Opinion | This is what we’re missing when we become too focused on expanding Billy Bishop
By Laura McNeice and Terry Bos, Contributors
Laura McNeice is CEO of the Airport Management Council of Ontario (AMCO). Terry Bos is the President of AMCO.
Premier Doug Ford’s recent signal that he intends to “take over” the city of
Toronto’s stake in Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport by designating it a special
economic zone, quickly drew the attention of Ontario’s airport sector. Ford’s
remarks made it clear that air infrastructure is integral to economic development
and quality of life; however, this narrow focus on one airport misses the mark that
Ontario requires a robust aviation ecosystem provincewide to meet future demands.
Ford’s statements on Billy Bishop airport were strikingly direct, but he left a great
deal unspoken. He called the airport “a crown jewel,” “a gold mine,” “an economic
driver,” a site of “convenience for people” and “a vital issue for the future of
Ontario’s economy.” Premier Ford is absolutely correct here and his attention to a
complex airport matter is greatly appreciated. That said, those glowing
compliments apply equally to airports of all sizes across the province, each playing
a vital role in building Ontario’s future aviation network.
The premier emphasized that an increase of jet traffic out of Billy Bishop
airport will reduce severe congestion at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Once again, he is correct that congestion at Pearson needs to be remedied, but his
solution overlooks an important reality. Investment at a single airport is not a
system-wide approach. Rather, a broader strategy that invests in all of Ontario’s
aviation network is the best way forward to alleviate congestion and fortify the
system to handle future demands.
The difference between the enthusiasm for Billy Bishop airport expansion and
airports in other communities is that their financial plight continues to be
overlooked by the province. Ontario has dozens of small airports that facilitate
medical evacuations, assist in wildfire suppression, aid business development
activities, enable pilot training, and are integral to tourism development (just to
name a few roles) that are ineligible for federal funding due to their lack of
passenger service. Support for these sites is “vital for the future of Ontario’s
economy,” yet the response of the Ford government to advocacy efforts requesting
capital investment in these places of critical infrastructure remains lacklustre.
The Ford government has demonstrated a willingness to devote funds and energy to
enhanced air infrastructure. So why hasn’t the Province of Ontario adopted a
capital investment program for small airports that are excluded from federal
funding programs? Other provinces already do this. British Columbia, Alberta and
Saskatchewan have capital assistance programs designed to support community
airports because they acknowledge the importance of these sites to connectivity
and economic development.
The premier should apply the same energy, outlook, and potential funds for the
entirety of the airport network in Ontario. Small airports will have a greater role to
play in the aviation ecosystem of the future, so it is worthwhile investigating capital
assistance for their enhancement too.
The Airport Management Council of Ontario continues to actively advocate for a
dedicated funding program for small airports. In 2024, the Ontario Airport Capital
Assistance Program (OACAP) was drafted to rectify the concerns of a long-standing
funding gap. The province is aware of this situation and the obstacles faced by small
airports in securing capital investment - funding that would be devoted to runway
rehabilitations, lighting upgrades, and other safety initiatives. Municipalities widely
support the OACAP as they know provincial funding would alleviate some of the
pressure felt by them to maintain these sites of critical infrastructure.
The OACAP requires an annual investment of $10 million from the province which
would be managed by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. This modest
financial commitment has the potential to substantially strengthen the aviation
network in the province.
Small airports across the province are vital economic drivers that require provincial
investment.
Focusing provincial resources on one airport — Billy Bishop — does nothing to
strengthen the broader system. Ontario needs a co-ordinated strategy that supports
the entire aviation network if it wants to reduce congestion and build capacity for
the future.