A former airport that started operations nearly 100 years ago is undergoing a transformation into a new city. The redevelopment of Downsview Airport in northwest Toronto, Canada, is set to begin this year. The 370-acre site will be converted into a modern urban area called “YZD,” honoring the old airport’s call sign. It is expected to house around 66,000 residents in over 30,000 properties and could accommodate up to 83,500 people by 2051.
The project will consist of seven interconnected neighborhoods to be built in phases over the next few decades. With an estimated cost of £16 billion, this 30-year initiative ranks among the largest urban development projects in North America.
The focal point of the plan is the 1.24-mile runway, which will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly park connecting the seven neighborhoods. Developers envision this runway as a central communal space for the new residential areas, setting a new standard for public spaces in Toronto.
Emphasizing green spaces, the project will include approximately 70 acres of parks and open areas, providing easy access to amenities. The YZD website highlights the integration of parks and open spaces within close proximity to homes and workplaces, emphasizing a people-centric design.
In an eco-conscious approach, developers plan to repurpose existing structures from the former airport into the futuristic urban district. Retaining these buildings is seen as beneficial in terms of reducing carbon emissions.
Significant hangars built between the 1950s and 1990s will be preserved and converted into business establishments. The initiative also includes plans for vegetation-covered rooftops to help manage rainfall, reduce flood risks, and enhance wildlife diversity.
The site has remained vacant since 2024 after Bombardier, a Canadian aerospace manufacturer, departed.