Toronto (May 25, 2023) — PortsToronto today released its 2022 Sustainability Report, which offers a comprehensive accounting of environmental performance at its various businesses including Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the marine Port of Toronto and Outer Harbour Marina. The report tracks key indicators such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and economic impact, and measures the organization’s progress within the framework of global corporate reporting best practices.

The eighth-annual report is presented in an interactive format with graphic and video components that help illustrate PortsToronto’s achievements and ongoing efforts to implement sustainable practices, support its community and the wellbeing of its employees, and invest in programs and infrastructure that protect the environment and grow Toronto’s economy. 

In 2022, PortsToronto took significant strides in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, reporting a 10 per cent decrease in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions. This was achieved in part through the organization’s continued use of 100 per cent renewable energy via Bullfrog Power – which has allowed PortsToronto to displace more than 29,717 tonnes of CO2 since 2010 – and its investment in cleaner technology such as the Marilyn Bell electric ferry. The Marilyn Bell e-ferry at Billy Bishop Airport is powered by green electricity and its zero-emission operation will reduce PortsToronto’s overall diesel consumption by 196,000 litres each year.

“As we set our sights on supporting our region’s post-pandemic recovery, the key principle of balance remains at the forefront of PortsToronto’s strategic planning,” said RJ Steenstra, President and Chief Executive Officer of PortsToronto. “We are committed to creating a sustainable future in which economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship and social progress. By choosing renewable energy to power our businesses, and by protecting our shared natural resources on the waterfront, we are charting a path toward a more resilient and prosperous future for Toronto.”

The Sustainability report is developed in coordination with Delphi Group, a pioneer in sustainability, which audits and reviews PortsToronto’s sustainability reporting and key indicators like greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), to help  measure and report the organization’s progress within global corporate best practices.

To read PortsToronto’s full sustainability report, click here.

Quick Facts

• In 2022, PortsToronto renewed its agreement with Bullfrog Power to ensure that all operations at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the marine Port of Toronto and the Outer Harbour Marina will continue to be powered by wind, solar and low-impact hydroelectricity through 2026.
• In 2022, PortsToronto reported a 10 per cent decrease in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, and has displaced more than 29,717 tonnes of CO2 since 2010 through its use of 100 per cent renewable energy through its partnership with Bullfrog Power.
• In 2022, PortsToronto expanded its Trash Trapping Program, which saw the deployment of a record 10 Seabins in the Toronto Harbour and waterfront, and the removal of more than 90,000 small pieces plastic debris from Lake Ontario.
• The PortsToronto Trash Trapping Program was featured in Environment and Climate Change Canada’s 2022-2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy under Goal 6, which aims to ensure clean and safe water for all Canadians.
• The Outer Harbour Marina earned a Diamond rating by the Boating Ontario Clean Marine program in 2022, one of the highest rankings attainable for marinas that follow environmental best practices.
• PortsToronto is committed to investing in the communities in which it operates and helping to build a sustainable city. In 2022, PortsToronto supported community organizations and initiatives including Swim Drink Fish, Hope Air, Not In My City, Repdath Waterfront Festival, The Bentway, The Black Aviation Professionals Network, Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre and ALS Canada. 

About PortsToronto
For more than 100 years PortsToronto has worked with its partners at the federal, provincial and municipal levels to enhance the economic growth of the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. PortsToronto owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers in 2019; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas; and the marine Port of Toronto that includes businesses in a variety of sectors including marine shipping, cargo services, media production and passenger cruises. PortsToronto is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities and has invested more than $14 million since 2009 in charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto’s waterfront and beyond. PortsToronto operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act and is guided by a board with representation from all three levels of government.
 

Toronto (May 15, 2023) – On Saturday, May 27 Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will once again open its doors as part of Doors Open Toronto 2023, presented by Great Gulf. Throughout the day, thousands of people are expected to visit Billy Bishop Airport as part of the annual city-wide event.

This year’s theme – City of Sound – focuses on what a city sounds like. From the absence of sound generated by our electric ferry to the excited greetings and goodbyes of passengers, what better location to learn about and explore the different sounds of the city than at Billy Bishop Airport?

As part of Doors Open 2023, visitors will have a unique opportunity to explore the airport’s buildings and facilities, go behind-the-scenes of airport operations and to learn more about our rich history and the important role YTZ plays in making connections and creating a gateway for trade and tourism directly in the heart of Canada’s largest city.

Airport staff and partners will be onsite to answer questions and provide visitors with a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse of the airport, including:

• Billy Bishop Airport’s state-of-the-art underwater pedestrian tunnel, the island atrium and mainland pavilion, as well as a staging area to view the airport’s runway operations and aircraft up close;
• The airport’s fire hall and maintenance facility, which will give kids of all ages the opportunity to explore the airport’s state-of-the-art safety vehicles;
• Indigenous artwork on display, including the recently unveiled granite sculpture Maanjidowin: The Gathering created in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation;
• Taking the scenic route aboard the cleaner, greener and quieter Marilyn Bell ferry, the first all-electric ferry in Canada;
• Viewing of PortsToronto’s tugboat, the Iron Guppy, which is responsible for ice breaking in the Western Gap in the winter months and harbour clean-up in the summer;
• Taking in the incredible views and ambient sounds of Toronto’s harbour, along on our newly opened dock wall seating area along the Western Gap;
• A demonstration of PortsToronto’s award-winning Trash Trapping Program’s Seabins and new WasteShark aquadrone;
• A historical exhibit featuring memorabilia from WWI hero Billy Bishop including a full-size model of the Nieuport 17 aircraft flown by Bishop and life-size bronze sculpture of Bishop’s first meeting with fellow flying ace William Barker;
• The team of falcons and dogs that play an important role in the airport’s wildlife management program;
• Airport partners and tenants, such as Air Canada, Ornge, Nieuport Aviation Infrastructure Partners, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), FlyGTA and Heli Tours, among others, who will host displays and showcase the full range of services that the airport provides.
• Musical performances by ArtHaus emerging artists as part of Music on the Fly; and,
• A live broadcast by Indie88 with Street Team activations and giveaways.

Learn more about our exhibitors and view a map of the event on our website.

About Billy Bishop Airport Toronto City Airport
Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 80 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Airport is an important international gateway and a key driver to Toronto’s economy which traditionally welcomes approximately 2.8 million passengers per year. Billy Bishop Airport is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency and customer service and has won a series of passenger-driven awards. With a focus on cleaner, greener and quieter operations, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has made significant upgrades in recent year to achieve its sustainability goals which are reported on an annual basis. Billy Bishop Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto.

About Doors Open Toronto
Each May, Doors Open Toronto invites the public to explore the city’s most-loved buildings and sites, free of charge. The event provides rare access to buildings that are not usually open to the public and free access to sites that would usually charge an admission fee. Since its inception in 2000, it has attracted more than two million visits to nearly 700 unique locations and remains the largest event of its kind in Canada. Doors Open Toronto is dedicated to celebrating built heritage, architecture and design. It is presented by Great Gulf and produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the broader community.