What to know
- Ottawa has rejected Ontario’s proposal to expand Billy Bishop Airport to allow jets.
- Many Toronto residents interviewed by NOW Toronto welcomed the decision, citing concerns about noise, pollution and community spaces.
- Some pointed to Hanlan’s Point and Toronto’s waterfront as areas they wanted protected from increased air traffic.
- While most opposed revisiting the proposal, others said the idea could be reconsidered in the future under different circumstances.
Ottawa has officially rejected Doug Ford’s push to expand Billy Bishop Airport for jets, and many Toronto residents say the decision puts neighbourhoods and public spaces ahead of convenience.
If the Ontario Prime Minister’s proposal to expand Toronto City’s Billy Bishop Airport had been approved, jets would have been allowed to take off and land there.
But last Friday, the federal government put an end to the proposal. So, Now Toronto asked locals for their thoughts on the decision.
Read More
- ‘We won’: Toronto politicians react to the Federal Government’s rejection of Doug Ford’s Billy Bishop proposal
- Ford moves to take control of Billy Bishop lands for airport expansion
- City councillor Josh Matlow accuses Ford of bullying amid Billy Bishop expansion plan
- ‘Reckless,’ Toronto pushes back as Ontario plans to seize control of Billy Bishop Airport lands
‘More power to the people’: Locals agree with Ottawa rejecting the proposal
Toronto resident Christopher T. believes that the rejection of Doug Ford’s proposal to expand Billy Bishop Airport is a very positive thing.
“Expanding Billy Bishop is only going to increase pollution in the city, and you know we already have enough air traffic,” he told Now Toronto.
“They’re trying to make the zoning smaller for Hanlan’s Point, which is a very prominent Gay Pride area in the city, and I personally attend it.”
Christopher is happy that the government finally listened to the people.
“More power to the people, and down with the jets, and eat the rich,” he said.
Toronto resident Jorge M. is “okay” that it got rejected, saying, “there’s probably no other right time for the city to be spending on that.”
While Megan D. is “really happy for it.”
“I’m just proud of everybody who raised their voice and their concerns about it. I think it’s a win,” she told Now Toronto.
Should Ford re-propose this motion in the next few months?
Jorge M. would love more flights, saying the convenience from a city airport is great, but would love to see the proposal at a better time.
“Maybe later on. Let’s just wait to see if things get better in general. Why not?” he said.
Megan D. would prefer less noise rather than more flights, and a cleaner, safer community.
“I think he should give up,” she said.
Do Torontonians believe it should’ve been a federal decision, or in collaboration with the city?
Christopher T. believes the decision should’ve been made in collaboration with the city.
“They shouldn’t try to use federal ruling to undermine municipal policies,” he said.
Jorge M. and Megan D. also agreed that it should be a collective agreement.
The decision has also intensified tensions between Queen’s Park and Ottawa.
After the federal government rejected the expansion, the Ford government criticized the move as giving in to a “fringe group” of opponents and has since questioned its support for the federal government’s proposed Alto high-speed rail project.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow maintains the matter has been settled, saying, “Ultimately, who makes the final decision? The federal government—and they’ve said no.”
