New Heritage Toronto Commemorative Plaque Honours 85 Years of Flight at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Heritage Toronto today unveiled a new plaque commemorating 85 Years of Flight at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
On September 8, 1939, a charter flight carrying band leader and famed trombone player Tommy Dorsey landed at Toronto’s downtown, island airport – setting the stage for its success and transformation over the decades. From these beginnings in 1939, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has served as an important commercial aviation centre connecting Toronto to the world; as a training ground for both the Royal Canadian and Royal Norwegian Air Forces during World War II; as a hub for General Aviation and life-saving emergency Medevac services; and as a key driver of Toronto’s economy. Learn more about the airport’s rich history here.
This historical commemorative plaque offers an invitation to reflect on the rich history and enduring contributions of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. PortsToronto’s predecessor agency, the Toronto Harbour Commission, built the airport 85 years ago, and it has since gone on to be recognized as one of North America’s best in terms of convenience and award-winning passenger experience. It is also a lifeline for emergency medevac and medial transportation charities like Hope Air; a connector for tourism and trade; an economic driver; and a good neighbour through its community and environmental initiatives Ours is a story of transformation, resilience and community commitment that will continue to shape our city in the decades to come.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has been a vital gateway to Toronto for 85 years, connecting our city to the world and serving as a cornerstone of innovation and economic development. This plaque honours the airport’s storied past and celebrates its bright future.
One of Toronto’s first and longest-running airfields, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has been a central landmark on Toronto’s waterfront for 85 years. This commemorative plaque will join Heritage Toronto’s extensive collection, which consists of almost 900 educational plaques across the city.
When you begin to dig into the stories surrounding YTZ, you find layer after layer of history to uncover. From Amelia Earhart’s time in Toronto in 1917 and the passion for aviation that it ignited in her to the lasting influence of the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s time spent training here during the Second World War, there are many stories to uncover. History isn’t only in museums, in books or on the movie screen; it’s in our neighborhoods, our streets, our parks, and even at Toronto’s downtown airport.
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Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an award-winning gateway to Canada’s largest city, offering unmatched convenience just minutes from downtown Toronto. Serving passengers since 1939, the airport provides service to more than 20 cities across Canada and the U.S., with connections to more than 100 global destinations through its airline partners, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility opening soon.
Renowned for its accessibility, stunning skyline views and 98% passenger satisfaction rating, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport supports critical regional services, including medical travel and medevac operations through Ornge. It is also a key economic driver, supporting more than 4,000 jobs (2,000 directly associated with its operations) and generating approximately $2 billion annually for the regional economy.
Committed to sustainability, the airport is a three-time recipient of the Airports Council International–North America’s Environmental Achievement Award and is certified under Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto. Nieuport Aviation is the terminal partner and operates the airport’s complimentary shuttle service to and from downtown Toronto.