Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he remains determined to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and believes the facility will eventually be able to accommodate jet aircraft, despite the federal government’s decision to reject the proposal.
Ottawa turned down the expansion plan last month following a public consultation in which opposition to introducing jets at the downtown Toronto airport was widespread.
Ford, however, has given no indication that he intends to abandon the project.
Speaking in Guelph on Thursday, the premier said he believes the airport could become a major success if the expansion goes ahead, arguing that market demand should ultimately determine its future.
Province takes over Toronto’s role
Billy Bishop Airport has historically been governed under a tripartite agreement involving the City of Toronto, the federal government and the Toronto Port Authority, a federal agency.
Earlier this year, the Ontario government took over the city’s role in the agreement, giving the province a more direct position in discussions surrounding the airport’s future.
Ford has argued that allowing jets at the airport would strengthen Toronto’s economy while giving travellers additional options and potentially lower airfares.
The premier also said he has requested additional polling on the proposal.
Ottawa leaves door open, but rejects current proposal
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has maintained that the consultation results were clear in opposing the introduction of jets.
At the same time, Carney has stopped short of ruling out the possibility permanently, saying that “forever is a long time.”
It remains unclear whether Ford considers those comments an opportunity to reopen negotiations.
The premier has also been linked to discussions surrounding the federal government’s proposed Alto high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City.
Unconfirmed reports previously suggested that Ford and Carney had reached an informal agreement under which Ontario would support the rail project in exchange for federal backing of the airport expansion. Carney has denied promising to approve the airport proposal.
Alto rail project creates new tensions
Ford was also cautious when asked whether he supports the Alto high-speed rail initiative.
While he said he believes in cooperation between different levels of government, he pointed to concerns among members of his eastern Ontario caucus.
Eleven Progressive Conservative MPPs from eastern Ontario recently questioned the viability of the Alto project and accused the federal government of overlooking regional concerns.
For now, the future of jet operations at Billy Bishop remains uncertain, with Ottawa opposed to the current expansion proposal and the Ontario government continuing to signal that it intends to pursue the project.
