Roberta Aguirre
Downsview Airport, formerly IATA: YZD, ICAO: CYZD, is a now-closed airport located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The airport was an airfield and air force base before becoming a testing facility for Bombardier Aerospace in 1994. In 2018, Bombardier sold the facility, and redevelopment into commercial and residential properties is currently underway. The project aims to transform the 370-acre site into a sustainable community with a mix of services, opportunities, recreation, and livability for future generations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Former Use | Airfield, Air Force Base, Testing Facility for Bombardier Aerospace |
| Redevelopment Plans | Commercial and Residential Properties, Pedestrianized Open Spaces, Cultural and Entertainment Venues |
| Expected Impact | 55,000+ Residents, 23,000+ Jobs, Enhanced Sustainability and Resilience |
| Historical Significance | De Havilland Aircraft, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Armed Forces |
| Roads | John Drury Drive, Carl Hall Road |
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What You'll Learn
The airport's history as a testing facility for Bombardier Aerospace
Downsview Airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has a long history that dates back to the late 1920s when the land was first used for airfields. In April 1929, the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada purchased 28 hectares (70 acres) of farmland along Sheppard Avenue West and established the De Havilland Airfield. De Havilland played a pivotal role in Canadian aviation and was instrumental in manufacturing aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Forces during World War II.
In 1947, the Department of National Defence acquired and expanded the property surrounding the airfield, establishing the RCAF Station Downsview. The base underwent a renaming process in 1968 and became known as Canadian Forces Base Toronto (Downsview), a name it retained until its closure in 1996. During the post-war years, production shifted to aircraft models like the Beaver and Otter, which were better suited to the rugged terrain of northern Canada.
In the 1990s, Bombardier Aerospace entered the scene by acquiring De Havilland Canada in 1992. This marked the beginning of Downsview Airport's transformation into a testing facility for Bombardier Aerospace. From 1994 onwards, the airport served as a dedicated testing ground for Bombardier's aviation endeavours. Bombardier's presence at the airport continued to evolve, and they eventually established a manufacturing plant on-site.
However, in 2018, Bombardier sold the Dash 8 business and the DeHavilland name to Viking Air, signalling a shift in operations. Bombardier also entered into an agreement to sell the Downsview Airport and its manufacturing plant to the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments). As part of this agreement, Bombardier retained the right to use Downsview for up to five years. Bombardier further solidified its transition by signing a lease agreement with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority to construct a new facility at Pearson Airport for the production of its Global series planes.
The transformation of the Downsview Airport site continued, with Northcrest Developments, a subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board, announcing the closure of industrial and airport operations by mid-2024. The site is now slated for redevelopment into commercial and residential properties, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and the creation of vibrant, livable spaces. Bombardier, however, was granted an extension to remain on-site for up to three years, with the possibility of a further two-year extension if needed.
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The site's redevelopment into commercial and residential properties
The redevelopment of Downsview Airport will see the former airfield transformed into a sustainable community, with a focus on green infrastructure and public open space. The 370-acre site will be redeveloped with a mix of commercial and residential properties, aiming to create vibrant, livable spaces that will be used for generations. The plan calls for 10 distinct districts, with around 45,000 units accommodating an estimated 100,000 new residents by 2050.
The redevelopment will also prioritize car-free mobility, with a network of parks and public commons totalling over 100 acres, ensuring that no one in the development is without easy access to greenery. The basic structure of the airport runway and taxiway will be maintained, serving as spines around which communities will develop. The hangars will be retrofitted to house new commercial and cultural ventures, and it is expected that the redevelopment will create 23,000 jobs.
The site's history and heritage will be honoured, with the proposed addition of public art and the retention of the old airport's name, YZD, as the new identity for the transformed site. The planning process is being approached with a sense of responsibility, aiming to build a city within a city and create a net-zero community. The use of innovative building design and more timber in construction is also being emphasized.
The redevelopment is being managed by Northcrest Developments, who purchased the land from Bombardier in 2018 and are co-managing the site with the Canada Lands Corporation. Bombardier Aerospace, which used the site as a testing facility, closed in 2023 but remained on-site for up to three years, with a possible two-year extension if needed. Construction on the various districts will happen in phases, with shovels for the first district set to be in the ground in 2026.
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The plan to create a pedestrianised open space
The Downsview Airport in Toronto, Canada, is being redeveloped into a pedestrianised open space with plans for a mix of commercial, residential, and cultural ventures. The airport, which was formerly an air force base and testing facility, will be transformed into a sustainable community with a focus on green infrastructure and car-free mobility.
The redevelopment plan, known as the Framework Plan, aims to create a complete community that supports families, businesses, and connections to the rest of Toronto. The plan proposes the addition of over 40 hectares or 100 acres of new public open space, resulting in 48% of the Downsview region becoming parks and public commons. The basic structure and shape of the existing airport runway and taxiway will be maintained, serving as spines for community development.
The former airfield will be redeveloped into 10 distinct districts with around 45,000 units accommodating 100,000 new residents. The construction will happen in phases until 2050, with shovels for the first district set to be in the ground in 2026. The plan also includes the creation of a new stadium, Rogers Stadium, with a capacity of 50,000, which will host concerts and other cultural events.
The redevelopment is being led by Northcrest Developments, which acquired the land from Bombardier in 2018. Northcrest has emphasised the importance of innovation and sustainability in the project, aiming to build a net-zero community with a low carbon footprint. The company's director of impact and engagement, Aytakin Mohammadi, has stated that the project is "a big responsibility" and that they want to take innovative ways to protect the history and culture of the site while also making space for the new development.
The transformation of Downsview Airport into a pedestrianised open space is part of a larger vision to create a "15-minute community" where residents can easily access green spaces and mobility options without relying on private vehicles. The plan prioritises community needs, aiming to create vibrant and livable spaces that will be used and owned by the people of Toronto for generations to come.
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The airport's former use as a military base
Downsview Airport in Toronto, Canada, has had a long and varied history, from its early days as an airfield to its more recent role as a testing facility for Bombardier Aerospace. However, one of its most significant periods was its time as a military base.
The site's history as a military installation began in the late 1920s when de Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) began manufacturing planes at Downsview, including the De Havilland Moth and the De Havilland Mosquito. During World War II, de Havilland played a crucial role in supporting the Royal Canadian Air Forces (RCAF) and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, providing aircraft and employment that sustained the local economy.
In 1947, the Department of National Defence purchased and expanded the property surrounding the airfield, establishing the RCAF Station Downsview. This marked the beginning of Downsview's official designation as a military base. The base was renamed Canadian Forces Base Toronto (Downsview) in 1968, reflecting its role as a strategic location for Canada's armed forces.
During the post-war years, de Havilland's production shifted to aircraft better suited to Canada's northern landscape, such as the Beaver and Otter. The company's operations expanded, and in the mid-1950s, they moved to modern facilities within the Downsview lands to accommodate the growing military presence.
The Canadian Forces base at Downsview remained active until its closure in 1996. After that, the site underwent various transformations, including its use as a testing facility by Bombardier Aerospace. Bombardier acquired De Havilland Canada in 1992, continuing the legacy of aviation innovation at Downsview.
Today, the former Downsview Airport lands are being redeveloped into a vibrant community, with plans for residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. The redevelopment project aims to honour the history of the site, with the basic structure of the runway being retained and transformed into a pedestrianised open space. The transformation of Downsview Airport is a testament to the evolving nature of urban spaces and their ability to adapt to the changing needs of the community.
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De Havilland Canada's operations at the airport
De Havilland Canada (DHC) has had a long history of operations at Downsview Airport. The company was founded in 1928 as a subsidiary of de Havilland Aircraft (UK) and moved to Downsview Airport in 1929. They began with a staff of 35 in a 20,000-square-foot plant and soon started manufacturing Moth biplanes.
During World War II, de Havilland Canada played a crucial role in manufacturing aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Forces (RCAF) and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. They also provided employment opportunities for both men and women, which helped sustain the local economy. In the post-war years, de Havilland Canada resumed commercial operations and shifted production to the Beaver and Otter aircraft, designed specifically for northern Canada's landscape.
De Havilland Canada continued to innovate and expand its operations at Downsview Airport. Between 1936 and 1938, they added a paint shop, hangar, and a main building south of the original plant. By 1942, they had produced 362 Ansons, 550 Tiger Moths, and developed the Mosquito fighter-bomber. The company marked several significant achievements in Canadian aviation history, including the celebrated Beaver and Mosquito aircraft.
In the 1980s, the Canadian government privatized De Havilland Canada, and in 1986, the company was sold to Boeing. Bombardier acquired De Havilland Canada in 1992, and the Canadian Forces base at Downsview was formally closed in 1996. Bombardier continued to use Downsview as a testing facility and manufacturing plant until it was sold to Northcrest Developments in 2018.
In June 2022, De Havilland Canada held a private event to commemorate its farewell to Downsview Airport after 94 years of operations. The company announced its plans to construct a new manufacturing facility, De Havilland Field, in Alberta. The Downsview site officially closed in the summer of 2022, marking the end of an era for De Havilland Canada's operations at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
As of April 2024, Downsview Airport is closed. It was sold by Bombardier to Northcrest Developments in 2018, and the site is being redeveloped into commercial and residential properties.
Downsview Airport was a former air field and air force base. De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) began manufacturing planes at Downsview Airfield in 1929. DHC was nationalised in 1942 and manufactured aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. The airport was later used by Bombardier Aerospace as a testing facility from 1994 until 2023.
De Havilland Canada, Boeing, and Bombardier Aerospace have all used Downsview Airport.
The site is being redeveloped into a "15-minute community" with 10 distinct districts and over 45,000 housing units. The plan is to create a sustainable community with a mix of services, opportunities, and recreation. The basic structure of the airport runway and taxiway will be maintained, and the area will include over 40 hectares of new public open space.
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