East Toronto residents can take part in federal government consultation on future of Billy Bishop airport
The Canadian government has announced a public consultation on the future of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
The online consultation process weas announced by Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon in the House of Commons earlier this month.
The feedback received will inform planning and future airport operations. Additionally, Transport Canada stated they will be working with provincial and municipal governments, Indigenous peoples, NAV Canada, and the Toronto Port Authority regarding the issue.
“These consultations will provide communities and residents with an opportunity to share their perspectives on the future of the airport. Feedback gathered through this process will play a key role in guiding any future decisions,” said MacKinnon in the June 8 Government of Canada news release.
The public consultation opened on June 8 and will be running until July 24. The decision to open the consultation emerged from issues raised by community members regarding the Province of Ontario’s stated plans to expand the airport.
The Ontario government announced the expansion in March, with plans to modernize and increase the capacity of the airport. Citing future demand in southern Ontario, reducing pressure on Pearson Airport and offer increased as well as cheaper flight options and routes. The government of Premier Doug Ford said it also plans to allow jet aircrafts to land and take off at Billy Bishop, a goal endorsed by the federal government.
However, there have been concerns voiced within a number of Toronto neighbourhoods including the Beach, Leslieville and southwest Scarborough regarding the proposed expansion as many of the air travel routes pass directly overhead.
East Toronto residents are concerned over an increase of air traffic, and air and noise pollution post expansion, especially with the allowance of jets. Others cite environmental concern include loss of green space, disruption to beaches and natural habitats, and the impact on proposed development plans for the Port Lands.
Residents who wish to make their feelings known to the federal government regarding the Billy Bishop airport expansion plans can see the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/PFJSW2X
