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The Airport Development Program

In order to provide sufficient airside, terminal and groundside capacity at acceptable levels of service throughout the forecast period and to enhance the airport’s competitive position as a gateway airport to North America, the GTAA has initiated the implementation of an Airport Development Program. The phasing and staging of each component of the program is demand-driven and is based on forecast aviation activity and acceptable levels of service. The program is divided into three major components: Airside Development Project, Terminal Development Project, and the Infield Development Project.

Phase I (1997 - 2000) - Phase I includes the completion of Runway 15R/33L, 2,590 metres (8,500 feet) long, which became operational in late 1997. A dual taxiway system around the existing passenger terminal area apron will be constructed to improve aircraft taxing. Portions of this taxiway system have been completed and will become operational prior to completion of the entire system. In addition, a new central aircraft de-icing facility will be built. Construction of Phase I is currently estimated to cost $214,700,000.

Phase II (1998 - 2002) - Phase II includes the construction of a new east-west parallel runway (6R/24L) on the south side of the airport lands, which will require the relocation of a hangar (currently occupied by Canadian Airlines) and the relocation of certain off-airport properties, all of which lie within the proposed runway’s approach zone. Site preparation for the runway will begin in 1998 and, if projected demand is sustained, construction of the runway is expected to begin in 1999 in order to meet anticipated demand levels in 2002. Construction of Phase II, including 1997 expenditures, is currently estimated at $147,400,000.

Phase III (future demand-based) - The final phase of the Airside Development Project includes the construction of runway 5R/23L, which is the sixth and final runway in the airport’s system, which will be a new east-west runway on the north side of the airport lands. Completion of this runway will provide the airport with three sets of parallel runways. The demand requirements for this runway are expected to occur after the forecast horizon of 2010.

Stage 1 (1997 - 2004) - Stage 1 includes the planning, design and construction of a new 42-gate terminal plus commuter aircraft parking positions and off-gate ground-loaded aircraft parking positions with two piers and a ground transportation centre that includes a new multi-level public parking facility with 5,500 spaces. Construction of the new terminal apron includes the development of a new aircraft hydrant fueling system and the installation of new site utility systems. Stage 1 also includes upper- and lower-level roadway development and modification, as well as the demolition and relocation of the existing Airport Administration Building. An interim passenger facility, called the Infield Holdroom, will have 10 bridged gates and will be used as a temporary facility during construction. Passengers will be bussed to and from the Infield Holdroom to a terminal where passenger services are available. The GTAA’s acquisition of Terminal 3, which has available passenger capacity, provides additional capacity and flexibility during temporary airline terminal relocations. Construction of Stage 1 is currently estimated to cost $1.524 billion, including 1997 expenditures. Stage 1 is expected to become operational in 2002; all 42 gates will be operational in 2004.

Stage 2 (2004 - 2006) - Stage 2 calls for the construction of a third pier at the new terminal containing 17 additional gates and additional parking positions for commuter aircraft and off-gate ground-loaded aircraft, as well as an expansion of the ground transportation centre , including an additional 4,500 parking spaces. Demolition and removal of Terminal 2 and its parking structure will take place during Stage 2. Off-airport highway access will be enhanced, and on-airport roadways will be improved during Stage 2. Construction of Stage 2 is currently estimated to cost $1.035 billion.

Stage 3 (future demand-based) - The final stage includes the construction of a fourth pier when demand warrants. The addition of the fourth pier would bring the total number of aircraft gates in the new terminal to 80 in addition to parking positions for commuter aircraft and off-gate ground-loaded aircraft. If the fourth pier is built, additional apron modifications that provide access to site utilities, an aircraft fueling system and on-site access roads will be constructed. Stage 3 is considered to be beyond the forecast horizon of 2010.