What to know
The Ontario government has put forth a plan to take control of Billy Bishop Airport from the City of Toronto by altering a long-standing agreement with federal and port authorities. This change would grant the province partial oversight over airport lands and the adjacent Little Norway Park, as part of a broader strategy to increase the airport’s capacity and services. Premier Doug Ford claims that expanding the airport will provide more flight options, lessen congestion at Toronto Pearson International Airport, and enhance tourism. However, this initiative is facing strong backlash from Mayor Olivia Chow, city council members, and other politicians. The City of Toronto is exploring potential legal actions against it. Torontonians along with local politicians are opposing a legislative proposal from the Ontario Transportation Ministry that aims to allow the provincial government to take charge of Billy Bishop Airport instead of the City of Toronto. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria introduced the Building Billy Bishop Airport Act on Thursday. This bill specifically suggests that the Ontario government would replace the City of Toronto in a Tripartite Agreement concerning the airport’s property. The original agreement was established in June 1983 between Transport Canada, Ports Toronto, and the city. If enacted, this shift would mean that the province would have 20 percent governance over airport land along with one-third ownership of Little Norway Park, which lies next to the terminal. This motion aligns with the provincial government’s aim to expand airport facilities and follows Premier Doug Ford’s recent acquisition and return of a private jet. Read More If successful in taking over the city’s part of this agreement, it is expected that Ontario will seek ownership rights over city-owned lands at the airport while also extending its runway; however, detailed plans for this are not yet available. He added that this expansion would relieve some pressure off Toronto Pearson International Airport while boosting tourism in the city.Push back from the city
Later on Thursday, Mayor Olivia Chow brought forward an urgent motion during a City Council meeting aimed at resisting this initial provincial motion. “Unilaterally taking city land is not acceptable,” Chow expressed in an X (formerly Twitter) post on Thursday. “Who knows what they will take next.” has introduced legislation to unilaterally take City land at Bathurst and Queen’s Quay. That includes paving over Little Norway Park – probably for a parking lot.Council is meeting today; I am bringing an urgent motion to oppose it and fight back. Unilaterally… https://t. co/Wunwt ACqnn – Mayor Olivia Chow 🇨🇦 (@Mayor Olivia Chow) April 23, 2026 Chow further noted that there was no prior consultation with city officials regarding these takeover plans by Ontario. The urgent motion urged federal authorities to intervene against what she termed as “land grab” by Premier Ford. Additionally, she requested changes so residents within 500 meters of affected areas should be relocated at province’s expense along with an apology for disrupting their community balance. The mayor’s motion was approved on Thursday. Currently, while Ontario’s proposed Building Billy Bishop Airport Act moves through legislature discussions continue as city officials look into directing their solicitor towards potential legal actions against provincial plans moving forward.
Toronto reaction
A number of other councillors have also voiced their discontent about these proposals. The Leader of Ontario’s New Democratic Party (NDP), Marit Stiles described Ford’s initiative as “reckless.” “This reckless airport expansion and land grab puts future developments around Toronto Islands at risk while jeopardizing downtown residents’ safety,” she wrote on X. “Who is asking for this? Certainly not people living near our waterfront or neighborhoods along Lake Ontario.” Krisyn Wong-Tam from NDP representing Toronto Centre opposed this move too urging residents speak up: “The province isn’t even part of tripartite agreements regarding airports – two-thirds belong federally while one-third belongs locally,” they said. “Call your Liberal MP today urging them help us stop Ford before he paves away natural resources!” Councillor Josh Matlow also moved forth another resolution demanding examination into how Ford attempts governing powers over Little Norway Park.“This represents unprecedented aggression toward our city’s independence,” Matlow shared via X.
“We cannot allow our parks transforming into busy roads or parking lots merely fulfilling Ford’s vision for extending his waterfront ambitions.”
Doug Ford wants control over both Billy Bishop Airports surroundings despite knowing they lie under jurisdiction belonging solely unto us- Torontonians!
This undermines democracy.@fordnation shouldn’t seize urban territories without justification! He isn’t acting like Premier… https://t. co/Td6O5Uu5JY
“He’s only concerned about himself alongside well-connected elites rather than caring about Ontarians,” Mike Schreiner leader from Green Party echoed concerns shared widely throughout social media following chaotic council proceedings last Thursday evening.
A variety remarks were left online expressing outrage directed towards policies supported by leaders including comments seen circulating Reddit platforms:
‘Just leave Toronto alone,’ remarked one user casually commenting underneath news articles detailing issues raised.
‘He seems fixated ruining our beloved region through his ill-conceived approaches regarding new developments,’ opined another individual using same social platform.
While others questioned if relocation options exist since current constructions threaten housing availability nearby regions.’If I lived near enough I’d want outta here,’ posted yet another frustrated respondent.’Also does increasing air traffic limit opportunities elsewhere?’ asked same comment poster shortly after mentioning dislike towards Mr. Ford!
An anonymous user demanded justice served upon those violating laws stating openly : ‘Why aren’t any leaders faced charges? If I stole workplace property just once I’d likely get jailed-why hasn’t anyone held accountable?’
‘What kind madness drives men like him seizing public spaces behaving tyrannically?’ cried out amidst heated debates witnessed all around town where many agree collectively : We don’t need extra flights ruining everything already happening ! STOP HIM!’
Source link
