On behalf of Nieuport…

On behalf of Nieuport Aviation, we are writing to express our strong support for Section 3.4.2 of the Updated Propose Provincial Planning Statement 2024 released on April 10, 2024, which explicitly requires municipalities to protect airports by prohibiting land use and developments which could compromise the safety and operation of airports.

As a leading aviation company and owner and operator of the terminal at Billy Bishop Airport, we understand and are committed to ensuring safe and efficient air travel. Foundational to that is the safeguarding of airspace surrounding airports and encroachment on their airspace which poses risks to aviation safety and operations.

Being located in the heart of downtown, Billy Bishop Airport, owned by PortsToronto, has proven to be a partner to the City of Toronto and the communities in development. In the last decade, the downtown Toronto water's edge (west of exhibition place, south of the gardener, east of cherry street at the Port lands) has seen 50,000 to 60,000 new residential units constructed. Coupled with the many new park spaces and enhancements to transit including the future Ontario Line, the waterfront is truly a place where people want to live, work, play and connect.

The airport is a partner in responsible, safe community development and as the terminal owner and operator, one half of the airport’s operations, we are supportive and eager to see Toronto’s waterfront continue to develop. Core to any airport's work is safety, this includes ensuring future developments cannot interfere with flight paths, obstruct navigational aids, or generate hazards such as bird strikes. By enforcing stringent regulations that prohibit incompatible development near airports, we can mitigate potential hazards and maintain the highest standards of safety for pilots, passengers, and communities alike while ensuring new developments incorporate density and aviation safety.
Moreover, preserving clear airspace around airports is essential for the continued growth and viability of the aviation industry. Unimpeded access to runways and airspace facilitates the smooth flow of air traffic, enhances airport capacity, and fosters economic development through increased connectivity and accessibility.

We commend the proactive approach taken in the updated provincial planning statement. However, we believe the creation of a backstop, through the inclusion of airport authorities to the specified persons/categories that are entitled to appeal through the Ontario Lands Tribunal, would be a prudent measure. This would provide an additional layer of protection for airports, ensuring that any proposed developments undergo thorough scrutiny to assess their potential impact on aviation safety and operational integrity. We understand that Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, is currently before the legislature and the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and would strongly request that the Government give due consideration to this suggestion.

In conclusion, Nieuport Aviation applauds the Government’s commitment and action to ensure the safety and integrity of our province's aviation infrastructure. We look forward to seeing this provision adopted on an urgent basis to provide stakeholders including airports and municipalities the clarity necessary to evaluate development projects and plans.