Billy Bishop Airport Pedestrian Tunnel Celebrates 5th Anniversary
Five years ago, on July 30, 2015, PortsToronto was proud to officially open the pedestrian tunnel to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport that provides travellers with a fast, reliable and convenient way to access the airport. Located on the Toronto Islands, less than 3 kilometres from Toronto’s downtown core, Billy Bishop Airport has been a fixture of the Toronto waterfront since 1939. Today, approximately 2.8 million passengers per year seek out the airport for its unique location and award-winning travelling experience.
For the majority of its more than 80-year history, Billy Bishop Airport was only accessible by ferry. Though plans to build a tunnel connecting the Island to Toronto’s mainland at the foot of Bathurst Street had commenced in 1935 – prior to the airport’s construction – an election and change in government stalled and eventually cancelled the project.
In 2009, PortsToronto reignited this plan and proposed the construction of a pedestrian tunnel across the Western Channel of Lake Ontario. Construction began in 2012, and included the boring of the tunnel, the connection of three City of Toronto mains that were built into the tunnel’s design to save taxpayers an estimated $10 million in duplicate construction efforts, the installation of one of Canada’s longest escalator systems, and the unveiling of historical displays on the airport’s namesake, World War I flying ace and recipient of the prestigious Victoria Cross, William Avery “Billy” Bishop.
Today, an award-winning, 853-foot pedestrian tunnel runs across the Western Channel of Lake Ontario, constructed within the bedrock 100 feet beneath the surface of the lake. The tunnel serves as the first land-link between Toronto’s mainland and the island. The complete journey through the tunnel takes less than six minutes and has dramatically improved passenger flow by enabling passengers to travel on their own schedule instead of arriving or departing in groups according to the ferry’s schedule.
Though 90 per cent of Billy Bishop Airport passengers choose to take the pedestrian tunnel, the Marilyn Bell I airport ferry,
which will be converted to 100 per cent electric power by 2021, remains a passenger favourite due to its scenic 90-second crossing that offers beautiful views of Toronto’s skyline
Curious to know more about the pedestrian tunnel to Billy Bishop Airport?
General Tunnel Facts
Key Dates
By the Numbers
Historical