posted on August 18, 2008

Toronto Sun: Blast must spark real action

By: This is an unsigned editorial from the Toronto Sun
Published: August 17, 2008
Source: Toronto Sun

Going forward, what are the best ways to ensure there is no repeat of a huge propane depot explosion beside a residential community, as happened at Sunrise Propane early last Sunday in the Keele St.-Wilson Ave. area?

First, the same government regulator which decides whether such a plant is safe must also be responsible for deciding where it goes.

At present, City Hall determines potential locations -- through outdated and inconsistent zoning bylaws -- while a provincial "arm's-length" agency, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), determines whether the facility is being safely operated.

But since where propane is stored is obviously relevant to whether it's safe to the surrounding community, one agency, not two, must make this call from now on and be held accountable for it, either at City Hall or Queen's Park.

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