The federal government says that it won’t support the Ontario government’s expansion plans for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Federal Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon made the announcement over the weekend following public consultations that began June 8 and wrapped up on July 24.
Shortly after those consultations closed, Minister MacKinnon announced on X that: “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. They are expected to be completed in mid-2027.”
Minister MacKinnon’s post continued: “Toronto voices will shape any future plans for Billy Bishop Airport. Through this public consultation, we have listened to feedback on a range of issues, including transportation, economics, environmental protection, noise, housing, and quality of life.”
He continued: “Billy Bishop Airport is a critical part of Canada’s air transportation network located in the heart of Toronto’s waterfront community. 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 For instance, the airport recently opened a state-of-the-art customs pre-clearance facility, supported by a $30 million federal investment.”
The public consultations received over 87,000 responses, with 87% of those responses opposed to the changes that the Ontario government was proposing for the airport.
Minister MacKinnon observed: “Through this public consultation, we have listened to feedback on a range of issues, including transportation, economics, environmental protection, noise, housing, and quality of life.”
And the Minister made it clear that: “We will always work collaboratively with our partners in studying 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 Part or Hanlan’s Point Beach, result in elevated noise, have significant environmental impacts or hinder Toronto’s ability to build much-needed housing.”
Said Minister MacKinnon: “Billy Bishop Airport is a critical part of Canada’s air transportation network located in the heart of Toronto’s waterfront community. 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. For instance, the airport recently opened a state-of-the-art customs pre-clearance facility, supported by a $30 million federal investment.”
Reactions to the decision
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow wrote on X: “I want to thank the Prime Minister and the Minister of Transportation for listening to the people of Toronto. Thank you to everyone who spoke out, shared your voice, and stood up for our community. Your relentless advocacy has made a difference.”
Mayor Chow continued: “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 build a waterfront for future generations, with new parks, housing and more.”
In response to the announcement, Ontario’s Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria wrote on X: “We look forward to continuing to work to advance the expansion of Billy Bishop Airport. 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.”
Minister Sarkaria continued: “As this work continues, we look forward to seeing and anticipate a plan that ensures 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.”
Fast facts on Billy Bishop
- The Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has a unique ownership structure when compared to other airports in Canada: three parties own the land required to operate the airport.
- Most of the land is owned by the Toronto Port Authority (78.5%), and the remaining portions are owned by the City of Toronto (20%) and by Transport Canada (1.5%).
- The Toronto Port Authority has leased the lands owned by Transport Canada and the City since 1983 under the Tripartite Agreement.
- In June 2026, the Province of Ontario passed legislation to enable the province to acquire the City of Toronto-owned airport lands and to facilitate the City’s replacement as a party to the Tripartite Agreement. That process is ongoing.
