Toronto's executive committee has voted 11-1 to move ahead with negotiations on the proposed expansion of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
The 13-member committee heard from dozens of residents on potential job growth, traffic and noise concerns before voting late Tuesday night.
Porter Airlines' proposal includes extending runways at the island airport by 200 metres at each end to make room for passenger jets.
Porter has said that runway expansions would allow the airline to increase its services, which have grown from 26,000 passengers in 2006 to 2.3 million passengers in 2013.
Councillors opposing the expansion plans say that this isn't the green light for Porter.
"It's not been approved. Jets have not been approved at this council meeting,” Coun. Adam Vaughan told reporters.
Leading up to the meeting, Mayor Rob Ford said he'd fight as hard as he can to get the vote through council.
"It's amazing for Toronto, stimulates our economy, creates jobs, brings in millions of dollars and we should get on with it," Ford told CTV Toronto on Tuesday.
Transport Canada and Port Authority need to conduct an environmental assessment, study noise and assess traffic concerns.
City council will debate the item next Tuesday.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Natalie Johnson and CTVNews.ca's Kendra Mangione
