Add Your Support
Turn Ottawa’s Decision into a Plan for Toronto
Ottawa’s decision not to expand Billy Bishop Airport at this time preserved the possibility of a different future for Toronto’s waterfront. Now we need governments to study that future seriously.
Harbourlands is requesting an independent, transparent comparison of credible long-term options—including continued airport operations, alternative aviation models and non-airport waterfront futures.
What happens now?
01
The Expansion Was Rejected
The federal government has declined to proceed with the proposed runway extension and jet expansion.
02
The Larger Question Remains
Toronto still needs a long-term strategy for aviation access, regional transportation and the future of its downtown harbour.
03
Now Compare the Alternatives
Before making another irreversible decision, governments should determine which combination of transportation and waterfront uses creates the greatest long-term public benefit.
Support a Net Public Benefit Study
We are asking the federal government, the Province of Ontario, the City of Toronto, Indigenous partners and Waterfront Toronto to establish an independent and transparent process.
Regional Transportation
Test whether Pearson, Alto and regional airports could provide the connectivity Toronto and Southern Ontario will need.
Alternative Aviation
Test whether a technically, environmentally and economically feasible alternative location could provide close-in aviation access.
The Waterfront
Determine what economic, public-realm, tourism, recreational and environmental value could be created if the Island Airport lands eventually became part of a connected waterfront.
Compare the Futures
Compare the net public benefit of the credible alternatives—including continued Billy Bishop operations, different aviation models, improved regional transportation and Harbourlands or other waterfront alternatives.
Harbourlands is not asking governments to decide the airport’s future today. It is asking them to compare the alternatives before Toronto makes another irreversible decision about its harbour.
Add Your Voice
Toronto has one downtown harbour. Decisions about its future will shape the city for generations.
Add your name in support of an independent, transparent Net Public Benefit Study of Toronto's airport, regional transportation and waterfront future.