The Greater Toronto Airports Authority has awarded a $1.5-billion contract to a NORR-Dialog joint-venture and PCL Construction to revitalize Pearson Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

The modernization effort is part of the airport authority’s Pearson LIFT airport-renewal program.

The terminal-revitalization program will modernize aging infrastructure while improving the passenger experience through upgrades to gates, passenger processing areas, customs and immigration facilities. Planned improvements include expanded terminal spaces, refreshed lounges, additional charging stations, enhanced baggage processing, modernized check-in areas and advanced security screening. Construction will be completed in stages to minimize disruptions while maintaining airport operations.

“Toronto Pearson, one of Canada’s most important national infrastructure assets, serves as a vital gateway connecting people, products, and businesses to the world,” said Toronto Pearson President and CEO Deborah Flint. “This investment marks another significant milestone in Pearson LIFT and demonstrates our momentum in modernizing Pearson that will meet customer expectations.

“We’re elevating the travel experience so Toronto Pearson can continue [to do] its part in fuelling Canada’s economy by welcoming more passenger growth and offering better customer experience.”

NORR-Dialog will lead planning, architecture, engineering and integrated design, while PCL will serve as construction manager at risk. The Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 project is the second major initiative under Pearson LIFT, following the airport’s $3-billion investment in airside and baggage systems announced earlier this year.

“Together with the design team, we are helping transform the airport for future generations by ensuring safe, uninterrupted operations during construction, modernizing essential infrastructure, enhancing the travel experience, and creating meaningful, long-term benefits for the communities we serve,” said Monique Buckberger, vice-president and district manager for PCL Constructors Canada.

Jim Anderson, a NORR-Dialog partner, said Toronto Pearson is one of Canada’s most important transportation hubs.

“Along with noticeable improvements that are from parking lot to gate, much of this work will happen behind the scenes,” he said. “And, that’s exactly the point. The best passenger experience is one that allows people to focus less on the mechanics of travel and more on the joy of travel.”

Mark Boone, vice-president of transportation at NORR, called the program, “an opportunity to create a new standard for the passenger journey at Pearson.”

“Every design decision supports Toronto Pearson’s vision of making travel more intuitive, welcoming, and efficient,” he said.

Pictured: Toronto Pearson Airport

Photo: Shutterstock