Toronto, ON
The new state-of-the-art 260m/853ft pedestrian tunnel connects Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport located on Toronto islands with Toronto’s mainland, eliminating the need for passengers to take a 90-second ferry ride to reach the main terminal on the island. The concept of the new tunnel and terminal expansion is to distinguish the unique Billy Bishop Airport experience from that of larger and more chaotic airports and provide passengers with a quicker option for accessing the island.
ZAS’s design aesthetic for the project is crisp, clean, and minimalist, seamlessly integrating the new tunnel infrastructure with the existing airport and mainland settings. The tunnel design allows for intuitive, safe, and swift passenger flows, minimizing walking distances and maximizing convenience. The tunnel’s acoustics have been designed to suppress the build-up of noise, creating a calming environment that allows for ease of conversation and clear understanding of PA announcements.
The Mainland Lobby allows for ease of entry to the site through a convenient direct indoor connection to the existing Ferry Terminal which will continue to operate. The Island Escalator Lobby features an enclosed floor-to-ceiling curtain wall façade that maximizes the site’s striking views of the Toronto Downtown core. To access the tunnel, travellers will descend 100 feet using one of six elevators on the mainland. They will then travel along the main passageway via four moving sidewalks, which move at 2.3 kilometres per hour. At the south end of the tunnel, travellers will ascend to the island atrium and airport's check-in area using one of the longest escalator systems in Canada.
A replica of the 1916 French biplane that pilot Billy Bishop flew on missions during World War I greets passengers over the three escalators and a staircase that will bring people into the terminal from the tunnel.
The tunnel is 853 feet long and will take less than six minutes.
Client
Forum Equity Partners
Toronto Port Authority
Size
800 ft tunnel
Program
Design/Build
Urban Entry Courtyard
Mainland Elevator Lobby
Pedestrian Tunnel
Island Escalator Lobby