The tunnel is an important complement to existing ferry service that connects the airport, located on Toronto Island, with the mainland.
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Passengers arriving at what’s officially known as the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport now have the option of taking one of six elevators down more than 30 metres below the surface of Lake Ontario.
Officials say the tunnel will be 100 per cent powered by green energy.
RoFo takes full credit for the tunnel.
In a media advisory, Ports Toronto said the tunnel was built at no cost to taxpayers, instead using an public-private partnership agreement between Ports Toronto, Forum Equity Partners and PCL, the lead contractor.
In a statement issued Thursday morning, Coun.
A proposed bridge was nixed several years ago.
The ferry will continue to run approximately every 15 minutes, Ports Toronto said, for vehicles and for those who prefer it over the tunnel.
The mayor and transportation minister both spoke before the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Ward 2 councillor also took a swipe at his predecesor as mayor David Miller, noting that his administration was “strongly opposed to” the island airport.
It’s expected to bring more than 2 million passengers from downtown Toronto to the airport.
Speaking with CP24 on Thursday afternoon, the chair of a lobby group opposing Porter’s plans to bring jets to the airport said he has serious concerns about traffic in the area going forward.
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A connection between the mainland and airport has been touted since Billy Bishop opened in 1939. “Another matter that our current Mayor would not have been able to vote on, or even debate on the Council floor”, said Ford. “Let’s not forget that council approved the Spadina Expressway and then Premier Bill Davis knocked it down”.
