Waterfront under threat with airport expansion plans

By Dianne Saxe

With summer now in full swing, our city finds itself in the midst of important conversations about Toronto’s waterfront, art in public space, and safety on streets. Across University-Rosedale and the city as a whole, there is encouraging momentum on several community priorities, alongside some major decisions that deserve thoughtful public discussion.

Toronto deserves agency in the future of Billy Bishop Airport

The province’s proposal to expand Billy Bishop Airport for larger jet service would have significant implications for Toronto’s waterfront and downtown communities, and many residents are concerned about the long-term impacts.

Concerns raised by residents include increased traffic congestion, additional pollution and aviation emissions, pressure on parkland and housing opportunities, and the potential impact on recreational boating and waterfront access.

Just as importantly, many Torontonians have not been given a meaningful opportunity to shape a decision that could permanently alter a large part of the city’s waterfront. Transformative city-building decisions work best when residents are genuinely consulted, and local voices are part of the process.

For that reason, I pushed for a city-wide referendum as a way to give residents a direct voice on the issue. While council ultimately chose not to proceed with that approach, I continue to believe that Torontonians deserve to be included in conversations about the future of their waterfront. It is my hope that Toronto city council, and indeed all levels of government, will work with residents, community organizations, and the city to ensure the waterfront remains a vibrant and accessible public space for future generations.

Ward 11’s cultural network continues to grow

One of the things that makes University-Rosedale unique is its extraordinary concentration of cultural institutions, independent venues, parks, and community gathering spaces. Supporting that ecosystem remains a key priority.

This month, I was delighted to help fund our second new performance venue: a new home for the beloved Bad Dog Theatre in Mirvish Village. Bad Dog has long been one of Toronto’s most important incubators for comedy and performance talent, and securing a permanent venue strengthens the city’s independent arts community at a time when cultural spaces are under increasing pressure.

It is also encouraging to see Mirvish Village steadily coming back to life after years of disruption and construction. The area’s new tree-lined streetscape is beginning to mature, local businesses are attracting strong community support, and destinations like Pizzeria Badiali have quickly become neighbourhood favourites. Honest Ed’s Park is also on the way and will add another important public gathering place to the community.

Beyond Mirvish Village, several exciting public realm projects are now complete or moving forward.

The new Gallery Park is now open across from the Art Gallery of Ontario. As a key anchor of the Relic Park system, the space honours art, memory, and community through beautifully integrated architectural relics and Indigenous ironwork that are especially striking at night.

The new active leisure park at Ossington and Dupont has also opened, creating another valuable recreation space in a growing neighbourhood.

Community-building extends beyond parks and arts infrastructure. Non-profit groups can now be reimbursed for insurance costs associated with community events involving park ovens, including the popular oven at Christie Pits. Small changes like this can make a meaningful difference in helping grassroots community events thrive.

Progress on motorcycle-like vehicles in bike lanes

I have taken an important step toward addressing unlicensed motorcycle-like vehicles operating on sidewalks and in cycling infrastructure.

These vehicles have become increasingly common in bike lanes and on sidewalks, raising concerns about safety, noise, and the proper use of cycling infrastructure among residents, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

This month, council adopted my motion supporting provincial requirements to license these vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act. Staff have also been directed to report back in December with bylaw changes that would prohibit them from operating in bike lanes.

If adopted, the new rules would create a clear choice for delivery riders and operators:

• License and insure mopeds or motorcycles and operate them in regular traffic lanes; or

• Use properly speed-limited e-assist bicycles if they wish to continue using cycling infrastructure.

The goal is to create a clearer and safer framework that protects bike lanes while still supporting practical transportation and delivery options.

In other news

The East Waterfront LRT has finally received funding, while Biidaasige Park now features a basketball tree installation and Canoe Landing has become accessible by canoe. Council’s upgraded infrastructure and housing plan for Ookwemin Minising has been carefully designed to accommodate the current island airport—though much of that planning could be undermined by the airport expansion.

As climate change intensifies, extreme heat remains Toronto’s most serious climate-related health risk. 

Because the city cannot currently require landlords to provide air conditioning without passing costs directly onto tenants, Toronto is pursuing federal retrofit funding while also expanding direct support programs. This year, the city will install portable air conditioners for 2,400 eligible seniors and new parents—a major increase from 500 units last year.

Toronto is changing rapidly, and the growth our city is experiencing will shape its future. This transformation will work best when the residents of this city have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape it. 

Dianne Saxe is city councillor for Ward 11, University-Rosedale.

READ MORE BY DIANNE SAXE:

• FORUM: What a month at city hall (May 2026)
• FORUM: A report from the road (Apr. 2026)
• FORUM: Funds flowing (Mar. 2026)
• FORUM: A busy beginning to 2026 (Feb. 2026)
• FORUM: Tear up that parking lot and put in housing (Jan. 2026)
• FORUM: Pursuing a green agenda (Dec. 2025)
• FORUM: Twelve active files (Oct./Nov. 2025)
• FORUM: A busy August in Ward 11 (Sept. 2025)
• FORUM: Celebrating greenspaces, easing congestion (Aug. 2025)
• FORUM: Council still at work (July 2025)
• FORUM: Easing congestion into summer (May/June 2025)
• FORUM: Exciting spring initiatives (Apr. 2025)
• FORUM: Tariffs and election dominate (Mar. 2025)
• FORUM: Budget is the news of the month (Feb. 2025)
• FORUM: A busy beginning to 2025 (Jan. 2025)
• FORUM: A busy legislative agenda ahead (Oct./Nov. 2024)
• FORUM: Saxe and the City (Summer 2024)
• FORUM: Tackling road congestion, noise, and safety (June 2024)
• FORUM: Undoing vacant home tax debacle (May 2024)
• FORUM: A busy agenda at city council (Apr. 2024)
• FORUM: University-Rosedale update from the councillor’s chair (Mar. 2024)
• FORUM: Eventful new year at city council (Feb. 2024)
• FORUM: A hectic first year in University-Rosedale (Dec. 2023)
• FORUM: Keeping it green and safe in University-Rosedale (Fall 2023)
• FORUM: Fighting on five fronts (Summer 2023)
• FORUM: Addressing a housing shortage (May/June 2023)
• FORUM: Leveraging a green agenda (April 2023)
• FORUM: Budget passes in a consensus vote (Mar. 2023)
• FORUM: Bike lanes made permanent, more warming centres open (Feb. 2023)
• FORUM: Turbulent time to take a seat (Jan. 2023)