Notice of Intent – North Cargo Hardstands  

Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination 

April 28, 2026 – The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and Transport Canada must determine whether the proposed North Cargo Hardstands Project located at Toronto Pearson International Airport is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, the GTAA and Transport Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website. 

Written comments must be submitted by May 28, 2026 to: 

Greater Toronto Airports Authority 

3111 Convair Drive; Toronto AMF, ON; L5P 1B2 

Email address: environment@gtaa.com 

 

Proposed Project: North Cargo Hardstands 

The North Cargo Hardstands Project forms part of the National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) funding agreement between the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and Transport Canada. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance air cargo capacity at Toronto Pearson International Airport. 

The proposed development will be located airside near the east end of Runway 05-23, southwest of the intersection of Airport Road and Derry Road, on previously developed land. The facility will support increased aircraft cargo operations and parking capacity. The project scope includes: 

• Construction of approximately 120,000 square metres of pavement for aircraft parking and manoeuvring  
• Installation of high-mast lighting systems  
• Provision of hydrant fueling infrastructure and aircraft servicing equipment  
• Development of a new connection to existing Taxiway Juliet  
• Implementation of new drainage infrastructure, including a stormwater retention system and oil/water interceptors to manage both quantity and quality of runoff  

Construction activities will involve excavation, clearing and grubbing, utility relocation and removal, site grading, installation of underground services, paving, line marking, lighting installation, and concrete works, along with supporting boarding infrastructure. 

Sustainability best practices will be integrated into both the design and construction phases, aligning with the broader Long-Term Investment in Facilities and Terminals (LIFT) Program at Toronto Pearson Airport. 

Note: The six cargo aircraft stands included in this project form part of GTAA's broader LIFT Program, which encompasses a total of 10 aircraft stands. The remaining stands will be addressed under a separate project posting (Reference # 90410).