Toronto (May 15, 2023) – On Saturday, May 27 Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will once again open its doors as part of Doors Open Toronto 2023, presented by Great Gulf. Throughout the day, thousands of people are expected to visit Billy Bishop Airport as part of the annual city-wide event.
This year’s theme – City of Sound – focuses on what a city sounds like. From the absence of sound generated by our electric ferry to the excited greetings and goodbyes of passengers, what better location to learn about and explore the different sounds of the city than at Billy Bishop Airport?
As part of Doors Open 2023, visitors will have a unique opportunity to explore the airport’s buildings and facilities, go behind-the-scenes of airport operations and to learn more about our rich history and the important role YTZ plays in making connections and creating a gateway for trade and tourism directly in the heart of Canada’s largest city.
Airport staff and partners will be onsite to answer questions and provide visitors with a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse of the airport, including:
- Billy Bishop Airport’s state-of-the-art underwater pedestrian tunnel, the island atrium and mainland pavilion, as well as a staging area to view the airport’s runway operations and aircraft up close;
- The airport’s fire hall and maintenance facility, which will give kids of all ages the opportunity to explore the airport’s state-of-the-art safety vehicles;
- Indigenous artwork on display, including the recently unveiled granite sculpture Maanjidowin: The Gathering created in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation;
- Taking the scenic route aboard the cleaner, greener and quieter Marilyn Bell ferry, the first all-electric ferry in Canada;
- Viewing of PortsToronto’s tugboat, the Iron Guppy, which is responsible for ice breaking in the Western Gap in the winter months and harbour clean-up in the summer;
- Taking in the incredible views and ambient sounds of Toronto’s harbour, along on our newly opened dock wall seating area along the Western Gap;
- A demonstration of PortsToronto’s award-winning Trash Trapping Program’s Seabins and new WasteShark aquadrone;
- A historical exhibit featuring memorabilia from WWI hero Billy Bishop including a full-size model of the Nieuport 17 aircraft flown by Bishop and life-size bronze sculpture of Bishop’s first meeting with fellow flying ace William Barker;
- The team of falcons and dogs that play an important role in the airport’s wildlife management program;
- Airport partners and tenants, such as Air Canada, Ornge, Nieuport Aviation Infrastructure Partners, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), FlyGTA and Heli Tours, among others, who will host displays and showcase the full range of services that the airport provides.
- Musical performances by ArtHaus emerging artists as part of Music on the Fly; and,
- A live broadcast by Indie88 with Street Team activations and giveaways.
Learn more about our exhibitors and view a map of the event on our website.
About Billy Bishop Airport Toronto City Airport
Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 80 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Airport is an important international gateway and a key driver to Toronto’s economy which traditionally welcomes approximately 2.8 million passengers per year. Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency and customer service and has won a series of passenger-driven awards. With a focus on cleaner, greener and quieter operations, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has made significant upgrades in recent year to achieve its sustainability goals which are reported on an annual basis. Billy Bishop Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto.
About Doors Open Toronto
Each May, Doors Open Toronto invites the public to explore the city’s most-loved buildings and sites, free of charge. The event provides rare access to buildings that are not usually open to the public and free access to sites that would usually charge an admission fee. Since its inception in 2000, it has attracted more than two million visits to nearly 700 unique locations and remains the largest event of its kind in Canada. Doors Open Toronto is dedicated to celebrating built heritage, architecture and design. It is presented by Great Gulf and produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the broader community.