HOSPITAL AND AIRPORT DON’T MIX
Re: Proposed mega-hospital location best option for Essex County residents, opinion column by Lloyd Brown-John, Aug. 4. What about the airport? I believe we are all entitled to our own opinions but they must be based in fact.
Dr. Lloyd Brown-John’s column is based on one fundamental error. He makes the assumption that all people against the mega-hospital plan want the hospital located closer to the city core. This is incredibly incorrect.
I do not support the current proposal by the WRH steering committee because there is something inherently wrong with locating a beacon of health across the street from an airport.
Google Maps tells me I live eight km from the airport. Typically, once a month, a large, low-flying plane rattles the windows in my home. Common sense tells you that closer to the airport, the more audible noise there is and a greater vibration can be felt.
No matter how many times I have asked how the hospital will impact airport operations, I only receive a response about how the airport has no impact on the hospital (a crash is unlikely).
Oddly, the city-owned airport with the mayor as chairman of the board has remained quiet on the subject.
Premier Aviation recently hired the graduates from St. Clair College to expand operations at their hangar. The last time Premier Aviation tested an engine, the sound could be heard as far as Lauzon Road and Riverside Drive.
YQG is attractive because the runways have no noise restrictions. Will this change? Will YQG remain attractive to this type of business?
How will the hospital impact the flying schools? Will Windsor be able to host another air show? Will airlines choose to increase the number of flights to and from YQG?
How does locating a hospital across the street impact the development of YQG in five years? In 10 years?
Until there is open and inclusive discussion with the airport, airlines and all other tenants, I cannot support the plan as proposed.
YQG cannot be moved. The hospital can be built elsewhere.