Federal government rejects expansion of Toronto’s Billy Bishop airport

TORONTO — The federal government has rejected Ontario’s plan to expand Toronto’s Billy Bishop airport to accommodate jets on a longer runway.

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon says public consultations that ended Friday heard feedback on a range of issues, including transportation, economics and quality of life.

MacKinnon says the government won’t pursue any plans that will infringe on public spaces, cause more noise, have significant environmental impacts or hinder the building of housing in Toronto.

He says the government is “exclusively” focused on the approved safety upgrades that are now taking place at the airport.