TORONTO – The Toronto Port Authority has announced that the planned expansion of the island airport could cost as much as $5 billion.
RJ Steenstra, the CEO of the port authority, informed a committee at Queen’s Park this week that expanding Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is expected to range between $4 and $5 billion over a period of 25 years.
“This is not an overnight investment,” Steenstra said. “This will take time to ensure that we’re meeting the needs. It’s a phased-in approach.”
Steenstra mentioned that there would be minimal public funding involved, although he noted that the federal government has not yet confirmed whether it will provide any taxpayer dollars.
The port authority operates the island airport while Nieuport Aviation owns its passenger terminal.
In Canada, commercial airports are self-funded through fees paid by passengers and airlines according to the Aeronautics Act. The expansion of Billy Bishop will follow this model as well.
“Billy Bishop airport needs to prepare for future growth in both our province’s population and our expanding economy,” Steenstra said.
“If we don’t plan ahead, insufficient airport capacity might lead to higher fares for passengers, reduced regional connectivity including access to remote northern areas, and a decline in tourism and business activities.”
The provincial government led by Premier Doug Ford held one day of committee hearings regarding Bill 110, introduced in late April.
If approved, this bill would allow Ontario to assume Toronto’s role in a tripartite agreement overseeing the land currently involving the city, federal government, and Toronto Port Authority as a federal entity.
Steenstra has support from Ford and his administration who advocate for expanding the airport to accommodate jets for arrivals and departures.
Ford along with provincial Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria have indicated that they believe the federal government supports these expansion plans.
However, when questioned about these plans, members of Parliament representing Toronto ridings have been noncommittal so far.
The Prime Minister’s Office redirected inquiries on Wednesday to federal Transportation Minister Steven Mac Kinnon’s office.
“Any future decisions about changes in how the airport operates-including what types of aircraft can use it-will need agreement from all parties involved in the agreement,” stated Philippe-Alexandre Langlois, spokesperson for Mac Kinnon.
“These decisions would also require thorough consultations with key stakeholders, affected communities, and Indigenous groups while considering economic advantages, transportation requirements, and environmental impacts.”
The committee at Queen’s Park learned during questioning from New Democrat finance critic Jessica Bell that there isn’t yet a business plan from the port authority nor any health or environmental assessments regarding potential effects from this expansion.
“Our plan will be informed by broad public consultation and a robust environmental assessment,” he stated.
Steenstra added that they have shared their proposed plans with both federal and provincial governments but haven’t yet presented them to Toronto city officials.
“The city hasn’t seen them yet; however, meetings are scheduled,” Steenstra noted.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow seemed unimpressed with how things are progressing regarding this proposal.
“I’ve always said that Toronto-representing 3.2 million residents-should be included at discussions should get access to see plans including business details along with costs,” she remarked.
“At present I don’t see a clear strategy beyond just an enormous price tag.”
Bell expressed her desire for transparency from higher levels of government.
“Clearly it seems like (the Progressive) Conservative government is working out plans privately with federal officials while leaving others-including City Hall-informed only vaguely,” she commented during an interview.
“It’s surprising they’re acting like everything’s finalized already.” She further challenged claims made recently by Steenstra along with Ford and Sarkaria-that an expanded island airport could bring in $8.5 billion annually economically. “There’s no solid business case backing up what he admitted was just an estimate without facts supporting that impressive $8.5 billion figure,” Bell stated.
“And spending between $4-$5 billion sounds astronomical without substantial governmental assistance.”
The bill faces clause-by-clause readings set for Thursday when potential amendments may occur before returning back into session later on.
This report by The Canadian Press was first May 20th 2026. Liam Casey , The Canadian Press
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“Clearly it seems like (the Progressive) Conservative government is working out plans privately with federal officials while leaving others-including City Hall-informed only vaguely,” she commented during an interview.
“It’s surprising they’re acting like everything’s finalized already.” She further challenged claims made recently by Steenstra along with Ford and Sarkaria-that an expanded island airport could bring in $8.5 billion annually economically. “There’s no solid business case backing up what he admitted was just an estimate without facts supporting that impressive $8.5 billion figure,” Bell stated.
“And spending between $4-$5 billion sounds astronomical without substantial governmental assistance.”
The bill faces clause-by-clause readings set for Thursday when potential amendments may occur before returning back into session later on.
This report by The Canadian Press was first May 20th 2026. Liam Casey , The Canadian Press
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