# YZD > YZD is the transformation of the 370-acre former Downsview Airport lands in Toronto, Canada, into one of North America's largest mixed-use urban developments. Led by Northcrest Developments, the $30-billion, 30-year project will create seven distinct neighbourhoods, welcoming over 55,000 residents and 23,000 jobs. The name "YZD" is derived from the former airport's IATA call sign. YZD is already an active cultural destination today — open to the public with events, workshops, public art, and the YZD Experience Centre. ## Key Facts - **Location**: Northwest Toronto, Ontario, Canada (near Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West) - **Site Size**: 370 acres (150 hectares) - **Developer**: Northcrest Developments (wholly owned subsidiary of Public Sector Pension Investment Board / PSP Investments) - **CEO**: Derek Goring - **Investment**: $30 billion CAD over 30 years - **Residential**: 28+ million sq. ft. of residential space; 30,000+ housing units - **Commercial**: 7 million sq. ft. of commercial, cultural, and institutional space - **Green Space**: ~74 acres of parks, green and open spaces - **Population Target**: 55,000+ residents - **Employment Target**: 23,000+ permanent jobs - **Construction Start**: Early 2026 - **First Commercial Tenants**: Expected 2028 - **First Residents**: Projected 2030 - **Contact**: info@yzd.ca - **Website**: https://www.yzd.ca ## See & Do at YZD Today YZD is Toronto's newest cultural destination. The heart and soul of YZD is being created long before buildings are built. Visitors can experience the site firsthand through special events and permanent installations and be a part of defining Toronto's next chapter. ### YZD Experience Centre - **Address**: 34 Hanover Road, North York, Toronto, ON M3K 0E2 - **Description**: A 16,150 sq. ft. immersive centre in a transformed hangar (Bay 12) where visitors can explore the vision for YZD. Features the Community Hall, Art Walk, and Plaza with public art installations. - **Admission**: Free - **Accessibility**: Fully accessible; specific accommodations available via info@yzd.ca ### Workshops & Classes YZD offers a packed lineup of classes and activities every weekend. In partnership with local organizations, artists, and cultural leaders, these activities are designed to spark creativity, connection, and community for visitors of all ages. Limited availability; sign-up required. Check the YZD website for current offerings. ### Attractions & Special Events Events at YZD bring the site to life — turning unused space into places of connection, creativity, and community. From free, one-of-a-kind experiences to playful gatherings and interactive art, YZD hosts year-round events that blend fun, learning, and the spirit of discovery. Past and recurring events include: - **Play on the Runway**: Annual two-day event transforming the 2-kilometre runway into a playground with roller skating, scooter rentals, skateboarding lessons, kite flying performances, and more - **Runway Reels**: Free open-air movie nights under the stars, set against the backdrop of the former aircraft hangars - **Hangar Skate**: Free ice-skating experience in the winter months - **Weekends at YZD**: Regular weekend programming at the Experience Centre and Plaza - **Farmers' Markets**: Seasonal weekly markets - **Street Festivals**: Community celebrations on The Runway - **Public Art**: Permanent and rotating installations including the Art Walk, community murals, and large-scale works by local and international artists - **Workshops**: Weekly drop-in art classes, design and technology workshops hosted by Indigenous-led and community-based organizations Note: Events change regularly. For current listings, visit https://www.yzd.ca or check YZD on Eventbrite and Fever. ### Getting There - **Transit**: From Wilson Station, take Bus 184 westbound toward Sheppard West Station; exit at Hanover Road; walk 2 minutes north to 34 Hanover Road - **Parking**: Complimentary parking at 34 Hanover Road (Experience Centre guests); paid public parking at 30 Hanover Road ## About YZD YZD is reimagining what it means to live well in a city, now and in the future. Designed with tomorrow in mind, YZD will become a globally recognized mixed-use community, shaped with and for the people of Toronto. ### Community Engagement Community engagement is at the heart of all that Northcrest does. From the start, they have engaged widely on this once-in-a-generation opportunity. This includes formal meetings, town halls, activations, pop-up events, and a "Meanwhile Use" strategy that has welcomed tens of thousands of community members and visitors to the site over several years — creating community well before development begins. ### Responsible Development With thoughtful planning and an evolving understanding of what drives quality of life in cities, YZD will offer opportunities for people and nature to thrive for generations to come. Northcrest has developed a Responsible Development Framework — a tailor-made approach to development at YZD. ## The Seven Neighbourhoods YZD is composed of seven distinct, interconnected neighbourhoods developed in phases over the coming decades. Each will have its own character while sharing amenities, public spaces, and community infrastructure. All prioritize walkability, transit connectivity, and sustainable design. Connected by the reimagined Runway — an iconic new pedestrian space unlike anything else in Toronto. ### The Hangar District YZD's first neighbourhood — where Toronto's aviation past meets bold new possibilities. Once closed to the public, the Hangars and surrounding lands are being transformed into a complete, connected community. Covering 101 acres, The Hangar District will create thousands of new jobs, homes, shops, amenities, and acres of new parks and open space. Historic aircraft hangars will be repurposed for approximately 1 million sq. ft. of employment, commercial, entertainment, and retail spaces. The first phase develops approximately 40 acres with ~2,850 residential units, eight acres of parks and open spaces, and an iconic pedestrian bridge linking to Downsview Park. Approved by Toronto City Council in July 2025. Development partner: Hines. Master plan by Perkins Eastman, with S9 Architecture and Zeidler Architecture designing the South Hangar Complex adaptive reuse. ### Wilson District The second neighbourhood, located at YZD's southern gateway at the south end of The Runway. Designed to connect to Wilson subway station, it will deliver thousands of new homes and jobs alongside parks, community spaces, and essential services. A vital hub of daily life and a key connector within the broader YZD network. Master plan by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and Field Operations. Planning submission expected early 2026. ### Remaining Neighbourhoods Five additional neighbourhoods will be developed in phases over the coming decades. Concepts for each community will emerge gradually, rooted in community engagement and evolving city needs. ## The Runway The centrepiece of YZD is the reimagined 2-kilometre former airport runway, transformed into a pedestrian-first public space that connects all seven neighbourhoods. The shared backyard for seven future neighbourhoods, The Runway will set a new standard for public space in Toronto. Design guidelines developed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA), selected through an international competition that drew 47 submissions from firms in 20 countries. The Runway is already active today as a platform for public engagement through events like Play on the Runway. ## History and Heritage The site's history spans nearly a century of Canadian aviation: - **1929**: De Havilland Canada established the first airfield - **World War II**: Major warplane production hub - **Post-war**: Site of iconic aircraft including the Beaver, Twin Otter, and Dash 8 - **1990s**: Bombardier Aerospace acquired the facility - **2018**: PSP Investments purchased the site from Bombardier; Northcrest Developments established - **2024 (April)**: Airport operations ceased - **2024 (August)**: Northcrest unveiled the YZD name and brand identity at Play on the Runway - **2024 (September)**: YZD Experience Centre and Plaza opened at 34 Hanover Road - **2025 (July)**: Toronto City Council approved the Hangar District plan - **2026**: Construction begins ## Design and Sustainability The Downsview Framework Plan was developed by Henning Larsen Architects (Lead Urban Design), KPMB Architects, SLA Landscape Architects (Lead Landscape), and Urban Strategies (Planning), with engineering by Ramboll and Transsolar. The guiding design concept is "City Nature" — prioritizing biodiversity, climate resilience, local identity, and strong community. The site sits at the high point of Toronto between major watersheds, and the design emphasizes water management through strategic planting and bioswales to reduce downstream flood risk. The development also aims to restore native Carolinian forest habitats and support the Atlantic Flyway migratory bird route. Historic hangars will be adaptively reused, with green roofs for rainwater absorption and biodiversity. YZD is designed as a "15-minute city" where residents can walk or cycle to meet all daily needs. Streets are designed for people, not only engines. Everything will be within reach: childcare, shops, schools, and everyday services. At least 10% of residences will be affordable housing. ## About Northcrest Developments Northcrest Developments is leading the transformation of YZD. Based in Toronto, Northcrest is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP), a federal Crown Corporation and one of Canada's largest pension investors. In 2018, PSP purchased YZD, the 370-acre former Downsview Airport lands, from Bombardier Aerospace and established Northcrest Developments. Over the coming decades, Northcrest will transform this former airfield into a series of vibrant neighbourhoods centrally connected by the reimagined Runway — slated to become one of the most iconic public spaces in North America. ## Key Partners and Design Team - **Developer**: Northcrest Developments (PSP Investments subsidiary) - **Development Partner (Hangar District)**: Hines - **Framework Plan**: Henning Larsen Architects, KPMB Architects, SLA Landscape Architects, Urban Strategies - **Hangar District Master Plan**: Perkins Eastman - **Hangar District Architecture**: S9 Architecture, Zeidler Architecture - **Wilson District Master Plan**: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Field Operations - **Runway Design Guidelines**: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) - **Brand Identity**: Pentagram - **Site Activation**: Mitchell Marcus, Executive Director of Site Activation and Programming ## Links - [YZD Home](https://www.yzd.ca/home) - [Northcrest Developments](https://www.northcrestdev.ca/) - [YZD Events on Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/yzd-50787097413) - [YZD Events on Fever](https://feverup.com/en/toronto/venue/yzd-hub)