Billy Bishop expansion prompts health study, environmental warnings

Toronto's Board of Health is launching a review into the potential health effects of the Ontario government's proposed expansion of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ).

At a meeting Monday (July 13), health experts, residents and community members urged the board to take a closer look at how a larger airport could affect people living downtown, arguing that the public health implications require a thorough assessment.

Delegates raised a range of concerns during the meeting, including what some described as "unprecedented health risks" associated with airport expansion, while others pointed to potential impacts on conditions such as ADHD and memory, Global News reports.

Following the discussion, the board directed Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Michelle Murti, to prepare a report examining the proposal.

Working with Health Canada, Murti will assess the potential effects of expanding Billy Bishop, with a particular focus on lung and heart disease.

Water quality study

Meanwhile, a new report heading to Toronto city council says the proposed expansion of Billy Bishop could significantly worsen water quality in the city's Inner Harbour and undermine the benefits of billions of dollars in waterfront infrastructure investments.

The report, prepared by city staff, examines the potential environmental impacts of expansion proposal, CBC News reports.

Because the province has not yet released detailed plans, the analysis relies on a 2017 environmental assessment that examined the effects of extending the airport's runway by 200 metres.

READ MORE: NDP urges Mark Carney to stop expansion at Billy Bishop airport

According to the report, a runway extension of that size would cut water flow through the harbour's western channel by roughly 50 per cent.

That would cause water – along with pollutants such as sewage – to remain in the harbour about twice as long, increasing the risk of deteriorating water quality.

The report warns that reduced water flow could also affect recreational use of the harbour and negatively impact local biodiversity.

Ontario flies froward

The concerns come as the Ontario government moves ahead with plans to expand Billy Bishop to accommodate larger aircraft, arguing the project would deliver a major economic boost for the region.

If approved, the expansion would increase annual passenger volumes from about two million to as many as 10 million.

Earlier this year, the Ford government passed legislation giving the province control over the City of Toronto's role in overseeing the airport, while also granting itself expropriation powers over large portions of Toronto Island.

READ MORE: Feds start public consultation on future of Billy Bishop’s expansion

The province also intends to designate the site as a special economic zone, a move that would allow it to bypass certain provincial and municipal regulations to speed up construction of the expansion.

Although the government did not conduct public consultations on the proposal, Premier Doug Ford has repeatedly said internal polling indicates that more than 70 per cent of respondents support expanding Billy Bishop.

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.”

900 metres of additional land

As previously reported, plans to lengthen the runway at Billy Bishop 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.

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 and Mail reported.

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

Port Authority CEO RJ Steenstra has said the expansion would be funded by airlines and passengers rather than taxpayers, with costs estimated at $4 billion to $5 billion over 25 years.

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

The debate also comes on the heels of Billy Bishop opening a brand-new U.S. Preclearance facility, promising faster arrivals, new route opportunities, and a more seamless experience for travellers passing through the airport.

Federal consultations underway

While studies begin, the public has an opportunity to weigh in.

Last month, the federal government launched public consultations on the future of the island airport, where Porter Airlines and Air Canada operate service.

Transport Canada is seeking input on a range of issues, including noise levels, environmental impacts, economic benefits and the effect on the quality of life of residents living near the facility.

Canadians can submit their views online here or by mail until July 24.

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