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

The federal government has launched public consultations on the future of Toronto's island airport as the Ontario government pushes to expand the facility to accommodate jet aircraft.

Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government recently passed legislation allowing the province to replace the City of Toronto in the tripartite agreement governing Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

The agreement is now between Ontario, the federal government, and the Toronto Port Authority.

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

Prime Minister Mark Carney said last week that he has not yet taken a position on the proposed expansion and pledged to conduct extensive public consultations.

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon and Toronto-area Liberal MPs have also refrained from publicly endorsing or opposing the plan.

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, however, is urging Prime Minister Carney to step in and block the Ford government’s plan to expand Billy Bishop, saying, in a letter, that he is the “only one who can stop this expansion.”

The statement, made public earlier this month, repeats arguments made last month that the expansion lacks both public support in Toronto and a compelling business rationale.

Transport Canada is now seeking public input on the airport's future. Canadians can submit their views online here or by mail until July 24.

The department says it wants 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 airport.

According to Transport Canada, feedback gathered through the consultation process will help shape the federal government's decision on the airport's future.

The department also says it will release a report summarizing the views and concerns raised by participants.

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.

Premier Ford believes expanding Billy Bishop could boost annual passenger volumes from roughly two million to as many as 10 million.

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.”

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

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