billy bishop airport

Toronto airport to conduct emergency response exercise this weekend

If you hear frightening sounds coming from Billy Bishop airport late Saturday night, fear not, because it's only a drill.

Ports Toronto will be conducting an emergency response exercise at the downtown airport between 9 p.m. and midnight on October 19. 

In a news release issued today, they announced that "throughout the evening, those visiting, viewing or passing by the airport may witness the scenario that has been developed to test emergency preparedness."

So if you happen to be anywhere near Billy Bishop tomorrow night, there's a very good chance you'll see emergency vehicles and personnel in and around the airport, as well as volunteer actors from the Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute acting as passengers or employees in distress.

You may very well also hear emergency sirens and simulated gunfire. 

And while that all sounds pretty terrifying, just remember it's only a safety precaution. 

"This routine full-scale training exercise is mandated by Transport Canada to test airport protocols, procedures, communications and planning for emergency and/or security related incidents," the release states.

"Exercises such as this are critical to ensuring that the airport maintains a high level of emergency response preparedness."

The release also states that there will be no impact on regular flight arrival and departure times, so it'll be business as usual, besides all the actors and fake gun shots. 

Lead photo by

Jamie McCaffrey


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Huge invasion of enormous venomous spiders could soon 'parachute' into Ontario

Royal Canadian Mint's new releases include a coin with a jaw-dropping price tag

It will be a huge headache to get to popular Toronto beach for at least a month

Canada's largest spider is a fearsome predator that grows to 9 cm and lives in Ontario

Motorist ridiculed for driving on Toronto sidewalk but some disagree on who to blame

Toronto man claims thieves now breaking into cars to steal gas pedals in viral video

People holding dead animal bodies turned heads next to busy Toronto destinations

Here's a preview of what it will be like to ride on new Toronto LRT line