Ford government moves forward with plan to take over Billy Bishop

The Ford government is pressing forward with its plan to take over Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) in downtown Toronto, including assuming control of nearby waterfront parkland, despite strong opposition from the mayor’s office.

On Thursday (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, Global News reports.

Sarkaria said the government is enthusiastic about the proposal, highlighting its economic benefits for the city, province, and country.

Mayor Chow opposes “unilateral” land takeover

However, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has not expressed the same level of 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 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.

Details about how the province and Billy Bishop Airport intend to use the land or carry out any expansion remain uncertain.

Minister Sarkaria was unable to say how long a new runway would need to be to handle jet traffic, or how land taken from Little Norway Park would be used.

There’s also no clear timeline for the project, though the government says it plans to begin work right away.

Last month, the province announced it would label the airport a special economic zone — a designation that allows certain rules and regulations to be set aside — a move that has drawn significant criticism.

The authority comes from Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, which the government passed last year to give itself the power to create these zones.

READ MORE: Carney calls proposal to allow jets at Billy Bishop an “interesting vision”

Under the legislation, Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet can designate areas where environmental, provincial, and local laws may be suspended to speed up development.

Ford has argued that waiving some rules, including environmental protections, would not harm the surrounding area.

He has said the government still considers environmental impacts, but emphasized that projects cannot be delayed indefinitely. He also noted that the federal government supports the plan.

Government polling suggests public support

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.

The airport’s operator, PortsToronto, supports Ford’s vision for the airport.

President and CEO RJ Steenstra said the organization is developing plans to modernize the facility to keep pace with growing aviation demand as Ontario’s population is projected to increase from 16.1 million to 20.5 million by 2051.

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.

The discussion 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.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook