Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre unveil aviation-themed space for local youth

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre (WNC) today unveiled a new aviation-themed learning and activity room that will support after-school programming and inspire curiosity, creativity and learning among local children and youth.

The transformed space builds on a longstanding partnership between WNC and Billy Bishop Airport, which has included collaborative initiatives such as the Community Connect Garden and Multimedia Studio. Developed with the support of the Toronto Port Authority and Nieuport Aviation, the aviation-themed room introduces young people to the world of aviation through educational resources, interactive activities and aviation-inspired design.

The unveiling represents a shared commitment to creating enriching opportunities for children and strengthening connections between the airport and the waterfront communities it serves.

Quotes

“At Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, we are committed to creating opportunities that help children learn, grow and discover new possibilities,” said Natasha Francis, Executive Director, Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre. “This aviation-themed space transforms an everyday after-school room into an environment that sparks imagination and invites exploration. We are grateful to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the Toronto Port Authority and Nieuport Aviation for their partnership and shared commitment to investing in the young people and families we serve.”

“This room is more than a physical space. It is a lasting investment in the potential of young people and a powerful example of what can be achieved through partnership,” said Deborah Wilson, Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, Toronto Port Authority. “For more than a decade, our organization has been proud to work alongside the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre to help create opportunities that inspire children to learn, grow and imagine what is possible for their future. Whether through this physical space or through our popular events such as Girls Take Flight and Doors Open at Billy Bishop Airport, we are helping young people discover new possibilities, build confidence and see themselves in careers they may never have considered, including in aviation.”

“We believe airports can play an important role beyond transportation by helping create opportunities for learning and discovery,” said Cheryl Stone, Chief Strategy Officer, Nieuport Aviation. “We’re proud to support a space that encourages children to explore the world around them, ask questions and imagine what their futures might hold. Whether their interests lead them to aviation or another field, we hope this room helps spark a lifelong love of learning.”

As part of the event, children received copies of the newly released Airport Activity Book, produced by Colour Their World in partnership with Nieuport Aviation. The activity book introduces children to aviation through engaging, age-appropriate activities and will be distributed more broadly to travellers and the community in the weeks to come.

The aviation-themed room will serve as a dedicated space for WNC’s after-school programming, providing children with opportunities for educational activities, creative exploration and collaborative learning.

-30-

About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

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.

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 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by the Toronto Port Authority. Nieuport Aviation is the terminal partner and operates the airport’s complimentary shuttle service to and from downtown Toronto. Learn more at www.billybishopairport.com.

About the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre

Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre (WNC) is a non-profit City of Toronto agency and part of the Association of Community Centres (AOCC). Located at 627 Queens Quay West, WNC serves Toronto’s waterfront community. Celebrating 35 years in 2026, the WNC delivers educational, recreational, and

social programs for babies to seniors as well as community outreach programming that responds directly to neighbourhood need. By working in close partnership with residents and local organizations, WNC creates a welcoming, supportive space where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect,

learn, and thrive www.waterfrontnc.ca.

About the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas

The Toronto Association of Business  Improvement Areas (TABIA) is a non-profit umbrella organization of the 85  Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) within the City of Toronto, who in turn  represent more than 90,000 local businesses and property owners. Find your  local BIA here: https://www.toronto-bia.com/find-a-bia/. Follow TABIA on Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 

About Colour Their World

Founded by educator and storyteller Erica London, Colour Their World (CTW) was born from a heartfelt mission: to ensure every child, especially those from BIPOC communities feels seen, heard, and celebrated through inclusive books, educational tools, and engaging experiences. What began as a personal search for literature to help her children understand loss grew into a vibrant platform that bridges education and imagination. From school visits and public speaking to joyful YouTube content featuring global authors, music, and activities, CTW reflects the beauty and richness of every child’s story, inviting families, educators, and communities to discover the power of representation and literacy. Learn more at www.colourtheirworld.ca.