Margaret Atwood joins opposition to Toronto island airport expansion

More than two dozen prominent Canadians, including author Margaret Atwood, former Ontario premier Bob Rae and former Toronto mayors, are urging the federal government to reconsider plans to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. In an open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, the group says the project could have longterm effects on Toronto’s Inner Harbour and should not move ahead without fuller public disclosure. They want the government to provide clearer details on costs, timelines, land needs, tradeoffs and the public uses that could be affected. The appeal comes as Ottawa begins consultations on whether the airport’s runway should be expanded to accommodate larger aircraft. The Ontario government has already taken steps to increase its control over the airport and has signaled plans for a special economic zone that could speed up the project.