The Federal Government has now announced that they will not be supporting Doug Ford's plan to introduce jets at Billy Bishop Airport. They made important commitments: they will not pursue any plans that infringe on public spaces such as 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 new housing such as in planned neighbourhoods like Ookwemin Minising.
This is an important win that belongs to you.
However, while we celebrate this win, we must also read Ottawa’s letter with sober eyes. It wasn’t an announcement that an expansion will never happen - it was meant to set the grounds for a conversation. We must prepare for what’s next.
We will need a real plan for the future of Billy Bishop Airport and our waterfront. We are asking Doug Ford to stop throwing around bombastic promises and hyperbolic insults - and to stop trying to divide people. We need him to come to the table with the City, the Federal Government, and the Toronto Port Authority to have an adult conversation about our priorities and our options.
Toronto is ready to do the work, and I will continue to work with you to realize a vision that supports economic development while ensuring the protection of a successful, healthy and vibrant waterfront.