Billy Bishop Airport, Toronto completes $35mn airfield rehabilitation

PortsToronto has officially announced the completion of the Billy Bishop Airfield Rehabilitation Program – a significant three-year $35mn rehabilitation initiative that includes the reconstruction of runways and taxiways.

The airfield will benefit from the installation of new energy efficient LED lighting, and the construction of a Ground Run-up Enclosure (GRE) designed to dampen the noise associated with high-power aircraft engine ground run-up operations.

The Billy Bishop Airfield Rehabilitation Program modernized the airfield infrastructure – much of which was built in the 1960s – and was completed on budget at a cost of $35 million – paid for by PortsToronto and not taxpayers. PortsToronto engaged WSP Canada Inc., one of the leading Canadian and global aviation consulting firms to provide technical services including planning, design and construction phase inspection services for the project.

The general contractor for the project was Pave-Al Limited, a locally based, general construction contractor with an excellent reputation in completing airfield projects of this scope. TriStar Inc, was the team’s main electrical subcontractor and Blast Deflectors Inc. (BDI) designed and constructed the GRE facility. BDI has the specialized expertise of having built over 30 GRE facilities worldwide.

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Gene Cabral, Executive Vice President, PortsToronto and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport said: “Completing the Billy Bishop Airfield Rehabilitation Program –ahead of schedule, on budget and with virtually no disruptions to airport operations, travellers and the surrounding community – was no small feat. From start to finish, every aspect of the project was thoughtfully planned and executed to ensure construction activities were virtually invisible to travellers and the community. In the three years the project was underway there was only one six-minute delay in re-opening the airfield and resuming regular operations which speaks to the professionalism and expertise of the team. We are proud to officially mark the completion of this successful three-year initiative undertaken to ensure the airport continues to serve as an economic engine for the city as well as provide efficient service and connectivity to the 2.8 million passengers who travel through the airport each year.”

Robert Deluce, President and CEO of Porter Airlines said: “The airfield rehabilitation project was seamless to the airlines and our passengers. Work began every evening after the last flight was in, and the runway was clear and operational for start-up the next day. Our pilots immediately recognized the benefits of a resurfaced runway, featuring pavement grooving and LED centerline lighting. We appreciate the considerate planning by Billy Bishop Airport, resulting in a modernized airfield and improved operating conditions.”