Federal government not supporting Ontario’s plan to expand Billy Bishop airport

Published Jul 24, 2026  •  Last updated 1 minute ago  •  2 minute read

An undated photo of Billy Bishop airport and the Toronto skyline. Photo by Pomidorisgogo / iStockphoto /Getty Images

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The federal government is not on board with Ontario’s current plan to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on the city’s waterfront.

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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.”

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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.

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“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.”

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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.

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“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.

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