Delay island airport expansion decision, city report recommends

A city report recommends delaying a decision on Porter Airlines' request to extend runways to make room for new jets.

A decision on the proposed expansion of Toronto's island airport should be delayed until further investigation, city officials recommend.

In a report  released Wednesday, to be discussed on Dec. 5 by the city's executive committee, Toronto officials said Porter Airline's request to extend its service and runways is 'premature.'

Porter is seeking city, federal government and Toronto Port Authority approval to operate jet-powered aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (BBCTA). Currently, only small turboprop engine planes fly in to the airport. To allow for larger airplanes, the airport would need to extend its runways from 200 metres at each end, Porter says.

The change would allow the airline to extend its service, which has risen from 26,000 passengers in 2006 to 2.3 million in 2013. Flying in to the city centre "is a significant asset to businesses operating in downtown Toronto, and the recent success and convenience of BBCTA has been an economic benefit to the city," the report said.

However, city officials want to delay the decision because of unanswered questions. When Porter initially filed the request, and had the impact of the expansion assessed, the airline was planning to extend the runways by only 168 metres.

The costs of supporting infrastructure needed for the expansion are also in question, the report said.

"There is not a clear direction or plan for airport expansion, what airside and groundside infrastructure requirements are necessary and how they will be funded." Though the airport or airline may cover costs of the actual expansion, the city may be on the hook for costs of an increased need for pedestrian walkways and transit routes.

"It requires huge road reconstruction in the Bathurst and Lakeshore area, massive tunneling, relocation of the Bathurst streetcar, " Coun. Adam Vaughan told CTV's Natalie Johnson.

The report also suggested further investigation into the Bombardier CS100 jets Porter wants to bring in. While noise and emissions have significantly improved, the report said, "the key question is not the type of aircraft technology proposed, but the number of passengers, flights and required infrastructure which may arise as a result of new aircraft technology."

Additional issues raised

In investigating the airport's plan, the report uncovered more questions that officials feel need to be answered before considering an expansion.

Measures should be adopted to improve existing conditions around the airport. The report suggests examining aircraft noise, ferry operations, traffic congestion and taxi management before expanding airport traffic.

It also suggests Toronto Port Authority, the city and the federal government create a master plan for the airport's progress long-term, and initiate an environmental sustainability program.

Deputy mayor's response

Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly told reporters he felt the city could reach an agreement without a delay, suggesting the city give consent with conditions: noise limits and other requirements must be met, or the proposal will be tossed out.

"Take a look at other cities. Not many of those cities take their time making decisions," he said. "This is our competition, so we've got to remain competitive.

"I'd like to approach it in a way that gives the asset the opportunity to grow now, rather than put it off until 2015."

Porter's response

"There's no real reason not to move forward at this point," Porter CEO and president Robert Deluce said in an interview with CP24.

He said that the city has enough information to make a decision, even if it's a decision that comes with conditions or allows time for details to be finalized.

With files from CTV Toronto's Natalie Johnson