Ontario's bold move to seize Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport sparks political feud
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pushing new legislation that would let the province take control of Toronto’s Billy Bishop City Airport. The plan includes expanding the airport to allow jet landings. But the move has sparked criticism from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who calls it a land grab without proper consultation.
The proposed law would transfer oversight of the airport from the City of Toronto to the provincial government. Ford has argued that the expansion is necessary to accommodate larger aircraft. However, he has promised that Little Norway Park—a nearby green space—will remain untouched, even though the legislation could allow the province to take over one third of it.
The province has clarified that it does not intend to seize the entire Toronto Islands. Yet Mayor Chow has condemned the bill as a unilateral decision, accusing the government of bypassing local input. The legislation is currently under review in the provincial legislature. Ford’s push for the airport expansion comes as part of broader efforts to boost air travel capacity in the region. Critics, however, question whether the benefits outweigh the loss of municipal control over the land.
If passed, the legislation would give Ontario authority over the airport’s future development. The province insists it will not take all of the Toronto Islands, but the plan still faces opposition from city officials. The final decision now rests with the provincial legislature.
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