May 12, 2026
Brampton leaders and provincial officials break ground on one of the largest airport infrastructure projects in Canadian history
TORONTO — May 12, 2026 — In a show of cross-governmental partnership, Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, President of the Treasury Board of Canada Shafqat Ali, and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown joined Toronto Pearson International Airport officials on Monday to break ground on Pearson LIFT (Long-Term Investment in Facilities and Terminal) — one of the largest airport infrastructure projects in Canadian history.
The initial $3-billion investment begins what the airport calls a “decade-long” transformation of the travel hub, which will enable it to serve 65 million passengers each year, up from 45 million in 2023.
For Brampton, the stakes are particularly high. Mayor Brown emphasized the deep ties between the city and the airport, noting that nearly 10,000 Bramptonians are currently employed at Pearson, and that businesses based at the airport spend approximately $95 million annually on goods and services from Brampton companies.
“Toronto Pearson International Airport isn’t just Canada’s gateway to the world — it’s a gateway to opportunity for our residents,” said Mayor Brown. “For thousands of our residents, the Pearson Economic Zone is where they work, grow their careers, and build their futures.”
Brown also underscored the immediate economic benefits the construction phase will bring to the city: “This isn’t just about long-term infrastructure — it’s about opportunity that starts now. As construction gets underway, we know this program will create new jobs, drive skills development, and open the door for local businesses to participate in procurement opportunities.”
Pearson president and CEO Deborah Flint said the project will create an additional 16,000 jobs at the airport, expanding its workforce from 52,000 to 68,000 workers over the course of the program.
Ontario’s Transportation Minister Sarkaria remarked, “It’s a huge step forward to modernize and expand a cornerstone of Ontario and Canada’s transportation system. It means upgraded infrastructure, improved passenger experiences, expanded capacity and the ability to support Ontario’s growth for decades to come”.
The first phase of LIFT will focus on modernizing airfield technology and overhauling the baggage network. A new state-of-the-art airfield lighting control and management system will enhance visibility and guidance on runways and taxiways, while investments are being made across 30 kilometres of baggage infrastructure, including new luggage carousels in Terminal 1. New aircraft stands and a high-speed taxiway are also being added to an expanded 2.2 million square metre airfield, supporting 28,000 additional passengers daily.
Mayor Brown called the broader program a transformative moment for the region: “We celebrate more than a groundbreaking — we celebrate partnership, progress, and shared prosperity. We are proud to stand with you as you bring this vision to life — building not just infrastructure, but opportunity — for our residents, our businesses, and our collective future.”
By 2034, the full LIFT program is projected to support capacity for 65 million annual passengers, generate more than $9 billion in new economic activity for Canada, and support 166,000 jobs across the country.
Brampton is a central part of the broader Pearson Economic Zone — the country’s largest employment area, with 500,000 jobs and delivering 7% of Ontario’s GDP.
The Pearson LIFT program is a phased, multi-billion-dollar initiative to modernize and expand Toronto Pearson International Airport, positioning it as one of the world’s most advanced and passenger-friendly airports.