Toronto island airport lease extended to 2045

Toronto city council is granting the island airport a lease extension that would keep the hub open for at least another two decades.

In a 17-8 vote on Wednesday, councillors passed a motion by Mayor Olivia Chow that could see the agreement governing Billy Bishop airport expire as late as 2045, up to 12 years later than planned.

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The tripartite deal between the city, PortsToronto and the federal government had been set to end in 2033.

The motion comes despite the mayor’s approval last week of a staff report that advised against drawing out the agreement before more public consultation.

The PortsToronto federal agency that oversees the airport had argued a longer lease was essential to secure financing for construction of safety zones at either end of the runway, in line with updated federal rules.

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Located near downtown, the airport has proven a point of controversy over the decades, with backers pointing to economic benefits and skeptics warning of the risk to waterfront revitalization and new housing.

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