Yesterday Toronto City Council took important decisions concerning the Runway End Safety Areas (RESA) required at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. PortsToronto will now consider the impact of the motions passed at Council and discuss the implications with Transport Canada, the other signatory to the agreement.

As owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and the agency responsible for implementing this important safety measure, PortsToronto needed two agreement amendments: Extension of the landmass to accommodate RESA, and extension of the Tripartite Agreement term to finance this capital-intensive project. Council provided for the addition of 12 years onto the agreement bringing the airport lease to 2045, and endorsed a landmass extension.

PortsToronto will now work with city staff and our federal partners to develop an agreed plan and lease extension for RESA implementation based on the terms approved by City Council.

We continue to believe that RESA compliance affords a unique opportunity to make at least three additional improvements that can benefit our operations, community and the city, including an underground utility corridor that provides the island with improved water, sewage and electrical supplies; a restricted-access bypass road for school buses and the city’s service vehicles; and a new noise wall to benefit local residents.

We also note the significant support expressed by Council for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport for the important role the airport plays to the City of Toronto in terms of economic benefit, connectivity, jobs and access to emergency health services.

Lastly, we look forward to engaging with the City of Toronto and Transport Canada on modernizing the Tripartite Agreement to secure the long-term future of the airport in a manner that is inclusive of community benefits, modernized operations, and enhancements to noise, air emissions and environmental impact.