The federal government will provide Toronto Pearson International Airport with more than $142 million to fund infrastructure works, including funds to begin implementing a proposed design work for a transit line connections network called the Eglinton Crosstown line

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced on Monday morning, noting that the funds will help Pearson invest in the infrastructure needed to help "revitalize" the aviation industry after the damage caused by the coronavirus.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the Canadian aviation sector, and Canada's leading global airport network, including Pearson, was severely affected. But despite the challenges, airports continued to provide essential air services that were extremely important throughout the pandemic. The funding announced today will help Toronto Pearson International Airport invest in the infrastructure needed to help revitalize the aviation industry. It will also help keep airport operations safe for residents and workers in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding communities.

The funds granted to Pearson come from the government's $571 million Airport Critical Infrastructure Program, launched in 2021.

This amount will be spent on a number of initiatives at Canada's busiest airports, including rehabilitating airport aprons, installing new systems for check-in, boarding, border clearance, and the ongoing operation of the COVID-19 testing and screening system for travelers and staff. 

It will also help the airport to "conduct technical studies and conceptual design work" for the proposed extensions with the planned extension of the Eglinton Crosstown line to Renforth Drive, which is expected to be completed by 2031.

Deborah Flint, President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, said at a press conference on Monday, "This is a pivotal day for moving forward, moving forward towards recovery and also ensuring that the Canadian aviation sector is not only Toronto Pearson but that the Canadian aviation sector becomes strong again, at a time that has been incredibly challenging."

She added, "Since Canada is one of the largest developing countries in the Group of Seven in terms of population, we know we always expect more from the quality of our services and airports, whether it is to meet capacity or to meet expectations that the airport experience be greener."

Edited by: Dima Abu Khair