Ottawa: Government of the Canada has issued the following press release:

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced regulations have been changed to allow the construction of a pedestrian tunnel connectingmainland downtown Toronto to the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (BBTCA).

"The pedestrian tunnel will supplement the current ferry service and make it easier for passengers to get to and from the airport, and help reduce congestion for both air passengers and local residents," said Minister Lebel.

A pedestrian tunnel will provide convenient additional access thatwill reduce congestion, and facilitate more efficient airport terminal operations and passenger movement. It will also provide reliable, round-the-clock, all-weather access between the airport and mainland Toronto.

The Toronto Port Authority (TPA) proposed building a pedestrian tunnel connecting the BBTCA to the Western Gap of the Toronto harbour to manage increased passenger flows at the airport in 2009. Previously, the Toronto Port Authority Regulations prohibited the building of abridge or similar fixed link between mainland Toronto and the Toronto Islands. The amendment to the regulations removes the prohibition as it relates to a pedestrian tunnel.

The TPA has indicated that costs associated with the pedestrian tunnel will be funded through a mix of private-sector financing and theAirport Improvement Fee.

The regulatory amendment will not change existing restrictions in place related to air operations and the allowable number of flights.

For more information please visit: http://www.canada.gc.ca/