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. 

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?
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.
 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

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)