The federal government says it won’t support Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s plan to expand Billy Bishop Airport to allow jets to take off and land there.
In a post on the social media platform X, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon says the government will focus exclusively on “approved safety enhancements” for the airport and Toronto residents will have a say in future plans for the facility.
MacKinnon said the airport is a critical part of Canada’s transportation network.
“As we ensure its future as a vital transportation, economic, and tourism hub for Toronto, it is important that we do it with and for Canadians,” he said. “Toronto voices will shape any future plans for Billy Bishop Airport.”
MacKinnon said the government received more than 87,000 responses to its consultation on the airport, which ended Friday.
The minister said Ottawa will always work collaboratively with its partners to “study the region’s connectivity needs and protecting the interests of local residents.”
“However, 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.”
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MacKinnon said the government heard feedback on a number of issues through its consultation, including transportation, economics, environmental protection, noise, housing and quality of life. He added that the airport safety enhancements are expected to be completed in mid-2027.
In a statement on Friday night, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow thanked Prime Minister Mark Carney and MacKinnon for listening to local residents.
“Thank you to everyone who spoke out, shared your voice, and stood up for our community. Your relentless advocacy has made a difference,” Chow said.
“Now that this expansion is not moving forward, we are calling on the province to return the city’s land. Together, we can continue working to protect our waterfront for future generations.”
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Ford had said he hoped to quintuple annual passenger traffic from around two million to 10 million at the island airport.
The province passed legislation in May to take Toronto’s place in a tripartite agreement that governs the airport and to take over city-owned lands on the adjacent waterfront and the Toronto Islands. Previously, the agreement was between the city, federal government and Toronto Port Authority, a federal agency.
The bill received royal assent in June. The Toronto Port Authority supported the airport expansion.
The Toronto Port Authority issued a statement Saturday, saying it’s been advised the federal government is still focused on implementation and completion of runway end safety areas at the airport.
“As the owners and operators of the airport, the Toronto Port Authority will work to fulfil this initiative and ensure the needs of the city and region are met for the future,” it said.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said in a post on X on Friday night that the provincial government still has plans for the airport.
“We look forward to continuing to work to advance the expansion of Billy Bishop Airport,” Sarkaria said.
“The benefits are clear: the project will contribute up to $8.5 billion to Canada’s economy every year, create thousands of jobs, and improve connectivity for millions of travellers and businesses across Ontario, North America and beyond,” he said.
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Sarkaria said the plan would ensure the project “protects public spaces, including the Toronto Islands, addresses potential noise and environmental impacts, expands and improves Little Norway Park, supports new housing opportunities in the area, and delivers lasting benefits for local communities.”
Tim Gray, executive director of advocacy group Environmental Defence, called Ottawa’s decision a “monumental victory” for Toronto, the waterfront and its residents.
“The federal government’s decision to ground the proposal to expand the Toronto Island Airport to accommodate jets is a triumph for community power and democratic participation,” Gray said.
“You can’t buy our waterfront. We just proved it.”
The decision to reject the expansion plan followed massive public opposition, he said.
“This victory proves that Torontonians will not stand by while our waterfront, our parks, and our quality of life are threatened.”
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