Federal Government Halts Billy Bishop Airport Expansion to Protect Toronto Waterfront
The federal government has decided to halt the proposed expansion of Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto, a move that environmental advocates say will protect the city's waterfront from potential environmental damage. The expansion plan, which was part of Ontario Premier Doug Ford's broader initiative to overhaul Toronto's shores, included extending the runway and allowing jets to land. Critics, including environmental groups and community advocates, raised concerns about increased pollution, noise, and traffic congestion. Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced that the government will focus on approved safety upgrades instead of expansion, following public consultations that received over 87,000 responses. The decision echoes a similar stance taken in 2015 by then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 
