Northcrest Developments Advances Mixed-Use Project at Former Downsview Airport

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Northcrest Developments has made significant progress on the Hangar District, part of the larger YZDYZD Mixed-Use Development in Toronto, with early enabling work completed and plans for infrastructure development underway.

In a significant development for Toronto's urban landscape, Northcrest Developments has announced the completion of early enabling work at the YZDYZD Mixed-Use Development, located on the former Downsview Airport lands. This ambitious project, which spans 370 acres, marks a major milestone with the successful preparation of the first neighbourhood, the 101-acre Hangar District. Key components of the early work included the establishment of a dedicated construction access road, comprehensive site preparation, and the construction of a temporary stormwater management pond. The pond has been fully excavated, lined, and landscaped, with surrounding areas seeded, as detailed in a recent press release. With these initial phases completed, the planning phase for essential infrastructure, including roads, sewer systems, and power systems, is set to advance, paving the way for the transformation of the former airport site. The acquisition of the Downsview Airport lands by PSP Investments in 2018 set the stage for this redevelopment, leading to the establishment of Northcrest Developments, which is spearheading the project. Following the necessary zoning and subdivision approvals, construction officially commenced in 2026, starting with these initial enabling works. Over the next three decades, the project is expected to evolve into a vibrant community featuring space for over 60,000 residents, the construction of more than 35,000 new homes, and the creation of approximately seven million square feet of commercial and cultural spaces, alongside nearly 70 acres of parks and open areas. As the plans for the infrastructure of the Hangar District progress, Northcrest is also focusing on establishing a strong employment base in the area. To support this initiative, the company has partnered with Cushman & Wakefield to embark on a targeted market-interest process for the North Hangar lands, which will assess interest from various sectors that can generate employment, in line with the long-term vision for the YZDYZD project. "For nearly a century, these lands served as a hub for aircraft manufacturing, research, and innovation," stated a representative from Northcrest. "The North Hangars allow us to continue that legacy, drawing in employment opportunities and jobs to complement the residential neighbourhoods that are taking shape around them." The North Hangar lands constitute roughly 40 acres of the Hangar District and include existing Hangar buildings that total around 548,000 square feet, along with a permitted employment gross floor area of approximately 1.2 million square feet. This redevelopment effort not only aims to revitalize the area but also to create a sustainable community that honors its historical significance while looking toward a modern, integrated future.

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