Construction begins on tunnel to Billy Bishop Airport
Posted March 9, 2012 6:04 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – Construction of the $82.5-million pedestrian tunnel linking Billy Bishop City Island Airport to the mainland has begun.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper joined Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, Friday, in officially launching the two-year project.
Toronto Airport Authority chair Mark McQueen said the project will not cost taxpayers a cent.
“We have utilized 100 per cent of the construction cost as being paid for by the private sector. A cost which is ultimately paid for by the airport users over the course of the next 20 years via the existing airport improvement fee,” Toronto Airport Authority chair Mark McQueen said.
Last year, 1.5-million passengers used the airport and the number is expected to grow.
Prime Minister Harper said tunnel will advance Toronto’s status on the world map.
“Much as we all like the ferries, and I have all kinds of great memories of riding them as a boy, lining up for one when you are rushing for a plane does not qualify as world class,” said Harper.
Currently the ferry is the only public access to Billy Bishop City Island Airport. The ferry will continue to take vehicles across the channel.
The target completion date for the 240-metre tunnel is the spring of 2014.
