Billy Bishop expansion could extend runway 900 metres into lake: report

Plans to lengthen the runway at Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) on the Toronto Islands so it can handle jets could require as much as 900 metres of additional land out into Lake Ontario—significantly more than what was considered when a similar proposal was rejected about ten years ago.

However, the head of the Toronto Port Authority (TPA) says the expansion can be achieved without major disruption to the inner harbour or nearby waterfront development plans, including proposed high-rise housing.

In a Monday (April 27) interview with The Globe and Mail, TPA president and CEO RJ Steenstra shared some first details about the plan.

He said the draft is still months from completion and will go through public consultations, as well as requiring approval from the federal government and Transport Canada.

Under the emerging concept, the runway would be extended by about 600 metres, plus 150-metre safety zones at each end already planned, bringing the total extension to roughly 900 metres, the Globe reports.

Most of the new structure (up to 750 metres) would likely extend westward into Lake Ontario, running alongside the shoreline near Ontario Place.

READ MORE: Ford government moves forward with plan to take over Billy Bishop

Steenstra said this layout would limit changes on the eastern side of the airport, meaning only the existing 150-metre buffer would be needed there.

He argued this would keep impacts on boat traffic in the inner harbour similar to current conditions and avoid changes to flight paths that could interfere with development plans in the Port Lands.

He also stressed that the authority is trying to avoid disrupting the waterfront.

“We are very, very conscientious of this magnificent harbour that we’re responsible for,” he told the Globe.

“Unilaterally taking City land is not acceptable”

As previously reported, the Ford government recently announced that it is pressing forward with a plan to take over Billy Bishop, including assuming control of nearby waterfront parkland, despite strong opposition from the mayor’s office.

On April 23, Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria introduced the Building Billy Bishop Airport Act, which would grant the province authority over land in and around the island airport.
If approved, the legislation would allow Ontario to take over about one-third of Little Norway Park and replace the City of Toronto in the three-party agreement that governs the airport.

However, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has not expressed support.

“Unilaterally taking City land is not acceptable,” she said in a statement. “The province is about to uproot a complete community, take our land, and pave over Little Norway Park. That sends a signal to all Torontonians, if the province wants to, they can take land, public space and parks to pave them without the City of Toronto having a say.”

Mayor Chow has brought forward a motion at city council pushing back against the plan, calling on the province to purchase affected residents’ properties and issue an apology, among other requests.

Government polling vs. “Pearson by the lake”

Expanding the Toronto’s island airport has been discussed for years but has never moved ahead, partly due to public opposition.

However, Ford said provincial polling suggests significant support for the idea.

An online survey conducted by the Ontario government between Nov. 28 and Dec. 2, 2025 polled 2,514 Ontario residents aged 18 and older.

According to the government, about 70 per cent of respondents supported expanding the airport.

But not everyone is on board with the idea. NoJetsTO, a coalition of concerned citizens dedicated to preserving Toronto's mixed-use waterfront, has launched a petition against the waterfront development.

“In the winter we skate, in the summer we attend festivals and sample delicious food. Waterfront activities attract 17 million visits per year,” reads the petition. “An expanded Island Airport with jets will change all this, turning the Waterfront into Pearson-by-the-Lake.”

Larger jets not part of the plan.

Currently, the types of aircraft allowed to operate at Billy Bishop are restricted by the Tripartite Agreement — a deal signed in 1983 that governs how the airport operates.

However, the Toronto Port Authority, along with Porter Airlines and Nieuport Aviation, have been advocating for a change, arguing that newer jets can operate as quietly (or even more quietly) than turboprop planes.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has argued the change would boost the economy, while federal involvement remains uncertain. Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a previous statement, called the expansion at Billy Bishop “an interesting vision.”

The Toronto Port Authority says it is working with all levels of government and expects consultation as the plan develops.

Steenstra told the Globe that the expanded runway would still be shorter than major airports like Toronto Pearson, and would mainly accommodate smaller jet aircraft such as the Embraer E195-E2 and Airbus A220, which carry around 135–160 passengers.

He noted that larger jets are not part of the plan.

The debate comes as Billy Bishop recently opened a brand-new U.S. Preclearance facility, promising faster arrivals, smoother connections, new route opportunities, and a more seamless experience for travellers passing through YTZ.

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