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Introduction

Toronto Pearson International Airport, often referred to simply as Pearson Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Canada. Each year, it handles tens of millions of passengers, connecting Toronto to numerous international destinations. Despite its modern facilities and vast network of routes, the airport has a rich and captivating history that dates back to the mid-20th century.

The Decision to Build

In the early 1930s, Toronto's main airport was the Toronto Island Airport (now the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport). However, there was growing consensus that a larger, more modern airport was needed to accommodate the rapidly increasing volume of air traffic. In 1937, the Department of Transport purchased lands in the Township of Malton (now a part of Mississauga) for the purpose of an aerodrome. This marked the initial step in creating what would eventually become Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Construction Begins

After a period of planning and preparatory work, the actual monumental task of constructing the airport commenced in 1938. The facilities initially proposed included three paved runways, a control tower, an administration building, and several hangars.

World War II Era

The outbreak of World War II in 1939 pushed the airport's initial civil aviation project to a stand-still. The airport, dubbed as the 'Malton Airport', became an essential asset in the war effort. It was used as a training location for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. The airport's military usage stalled its initial ambition to become a significant hub for civil aviation until after the end of the war in 1945.

Post-War Development

Once the war concluded, the Canadian Government decided to transform Malton Airport into a world-class airport. In 1946, significant development started to expand the airport facilities under the management of the newly formed Department of Transport. The terminal, tarmac, control tower, and parking areas were considerably expanded, signifying the beginning of the airport as we know it today.

Modernisation and Expansion

The airport's first passenger terminal, known as the Aeroquay, opened its doors in 1964. Largely funded by the federal government, this modern and spacious terminal aimed to serve the burgeoning needs of Toronto's rapidly growing population. However, due to an exponential increase in passenger traffic, the terminal's capacity was soon exceeded. This necessitated the construction of an additional terminal. In 1972, the 'Terminal 2' became a reality and started operations, subsequently followed by Terminal 3 in 1991, effectively ramping up Toronto Pearson's handling capacity manifold.

Name Change and Recent Times

In 1984, the airport was officially renamed 'Lester B. Pearson International Airport' or Toronto Pearson International Airport in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the 14th Prime Minister of Canada, Lester Bowles Pearson. Since then, the airport has undergone numerous renovation and expansion works to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for air travel and to provide better facilities to its users.

Conclusion

Today, Toronto Pearson stands as a testament to the city's continuous growth and its crucial position on the global map. It has considerably evolved since its humble beginnings in the 1930s to become one of the world’s most significant and busiest airports, truly reflecting the spirit and vibrancy of Toronto itself. Despite the many changes and challenges it has faced over the decades, Toronto Pearson Airport remains a vital hub of connectivity for the city, the province, and the country— continuing to foster relationships between Toronto and the wider world.