Toronto Pearson airport spends $300K on airplane viewing platform 4 kilometres away

A new viewing platform is being constructed for many enthusiasts who want to admire airplanes taking off from, and landing at, Toronto Pearson International Airport.

However, plane-spotters will have to travel about four kilometres west of the airport to take advantage of the new structure – a distance that makes it difficult to see airplanes up close and for the average camera user to take pictures.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) has contributed $300,000 to the City of Mississauga for the creation of the platform, which is one of the features of the new Danville Park being constructed near the south-east corner of Kennedy Road and Courtneypark Drive East. It will be at the park’s peak and about 25 metres above ground.

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But for those who want to see the airplanes up close and near the runways, they currently need to park off the side of the road or at businesses off of Derry, Dixie and Airport roads.

GTAA spokeswoman Siobhan Desroches said in an email statement the new platform is intended to be a local community gathering area.

“This park feature is intended to serve as a community space, where families can watch planes as they travel to and from Toronto Pearson, rather than an official ‘plane-spotting’ location.”

Desroches said the airport will be looking at closer viewing locations as a part of a long-term planning review.

“(It) will include a review of all airport lands and how they will be allocated to accommodate growth for the community’s economic future, we will consider whether an on-airport viewing area might be accommodated in the future.”

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The City of Mississauga asked the GTAA in 2015 if the organization would be interested in partnering on the project at Danville Park, Desroches said.

She said in addition to the money, the airport is donating limestone from the former Avro Arrow Building to be incorporated into the new structure.

Meanwhile, online voting for different features that could be incorporated into the new platform, such as two magnifying viewers or a large wind gauge, closes on Friday.