Doors Open

Thank you for joining us on Saturday, May 25, 2024 as we opened the doors to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport as part of Doors Open Toronto 2024, providing behind the scenes access to showcase YTZ and all the people and partners that make this airport one of the best.

This year’s theme – Hidden Histories– was about telling the story of Toronto through its many pasts and voices. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, so this theme could not be better suited for the occasion. Since opening in 1939, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has served as an important commercial aviation centre connecting Toronto to the world; a training ground for both the Royal Canadian and Royal Norwegian Air Forces during World War II; a hub for General Aviation and life-saving emergency Medevac services; and as a key driver of Toronto’s economy. With 85 years of flight and history, what better location to learn and explore about the city’s hidden histories?

As part of Doors Open 2024, visitors had a unique opportunity to explore the airport’s buildings and facilities, go behind-the-scenes of airport operations and learn more about its long and storied history operating on Toronto’s Waterfront.

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

• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s award-winning 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;
• Public artwork on display, including the granite sculpture Maanjidowin: The Gathering created in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the newly installed Project T-Dot, the airport’s largest art installation ever.
• 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;
• 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 of Toronto’s harbour, along our dock wall seating area along the Western Gap;
• A historical exhibit featuring memorabilia from WWI hero Billy Bishop including a full-size model of the Nieuport 17 aircraft flown by Bishop, a life-size bronze sculpture of Bishop’s first meeting with fellow flying ace William Barker, and an original First World War-era Curtiss JN-4 Canuck biplane propeller;
• Airport partners and tenants, such as Air Canada, Porter Airlines, Nieuport Aviation, Ornge, and Heli Tours, among others, who will host displays and showcase the full range of services that the airport provides.
• Dance along to musical performances and DJ sets;
• A live broadcast by Indie88 with Street Team activations and giveaways; and,
• Exciting activations to tie in with the theme “Hidden Histories”.

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Please be advised that there will be photography and filming taking place during the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Doors Open event. For the full release click here.