Lois Larson
Downsview Airport, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was first used as an air base for the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. Over the years, the airport has changed hands several times, with different companies using it for various purposes, including as a testing facility for aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace. In 2018, Bombardier sold the site to PSP Investments, and it was announced that the airport would close in 2023, with plans for redevelopment into a residential and commercial area. The transformation of the 520-acre site is expected to cost around $22 billion and will include housing for nearly 55,000 people, businesses, and public parks. So, is Downsview Airport still in use? As of 2024, the airport is closed, and redevelopment plans are underway, with construction expected to last until 2050.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status | Closed as of April 2024 |
| Former Use | Air field, air force base, testing facility for Bombardier Aerospace |
| Year of Closure | 2024 |
| Redevelopment Plan | Yes |
| Redevelopment Details | $22 billion project, 7 unique neighbourhoods, 100,000 new residents, 23,000-28,000 jobs, pedestrianized open space, commercial and cultural ventures, public transit, public parks, housing |
| Redevelopment Timeline | Construction in phases until 2050, first district to begin construction in 2026 |
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What You'll Learn
Downsview Airport closed in April 2024
Downsview Airport, a former airbase for the Royal Canadian Air Force in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, closed in April 2024. The airport, which spans 520 acres, was sold by Bombardier to Northcrest Developments, a subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), in 2018 for approximately $635 million.
The closure of the airport marked the end of its long history, which included serving as a testing facility for Bombardier Aerospace since 1994. The site is now being redeveloped into a $22 billion project featuring seven unique neighbourhoods with housing, businesses, and parks. The development will preserve the airport's runway and hangars, creating a pedestrianized open space and a community with a focus on sustainability, equity, and accessibility.
The project is expected to take 30 years to complete and will include 28 million square feet of residential space, 74 parks and green spaces, and the ability to house nearly 55,000 people. The first neighbourhood, the Hanger District, is currently in the initial development phase and is projected to create 2,850 new homes and 7,000 jobs.
The redevelopment of Downsview Airport is a significant transformation, with Northcrest Developments stating that they are "building a city within a city." The project aims to be innovative and creative in its design, utilizing timber as a primary building material and striving for net-zero energy consumption. The site's history and unique elements, such as the runway, will be incorporated into the new development, connecting the seven neighbourhoods and paying homage to the airport's legacy.
The closure of Downsview Airport and the subsequent redevelopment project have sparked mixed emotions among the community. While some look forward to the enhanced public transit, public parks, and housing that the project promises, others express concerns about preserving the culture and history of the area. Despite the varying reactions, the transformation of Downsview Airport is well underway, shaping a new future for the former airfield.
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The site was sold to Northcrest Developments in 2018
Downsview Airport, formerly a World War II air base for the Royal Canadian Air Force, was sold to Northcrest Developments in 2018. Northcrest Developments is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments). The sale of the site was made by Bombardier Aerospace, which had been using the airport as a testing facility since 1994.
The site's redevelopment plans include the preservation of the airport's runway and hangars, creating a unique community. The former runway will be transformed into a pedestrian walkway, connecting all seven planned neighbourhoods. The hangars will be refurbished to house new commercial and cultural ventures, with the Downsview Studio Campus serving as an employment hub.
The $22 billion project will feature seven neighbourhoods with housing, businesses, and parks, accommodating 55,000 residents and creating 22,000-23,000 jobs. The project will also include enhanced public transit and 74 parks and green spaces. Construction will happen in phases until 2050, with the first district expected to break ground in 2026.
The redevelopment of the 520-acre site aims to revolutionize the Downsview area, creating a "city within a city" while preserving the existing green spaces. The project has involved input from various stakeholders, including Indigenous rights holders, neighbours, and the City of Toronto, with a focus on factors such as biodiversity, accessibility, and Indigenous land usage.
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The redevelopment will include housing, businesses, and parks
The Downsview Airport in Toronto, Canada, is no longer in use and is set to undergo a major redevelopment. The site, which spans 520 acres, will be transformed into a new community with housing, businesses, and parks.
The redevelopment will see the creation of seven unique neighbourhoods, with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. The plan is to have 45,000 units, accommodating around 55,000 residents and creating 22,000-23,000 jobs. The project will take a phased approach, with construction happening gradually until 2050.
The design will preserve the airport's runway and hangars, giving the community a unique character. The runway will become a pedestrianised open space, connecting the different neighbourhoods. The hangars will be retrofitted to house new commercial and cultural ventures, with the potential to attract film production, light manufacturing, and clean tech companies.
The redevelopment will also include enhanced public transit, with plans to extend the TTC and GO Transit lines into the neighbourhood. This will improve mobility and make commuting easier for residents.
The project aims to be innovative and sustainable, with a focus on using timber in building structures and achieving net-zero emissions. The planning process has involved input from various stakeholders, including Indigenous rights holders, local residents, and the city, to ensure the development meets the needs of the community.
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The project will cost around $22 billion Canadian dollars
Downsview Airport, a former airbase for the Royal Canadian Air Force in Toronto, Canada, is currently undergoing a massive redevelopment project with a projected cost of around $22 billion Canadian dollars. The transformation of the 520-acre site will result in a "city within a city," featuring seven unique neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct character. The development will include 28 million square feet of residential space, expected to accommodate approximately 55,000 residents, along with businesses and public parks.
The project aims to preserve and repurpose the airport's existing infrastructure, including the runway and hangars. The runway will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly open space, connecting the different neighbourhoods and serving as a community anchor. The hangars, originally built between the 1950s and 1990s, will be refurbished to house new commercial and cultural ventures. The redevelopment will also include enhanced public transit options, with plans to extend the TTC and GO Transit lines into the neighbourhood.
The project is being led by Northcrest Developments, a subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), which acquired the site from Bombardier in 2018 for around $635 million. Bombardier had used the site as a testing facility for its aircraft manufacturing operations. Under the agreement, Bombardier was allowed to continue using Downsview for up to five years after the sale.
The redevelopment of Downsview Airport is expected to take 30 years to complete and will be carried out in phases. The first district, known as the Hanger District, is already in the initial development phase and is projected to create 2,850 new homes and 7,000 jobs. The overall project is anticipated to generate 22,000 to 23,000 jobs, with construction on the various districts continuing until 2050.
The planning process for the redevelopment has involved input from various stakeholders, including Indigenous rights holders, neighbouring communities, and the City of Toronto. The project aims to incorporate important conservation factors, such as biodiversity, accessibility, Indigenous land usage, and mobility networks. The transformation of Downsview Airport is part of a larger vision to revitalise the area, meet housing demands, and create a sustainable and vibrant community for the future.
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The former runway will be a pedestrian street
Downsview Airport, a former airbase for the Royal Canadian Air Force in Toronto, Canada, closed in April 2024. The site has been purchased by Northcrest Developments, a subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board, which has unveiled plans to redevelop the area. The project, known as "id8 Downsview", aims to create a "city within a city", with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and preserving the site's history.
The redevelopment will include a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces, with a goal of accommodating over 55,000 residents and creating 22,000-23,000 jobs. The former runway will be transformed into a pedestrian street, connecting all seven planned neighbourhoods and serving as a focal point for the community. This unique design feature will not only provide a convenient and accessible mode of transportation for residents but also pay homage to the site's aviation history.
The pedestrianised runway will be just over a mile in length and will be surrounded by public parks, green spaces, and mid-rise residences. The nearby hangars, originally built between the 1950s and 1990s, will be refurbished to house new commercial ventures, film production spaces, light manufacturing, and clean tech companies. This blend of old and new is intended to create a vibrant and dynamic community that attracts a diverse range of residents and businesses.
By preserving and repurposing the runway, Northcrest Developments is taking a creative approach to urban planning, ensuring that the former airfield remains a central and functional part of the new neighbourhood. This transformation reflects the changing needs and demands of the area, transitioning from a hub for aviation to a hub for human connection and interaction. The pedestrian street will serve as a gathering place, a route for exploration, and a symbol of the community's commitment to accessibility and sustainability.
The redevelopment of Downsview Airport is a significant undertaking, with a projected cost of around $22-30 billion Canadian dollars. It is expected to be completed in phases over the next three decades, with the first district, the Hanger District, already in the initial development phase. The project has involved input from various stakeholders, including Indigenous rights holders, local residents, and community groups, ensuring that the new neighbourhood is designed with inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in mind.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Downsview Airport is no longer in use as of April 2024.
Downsview Airport closed in April 2024.
Downsview Airport was owned by Bombardier Aerospace until 2018 when it was sold to Northcrest Developments, a subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board.
Downsview Airport is being redeveloped into a residential area with 7 unique neighbourhoods, housing 55,000 residents, businesses, and parks. The project is expected to cost around $22 billion.
Bombardier Aerospace signed a lease agreement with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority to build a new facility at Pearson Airport.
