Federal government rejects Doug Ford plan to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source The federal government is not on board with Ontario’s current plan to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on the city’s waterfront. In a Friday evening statement issued on social media , Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon said the feds will not go ahead with Premier Doug Ford’s plan announced in March after receiving more than 87,000 responses from area residents who mainly opposed the idea. “At this stage, I can confirm that our focus lies exclusively on the approved safety enhancements, which are currently taking place, and are required to maintain safe operations at the airport,” MacKinnon said. “They are expected to be completed in mid-2027.” My statement on Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. pic.twitter.com/4K1J4eropy— Steven MacKinnon (@stevenmackinnon) July 25, 2026 Billy Bishop also recently opened a state-of-the-art customs pre-clearance facility following a $30-million investment by the federal government. “As we ensure its future as a vital transportation, economic, and tourist hub for Toronto, it is important that we do it with and for Canadians,” he said. Feds listened to feedback MacKinnon said the federal government has listened to feedback from area residents on a range of issues that could impact the community. Ultimately, Ottawa did not give the thumbs up to transform the regional airport into a larger transportation hub that can accommodate jets under the current plan. “We will always work collaboratively with our partners in studying the region’s connectivity needs and protecting the interests of local residents,” MacKinnon said. RECOMMENDED VIDEO “However, we will not pursue any plans that infringe on treasured public spaces like Little Norway Park or Hanlan’s Point Beach, result in elevated noise, have significant environmental impacts, or hinder Toronto’s ability to build much-needed housing.” MacKinnon said the federal government is still moving ahead with the Toronto Pearson airport expansion, the construction of the country’s first high-speed rail network, and other investments in municipal and regional transit systems in the Greater Toronto Area. Province still moving forward with plans Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said, following MacKinnon’s announcement, that the province is continuing to work toward the airport’s expansion. “The benefits are clear: the project will contribute up to $8.5 billion to Canada’s economy every year, create thousands of jobs, and improve connectivity for millions of travellers and businesses across Ontario, North America and beyond,” he wrote on social platform X . We look forward to continuing to work to advance the expansion of Billy Bishop Airport. The benefits are clear: the project will contribute up to $8.5 billion to Canada's economy every year, create thousands of jobs, and improve connectivity for millions of travellers and…— Prabmeet Sarkaria (@PrabSarkaria) July 25, 2026 “As this work continues, we look forward to seeing and anticipate a plan that ensures the project protects public spaces, including the Toronto Islands, addresses potential noise and environmental impacts, expands and improves Little Norway Park, supports new housing opportunities in the area, and delivers lasting benefits for local communities. Plan sought to take over Toronto lands On March 23, the Ford government announced its plan to expand the airport by taking over the City of Toronto’s role in its governing tripartite agreement with the province and Ottawa, which included taking ownership of city-owned lands. Ford’s rationale at the time was to help meet future travel demand and reduce pressure at Toronto Pearson. High-profile group urges feds to block Billy Bishop airport expansionLILLEY: Ford’s plan for jets at Billy Bishop common sense for jobs and growth

The federal government has rejected a plan to expand Billy Bishop City Airport in Toronto. Transportation Minister Steven MacKinnon issued a statement Friday saying that he would not proceed with the expansion plan suggested by Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “We will always work collaboratively with our partners in studying the region’s connectivity needs and protecting […]