City Council voted on October 9, 2024, to accept RESA 1, the "minimal landmass" option presented by Ports Toronto. Ports Toronto had hoped to get City approval of other options, RESA 2 or 3, both major expansions of the airport involving as much as three times as much landfill. The federal government requires run-off areas at the end of runways known as Runway End Safety Areas (RESAs), which in the case of the island airport must be built by July 14, 2027.
Ports Toronto also hoped to get City Council to agree on October 9 to an extension of the Tripartite Agreement, the lease and operating agreement at the airport, for 40 years beyond its present expiry in 2033, that is, until 2073. Council allowed a limited extension for as much as 12 years, but only if Ports Toronto satisfies the City it can't afford to build RESA 1 (cost: around $65 million) without the extension. But City Staff have already concluded it has the money, and we agree.
Next step: will Ports Toronto defy the City, and insist on airport expansion now? They may. We’ll find out at Ports Toronto’s meeting at 2 pm or 6 pm, Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Come and have your say!
