By World BEYOND War Greater Toronto Area Chapter, August 23, 2023
The Toronto air show is once again planning to descend on our city from September 2-4. The air show is blatant advertising for militarism, war, and violence, it re-traumatizes victims of war, and its deafening noise disturbs residents across the city over the Labour Day long weekend.
Last year’s air show served as literal paid advertising for Lockheed Martin, a key sponsor and the largest weapons producer in the world. From Ukraine to Yemen, from Palestine to Colombia, from Somalia to Syria, from Afghanistan and West Papua to Ethiopia, no one profits more from war and bloodshed than Lockheed Martin. This show is one way they’ve been trying to sell the Canadian public on their fighter jet—the contentious F35 that Canada is planning to purchase. It’s the most deafening of all the jets over Toronto this weekend.
The air show is incredibly re-traumatizing to the thousands of Torontonians who fled war zones, many bombed by the CF-18s and F-35s that are flying over Toronto during the air show. What a horrific welcome to the refugees arriving in our city right now.
The air show’s ear-splitting noise is incredibly disruptive, and the greenhouse gas emissions of the jets are through the roof. These are war planes designed to kill people. They shouldn’t be for entertainment.
Learn more and — if you’re from Toronto — contact the city council here.
9 Responses
It is not an “air” show – It’s a WAR SHOW
I live in a west end lakefront community in Toronto. The flight path starts and ends at my balcony. It’s beyond disturbing. For the days of the airshow and a few days before and after I’m in a state of severe anxiety and distress. I know many neighbors are the same sone leave for the weekend. Sadly im unable to do that.
The sudden explosive noise sets off my anxiety attacks and I need to take medications that Normally I try to stay away from.
My pets are jumpy distressed and hiding. It’s a horrible time.
To continue to do this in such a build uo urban environment is beyond foolish its dangerous.
Does anyone know how much this costs our poor beleaguered city budget? Or is it all paid for by advertising for Lockhead Martin?
No idea about recurring operating expenses but there was a $7.25M Federal investment made last August : https://skiesmag.com/press-releases/canadian-government-invests-250000-in-canadian-international-air-show/?amp
The noise is extremely disruptive to those trying to enjoy a quiet last weekend of summer. Not to mention my two year old daughter gets extremely scared and is forced indoors for a good chunk of the day. It’s an outdated tradition and is terrible for an already suffering planet. Please stop the air show!!
This is an appalling anachronism that needs to end. I am on the flight path. The noise is horrendous. My house shakes when the screaming jets pass overhead. I can only imagine the distress this causes immigrants who we have welcomed to our country. Make it stop. Now.
My biggest concerns regarding the air show are the harm to the environment, and the harm to refugees and vets. Doubtless the sound of war machines triggers a PTSD response. This show is a blatant disregard for the concerns of the well being of the planet.
We do not need such dangerous stunts in this city. Not only is this disturbing. Flying these warplanes traumatizes those who have come here from numerous war zones.
It is not only a noise issue, it is a climate crime!