Toronto waterfront plan faces questions over island airport jets

Toronto has approved an updated plan for Ookwemin Minising, a new waterfront neighbourhood on the former Villiers Island site in the Port Lands. The development is now expected to include about 21,000 residents and 12,000 homes, along with park space, cycling routes and a carfree central commons. City planners say the project was designed around current flightpath rules for the Toronto island airport. But concerns are growing that the Ontario government’s push to allow jets to use Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport could affect building heights, neighbourhood design and the experience of living there. The city’s planning committee approved the plan and related amendments on Thursday, and they will now go to council. Officials say the first residents could begin moving in during the early 2030s.