Farther afield, the biggest evolution is happening in northwest Toronto. The former Downsview Airport site is becoming a new Canadian Forces base and a dynamic new urban neighbourhood. Once it closes in 2024, that 370-acre peninsula will transition into a remarkable neighborhood. The new neighborhood, dubbed “YZD,” will be home to more than 50,000 newcomers and pay tribute to the airport’s old call sign. This ambitious project, expected to span 30 years and cost $30 billion, aims to blend modern living with the preservation of the site’s rich aviation history.
The YZD development will feature 75 acres of green and open space, serving as a crucial component of the urban landscape. Located on the highest elevation point in Toronto, the site presented an ideal location between two major watersheds. Its unique geographic position offers the perfect backdrop for livable, energy-efficient communities. The new district will be home to cutting edge transportation innovations. The project includes protected, wide cycle lanes and a last-mile bus rapid transit system to encourage non-polluting and accessible transportation options.
Preserving History and Nature
Downsview Airport’s contributions to Toronto’s aviation history can’t be overstated. The new development plans seek to acknowledge this legacy and celebrate it. Segments of the historical buildings will be kept and reused too, with old airport hangars being converted into commercial spaces.
Derek Goring, an elected leader and key project proponent who helped shepherd the project to completion, reiterated the value of acknowledging the site’s history.
“Respecting and celebrating the aerospace legacy of the site is essential,” – Derek Goring.
Moreover, as part of the project, the airport would like to restore areas that had been previously disrupted by the creation of aviation operational areas. Emily Mueller De Celis noted that much of the existing nature had to be suppressed to ensure safety during its operational years.
“Re-naturalizing,” – Emily Mueller De Celis.
The overall development will include a 2-kilometer (1.24-mile) long pedestrianized park along the former runway that will link seven distinct neighborhoods. This 2050 initiative underscores the project’s dedication to increasing nature within our cities.
A Vision for Sustainable Living
Long term, the YZD project envisions a pioneering community of choice, where an enhanced quality of life is achieved through sustainable urban development practices. Development has already begun on the first community, known as the “Hangar District.” Encompassing 100 acres and 3,000 new homes, stakeholders are focused on providing an inclusive, balanced community that serves a wide range of people and incomes.
Goring illustrated the long-term vision needed for spaces like Medford, emphasizing that planning should look past the short-term to what’s coming down the line.
“The world’s going to change a lot … (we’re not) trying to decide in 2025 what the future should be 20 or 30 years from now,” – Derek Goring.
This dedication to sustainability even translates to the reuse of materials. Concrete and asphalt from the old runway will be recycled for use as aggregate in future road and pavements. Goring highlighted the sustainability benefits of retaining the status quo. This describes a larger movement in innovative urban planning and design to reduce carbon footprints.
“There’s a lot of embedded carbon in the existing buildings, and rather than tearing them down and building everything new, there’s a big carbon benefit to retaining those buildings,” – Derek Goring.
An Integrated Urban Experience
The YZD development does not flinch from bringing in contemporary urban needs with an eye towards ecological sustainability. Though pedestrian-friendly initiatives take the fore on a good bit of the livable design, Goring set straight that this can’t stand in the way of other modes.
“It doesn’t mean there won’t be cars — the runway is really the only car-free area,” – Derek Goring.
This project is about more than just creating new residential units. It seeks to create a dynamic urban community that promotes the creation of film studios, incubators for light manufacturing, and cleans technology projects. The integration of various sectors into one cohesive area reflects a modern approach to urban planning that seeks to foster economic growth while ensuring environmental responsibility.
At the end of the day, the YZD project is a reflection of Toronto’s larger commitment to sustainable, equitable development. By leveraging previous investment and honoring the history it removed, it creates a model for future urban interventions throughout North America.
