Imagine a bustling airport, once a hub of activity, now silent and abandoned. But what if I told you this very place is set to become a thriving, sustainable city, complete with green spaces, innovative architecture, and a nod to its rich history? This is the story of Downsview Airport in Toronto, undergoing a jaw-dropping $30 billion transformation into a futuristic urban district called YZD.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can a project of this scale truly be sustainable, or is it just greenwashing on a massive scale? Let’s dive in.
Downsview Airport, nestled in northwest Toronto, has a storied past. Nearly a century ago, it began as a modest airfield surrounded by farmland, home to De Havilland Canada, a pioneer in global aviation. During World War II, it became a vital center for warplane production, and in the 1990s, it was acquired by Bombardier, a Canadian aerospace giant. However, in 2024, the airport was shuttered as Bombardier relocated, leaving behind a sprawling 370-acre site ripe for reinvention.
Fast forward to early 2026, and construction will begin on YZD—a 30-year, $30 billion project that aims to house over 50,000 residents and include 75 acres of green and open space. The name YZD pays homage to the airport’s former call sign, blending its aviation legacy with a vision for the future. This ambitious endeavor is one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in North America, but it’s not just about building something new—it’s about reimagining what’s already there.
And this is the part most people miss: The project’s centerpiece, a 2-kilometer-long runway, will be transformed into a pedestrianized park, serving as the ‘connective tissue’ linking seven distinct neighborhoods. Each neighborhood will have its own character, complete with housing, libraries, shops, schools, and community centers. Derek Goring, CEO of Northcrest Developments, emphasizes that preserving the site’s history isn’t just sentimental—it’s practical. By retaining existing structures, the project reduces its carbon footprint, avoiding the need to demolish and rebuild.
The massive airport hangars, built between the 1950s and 1990s, will be repurposed for commercial use, housing industries like film production, light manufacturing, and clean tech. Their roofs will be covered in greenery, helping to manage rainwater, reduce flood risk, and boost biodiversity. Even the runway’s concrete and asphalt will be recycled as aggregate for roads and pavements, minimizing waste.
But here’s the kicker: While the site’s industrial past raises concerns about contamination—similar sites in Canada have been found to contain ‘forever chemicals’—the developers insist they’re taking proactive steps. Specialized environmental consultants are on board to assess and mitigate any risks, ensuring the project doesn’t harm the surrounding ecosystem.
Landscape architecture firm Michael van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) is leading the design of the runway park, aiming to restore native habitats and invite wildlife back to the area. Emily Mueller De Celis, a partner at MVVA, explains that the site was once part of the Carolinian forest in southern Ontario. By ‘re-naturalizing’ the space, the project will also improve water management, using strategic planting and bioswales to absorb stormwater and reduce downstream flooding.
Northcrest’s vision extends beyond sustainability—it’s about creating a high quality of life. The project incorporates ‘City Nature,’ a concept developed with Danish designers SLA, which prioritizes green spaces in urban environments. With existing public transit infrastructure nearby, YZD will encourage pedestrianization and car-free alternatives, featuring wide cycle lanes and a last-mile bus system. While cars won’t disappear entirely, the goal is to make walking and cycling the most convenient and safe options.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: As cities worldwide repurpose abandoned airfields into green spaces—like Tempelhofer Feld in Berlin or the Ellinikon Metropolitan Park in Athens—what sets YZD apart? According to Goring, its central location in Canada’s largest metro area and existing transit infrastructure make it more of a city-building exercise than just a park. But is this enough to justify its massive scale and cost?
Construction of the first neighborhood, the 100-acre ‘Hangar District,’ begins next year, with completion slated for 2031. This marks the first phase of a 30-year transformation, with each district built sequentially and the runway evolving alongside them. One of the project’s biggest challenges is its sheer scale and timeline. With $30 billion needed, Northcrest plans to build in phases, reinvesting returns along the way. Goring acknowledges that designs will evolve over three decades, as the world changes. The goal isn’t to predict the future but to create a flexible, adaptable space that feels like a natural part of Toronto.
So, what do you think? Is YZD a bold step toward sustainable urban living, or an overly ambitious project with potential pitfalls? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
