Urban Strategies has been retained by Northcrest Developments and Canada Lands Company to help re-imagine the future of the area surrounding the Downsview airport. Measuring over 520 acres, with access to three transit stations, the lands represent one of the largest community-building opportunities in North America. Urban Strategies is leading the municipal approvals process, contributing planning and design expertise, and supporting an interdisciplinary team of local and international consultants. 

Since 2018, the team has engaged extensively with local residents, Indigenous rights holders, and city-wide stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan for these lands. The recently released Framework Plan articulates this shared vision, setting the stage for a series of mixed-use communities where daily needs– work, play, community facilities and amenities – are met within a 15-minute walk, roll or bike from home. 

At full build out, the lands are expected to host 83,500 residents and 41,500 jobs. These residents and workers will enjoy a more sustainable and human-scaled approach to density and be supported by 40 hectares (100 acres) of new parks and open spaces – including The Runway: a 2.1 kilometre public space, iconic destination and community connector. Creating connections to and taking inspiration from the 291-acre Downsview Park next door, the generous parks and open space network will help blend the built and natural world into “City-Nature,” with green infrastructure, biodiverse habitat, and gathering spaces integrated into all aspects of public life. 

In the fall of 2021, a proposal to amend the Official Plan and the Downsview Area Secondary Plan was submitted to the City of Toronto. For more information, please visit www.id8downsview.ca.

Renderings by Henning Larsen Architects and KPMB Architects