Runway End Safety Areas (RESAs) construction starting mid-July 2026

The federally mandated airport safety requirement must be completed by the Toronto Port Authority by July 12, 2027. Construction of the two new Runway End Safety Areas (RESAs) at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will start mid-July 2026. This project will not extend the runway or allow for jets at the Island airport.

From Councillor Malik:

City Council's approval to meet this federal safety obligation with the deadline included two key requirements for the Toronto Port Authority to proceed: 1) submitting construction and traffic management plans for City review, and, 2) conducting a community engagement process. The Toronto Port Authority posted information online late last week without notifying City staff in advance or responding to requests. City staff are following up further.

I will keep working closely with City staff to give feedback and monitor for adherence to the approved plans for consultation, construction and traffic management, and safety related work. I am keenly aware that this construction might cause confusion, given the Toronto Port Authority’s secrecy around its future plans - any action beyond the current federal safety requirement work is not acceptable.

From the Toronto Port Authority RESA web page:

When is construction taking place?

Construction is taking place overnight, to permit normal airport operations during the day. Construction activities will be intermittent during the construction period. Construction hours are between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday to Saturday, with staging occurring from 9 p.m. onward. Material delivery from the Port Lands staging sites to airfield will occur as a 24-hour operation. Construction start and end times may vary slightly due to weather or aviation-related operational matters.

This schedule was designed to reduce impacts on airport operations and to normal daytime activities in the Inner Harbour and Western Channel.

What is the project timeline?

2026

Final Design and Permitting: January to July

NAV CANADA Navigational Aid Modifications: April to May

In-Water Construction Start: Mid-July

2027

In-Water Work Complete: early 2027

Landmass Compaction and Grading of Fills (above water): March to May

Revetment/Armour Stone Final Adjustments (above water): March to May

Airfield, Security Fence and Perimeter Road Restoration: June to Late Fall

RESA Compliance Work Completed: July

Aquatic Habitat Restoration / Shoreline Enhancement: Summer/Fall

2028

Aquatic Habitat Restoration / Shoreline Enhancement: Spring/Fall

Ongoing monitoring of habitat restoration work will continue past 2028

Light mitigation measures

The project will take the following steps whenever possible to reduce the effects of construction lighting at the Port Lands sites, including the Inner Harbour Airport staging and laydown areas and the east and west RESA work zones:

• Nighttime lighting will be shielded and directed downward, away from nearby natural areas and residential structures, to reduce light spill

• Lower-intensity or wildlife-friendly lighting will be considered within 30 metres of Hanlan’s Point Beach.

• Lighting will be positioned to avoid shining northward (to the extent possible) and to prevent interference with marine navigation lights or visibility for boat operators.

• Signs will be installed to help inform and reduce impacts on the boating community.

• Temporary navigation lights will be placed at the edge of construction areas to clearly mark new materials and work zones.

• Additional construction lighting will generally only be used between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., except when emergency work is required outside these hours.

More information on the Toronto Port Authority RESA web page.

From the Toronto Port Authority RESA web page - West and East RESA construction sites.