The federal government has announced a commitment of up to $30 million for the construction of a new preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. This investment is a strategic move aimed at:
- Increasing security and connectivity for business and leisure travellers using the Bill Bishop Toronto City Airport
- Reducing airport congestion and transportation bottlenecks by increasing Canada's complement of airport preclearance facilities
- Improving fluidity and capacity in the transportation system
Ontario Construction News states that the Billy Bishop Airport, being Canada's ninth busiest and fifth busiest serving US markets, necessitates expansion and optimization of its facilities. Typically, the airport welcomes around 450,000 US passengers annually. A new preclearance facility, thus, stands as a critical infrastructural upgrade to support the airport's anticipated growth and maintain efficient passenger movement.
"PortsToronto and its partners, including Nieuport Aviation and Porter Airlines, have been working towards securing preclearance for nearly a decade, as it will further enhance the passenger experience by offering passengers the ability to clear customs on home soil using next-generation technology intended to make the process quick and convenient. Preclearance will also provide access to more US markets which will boost connectivity and bilateral trade and tourism between Toronto and the eastern US. This will have a tremendous economic impact on the city in terms of GDP, generating jobs, and attracting talent and investment. We are incredibly pleased and proud to confirm preclearance at the airport, and look forward to working with our partners to commence work immediately to have the facility open in 2025."
President & CEO of PortsToronto | RJ Steenstra
A preclearance facility offers US-bound travelers the convenience of completing immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departure, directly at Canadian airports. As per Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, the proposed facility at Billy Bishop, potentially operational by 2025, is expected to boost tourism, business, and trade, even attracting more US airlines to serve Canadian travelers.
Enhancing Accessibility to US Destinations
The proposed preclearance facility is set to add a minimum of 10 new U.S. destinations, including Philadelphia and Atlanta. In addition to mitigating airport congestion, this will facilitate faster movement of travelers and products, and increase security.
Federal Funding Fueling Preclearance Project
The federal government's financial backing of up to $30 million, targeted towards planning, design, and construction, ensures the delivery of the preclearance facility by 2025. However, it's crucial to note that this funding does not encompass the operational costs of the preclearance facility.
Billy Bishop Airport: Embracing the Future of Travel
With the PortsToronto operating Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, it's evident that the incorporation of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance will enhance its utility as a pivotal connection point.
The preclearance facility, expected to be fully operational in 2025, will revolutionize the traveling experience, offering next-generation technology, including facial recognition, to expedite processes for travelers.
Serving more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., Billy Bishop Airport acts as a vital international gateway, fostering Toronto's economic growth by generating over $470 million in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually. Moreover, the airport supports 4,740 jobs, thereby playing a significant role in the local economy. PortsToronto, which has worked for over 100 years to stimulate Toronto's economic growth, manages Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, emphasizing sustainable operations and customer service excellence.
