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TORONTO — The federal government has rejected Ontario’s plan to expand Toronto’s Billy Bishop airport to accommodate jets on a longer runway.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said public consultations on the future of the island airport got feedback on a range of issues including transportation, noise, environmental impacts and quality of life. The government received more than 87,000 responses, he said.
“We will always work collaboratively with our partners in studying the region’s connectivity needs and protecting the interests of local residents,” he said in a statement Friday.
“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.”
He said that “at this stage,” the government is exclusively focused on the approved safety upgrades currently taking place at the airport near the downtown Toronto waterfront.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government recently passed legislation to take over the city’s spot in a tripartite agreement that governs Billy Bishop airport, joining the federal government and the Toronto Port Authority, an arm’s-length federal agency.
The law also gave Ontario the power to take over city-owned lands along the adjacent waterfront and Toronto Islands to facilitate an expansion, a move the mayor has called a land grab without consultation.
Ford has said the airport expansion could increase passenger traffic from two million a year to 10 million.
A spokesperson for his office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday night.
Ontario Transport Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the province will continue trying to advance an expansion, saying it would add up to $8.5 billion a year to the Canadian economy and create thousands of jobs.
“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,” he said on social media.
Mayor Olivia Chow thanked Prime Minister Mark Carney and MacKinnon 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,” she said in a social media post.
