Ontario Premier Doug Ford announces plans to expropriate the City of Toronto’s stake in Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, aiming to extend the runway and accommodate smaller jets in the downtown core.
Ford’s Expropriation Plan
The premier confirmed on Tuesday that his government will take control of the airport. “We will be taking over the airport,” Ford stated. “We will be compensating the city for it. Not compensating just for the value but also for any lost revenue — I believe they make $5 million a year, we will compensate them for that.”
Ford emphasized the need for studies to assess noise impacts on downtown Toronto, suitable jet types, and increased passenger capacity. “I don’t ever foresee 747s flying into the island airport, but smaller jets,” he explained. “And it’ll be convenient for travellers, especially going around Canada and possibly into the U.S.”
Mayor Chow’s Opposition
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed reservations about introducing jets to the waterfront. “I have not seen any concrete plans for an extended airport, so I don’t precisely know what the province might be doing,” she told reporters. “As for jets, there needs to be discussion so the waterfront is balanced … I don’t support jets, but we shall see as to what is the balance in the waterfront. Jets are noisy.”
Current Governance and History
The airport operates under a tripartite agreement involving the City of Toronto, Toronto Port Authority, and federal government. City council extended the lease at the end of 2024 in a 17-8 vote, despite staff recommendations for more public consultation.
Ford first highlighted the airport’s potential in February, describing it as a “gold mine.” “I got to tell you one thing, we got to extend that runway. We have to bring jets in, smaller jets, whatever, until people can hop on there,” he said at the event.
Debate over runway expansion has intensified following internal government polling on the issue.
