+
Toronto's Downsview Airport to become $22 bn urban community overhaul
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Toronto's Downsview Airport to become $22 bn urban community overhaul

Toronto's former Downsview Airport is set to undergo a $22 billion transformation into a vast urban community. In May, the city council approved a plan to convert the 370-acre site into North America's largest urban redevelopment project.

With Bombardier's recent relocation from the site, preparations are underway to clear the runway and start building 15 new neighborhoods. The former runway will be repurposed for walking, biking, schools, libraries, community centers, and other amenities.

Downsview Airport, which was used by Bombardier Aerospace for testing since 1994, was originally established in 1939 by de Havilland Canada. In 1947, it was expanded by the Canadian Defence Department into an air base for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The redevelopment, led by Northcrest and backed by Canadian pension fund PSP Investments, will proceed in seven phases over 30 years. PSP Investments acquired the land in 2018 for $816 million.

Northcrest has partnered with top firms, including Henning Larsen for architecture, SLA for landscaping, KPMB for design, Urban Strategies Inc. for consulting, and Hines for real estate development.

The project will feature over 28 million square feet of residential space, 7 million square feet of commercial property, and 74 acres of parks and open spaces. The first phase, known as the Hangar District, will introduce nearly 3,000 new homes, including rental and affordable units, and create more than 7,000 jobs in renovated hangar buildings and new commercial spaces. Amenities will include shops, parks, daycares, and vibrant public spaces, preserving the site’s aviation history through a blend of old and new elements.

Toronto's former Downsview Airport is set to undergo a $22 billion transformation into a vast urban community. In May, the city council approved a plan to convert the 370-acre site into North America's largest urban redevelopment project.With Bombardier's recent relocation from the site, preparations are underway to clear the runway and start building 15 new neighborhoods. The former runway will be repurposed for walking, biking, schools, libraries, community centers, and other amenities.Downsview Airport, which was used by Bombardier Aerospace for testing since 1994, was originally established in 1939 by de Havilland Canada. In 1947, it was expanded by the Canadian Defence Department into an air base for the Royal Canadian Air Force.The redevelopment, led by Northcrest and backed by Canadian pension fund PSP Investments, will proceed in seven phases over 30 years. PSP Investments acquired the land in 2018 for $816 million.Northcrest has partnered with top firms, including Henning Larsen for architecture, SLA for landscaping, KPMB for design, Urban Strategies Inc. for consulting, and Hines for real estate development.The project will feature over 28 million square feet of residential space, 7 million square feet of commercial property, and 74 acres of parks and open spaces. The first phase, known as the Hangar District, will introduce nearly 3,000 new homes, including rental and affordable units, and create more than 7,000 jobs in renovated hangar buildings and new commercial spaces. Amenities will include shops, parks, daycares, and vibrant public spaces, preserving the site’s aviation history through a blend of old and new elements.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Holds Seminar on Vigilance, Integrity and Good Governance

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity."" The seminar was graced by Suresh N Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.  The programme was attended by G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Dire..

Next Story
Equipment

XCMG Unveils World's First 14,000-Ton Ring Crane for Heavy Lifting

XCMG has announced that the first main unit of the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd., the crane will be the largest-capacity ring crane ever built, setting a new benchmark for major construction projects worldwide.The crane features a modular configuration comprising two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations. Once both..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Thriveni Logistics orders 200 tip trailers from Jagdamba trailers

Jagdamba Trailers (JTPL), one of India’s growing trailer manufacturers, has secured a significant order for 200 Tip Trailers from Thriveni Transport and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a leading mining and logistics company serving operations across India and overseas.The order, placed for iron ore transportation, is a major milestone for JTPL, particularly as the company secured the business after competing with more than 10 established trailer manufacturers. It also strengthens an already successful relationship between the two companies. Approximately one and a half years ago, Thriveni Transport and..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code