Toronto Council Opposes Province's Waterfront Takeover

0:00It's March 25. From your city to your ears, this is Toronto News, today, powered by AI. Toronto City Council has voted to oppose any unilateral takeover of city-owned land by the province or federal government, especially at Billy Bishop Airport and along the waterfront. This comes as Premier Doug Ford pushes to seize the city's stake in the downtown island airport to expand it for jet flights. Earlier this week, Ford announced plans to label the area a special economic zone. That move would let the province bypass local rules and use Bill 5 to speed up infrastructure changes, aiming to handle bigger planes without city, approval. Councils worry about noise from jets over downtown neighborhoods, plus environmental harm and threats to housing plans in the portlands. They added a push for the city solicitor to explore legal defenses and report back next month. Experts say the province holds the upper hand here, with powers to take control in as little as six months and offer compensation through the courts.

1:03City staff note, the lack of detailed provincial plans makes impacts hard to gauge. Meanwhile, Ford argues the expansion will create jobs, grow the economy, and ease pressure at Pearson Airport. Council meets again April 22nd through 24th for the solicitors update, keeping this waterfront battle in the spotlight.