Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government has turned down Ontario’s plan to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, stating that a two-month public consultation revealed strong opposition to the proposal.
Federal Transportation Minister Steven Mac Kinnon shared the news on Friday evening after receiving over 87,000 responses during the consultation, which concluded that same day.
This decision halts plans for a major expansion that would have significantly altered the airport’s current layout and the nearby waterfront areas, impacting construction and infrastructure sectors.
RJ Steenstra, CEO of the Toronto Port Authority, informed a committee at Queen’s Park in May that the projected cost for this expansion was estimated between $4 billion and $5 billion over 25 years.
“At this stage, I can confirm that our focus lies exclusively on the approved safety enhancements, which are currently taking place, and are required to maintain safe operations at the airport,” Mac Kinnon stated. “They are expected to be completed in mid-2027.”
This announcement comes after Ontario Premier Doug Ford outlined plans in March to expand the downtown airport and boost its capacity.
Premier Doug Ford announced a plan to expand Billy Bishop Airport on March 23.
“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,” he said.
Ontario intended to take over Toronto’s role under an agreement governing the airport while also expropriating city-owned land related to it. The province also aimed to designate the airport as a Special Economic Zone to facilitate approvals.
Bill 110, known as the Building Billy Bishop Airport Act, received royal assent on June 2. This legislation permits the province to assume control of designated city-owned lands associated with the airport and removes Toronto from a tripartite agreement established in 1983, substituting it with provincial authority. It includes provisions for compensation based on market value and binding arbitration for disputes.
The planned expansion would enable larger planes to operate from Billy Bishop and enhance its capability for future passenger demand. Ontario argued this project would benefit tourism and business travel while fostering airline competition and relieving pressure on Toronto Pearson International Airport.
However, opponents highlighted concerns about potential impacts on waterfront parks, increased noise levels, environmental issues, and housing development challenges.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow praised the federal decision and urged the province to reconsider its expropriation of city-owned land.
“Thank you to the federal government for listening to the people of Toronto,” Chow said.
Before Ontario’s expropriation took place, approximately 20 percent of airport lands were owned by the city. The province also took control of land near Bathurst Street’s foot which included part of Little Norway Park.
The federal ruling does not alter already approved safety improvements for Billy Bishop.
Construction is currently underway on Runway End Safety Areas (RESAs) at both ends of the runway. These safety zones aim to minimize risks associated with aircraft overruns.
The work is expected to wrap up by mid-2027.
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