Great news, the KPMG report has been released and it reaffirms the need for Pickering airport.
Transport Canada / Federal Government has reaffirmed the need for a new airport in Pickering. althought I am disappointed by the lack of an immediate RFP , I am encouraged by accurately projected demand an Capacit. The attempt to set an expectation level with a set of assumption on a 2036 timeline is a political move. delay the airport now relies on everything from rail to springing loose extra capacity at city center, oshawa and Pearson. Ultimately this is a setup for further announcements on these projects or a earlier start date of Pickering. As it is, it looks like a 2024 to 2028 start.
I am reviewing the complete report and will be pushing for answers to the questions raised by the assumptions behind the 2036 timeline.
Of specific interest is the reference to high speed rail ( which was canceled ), the union west transit hub, and implied infrastructure improvements at other airports, such Billy Bishop and Oshawa. It implies a number of decisions to come on rail, and airport infrastructure.
My questions include, When can we expect a reversal to the decision to block the runway extension at Billy Bishop? The extension is needed to enable Porter to upgrade its fleet of turboprop aircraft to quieter more fuel efficient A220 jets. Can the federal government strike a deal with the city of Oshawa to extend its airport runway and to take the business jet traffic turned away by congestion at Pearson?
We should all look forward to the follow on announcements on the Federal Governments plans to fulfill these stated assumptions. Ultimately we will look forward to a new airport in Pickering as soon as possible.