Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Toronto Port Authority says a proposed expansion of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport could cost between $4 billion and $5 billion over the next 25 years.
Port authority CEO RJ Steenstra told a Queen’s Park committee this week the project would be rolled out in phases and largely funded privately.
“This is not an overnight investment,” Steenstra said at the committee meeting. “This will take time to ensure that we’re meeting the needs. It’s a phased-in approach.”
The Toronto Port Authority owns and operates the airport, while the passenger terminal is owned by Nieuport Aviation. Steenstra told the committee commercial airports in Canada are generally self-funded through passenger and airline fees under the Aeronautics Act and said Billy Bishop would follow the same model.
“Billy Bishop airport needs to prepare for the future growth in the province’s population and of our growing economy,” he said. “If we don’t plan ahead, a lack of airport capacity could result in higher fares per passengers, declining regional connectivity including access to remote northern communities and a reduction in tourism and business activity.”
Bill 110, introduced in late April, would allow Ontario to replace the City of Toronto in the tripartite agreement governing the airport lands. The agreement currently includes the city, federal government and Toronto Port Authority.
Premier Doug Ford and Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria support expanding the airport to allow jets.
Federal officials, however, have not confirmed support for the plan.
During committee hearings Steenstra confirmed a business plan or health and environmental studies examining the impacts of the expansion have not been done and plans have not yet been shared with the City of Toronto.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has criticized the process and said the city should have greater involvement. She has spoken out against a provincial plan to take over a section of a park on Toronto’s waterfront as part of plans to expand Billy Bishop Airport.
“This park belongs to the people. And no, it should not be expropriated. It should not be paved over,” Chow said at a press conference in early May at Little Norway Park. “It is just a pure power grab.”
“To the provincial government, you do not get to erase this park without a fight. And to the people standing here and to every Torontonian, we need your voice. Talk to your neighbours, make some noise. This park belongs to you and we are going to keep it that way.”
City council passed motions to challenge the province and will consider legal action.
“We’re not done,” Chow said.
