YKF Growth Plan will fortify the airport to address long-term goals
Posted Jun 28, 2026 09:00:00 AM.
Last Updated Jun 29, 2026 11:29:06 AM.
Regional Council approved a long-term vision and strategy for the YKF over the next 20 years under the YKF Growth Plan.
According to a release, this plan sets a clear direction for YKF, how it will expand and meet the needs of a growing community, respond to greater industry opportunities and strengthen its role as a key economic driver for Waterloo Region.
“Approving the Growth Plan is an important milestone for the Region of Waterloo International Airport and its continued success,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair, in a release. “This plan positions YKF to better serve residents, visitors and the aerospace and aviation sectors, while helping to support the Region’s long-term economic growth. We thank the many individuals and organizations who shared their perspectives in shaping this comprehensive plan.”
The growth plan is outlined in five major steps. For one, the YKF will act as a mobility hub for a growing community. It will be a “transportation hub” connecting air service, GO Transit, ION, Grand River Transit and inter-city buses through a future terminal vision.
It will also be what the release calls a “just-in-time” infrastructure strategy, building on the success of the 2017 plan, which outlined business strategies for the airport. The YKF Growth Plan will follow the 2017 strategies by advancing critical infrastructure to meet industry demand.
The plan also prioritizes sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and continuing partnerships that advance environmental conservation. It strengthens the aerospace sector by increasing support for current and future airport tenants while helping aviation and aerospace in the Waterloo region through AeroWR.
Finally, the plan will manage competing land uses by advancing Airport Zoning Regulations to support density and protect air service.
The release said the YKF Growth Plan has been informed through extensive input from residents, passengers, airport tenants, airline partners, business community and Area Municipalities.
