A proposal to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport would lead to severe traffic congestion in the surrounding area, a committee heard on Tuesday. The expansion plan, backed by the Toronto Port Authority and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, aims to increase flight capacity and economic activity. However, critics argue that the added vehicle traffic from passengers and employees would overwhelm already congested roads near the downtown airport.
Committee Concerns
During the committee hearing, transportation experts presented data showing that the expansion could increase daily vehicle trips by thousands, exacerbating gridlock on key routes like Lake Shore Boulevard and the Gardiner Expressway. "The infrastructure is not designed to handle this volume," one expert testified. "We risk turning a minor bottleneck into a major crisis."
Port Authority's Defense
In response, Toronto Port Authority President and CEO RJ Steenstra argued that the expansion would create jobs and boost tourism, with mitigation measures such as improved public transit and shuttle services. "We are committed to sustainable growth," Steenstra said. "The economic benefits outweigh the traffic concerns."
Premier Ford, who attended the event in March 2026 to announce the plan, has been a vocal supporter, citing the need for modern infrastructure. However, local residents and advocacy groups remain skeptical, calling for a full environmental assessment before any construction begins.
The committee is expected to release a report with recommendations within the next few weeks. The decision on whether to proceed with the expansion rests with the federal government, which oversees airport operations.
