Ontario Construction News staff writer
Toronto’s historic Downsview Airport is poised for a transformative redevelopment that will turn the 370-acre site into a new community, potentially housing up to 115,000 residents and creating 52,000 jobs. Northcrest Developments plan is expected to cost about $30 billion over the next 30 years.
On May 22, Toronto City Council unanimously approved the Update Downsview study, which includes the Downsview Secondary Plan, Community Development Plan, Urban Design Guidelines, Zoning By-law for “meanwhile uses” and the Master Environmental Servicing Plan. The “meanwhile uses” provision allows for interim non-residential activities on the site before full development proceeds, ensuring ongoing engagement with the community.
Over 30+ years and at full build-out, it is estimated that the Downsview Secondary Plan Area will accommodate approximately 115,000 new residents (63,000 units) and 52,000 workers, representing one of the largest city-building efforts in the history of Toronto.
The Secondary Plan outlines a vision for a transit-oriented development, incorporating thousands of new homes—including affordable housing—alongside businesses, parks, and community amenities. The development will be adjacent to the Downsview Park TTC/Go Transit station and the popular Downsview Park.
In partnership with Canada Lands Company, Northcrest Developments has embarked on a planning initiative called “id8 Downsview” to reimagine this area of Toronto. With City Council’s approval, Canada Lands can now advance with two active neighbourhood projects: Downsview West District and Arbo.
“We now have the blueprint for the redevelopment and can’t wait to realize the vision we’ve set, continuing our work to provide much-needed homes, more green spaces, and jobs,” said James Cox, Vice-President, Central Region, Real Estate at Canada Lands Company.
Designed by a team of international and local architects, designers and planners that includes Henning Larsen, SLA, KPMB and Urban Strategies Inc., the development plan was awarded a 2023 Toronto Urban Design Award in the Vision and Masterplan category.
One of the Framework Plan’s defining features is a two kilometre, all-season runway, reimagined as a pedestrianized open space that will be activated by community-led initiatives and interspersed with large urban parks.
This, with the ~3-km Green Spine – a dedicated north-south cycle and pedestrian path spanning the entire length of the site– as well as other local parks and open spaces, create 100 acres of new open spaces, ensuring all residents will be within a five-minute walk of a park or open space.
“The Framework Plan is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reimagine urban living and create a legacy for generations to come. Our approach intertwines the built environment and nature, creating a profound sense of place and identity across this expansive site,” said Michael Soerensen, Partner, and Design Director at Henning Larsen.
There will be seven distinct neighborhoods, starting with a 50-acre mixed-use district. This initial phase will feature 2,850 residential units in mid-rise buildings, with over 40% of these units offering two or more bedrooms to accommodate diverse family needs.
To honor the site’s aviation heritage, Northcrest will retain 11 historic airplane hangars and a segment of the runway. These hangars will become central to the new district, while the runway will be transformed into a pedestrian walkway lined with retail shops, restaurants, public spaces, schools, and a library.
The redevelopment will also feature a network of parks connected to the repurposed runway, enhancing green spaces and recreational opportunities.