Dufferin Grove and Davenport friends and neighbours,

Thank you for reaching out about the future of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. I know this is an issue many of you care deeply about, and I want to share my full perspective – not just the portion that made it into news headlines.

Let me start with something personal. I was born and raised in Toronto. Ontario Place and the waterfront were part of my childhood. Those were the spaces where I played, where my family spent time together, and where so many of us who didn’t have a lot of disposable income found joy. I understand to my core what our waterfront and recreational spaces means to Davenport and all of Toronto.

Here is where things stand, and what I have actually said:

First, on the runway extension: our entire federal team unanimously supports the runway safety extension. This is not about expansion but rather meeting federally mandated safety requirements so the airport can continue to operate safely for the passengers and planes already using it. This work must be completed by July 2027.

Second, regarding the conversation of bringing jets to Billy Bishop as well as broader airport expansion, when I was quoted saying “the conversation has changed,” I was acknowledging how the discussion today is different from what it was a decade ago.

Technology has evolved, and there are new business interests at play. But acknowledging that the conversation has changed is not the same as saying I’ve made up my mind. What I see is the possibility of a balance, yet balance can only be struck if community and environmental concerns are genuinely addressed. This must be at the forefront of any discussions that take place.

Let me be specific about what matters to me:

I care about keeping noise pollution down. People in our community and along the waterfront deserve to enjoy their homes and public spaces without undue disruption. I understand that newer jet engines are significantly quieter than those of a decade ago, but I want real evidence, not promises, before any change is supported.

I care about emissions. As someone who has long championed environmental responsibility, I would need to see meaningful commitments toward emissions reduction before lending support to any increase in jet traffic.

I care about process. Any decisions about Billy Bishop requires the approval of all three parties to the Tripartite Agreement: the Toronto Port Authority, the City of Toronto, and Transport Canada. That is the law that governs this airport, and it must be respected. Any decision must involve comprehensive consultation with key stakeholders, affected communities, and Indigenous groups.

On the question of whether the City of Toronto still has a voice in this: as far as I know, the City remains a signatory to the Tripartite Agreement. Premier Ford may wish to change that through expropriation, but I would note that the City has the right to maintain its seat at this table. We saw with Ontario Place how the City’s role in decision-making can be negotiated away – that was a choice the City ultimately made. Whether Toronto makes a similar choice here is up to the City, but it is not something I take lightly.

Our federal government’s position is clear: Transport Canada is committed to ensuring Canadians have access to a safe, secure, competitive, and environmentally responsible air transportation system. Billy Bishop is an important part of that network, supporting regional connectivity between Toronto, northern Ontario, and the rest of Canada. Any future decisions about the airport’s operating environment will require the consensus of all Tripartite Agreement signatories and comprehensive community consultation.

As your Member of Parliament and as Toronto Caucus Chair, hearing from you is welcome. More than that, it is essential. This is exactly the kind of issue where I need to understand what the people of Davenport think and feel. Please keep writing to me, and please encourage your neighbours to do the same.

My very best,

Julie Dzerowicz

Member of Parliament, Davenport