The federal government has rejected a proposal to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which involved accommodating larger and noisier jets. This decision was announced by Transportation Minister Steven MacKinnon on Friday following a two-week public consultation that collected over 87,000 responses.
In his statement, MacKinnon emphasized the government's commitment to work with partners on regional connectivity needs while also considering the interests of local residents. He expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of the proposed expansion, stating, “We will not pursue any plans that infringe on treasured public spaces like Little Norway Park or Hanlan's Point Beach, result in elevated noise, have significant environmental impacts, or hinder Toronto's ability to build much-needed housing.”
The Toronto Port Authority, which operates the airport in conjunction with the City of Toronto and Transport Canada, indicated that the expansion would likely cost between $4 and $5 billion and would take approximately 25 years to complete. Nonetheless, the provincial government, led by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, had previously passed Bill 110 to gain control over city-owned airport lands. This legislative move was criticized by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who branded it a “land grab” and characterized it as “undemocratic overreach.”
Additionally, various environmental and 2SLGBTQ+ rights groups raised alarms regarding the prospective noise, air pollution, and waste management issues that an expanded airport could cause, negatively impacting both the local wildlife and the visitors to Toronto Islands. In response to the federal government's decision, Mayor Chow thanked Prime Minister Carney and Minister MacKinnon for heeding the public's concerns and encouraged the province to return the city's land. Chow stated, “Together, we can continue working to build a waterfront for future generations, with new parks, housing, and more.”
Despite the federal government's rejection of the expansion plan, the provincial government remains determined to proceed with its ambitions for the airport. Ontario's Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, asserted in a statement to CityNews that the benefits of the project are significant, claiming it could contribute up to $8.5 billion annually to Canada’s economy and create thousands of jobs. He also noted that the project aims to enhance connectivity for millions of travelers and businesses throughout Ontario, North America, and beyond.
Sarkaria elaborated that as the provincial government continues its work on the expansion, it aims to ensure the project safeguards public spaces, including the Toronto Islands, while addressing potential noise and environmental repercussions. He also mentioned aspirations to expand and improve Little Norway Park, along with supporting new housing developments in the area that would yield lasting benefits for local communities.
