PRESS RELEASE
For immediate Release
March 12, 2026

[The Airport Management Council of Ontario (AMCO) is following recent comments where Premier Doug Ford announced that the Province of Ontario intends to take over the City of Toronto’s stake in BBTCA. AMCO proposes that Premier Ford expand this appreciation for airports to the totality of Ontario’s aviation ecosystem, and in turn support small airports who need capital investment too. These points of critical infrastructure will be vital in alleviating airspace congestion issues and are just as important to their communities as larger air assets are to metropolises.]

North Bay, 12 March 2026: The Airport Management Council of Ontario (AMCO) is following recent announcements by Premier Doug Ford in which the Province of Ontario intends to assume control over the City of Toronto’s stake in Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (BBTCA) to expedite runway expansion and enhanced jet traffic plans. AMCO echoes Premier Ford that an airport is “a crown jewel”, “a gold mine”, “an economic driver”, a site of “convenience for people” and “a vital issue for the future of Ontario’s economy.” It is our position that this assessment applies to the entire provincial aviation ecosystem and that a network of airports is required to provide the necessary requirements for robust industry, tourism, and security demands to best equip Ontario for its prosperous future.

Premier Ford offers that this move will reduce severe congestion at Toronto Pearson International Airport. This is a topic that requires attention, but investment in an individual airport is not a comprehensive solution. Our association holds that funding a single airport will not resolve capacity challenges; instead, all airports in Ontario must be adequately funded to create a viable system capable of handling current and future demand. Small airports will have a greater role to play in the aviation ecosystem of the future, so it is worthwhile investigating capital assistance for their enhancement too.

AMCO continues to call on the provincial government to adopt the proposed Ontario Airport Capital Assistance Program (OACAP). The program was specifically designed for community airports ineligible for federal funding due to their lack of passenger service. These airports reflect the words of Premier Ford ─ vital, economic drivers that provide conveniences for the public. British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan offer capital assistance programming for community airports because they recognize their importance to local municipalities. Ontario can join this group of provinces if it pursues strategic intent to truly bolster the aviation ecosystem in the province.

Laura McNeice, CEO of AMCO, notes, “AMCO is pleased that Premier Ford recognizes the importance of airports to Ontario’s economy. We look forward to the Province supporting the sector through the proposed OACAP program, which is backed by industry, municipalities, and those who rely on this critical infrastructure.”

AMCO welcomes Premier Ford’s attention to airport investment and how air infrastructure can best equip the province to embrace its strong and sustainable future. We hope that his perspective evolves and he pivots it to include a vision of an integrated airport network.

About AMCO

As the senior advocate of airport owners and operators in Canada, AMCO is a provincial organization committed to the sustainability of airports nationally. Incorporated on October 18, 1985, AMCO’s aims are to represent the interests of the owners and/or operators of airports and aerodromes in the province of Ontario; and, to promote the safe and efficient operation of those airports.