Master Plan Implementation
Planning today to serve Waterloo Region better tomorrow
Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) Master Plan Refresh
We want to hear from you!
The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) Master Plan ensures the airport can meet the travel needs of our growing community. To inform the development of this updated plan, The Region of Waterloo has launched a survey to gather the community’s experiences and opinions.
The survey below takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and will be open through Friday, December 22, 2023.
Thank you for helping to guide the future of the airport.
Help inform future growth at YKF. Take the survey now.
Airport Master Plan Implementation
Regional Council approved the $375 million, 20 Year Airport Master Plan in April 2017. This will ensure that the airport can:
- Meet the travel needs of our own growing community; and
- Respond to capacity challenges at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Unlike traditional airport master planning, we used a 'just-in-time' approach. A pre-set passenger volume is required for each of the five development stages. This approach makes the most of existing infrastructure while managing financial risk. This allows YKF to respond to industry changes without compromising customer service.
Master Plan Implementation Stage 1
• Air Service Development
• Existing Terminal Expansion Design
• Federal Airport Zoning Regulation Update
• Master Servicing Study
• Runway 14-32 and 08-26 Extension Design
• Runway Extensions Assessment
• Rail Alignment Study
• Terminal Expansion Feasibility and Site Selection Study
The construction of this infrastructure would not occur until Stage 2, once the infrastructure is needed. Stage 2 will be triggered once air service expands, exceeding 250,000 annual passengers.
The Region of Waterloo International Airport held two public consultation centres (PCCs) in June and October 2019.
On August 28, 2019 the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) was enacted and the Impact Agency of Canada (IAAC) was formed. The IAA is an update to the federal consultation process that focuses on health, social and economic impacts. The Region of Waterloo International Airport runway extensions project is subject to this act.
As part of Impact Assessment Process the IAAC hosted two virtual information sharing sessions in September 2020. On November 2, 2021, the Agency determined that a full impact assessment under the Impact Assessment Act is not required for the Runway 14-32 extension project.
Project Information
The demand for air travel in southern Ontario is growing. By 2031, Toronto Pearson International Airport (TPIA) is expected to reach capacity at 70 million passengers a year. This will leave 20 million passengers in need of other air travel options. |
Who is directing these projects? |
These projects are directed by the Project Team and Steering Committee comprised of staff and elected officials from:
|
How do I get involved? |
|
What was the purpose of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) Virtual Information Sharing Sessions? (September 8, 2020) |
On August 28, 2019 the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) was enacted and the Impact Agency of Canada (IAAC) was formed. The IAA is an update to the federal consultation process that focuses on health, social and economic impacts. The Region of Waterloo International Airport runway extensions project is subject to this act. Due to COVID-19 and the associated physical distancing and self-isolation measures, the Agency hosted two virtual information sharing and discussion sessions on September 8, 2020. The objectives of the sessions were to help better understand how to participate in the upcoming impact assessment process, and to hear any comments on the Project to inform the proponent’s Initial Project Description. Each session included a presentation by representatives from the Agency and the Region of Waterloo International Airport. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions. On November 2, 2021, the Agency determined that a full impact assessment under the Impact Assessment Act is not required for the Runway 14-32 extension project. |
What was the purpose of Public Consultation Centre No. 2? (October 24, 2019) |
The Region of Waterloo believes in open and transparent public consultation. The second Public Consultation Centre (PCC) for the Runway Extensions Assessment project was held October 24, 2019. The purpose was to inform, answer questions and collect feedback about:
Regional staff and consultants were on hand to answer questions. Your comments are valuable. |
What was the purpose of Public Consultation Centre No. 1? (June 20, 2019) |
The Region of Waterloo believes in open and transparent public consultation. The first Public Consultation Centre (PCC) for the Runway Extensions Assessment and AZR Update Projects was held June 20, 2019. The purpose was to inform, answer questions and collect feedback about:
Regional staff and consultants were on hand to answer questions. Your comments are valuable. |
Public Consultation Materials and Reports |
May 6, 2020 - Letter to Residents, Airport Master Plan Implementation Update October 24, 2019 - Public Consultation Centre No. 2 Information Package October 24, 2019 - Public Consultation Centre No. 2 Boards June 20, 2019 - Public Consultation Centre No. 1 Information Package June 20, 2019 - Public Consultation Centre No. 1 Boards June 3, 2019 - Letter to Residents, Airport Zoning Regulations Update May 28, 2019 - Region of Waterloo Planning and Works Committee Update (PDL-AIR-19-04) March 19, 2019 - Airport Master Plan Implementation Steering Committee (PDL-AIR-19-03) |
20 Year Airport Master Plan Background Information
Why a Master Plan? |
A Master Plan is a tool used by airports to plan for future development, this includes:
|
Who directed the Master Plan? |
The Master Plan project was directed by a Steering Committee comprised of staff and elected officials from:
|
Airport Master Planning Process |
|
Master Plan Implementation Triggers |
The 20 Year Airport Master Plan consists of five development stages. Each stage is triggered by pre-set annual passenger volume:
|
2017 Master Plan Reports |
Accessible formats and communication support are available for all documents. Please phone 519-575-4400, TTY 519-575-4608 to request an alternate format. |
2016 Public Consultation Materials and Reports |
|
Additional Background Documents |
|
Contact(s)