'Let's fix the runway now': Changes could be coming to Billy Bishop Airport
Mayor Olivia Chow’s Executive Committee has adopted a report about extending the runway at Billy Bishop Airport.
PortsToronto is facing a federal regulatory deadline of July 12, 2027 to have a Runway Safety End Area (RESA) at Billy Bishop.
The federal government added the requirement for all airports in Canada in 2021. It means that airports need to have at least 150 metres of safety length at each end of the runways that serve commercial flights in order to help planes avoid missing the runway.
City staff are recommending a limited amendment of the tripartide agreement that governs the airport in order to add mass to the island to extend the runway.
At the same time PortsToronto is asking that its lease to operate the airport be extended by 40 years through 2073 in order to allow a longer window for financing the runway expansion.
City staff are recommending an option to extend the runway, but are not recommending an extension of the lease, which is set to expire in 2033.
Some local groups have said they oppose any expansion of operations or infrastructure at the airport at all.
Speaking with reporters ahead of the meeting Tuesday, Mayor Olivia Chow said she fully supports the runway expansion option proposed by city staff, which the report notes has the smallest impact to life near the waterfront.
"For 14 years Billy Bishop airport knows that runway is too short. So what should be the goal? Build as quickly as possible a runway that is long enough to make it safe," Chow said. "That is our top priority because heaven forbid, I don't want a plane having trouble because the runway is not long enough."
She said that while the issue of the airport always invites passionate views about whether it should be scrapped or expanded, the runway decision should not be an invitation to reopen the entire debate about the airport's future.
"That airport—people always say that should be a park, others say we should fly jets. That's not the debate in front of us," Chow said.
She added that the question of the tripartide agreement is "a long conversation" that can be had at another time.
"We can have that conversation after we fix the runway. Let's fix the runway now," Chow said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sparks fly as MPs question minister on pension implications of proposed election date change
Sparks flew at a parliamentary committee Thursday as MPs questioned Canada's democratic institutions minister about a widely opposed provision in electoral reform legislation that seeks to delay the next fixed election date by one week.
'There is no electricity': Canadian travellers in Cuba urge caution in hurricane's wake
Cuba's power grid was knocked out by Hurricane Rafael, which ripped across the country as a Category 3 storm. In western Cuba, it toppled buildings and pushed 50,000 people to find shelter elsewhere. Cubans were already enduring rolling blackouts due to energy shortages.
Three charged in One Direction singer Liam Payne's death
Three people have been charged in relation to One Direction singer Liam Payne's death in a fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine authorities said on Thursday.
RCMP already 'on high alert' for potential wave of migrants after Trump election
Canada's federal police force has been preparing for months on a contingency plan for a potential massive influx of migrants across the border following Trump's promise of 'mass deportations' of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
'There was no stopping this baby from coming': Woman gives birth while aboard Newfoundland ferry
A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.
Volkswagen models recalled for airbag safety precaution
Recall notices have been issued for some Volkswagen models from 2006 to 2019 for airbag safety issues.
Canmore wildlife and landscape defender Karsten Heuer dies peacefully at 56
Canmore conservationist Karsten Heuer, who was a biologist, park ranger, author and activist, has died.
America votes: How celebrities are reacting to Trump's decisive victory
Celebrities from Hulk Hogan to Ariana Grande are sharing their reactions to the U.S. election, which will see Donald Trump return to the White House.
3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation