O aeroporto do centro de Toronto, oficialmente conhecido como Aeroporto Billy Bishop da Cidade de Toronto, tem sido desde há muito objeto de debate. Localizado nas Ilhas de Toronto, a poucos minutos do distrito financeiro da cidade, o aeroporto oferece um serviço aéreo regional conveniente, ao mesmo tempo que ocupa uma localização única e sensível na zona ribeirinha de Toronto.

Ao longo da última década, as propostas para expandir o aeroporto geraram discussões intensas entre residentes, empresas, políticos, urbanistas e grupos ambientalistas. Os defensores argumentam que a expansão fortaleceria a economia de Toronto, melhoraria as opções de transporte e criaria postos de trabalho. Os opositores sustentam que um aeroporto maior alteraria fundamentalmente o caráter da zona ribeirinha, aumentaria o ruído e a poluição, e daria prioridade aos interesses comerciais em detrimento das necessidades da comunidade.

A questão central permanece: a expansão do aeroporto da ilha serviria a população de Toronto ou serviria principalmente os interesses da indústria da aviação e das operações aeroportuárias?

O Aeroporto Billy Bishop opera sob um acordo tripartido que envolve o governo federal, a Cidade de Toronto e a Autoridade Portuária de Toronto. O acordo dita as operações do aeroporto, incluindo restrições ao comprimento das pistas e aos tipos de aeronaves. Historicamente, o aeroporto destinava-se a permanecer um aeroporto urbano relativamente pequeno. As propostas de expansão incluíram extensões de pistas, a acomodação de aeronaves maiores e o aumento da capacidade de passageiros. Tais mudanças transformariam o aeroporto de uma instalação regional num centro de transportes mais significativo. Dado que o aeroporto se situa junto a bairros densamente povoados e a terrenos públicos ribeirinhos de grande valor, a expansão acarreta consequências que vão muito além da aviação.

O argumento mais forte contra uma grande expansão é o de que Toronto já possui um aeroporto internacional maior, o Pearson. Os críticos perguntam por que razão terrenos ribeirinhos valiosos no centro da cidade deveriam ser utilizados para duplicar uma infraestrutura que já existe noutras partes da região. O argumento mais forte a favor é a conveniência. Um aeroporto maior no centro da cidade poderia proporcionar um acesso mais rápido a milhões de viajantes e apoiar o crescimento económico na maior cidade do Canadá. A questão torna-se, portanto, uma questão de prioridades…. deverá a zona ribeirinha de Toronto ser primordialmente um corredor de transportes, ou deverá continuar focada no lazer, na habitação, no espaço público e na gestão ambiental?

Na minha humilde opinião, Doug Ford conseguiu uma vitória política significativa na política do Ontário, tendo o primeiro-ministro provincial sido capaz de convencer a presidente do município de Toronto, Olivia Chow, e o Primeiro-Ministro do Canadá a aceitarem a expropriação e a avançarem com o Aeroporto da Ilha, algo que nenhum outro governo alguma vez conseguiu alcançar. Doug Ford fez o que nenhum outro político sozinho foi capaz de manobrar: este acordo com todos os níveis de governo sintonizados. Ter-se-ão os astros alinhado todos ao mesmo tempo ou foi Doug Ford que fez isto acontecer?

A expansão do Aeroporto Billy Bishop da Cidade de Toronto oferece benefícios económicos e de transporte claros. O aumento da conectividade, a criação de emprego e o acesso a empresas poderiam fortalecer a posição de Toronto como uma das principais cidades da América do Norte. No entanto, esses benefícios devem ser pesados face a custos substanciais, incluindo o ruído, os impactos ambientais, a pressão sobre os bairros circundantes e a potencial perda de oportunidades para a zona ribeirinha.

Se o acordo tripartido serve o interesse público depende em grande parte da visão de cada um sobre o que a zona ribeirinha de Toronto se deve tornar. Se o crescimento económico e a eficiência dos transportes forem os objetivos principais, a expansão parece atrativa. Se a preservação do espaço público ribeirinho, a qualidade de vida dos bairros e a sustentabilidade ambiental forem as prioridades, uma expansão significativa torna-se muito mais difícil de justificar.

O debate não é simplesmente sobre um aeroporto. É uma discussão mais ampla sobre a identidade futura da própria cidade de Toronto e sobre a forma como a cidade escolhe equilibrar o crescimento, a mobilidade e a qualidade de vida.

Ford parece ter ganho a batalha política para pôr em marcha a expansão do Billy Bishop, mas a luta mais ampla sobre se o projeto é uma boa ideia — e que parte dele acabará por ser construída — ainda continua em disputa.

Ame-se ou odeie-se, o Aeroporto da Ilha de Toronto domina uma coisa melhor do que a maioria dos aeroportos: manter uma cidade inteira a falar antes mesmo de os passageiros levantarem voo.

Se foi ou não uma “vitória” para Doug Ford, depende do ponto de vista de cada um.

Vincent Black/MS

The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.

When Dwayne De Rosario wore the Canadian national team jersey, he could hardly have imagined that one day Canada would host matches for a FIFA World Cup. Considered one of the greatest players in the history of Canadian soccer, the former international closely followed the evolution of the sport in the country and believes that the 2026 World Cup represents a transformative moment for Canadian soccer.

Currently serving as a City of Toronto Ambassador for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, De Rosario sees the tournament as a unique opportunity to inspire future generations, strengthen national pride, and consolidate the growth that soccer has experienced over recent decades. In his opinion, the arrival of Major League Soccer in Canada was a deciding factor in changing the sport’s reality, creating new opportunities for young athletes and bringing communities together around the game.

In this interview with Milénio Stadium, he talks about the significance of seeing Canada host a World Cup, the expectations for the national team, the legacy he hopes to leave for the next generations, and Portugal’s chances in a competition that promises to capture the attention of the entire world.

Milénio Stadium: As a former Canadian international and current ambassador for the 2026 World Cup, what do you feel seeing Canada host matches for a men’s World Cup at home for the first time?

Dwayne de Rosario: An historic moment in Canada for sports but especially for the growth and movement around the game Soccer in Canada.

MS: Toronto and Vancouver will be at the centre of the soccer world’s attention for several weeks. What legacy do you hope this event leaves for future generations of Canadian players?

DdR: First to inspire the future and injecting a new sense of Canadian pride and passion we haven’t seen in this country

MS: When you represented Canada, did you imagine that the country could one day organize a World Cup of this scale? What has changed in Canadian soccer to make this possible?

DdR: Never dreamt we would be hosting a World Cup in Canada due to the lack of support and respect Soccer receives but the biggest factor is MLS coming to Canada that’s what sparked growth and opportunities for youth to strive to play in a professional league and environment, also for the soccer community to rally around and share passion around the game every weekend.  This changed the landscape for the Soccer community!

MS: The Canadian national team currently enjoys unprecedented talent and visibility. What are your expectations for the team, and what do you consider to be a realistic goal for Canada in this tournament?

DdR: I personally am very proud and excited of the future of our National Team our players are doing extremely well in their personal journeys and collectively as a National Team. Now as an association and provenances governing bodies need to catch up with the talent on the field. We need more youth and new energy around decision making and taking our entire program to new heights.

MS: Portugal remains one of the most respected national teams in world soccer and generates enormous interest within the Luso-Canadian community. How do you assess Portugal’s chances in the World Cup, and who do you consider to be the main contender for the title in 2026?

DdR: Portugal has always been a country with talented players and a competitive team. They have very good chance to go far in the WC.

Madalena Balça/MS

The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.

Hello, good morning, how have you been? Well, I hope. Regarding time, perhaps I can no longer answer you so literally. Because time, it flies by, it gallops. Before we blink an eye, booo, it’s Christmas!

Now tell me, if you want to, of course. What is your state of mind like for “dealing” with crowds during the World Cup matches?

Toronto will be the target of a temporary “invasion” of teams, entourages, fans, etc. A city that already has extreme difficulty “draining” its own traffic—imagine the chaos that will become part of the daily life for anyone who has to leave the house to go to work. Yes, because not everyone is a government employee (Federal or Provincial) who is being granted the opportunity to work from home on match days in Toronto.

Despite remaining the fourth-largest city in North America, one way or another, Toronto has never created a logistical system capable of making the city flow. Politician after politician, in the most varied leadership positions, only fill their “billboards” with promises—but, by the way, we actually know full well that, deep down, deep down… politicians all attend, without exception, the exact same learning classes.

The question arises… Will Portugal be in Toronto’s sights during the World Cup? Yes, there is a possibility that Portugal will play in Toronto! The National Team has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and if they advance in the competition and finish second in the group stage, they have their Round of 32 match scheduled for July 2nd at BMO. If that happens, my friends, Toronto is truly going to STOP! So stay tuned for how these updates unfold.

I sincerely hope that this event takes place with serenity and very little incompetence on the part of the city and the entire organization, and that it counts on the cooperation of all its residents and thousands of visitors.

It is what it is and will always be worth what it’s worth.

See you soon,

Cristina DaCosta/MS

The Ontario government has announced it is investing $1.7 billion to fund an additional 70,000 seats in high-demand sectors such as health care, STEM, education and the skilled trades at publicly assisted colleges and universities across the province.

According to a release, it is part of the government’s $6.4 billion new postsecondary funding model.

Since its launch in February, the province has invested $975 million to fund 30,000 more seats in health care, STEM and education. This recent announcement builds on that by launching a call for proposals supported by a further $730 million investment, to create 40,000 new seats across economy-driving programs including health care, teaching, STEM and skilled trades, for a total of 70,000 seats and $1.7 billion.

As part of the call for proposals, colleges and universities will engage with local businesses and employers in their community to submit a growth plan to the provincial government that ensures expanded seats are aligned with local labour market demands. The first of these seats will be open for students in the fall, the release adds.

Skills Ontario applauded the news, noting it is particularly encouraged by the focus on regional labour market alignment through the proposed Priority Growth Plans.

“This investment goes beyond increasing access — it’s about building a responsive and future-ready training system,” said Ian Howcroft, Skills Ontario CEO, in a statement. “By connecting education to local economic needs, we can better equip students to thrive while supporting the competitiveness of Ontario’s industries.”

DCN/MS

AECOM has announced it has been awarded the top position on Defence Construction Canada’s (DCC) National Architecture and Engineering (A&E) Source List.

The multi-year program has a potential value of up to $270 million, explains a release, and will support the Department of National Defence (DND) in delivering infrastructure across Canada.

The contract comprises a three-year agreement with two additional one-year period options. AECOM will provide multidisciplinary architecture and engineering services spanning the full spectrum of planning, design and construction-phase support.

“As the largest source list ever issued by DCC in total maximum estimated value, this program represents a major investment in Canada’s defense infrastructure,” the release reads. “The source list selection process is specifically designed to provide DCC with the best value partners, and AECOM’s top position reflects the company’s superior value across technical merit, cost, and specialized defense experience.”

Work under the program will encompass the delivery of hangars and aircraft maintenance buildings, vehicle maintenance bays, high‑security office complexes, accommodations, mess facilities, recreational amenities and training facilities.

The release adds AECOM will also provide strategic planning services with long-term recapitalization plans and asset portfolio management.

“Across Canada, our local teams take deep pride in supporting the people and infrastructure that safeguard the nation,” said Richard Barrett, chief executive of AECOM’s Canada region, in a statement. “As we help DND prepare for future challenges, we will leverage our full architecture and engineering expertise, along with advanced energy modelling, asset management and innovative design solutions, to help deliver facilities that perform, endure, and meet the highest standards of safety and technical excellence.”

DCN/MS

The City of Toronto is celebrating a major construction milestone for a new rental housing development in Scarborough that will include 80 affordable homes as part of efforts to accelerate housing construction across the city.

Mayor Olivia Chow, Scarborough-Woburn MP Michael Coteau and Scarborough Centre Coun. Michael Thompson joined representatives from The Rose Corporation and development partner Michael Langer on Friday to mark the “topping off” of 26 Gilder Dr., signalling the completion of the building’s structural framework.

The project, known as The Glenview, will deliver 341 rental units, including 80 affordable homes and 261 market-rate apartments. Located near Kennedy Station, the development is intended to provide residents with easier access to public transit, employment opportunities and community services. Occupancy is expected to begin in the second half of 2027.

It’s the first of 44 developments currently under construction through the City’s Rental Housing Supply Program (RHSP) to break ground in March 2025. City officials say the program is helping speed up the construction of new rental housing.

Toronto is contributing more than $11.4 million in financial incentives for the project, including development charge deferrals and waivers. The development is also supported by nearly $150 million in funding and financing from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation through its SEED and Apartment Construction Loan Program initiatives.

The milestone follows last week’s groundbreaking ceremony for another RHSP-supported purpose-built rental project at 72 Perth Ave. Together, the developments form part of the city’s broader strategy to expand rental housing supply and support home construction.

Once completed, the 44 RHSP projects currently underway are expected to deliver more than 11,000 new homes, including more than 6,200 rent-controlled or affordable units.

“Every Torontonian deserves a safe, affordable place to call home close to transit, jobs and the services they rely on,” Chow said in a statement. “By partnering with other levels of government and the private sector, we are cutting red tape and moving faster to build the homes Toronto needs.”

Thompson called the project especially meaningful for Scarborough residents seeking more affordable housing options close to transit and services.

“It’s clear that housing is one of the top priorities for people in Scarborough,” Coteau added, saying federal investments in housing are helping strengthen communities and create jobs.

Daniel Berholz, president of The Rose Corporation, said the project reflects a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to address housing needs in the community.

“Simply put, this project would not have happened without their partnership,” Berholz said, referring to support from the City of Toronto and CMHC.

DCN/MS