Skip to Content

Return to homepage

Contact Us
  • Passengers
    • View our Flights Landing pageFlights
      • Airlines
      • Arrivals and Departures
      • Destinations
    • View our Ground Transportation pageGround Transportation
      • Address and Directions
      • Car Rentals
      • Limousines
      • Public Transportation
      • Taxis
    • View our Passenger Information pagePassenger Information
      • Additional Services
      • COVID-19
      • Explore Waterloo Region
      • Returning to Canada
      • Security Screening
      • Terminal Map
    • View our Parking pageParking
  • Business
    • View our Air Service pageAir Service
      • Air Service Development
      • Airport Business Advisory Council
      • Airport of Entry (AOE)
      • NAV Canada
      • Southern Ontario Airport Network
    • View our Business at YKF pageBusiness at YKF
      • Advertising
      • Airside Vehicle Operation
      • Available Buildings & Land
      • Business Directory
      • Events and Filming
      • Rates and Fees
      • Safety
      • Security Clearance
    • View our Construction pageConstruction
      • Airport Improvement Projects
      • Altering An Existing Building or Lands
  • About YKF
    • View our Airport Community pageAirport Community
      • Airport Events
      • Aviation Organizations
      • Book a Tour
    • View our Airport Information pageAirport Information
      • Airport Specifications
      • Careers
      • Contact Information
      • Environment
      • History
      • Master Plan Implementation
      • News Releases
    • View our Noise pageNoise
      • Causes of Airport Noise
      • Noise incidents
      • Submit a Noise Concern
  • Contact Information
    • View our Instagram Page in new window
    • View our Facebook Page in new window
    • View our Twitter Page in new window
    • View our YouTube Page in new window

    Aerial image of airport

    Master Plan Implementation

    • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
    • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
    • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
    • Email this page Email
    Decrease text size- Increase text size+
    HomeAbout YKFAirport InformationMaster Plan Implementation

    Planning today to serve Waterloo Region better tomorrow

    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

    The Region is currently in Stage 1 of the Airport Master Plan, triggered by Council approval in April 2017. Stage 1 consists of completing studies and design assignments to prepare the airport to expand infrastructure. These projects include:

    • 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

     Why now?

    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.

    YKF has one large advantage over other airports in southern Ontario. The airport is 2.5 km from the Kitchener GO Transit line in the Metrolinx transit system. This is the same line that TPIA is located on and serviced through the UP Express rail service. TPIA is advocating to become a multi-modal hub fed by rail transit. Their goal is to optimize customer service. This makes YKF a logical choice.

     Who is directing these projects?
    These projects are directed by the Project Team and Steering Committee comprised of staff and elected officials from:
    • the Regional Municipality of Waterloo
    • the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo; and the Township of Woolwich
    • the Region of Waterloo International Airport
    • and the Grand River Conservation Authority
     How do I get involved?
    • Sign up for updates by sending a request to Airport Master Plan Implementation.
    • Attend a Public Consultation Centre (PCC) 
    • Submit Airport Zoning Regulations or Runway Extensions Assessment feedback online.
    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:

    • The needs and opportunities for the runway extensions;
    • The project environment (natural, social, cultural/heritage);
    • Discuss results of field investigations and assessments completed to date; and,
    • Discuss potential mitigation measures to limit environmental impacts.

    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:

    • The needs and opportunities for the runway extensions;
    • The project environment (natural, social, cultural/heritage);
    • Discuss potential mitigation measures to limit environmental impacts;
    • The proposed changes to the Airport Zoning Regulations; and,
    • Future public input opportunities planned.

    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:
    • maximizing existing infrastructure
    • managing increased air service
    • and, protecting for future growth
    Who directed the Master Plan?
    The Master Plan project was directed by a Steering Committee comprised of staff and elected officials from:
    • the Regional Municipality of Waterloo;
    • the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo; and the Township of Woolwich.
    • the Region of Waterloo International Airport;
    • and the Grand River Conservation Authority
    Airport Master Planning Process
    • April 12, 2017 - Plan presented to and approved by the Region of Waterloo Regional Council
    • April 4, 2017 - Plan presented to the Region of Waterloo Planning and Works Committee
    • April 2016 - Project Start - Included two Public Information Centres (May 25 and November 10, 2016)
    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: 

    • Stage 1 - Upon approval of 20 Year Airport Master Plan (April 2017) 
      Plan for 500,000 passengers a year
    • Stage 2 - Airport reaches 250,000 passengers (Roughly 3 Boeing 737 flights per day)
      Plan for 1 million passengers & build for 500,000 passengers annually
    • Stage 3 - Airport reaches 500,000 passengers (Roughly 6 Boeing 737 flights per day)
      Plan for 1.5 million passengers & build for 1 million passengers annually
    • Stage 4 - Airport reaches 1 million passengers (Roughly 12 Boeing 737 flights per day)
      Build for 1.5 million passengers annually
    • Stage 5 - Airport reaches 1.5 million passengers (Roughly 18 Boeing 737 flights per day)
      Build for 2.5 million passengers annually
    2017 Master Plan Reports
    • April 2017 - Region of Waterloo International Airport 20 Year Master Plan (Executive Summary)
    • April 2017 - Region of Waterloo International Airport 20 Year Master Plan (without Appendices)
    • April 2017 - Region of Waterloo International Airport 20 Year Master Plan (Appendices)
    • April 2017 - Region of Waterloo International Airport 5 Year Business Plan

    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
    • November 10, 2016 - No. 2 Public Consultation Presentation Boards
    • November 10, 2016 - Airport Master Plan Overview Presentation
    • November 1, 2016 - Region of Waterloo Planning and Works Committee Update (PDL-AIR-16-06)
    • May 25, 2016 - No. 1 Public Information Centre Presentation Boards
    • February 23, 2016 - Region of Waterloo Planning and Works Committee Update (PDL-AIR-16-04)
    • 2016 Airport Master Plan Terms of Reference
    Additional Background Documents
    • May 2017 - Flying Together: The Southern Ontario Airport Network
    • Feb 2016 - Urban Strategies Inc. Pearson Connects: A Multi-Modal Platform for Prosperity
    • Sept 2015 - Urban Strategies Inc. Toronto Pearson: Growth Connectivity, Capacity - The future of a key regional asset
    Receive Email Updates...

    Contact(s)

    • Airport Information
    • Airport Community
      • Airport Events
        • Aviation Fun Day
      • Aviation Organizations
      • Book a Tour
        • Book A Tour Request Form
    • Airport Information
      • Airport Specifications
      • Careers
      • Contact Information
        • Submit Customer Feedback
        • Submit a Media Request
        • Submit a Noise Concern
        • Tour Request Form
      • Environment
      • History
      • Master Plan Implementation
        • Airport Zoning Regulations Update
        • Submit Airport Zoning Regulations Feedback
        • Runway Extensions Assessment Update
        • Submit Runway Extensions Assessment Feedback
      • News Releases
    • Noise
      • Causes of Airport Noise
      • Noise incidents
      • Submit a Noise Concern

    Region of Waterloo Logo

    © 2011-2017
    Region of Waterloo.
    All rights reserved.

    Designed by eSolutionsGroup

    • Passengers
      • Flights
      • Ground Transportation
      • Passenger Information
      • Parking
    • Business
      • Air Service
      • Business at YKF
      • Construction
    • About YKF
      • Airport Community
      • Airport Information
      • Noise
    • Contact Information

      Region of Waterloo International Airport
      1-4881 Fountain Street North, Breslau, Ontario, N0B 1M0
      • Careers
      • Privacy
      • Sitemap
      • Website Feedback

      Browser Compatibility Notification

      It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.