Update - July 24, 2026.

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced the federal government will not be proceeding with the proposed expansion of the Toronto Island Airport "at this stage" following a public consultation where nearly 87% of 87,000+ participants opposed the changes.
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"This victory proves that Torontonians will not stand by while our waterfront, our parks, and our quality of life are threatened." - Environmental Defence
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Next Steps

Support the motion to return the expropriated airport land to the City of Toronto.

While the Fedaral Government has decided not to move forward with the airport expansion "at this stage", the minister left the door open for a potential change of course in future years. Read more in this CBC article.

There's a proposal to expand the Toronto Island Airport to allow commercial jets. This would bring increased air, noise, and water pollution.

• Expansion would mean more flights, more ground traffic, and more air pollution.
• Expansion could lead to de-icing chemicals and potential fuel spills
• Airport noise already exceeds health guidelines in parts of the community near Toronto Island Airport. Expansion would increase noise.

A public consulatation is open until July 24, 2026. The Government of Canada wants to engage with the public on the future of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. This will help inform the Government of Canada on the priorities of Torontonians, Ontarians, and Canadians as it relates to any potential changes to the airport and Toronto’s waterfront. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard.

Check out Environmental Defence's guide to completing the public consultation survey

Public space is important to Torontonians. It's why we've invested in making the Waterfront a place for residents and families to gather and spend their time. Waterfront activities attract 17 million visits per year. An expanded Island Airport with jets will change all this, turning the Waterfront into Pearson-by-the-Lake. The federal government can easily stop this: the 1983 Tripartite Agreement already prohibits jets. Tell your MP to say no to jets on our waterfront.

Add Your Voice

Toronto's waterfront has seen billions in investment from all three levels of government, and has returned billions more to the economy. Jets would put that investment at risk and conflict with affordable housing plans on the East Waterfront, adding significant pollution and traffic while harming birds and animals. A parliamentary petition calls on the Government of Canada to exercise their authority as a signatory in the Toronto Island Airport Tripartite Agreement and save our waterfront by saying no to jets at the Toronto Island Airport.

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