Special to Ontario Construction News
Industry veteran Beau Brooker has joined Northcrest Developments as its first construction vice president to oversee development of the YZD mixed use development at the 370-acre former Downsview Airport lands in north Toronto.
Brooker, who has more than 30 years of experience guiding complex, large-scale urban projects in Canada and around the world, joined Northcrest in July as the project moves into the first phase of roads and utilities infrastructure building for the residential Hangar District starting early next year.
“It’s an honour to be part of this bold, once-in-a-generation project,” said Brooker in a LinkedIn post. “I’m excited to work alongside this group of innovators and boundary-pushers as we get to work on shaping the future of YZD and Toronto.”
A multi-decade, $30-billion plan to build seven residential neighbourhoods along with commercial spaces, parks, and community infrastructure, the project aims to welcome more than 55,000 residents and create 23,000 jobs.
Brooker will work with Northcrest’s development partner to select the general contractor for the enabling works around existing structures beginning in 2026 and will manage contractors, subcontractors and staff.
“Breaking ground is about much more than shovels in the earth. It’s about assembling the right people to build something that lasts,” said Northcrest CEO Derek Goring.
“Beau’s arrival marks a pivotal chapter for us and his global experience across industries and complexities makes him the perfect fit for a project as long-term and transformative as YZD.”
Northcrest is a wholly owned subsidiary of federal Crown Corp. the Public Sector Pension Investments Board which in 2018 purchased the Downsview Airport lands from Bombardier Aerospace and established Northcrest Developments to pursue the project.
