They didn’t say Yes. They didn’t say No. And both sides are happy.

After a long and lively debate, City Council unanimously approved talks to expand Billy Bishop Airport on Toronto Island that could eventually see jets flying on the waterfront.

But it’s going to be a long process. City staff will study all aspects of the plan, from infrastructure to environmental assessment, before a final decision is made.

Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly says a few months ago, staff were recommending Council not even consider the idea. He sees it as a positive step forward that Council has agreed 44-0 to study the idea. He’s confident it will eventually be adopted.

But opponents of the plan are also confident jets will never fly into Billy Bishop. Adam Vaughan sponsored a successful motion that would prevent Porter from applying for federal infrastructure funds in competition with public transit projects. He says there are enough conditions on the proposal that he doesn’t think it will fly.

A final decision will not be decided until after the next City Council is elected. That could make the proposal an election issue.