Ontario's Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria vowed to advance Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport expansion plans and accused the federal government of yielding to a "fringe group" of Toronto residents who opposed provincial efforts.
Ontario Pushes Forward on Airport Expansion
Sarkaria asserted the province has no intention to repeal legislation that enabled land expropriation for the airport and positioned the provincial government within the tripartite agreement overseeing its operations. This move comes after the federal government officially halted runway expansion plans for jet aircraft, citing substantial negative public feedback received during consultations.
Federal Transportation Minister Steven MacKinnon confirmed the government's focus remains solely on approved safety enhancements, stating any plans that "infringe on treasured public spaces" will not be pursued. This federal decision was celebrated by opponents of the expansion, prompting a motion from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow demanding the return of expropriated island airport lands.
Island Airport Expansion Faces Opposition
Despite the federal government's decision, which appeared to catch the Ontario government by surprise, Sarkaria indicated no retreat. "Disappointed with the statement that was released by the federal government on Friday," Sarkaria stated, adding, "We’ve seen the federal government listen to a small fringe group in Toronto."
Sarkaria also voiced concerns about the federal stance impacting future development. "If Prime Minister Carney and his team want to… if this is how they’re going to treat bigger projects, I don’t think you’ll get much built," he remarked. He maintained the expansion is a sensible project, citing support from healthcare leaders in Northern Ontario and mayors in Eastern Ontario who emphasized its potential to bolster regional transportation needs.
As a participant in the tripartite agreement, Sarkaria affirmed Premier Ford and the provincial government will continue working toward a modernized Billy Bishop airport, aligning with the Toronto Port Authority's published plan. The province continues to "urge the federal government to continue to consider the proposal."
