Oppose Billy Bishop Airport Expansion

TO PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY AND THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA:

WHEREAS Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport sits on Toronto’s central waterfront, adjacent to densely populated neighbourhoods, parks, and public spaces used by millions of residents and visitors each year; and

WHEREAS proposals to expand operations at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport would increase noise, air pollution, and congestion in nearby communities; and

WHEREAS a long-standing tripartite agreement between all three levels of government has allowed for Torontonians to have a say over their city and their waterfront; and

WHEREAS Toronto’s waterfront has been shaped by decades of public planning to prioritize public access, parks, and housing; and

WHEREAS while Premier Doug Ford is focused on pursuing luxury and privatization-focused projects like Therme's $2.2 billion megaspa at Ontario Place, New Democrats are fighting for affordable housing, healthcare, and education.

THEREFORE we, the undersigned, call upon Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Government of Canada to:

1. Publicly oppose the proposed expansion of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport;

2. Refuse to side with Premier Ford's pursuit of luxury projects on Toronto's waterfront while Ontarians struggle with the housing crisis and underfunded healthcare and education systems;

3. Support a waterfront vision that prioritizes housing, parks, climate action, and public access for the people of Toronto.