beside St. Helens with so many empty store fronts...I believe it is because the small and the stick in the mall that business don't want to move there and people don't want to shop there. 4) I am worried about the poor air quality in the neighborhood and the impact on my family. I am also concerned about the reasonable enjoyment in my neighborhood and feel I should be able to enjoy the out door space. I believe the Ministry should strongly consider the impact an increase in emission would have on the people in the area and to their wellbeing, both physical and mental health. Thank you, Deane

[Original Comment ID: 214817]