Toronto's top doctor to study health impacts of expanding Billy Bishop Airport

Toronto's top doctor is set to investigate the potential health consequences of expanding Billy Bishop Airport, a move championed by the provincial government for economic growth. The local board of health is considering the ramifications of a larger airport hub downtown, with experts, residents, and officials voicing concerns about unprecedented health risks.

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We’re trying to understand to what degree health impact is going to have.

Dr. Michelle Murti, Toronto's medical officer of health, will lead a study, in collaboration with Health Canada, focusing on the effects of the expansion on lung and heart disease. Concerns raised by community members include potential links to ADHD and memory issues. These fears emerge as the government pushes to enlarge the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, promising a significant economic boost.

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Leaders across this country are talking about nation-building projects. We are putting forward projects like the Billy Bishop airport that are going to transform the way we compete against the world… Billy Bishop will help support that and continue to improve our competitiveness across the world.

The Ford government has asserted control over the airport's operations and gained expropriation powers for parts of Toronto Island. The province also intends to designate the area a special economic zone, enabling it to bypass provincial and municipal laws for expedited construction. While public consultations were not held, Premier Doug Ford claims internal polling shows strong public support for the expansion.

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When we did our study, we could see a rise of ultrafine particles for each flight when wind was blowing from the airport to the community.

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria views the expansion as crucial for national competitiveness, stating it will "transform the way we compete against the world." However, past studies on airport proximity and health have indicated issues, including elevated levels of ultrafine particulates linked to various diseases. Downtown councilors report facing pressure from residents urging them to oppose the expansion.

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Councillor, stand up and say to the province and the federal government we don’t want this expansion.