id8 Downsview

The Downsview Lands in north Toronto that surround Downsview Park are one of Toronto’s largest urban green spaces. Over time, the lands around the park will be developed to become sustainable, vibrant, interconnected, and complete communities. They will incorporate excellent transit, walking and cycling networks, green and open spaces, and create new opportunities to connect Downsview Park to the wider community.

Canada Lands’ goals are twofold: first, to preserve and enhance Downsview Park and second, to plan and develop the surrounding Downsview Lands in the best interest of the community.

REIMAGINING THE FUTURE OF DOWNSVIEW TOGETHER 

The Company is pleased to have worked closely with its neighbouring landowner, Northcrest Developments to plan a large portion of the Downsview Lands. The area includes Northcrest-owned former airstrip and adjacent districts, Canada Lands’ Downsview West and Downsview East districts, as well as the Allen West district, which represents one of the largest redevelopments in North America. 

With the airport closed at the end of March 2024, an important opportunity arose to revisit the land use and development framework for the Downsview Lands through a multi-year process that established the comprehensive planning framework for the future of the 210-hectare (520-acre) site. Although Downsview Park was not formally part of the planning process, it will be enhanced as it will continue to be the heart of the community.

Canada Lands Company and Northcrest worked together to achieve a future development that demonstrates sustainable and resilient best practices with a shared vision for a vibrant, healthy and complete community. A key part of the planning and development process involved working closely with residents and local community members, Indigenous rights holders, and a wide range of stakeholders. Canada Lands and Northcrest remain committed to working alongside the community and advancing the public interest over the long term.

Following 18 months of engagement, the project teams submitted a proposed Framework Plan and Official Plan Amendment to the City of Toronto in September 2021, prompting the City to initiate its Downsview Area Secondary Plan Update called Update Downsview. Extensive public meetings took place to engage the local community and solicit interest and input in the Secondary Plan Update process. This resulted in City Council adoption the new Secondary Plan in May 2024. An archive of all materials related to Id8 Downsview has been created as an historical resource.