Here are two leads for some updated news and commentary on that story. Basically, there is bridge construction issue (and others) but an order has been placed for some Dash 8 400s with options on a bunch more ("Mr. Deluce has also signed a contract with Bombardier to buy 10 turboprops, with an option on 15 more." see the article below).
"KILLING ISLAND BRIDGE WOULD COST CITY
Eric Reguly, Globe and Mail, October 30, 2003, Page: B2"
"HARMONY BETWEEN AIRPORT, WATERFRONT
Toronto Star (Letter to Editor), October 29, 2003, Page: A25"