Feds Reject Billy Bishop Jet Expansion; Advocates Celebrate on Waterfront

The federal government has declined to support a proposal by the Ford government to expand Billy Bishop Airport to accommodate jets, according to reporting from CBC Toronto. Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon stated that the government is focusing exclusively on previously approved safety upgrades.

MacKinnon noted that the decision followed public consultations involving more than 87,000 responses, with nearly 87 per cent of respondents opposing the changes. The proposed expansion, championed by Premier Doug Ford, sought to extend the airport's runway 600 metres to the west.

Following the announcement, advocacy groups NoJetsTO and Environmental Defence organized a celebration involving a march and flotilla. Norm Di Pasquale, chair of NoJetsTO, described the outcome as a victory for the revitalized waterfront. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also attended the event, stating the decision returns land to the public and represents a win for the people. Additionally, Member of Provincial Parliament Chris Glover argued that subjecting waterfront residents to increased noise, pollution, and tourism would have been "grossly unfair."

However, the provincial government remains committed to the project. Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria stated on X that the province intends to continue working to advance the expansion, claiming the project would support new housing and deliver community benefits. MacKinnon also indicated the federal decision was made "at this stage," suggesting the possibility of a future change in course.