kEiThZ
Superstar
This is a turboPROP that Embraer is building out of the E-195-E2 frame.
It has the same seating as an E-195-E2, can travel nearly as far and nearly as fast, and has a planned minimum runway takeoff just slightly larger than the existing Island runway. Only minimal expansions would be needed.
What I've seen is 70-100 seats:
Embraer Wants To Launch Its Turboprop Plane Next Year
simpleflying.com
Also, if they keep the same skinny wing and tail mount the engines, field performance will be terrible. No way they will be able to operate without a runway extension.
Maybe it's what Porter wants. But aside from the technical issues, I can't see the business case. The Q400 fleet is only half way through its life. Getting a new fleet would be expensive. And not very necessary now that they are opening up multiple new hubs (Pearson, Ottawa, etc) that bypass the Island.