Project Description

Project: Mural graphics installation at Billy Bishop airport in Toronto, Ontario

Material: 3M vinyl graphics

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), commonly known as Billy Bishop Airport, is a regional airport located on the Toronto Islands in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It serves as a convenient gateway to the city, particularly for domestic flights and some international flights to the United States.

Location and Accessibility

  • Location: The airport is situated on the Toronto Islands, just a short distance from downtown Toronto. It’s unique because it requires a ferry or pedestrian tunnel to access the mainland.
  • Access:
    • Ferry Service: A short ferry ride (about 90 seconds) connects the mainland to the airport. The ferry runs every 15 minutes and is free for pedestrians.
    • Pedestrian Tunnel: Opened in 2015, the pedestrian tunnel allows passengers to walk from the mainland to the airport in about six minutes. The tunnel features moving walkways and elevators for convenience.
    • Shuttle Bus: A complimentary shuttle bus service runs between the airport and Union Station, Toronto’s main transportation hub.

Airlines and Destinations

  • Primary Airlines:
    • Porter Airlines: The main carrier at Billy Bishop, offering frequent flights to destinations across Canada and the United States.
    • Air Canada: Operates flights primarily to Montreal.
  • Destinations: The airport primarily serves short-haul routes, including cities like Ottawa, Montreal, New York, Boston, and Chicago.

Facilities

  • Terminal: The airport has a small, modern terminal with amenities such as cafes, shops, and free Wi-Fi. Due to its size, the terminal offers a more relaxed and quicker travel experience compared to larger airports.
  • Lounge: Porter Airlines operates a lounge with complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi for all passengers.
  • Runways: The airport has two main runways, 08/26 and 06/24, both of which are relatively short, accommodating smaller aircraft like the Bombardier Q400.

 

mural graphics installed in Billy Bishop Airport

 

Unique Features

  • Scenic Views: The airport offers stunning views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario, making it a popular choice for those seeking a scenic approach or departure.
  • Environmental Considerations: Billy Bishop has made efforts to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of electric-powered ferries and energy-efficient terminal operations.

Historical Background

  • Opened: The airport opened in 1939 and was initially used for military training during World War II.
  • Name: It was renamed in 2009 after Billy Bishop, a Canadian flying ace from World War I.

Expansion and Development

  • Runway Expansion: The airport has seen debates over potential runway expansions to accommodate jet aircraft, but these plans have faced opposition due to concerns over noise and environmental impact.
  • Passenger Growth: Over the years, Billy Bishop has grown in popularity, handling over 2.8 million passengers annually as of recent years.

Transportation Options

  • Public Transit: The airport is well-connected to Toronto’s public transit system, with streetcars and buses available nearby.
  • Taxi and Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available for airport pickups.

Challenges and Controversies

  • Noise and Environmental Impact: The airport’s proximity to downtown has led to concerns about noise pollution and environmental impacts, which have been central to discussions about its future development.