680NEWS

The survey by Pollara Strategic Insights was launched by the Toronto Port Authority in light of the federal infrastructure money that has been made available for major projects.

The 500-person poll was conducted on July 5-6, 2009.

Only 21 per cent of respondents were "strongly opposed" to the tunnel, while 10 per cent were somewhat opposed" to it.

The Port Authority said a pedestrian tunnel would be built underneath the western gap of the Toronto Harbour to improve access between the mainland and the airport.

The airport hasn't had a lot of troubling attracting travellers. Figures showed passenger volume increased 100 per cent between 2007 and 2008. In July, 70,000 people used the airport.

Mark McQueen, chairman of the Port Authority's board of directors, said that under current city rules, a pedestrian tunnel would be allowed.

He said the project is eligibile for the federal government stimulus plan, which means it would put up the money.

"[We] sent the concept to the government several months ago, and it's under consideration, as far as I understand," McQueen told 680News.

He said the Port Authority is still waiting to hear back from the federal government.

The cost of building the tunnel has been estimated at between $20-million to $40-million.

680News took the streets to find out what Torontonians thought of the idea.

"The longest wait happens to be at the ferry, it's not security, it's not customs, it literally is waiting for the ferry," one man told 680News.

"I [am] fine with the ferry service to begin with, and I used to work down there, so it's fine with me," one woman said.

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Above photo: An aerial view of the Toronto City Centre Airport (Photo courtesy of: "beachdigital"/Flickr)