Residents of Toronto Island are responding to Premier Doug Ford's recent remarks labeling them as "squatters" amidst a renewed discussion regarding the expansion of Billy Bishop Island Airport. The Premier expressed his eagerness to see the airport modernized, which includes plans to extend the runway to accommodate larger jets. This expansion has faced opposition from local groups and City Hall for over two decades.
Ford cited recent internal polling suggesting that 70 percent of downtown residents now support the airport's expansion. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from island residents, particularly for his characterization of them as squatters. “There’s 260 squatters on the island that are paying $1 a year for 99 years... wouldn’t everyone in this room, with those hard-working nurses that bust their back, want $1 a year for their own little personal island that no one touches?” Ford remarked, alluding to the unique land lease agreements made with the city.
The lease structure allows homeowners on the island to pay a one-time fee, which currently varies between $60,000 and $78,000, for land use. Approximately 700 individuals reside in 262 homes scattered across Wards and Algonquin Islands. Rick Simon, a long-time island resident since 1967, vehemently disagrees with Ford’s portrayal of them. “I think he’s got his facts entirely wrong,” he stated. Many residents like Simon believe the airport expansion would impact the majority negatively, asserting that their small community's needs should not be overshadowed by the interests of a few.
Ford’s comments have reignited long-standing tensions, as he implied that residents were standing in the way of progress. “We aren’t going to worry about the one percenters that affect the 99 percent of the rest of the population,” Ford added, emphasizing his administration’s focus on cooperating with the federal government regarding the airport's future. Simon, highlighting the history of opposition to airport expansion, noted that threats to expand have come and gone over the years, leading him to feel skeptical about the feasibility of the project coming to fruition anytime soon.
Simon further critiqued the Premier's motivations, suggesting that Ford may wish to eradicate residents who might question his land deals: “I assume that he wants to get rid of us so that there weren’t maybe people here criticizing his land deals that he made,” he said, pointing out perceived inconsistencies in lease arrangements for different entities, including a spa company that apparently has a longer lease than he does.
The airport’s operations are governed by a tripartite agreement involving the City of Toronto, the Toronto Port Authority, and the federal government. In 2024, city officials decided to extend this deal for another 12 years, which would begin in 2033. Opposition to the airport’s expansion remains strong, marked by campaigns such as “No Jets TO” and deep community engagement over decades. Michael Harris, another island resident, expressed disappointment over Ford's comments, sharing that he has previously had a favorable view of the Premier: “It’s unfortunate. I actually like Doug Ford and it’s unfortunate. I guess he wants something and he thinks we’re opposition to it,” he concluded.
