A Porter passenger plane takes off from Billy Bishop airport in Toronto on March 23.Cole Burston/The Globe and Mail
The federal government has rejected Ontario’s plans to allow jets at Billy Bishop airport on the downtown Toronto waterfront, delivering a major blow to Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s agenda.
Transport Minister Steve MacKinnon said in a statement Friday that the expansion plans will not go ahead at this stage.
Federal consultations on the jets concluded Friday and an overwhelming majority of the 87,000 responses came from people in Toronto who said they did not want the expansion to go forward, according to a senior government source.
The Globe and Mail is not naming the source as they were not authorized to speak publicly about the plans.
The decision is separate from the airport expansion already under way.
Just last year, Toronto agreed to allow the expansion of the airport’s runway buffer areas, as required by new Transport Canada rules.
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Mr. MacKinnon said in a statement late Friday that the safety expansion is the only thing currently on Ottawa’s agenda.
“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,” he said.
“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.” The government, he said, will always work with its partners to study the region’s connectivity needs and protect 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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A provincial government source said Ontario believes that Ottawa is not formally closing the door to jet expansion, by using the term “at this stage.” The Globe is not naming the provincial source as they are not authorized to speak about internal discussions.
Ontario on Friday delivered a statement that presumed the expansion plan could still occur.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the province looks forward “to continuing to work to advance the expansion of Billy Bishop Airport,” citing economic benefits of the project.
“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.
The Ontario Premier has made the expansion of Billy Bishop one of the top priorities of his government. The province passed a law to take over the city of Toronto’s stake in a tripartite agreement that also includes the federal government and the Toronto Port Authority, a federal agency.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who has long been opposed to jets at the island airport, thanked Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mr. MacKinnon for “listening to the people of Toronto,” as well as those in the community who spoke out against the plan.
“Your relentless advocacy has made a difference,” she said on X late Friday.
Ms. Chow said the province should return the land it expropriated from Toronto to pursue its airport expansion plans.
“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,” she said.
NDP MPP Chris Glover, who represents the Toronto waterfront riding of Spadina-Fort York, said in a statement Friday that the people of Toronto sent a strong message to Mr. Ford.
“Doug Ford thought he could push through his ridiculous plans by overriding our democratic rights. He was mistaken,” Mr. Glover said. He also called for the province to repeal its law that took over Toronto’s land.
Mr. Ford has previously said that Mr. Carney is on board with his plan. The Prime Minister has said that it is an “interesting vision,” but did not formally endorse it, and last month said he has not formed an opinion on the proposal.