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Supporting mayor's bid to reclaim island land for public benefit

Published July 28, 2026 at 8:32 AM UTC

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Advocates for the mayor’s land-reclamation effort say the federal rejection of the airport expansion clears the way for a more beneficial use of the island. The land, they argue, is a precious public asset that should serve Torontonians rather than airline interests. With the expansion dead, there is no strong argument for keeping the current lease structure. The island could become a larger park, affordable housing site, or cultural space. Community groups have long complained about noise and pollution from the airport. They see this as a rare chance to restore the island to its residents. The move also aligns with broader city goals to increase green space and reduce emissions. Supporters stress that the province should act quickly to hand over the land, avoiding delays that could allow the port authority to push new airport projects. They point to similar land transfers in other cities as successful models of community-focused planning.