A vast, disused airport on the outskirts of Toronto is poised for a radical rebirth, set to be transformed into a £16 billion mega-city designed to house tens of thousands of residents over the next three decades.
From Runway to Residential Hub: The YZD Vision
The ambitious plan centres on the 370-acre site of Downsview Airport in northwest Toronto, Canada. The airport, which first opened nearly a century ago and closed in 2024, will be completely overhauled into a brand new urban district to be known as YZD—a nod to the airport's old call sign.
Developers Northcrest Developments are spearheading the project, which is scheduled to have begun in early 2026. The 30-year scheme is one of the largest of its kind in North America. Upon completion, it will provide more than 30,000 homes for an estimated 66,000 residents, a figure that could swell to 83,500 by 2051.
Designing a Green and Connected Community
The development will be constructed in stages, eventually comprising seven distinct but interconnected neighbourhoods. The 1.24-mile-long former runway is the centrepiece of the design, destined to become a pedestrianised linear park that will link all the areas together, acting as a "shared backyard" for the community.
A major focus is on sustainability and green space. Approximately 70 acres of parks and open areas will be woven throughout the district, ensuring nature is always within a short walk from home. The project also champions a low-carbon approach to construction.
"There's a lot of embedded carbon in the existing buildings," explained Derek Goring, CEO of Northcrest Developments. "Rather than tearing them down and building everything new, there's a big carbon benefit to retaining those buildings."
Preserving History for a Sustainable Future
In line with this philosophy, substantial hangars built from the 1950s to the 1990s will be preserved and converted into business premises. Rooftops across the development will be blanketed with vegetation, a move designed to absorb rainfall, reduce flood risk, and boost local biodiversity.
The overall vision for YZD is of a highly liveable, 15-minute city where daily essentials are easily accessible. "Everything will be within reach: childcare, shops, schools and everyday services that are part of the richness of city living," state the project's planners. The streets are being designed for people first, promising to set a new standard for public space in Toronto.
