Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the provincial government will assume control of Toronto’s ownership stake in the land used by Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, marking a significant shift in how the downtown airport could be managed and expanded in the future. Speaking at Queen’s Park on Tuesday, Ford said the province plans to compensate the City of Toronto not only for the value of its stake but also for any revenue the city would lose as a result of the transfer.
Ford indicated that he personally informed Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow of the decision during a meeting at his home. According to the premier, the province intends to take over the city’s interest in the airport and move forward with plans that could include extending the runways so certain types of jet aircraft can operate there. At present, Billy Bishop Airport only accommodates turboprop aircraft.
Mayor Chow responded by saying she has not yet seen any detailed proposals regarding the province’s plans for the airport. However, she noted that the airport already operates under an existing master plan and suggested the province could participate in that process. The land on which the airport operates is governed by a tripartite agreement involving the City of Toronto, the federal government, and the Toronto Port Authority, a federal agency responsible for managing the site.
Ford defended the move by arguing that Toronto needs two fully functioning airports in order to compete with other major global cities. He described the downtown airport as a valuable asset and an important economic driver that could boost competition and growth. According to Ford, cities such as New York and Chicago operate multiple airports, and Toronto should do the same to strengthen its economic position.
Debate over expanding Billy Bishop Airport has been politically contentious for more than two decades. Former Toronto mayor David Miller gained support during the 2003 municipal election by opposing plans to build a fixed bridge to the island airport. Instead, a pedestrian tunnel connecting the mainland to the airport was eventually constructed in 2015 with support from then mayor Rob Ford, the premier’s brother.
Residents living on the Toronto Islands and along nearby waterfront neighbourhoods have long voiced concerns about expanding airport operations, particularly the potential noise and environmental impacts of jet aircraft. Despite that opposition, Ford said internal polling conducted by the province suggests there is public support for expanding the airport’s capabilities.
The announcement comes shortly after Billy Bishop Airport confirmed that U.S. Customs and Border Protection will establish a pre clearance facility at the site. The addition would allow passengers to complete U.S. customs procedures before departing Toronto, removing the need to go through customs after arriving in the United States.
Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon did not provide a firm position on the proposal when asked about possible runway expansion and the introduction of jet service. The airport plan is part of a broader vision Ford has outlined for Toronto’s waterfront, which includes major redevelopment of Ontario Place and the search for a location to build a large convention centre. According to The Canadian Press, the report was first published on March 10, 2026.
