A planned protest against the introduction of jet service at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport turned into a celebration Sunday after the federal government announced it would not proceed with Ontario’s proposal to expand the airport for jet operations.

Hundreds gathered at Harbour Square Park on Toronto’s waterfront, many carrying blue signs bearing the slogan “No Jets T.O.” — a message that has appeared on lawns throughout the city over recent months. Rather than voicing opposition through chants, attendees embraced and applauded what they described as a significant victory following a months-long campaign against the airport expansion.

“This was going to be a rally, and instead it’s a celebration,” said NDP Member of Provincial Parliament Chris Glover, who represents the Spadina–Fort York riding along the waterfront. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, a long-standing critic of the jet expansion plan, also attended, calling the federal decision a win for local communities.

The announcement came Friday from Transport Minister Steve MacKinnon, who stated that at this time Ottawa would not move forward with Premier Doug Ford’s effort to accommodate jets at the downtown airport. The decision followed a federal public consultation that drew approximately 87,000 responses, according to a senior government source. The majority of the feedback was reportedly from Toronto residents opposing the plan.

Norm Di Pasquale, program manager for advocacy group NoJetsTO, described the survey results as a clear indication of strong public disapproval. Opponents argue that allowing jets would increase noise pollution, threaten waterfront green spaces, harm the environment, and complicate housing development plans for the area.

Ginny Thomson, 75, representing Seniors for Climate Action Now, emphasized the health concerns raised by the potential increase in air traffic, noting that many of the group’s roughly 800 members nationwide reside near the airport. “We were ecstatic, but we’re also staying vigilant,” she said. “This victory shows that if people organize and keep at it, change is possible.”

Despite the federal government’s rejection of the current proposal, some experts caution that the issue may not be fully resolved. Ontario officials appear to consider Ottawa’s phrasing “at this stage” as leaving open the possibility of revisiting the expansion in the future.

Giles Gherson, president and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, expressed disappointment with the federal decision, warning that it could impede the airport’s ability to modernize and support a growing regional economy.

Residents living near the waterfront expressed both relief and continued commitment to the cause. Jeremy von Hollen, who has lived in the area for more than a decade, said he attended the event to support preservation of the waterfront. Meanwhile, social media influencer Karishma Porwal, who has actively campaigned against the jet proposal, said turnout exceeded her expectations and underscored the importance of public engagement.

The expansion plan had become a key priority for the Ford government, which last year passed legislation allowing the province to assume Toronto’s role in the tripartite agreement overseeing the airport. This agreement also includes the federal government and the Toronto Port Authority, a federal agency. Toronto had previously approved a runway extension to comply with Transport Canada safety regulations.

MacKinnon reiterated Friday that Ottawa’s current focus remains on safety-related upgrades and that any future airport developments must address concerns related to noise, environmental impact, housing, and residents’ quality of life.

Organizers at Sunday’s event urged vigilance, warning that renewed attempts to expand the airport could face strong political consequences. “Today we celebrate, but we’re not letting our foot off the gas on this one,” Glover said.