Investigating the Increased Risk of Heart Disease, Lung Cancer, and Tumours from Bringing Jets to Toronto’s Waterfront Communities - by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Chris Moise

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The decision

2026-05-20 · Toronto City Council · amended

As filed

City Council on May 20 and 21, 2026, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Board of Health to request the Medical Officer of Health to: a. collect all available data from studies related to the potential health impacts of transportation emissions, including ultrafine particles, and noise, including the presence, expansion, and introducing jets in close proximity to residential communities, in the context of Billy Bishop Airport, specifically, Pearson International Airport, and in other jurisdictions internationally; and b.

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work with Health Canada to conduct a comprehensive study of the potential health impacts of jets in proximity to Billy Bishop Airport including an assessment of the related costs and burdens to our public healthcare system, and a comparison to Pearson International Airport. 2. City Council request the Government of Canada to update air pollution regulations to include safety standards for ultrafine particles (UFPs) that reflect the most precautionary exposure limits to protect human health and actions to greatly reduce the sources of ultrafine particles.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

A government's primary concern must be the health and safety of its citizens. First and foremost because our health is our most valuable personal asset. Second, because a healthy population drives a healthy economy. And third, because increased rates of illness associated with pollution will increase the strain on our healthcare system. A 2017 Environmental Assessment commissioned by the Toronto Port Authority found that jet pollution would increase the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory tract tumours.

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Despite this, Doug Ford has recklessly said that jets will be permitted at Billy Bishop Airport "one way or another". He has not taken into consideration the risk that the increased volume of higher polluting planes will have on people's health, including the numerous schools and daycares within a few blocks of the airport. Public health and safety cannot be sacrificed for any other interests or ambition. Without provincial leadership, it falls to the City to ensure that these risks are thoroughly investigated, that residents are well-informed, and that Doug Ford is forced to confront the potential consequences of his actions.

Staff recommended

Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Chris Moise, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Board of Health to request the Medical Officer of Health to: a. collect all available data from studies related to the potential health impacts of introducing jets in close proximity to residential communities, including in the context of Billy Bishop Airport specifically and in other jurisdictions internationally; and b.

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work with Health Canada to conduct a comprehensive study of the potential health impacts of introducing jets to Billy Bishop Airport, including an assessment of the related costs and burdens to our public healthcare system.

On the record

The item as the City filed it

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