Toronto is preparing to witness one of its most ambitious urban transformations, as the former Downsview Airport lands are set to evolve into a cutting-edge, environmentally sustainable neighbourhood. The project, called the Yorkdale–Downsview District (YZD), will see Northcrest, the developer behind the initiative, convert old airstrips and hangars into a thriving, walkable community designed for the future.
Recently approved by the City of Toronto, the first phase — known as The Hangar District — is entering the infrastructure design stage, setting in motion a vision that blends innovation with heritage. Northcrest’s Vice-President of Infrastructure, Jesse Zuker, emphasized that the development will focus on how public spaces can shape community behaviour and quality of life. “We know that the design of the public realm will have a huge impact on how we behave in our urban environment. We’ve studied other cities that do it well to ensure we’re creating something extraordinary,” Zuker explained.
Two of the original airport hangars will be repurposed into multi-level event venues, retail spaces, restaurants, and cultural hubs, maintaining their iconic exteriors as a tribute to the site’s aviation history. The district’s design places sustainability at its core, with micro-parks, pedestrian pathways, and cycling routes connecting green rooftops and eco-conscious buildings. These structures will incorporate “sponge city” principles to absorb and manage stormwater, helping to balance Toronto’s increasingly unpredictable climate.
Zuker added that these green roofs will cool buildings while slowing and storing rainfall, directing excess water into a central park complete with bioswales and a dry pond that collects overflow during heavy rains — ensuring a lush, resilient landscape year-round.
The Hangar District will include a new transit hub, cycling lanes, and about 3,000 residential units featuring a balanced mix of rental and condo housing. Designed to accommodate the city’s diverse population, the area promises accessible, inclusive living options in an urban setting. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with the first residents expected to move in by 2030.
Global design firm Michael van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) — known for creating iconic public spaces such as Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York and Corktown Common in Toronto — will oversee landscape design, building on their acclaimed work revitalizing the city’s Port Lands.
The next phase, The Wilson District, will be located near Wilson Station and serve as the southern gateway of the redevelopment. It is envisioned as a lively mix of residences, workplaces, and parks, seamlessly connecting with the Hangar District to form one cohesive urban ecosystem.
According to Northcrest, YZD will become a globally recognized model for sustainable city building — a district “shaped with and for the people of Toronto.” Once complete, the project will stand as a testament to Toronto’s ability to reinvent its industrial past into a resilient and forward-looking community.