The federal government has shut down plans to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, citing concerns about pubic space, housing, noise and environmental impacts, despite continued support for the project from Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government.
Global News reports that Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced Friday that Ottawa’s focus will remain exclusively on approved runway safety enhancements currently underway at the airport, ending the prospect of the expansion proposal that would have included a longer runway and the introduction of jet aircraft, meaning bigger planes would be able to land and depart from the airport, which can now only accommodate smaller aircraft.
MacKinnon said more than 87,000 responses were received through Transport Canada’s consultation process examining the future of Billy Bishop Airport, and said public feedback helped shape the federal decision.
The minister noted that Billy Bishop remains a critical part of Canada’s air transportation network and pointed to the airport’s recently opened customs pre-clearance facility, supported by a $30 million federal investment. He, however, said that any future discussions about the airport must reflect the concerns raised by Toronto residents.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow applauded the decision and thanked the federal government for intervening.
With the expansion no longer proceeding, Chow is also calling on the Ontario government to return city-owned land associated with the proposal. “Together, we can continue working to protect our waterfront for future generations,” the mayor said.
