Our Story

1800s

Throughout the mid-1800s, as the land around Downsview changed from forests to farms, a number of small villages near the site emerged to serve the growing population. These included the Village of Downsview and what is now Wilson Avenue and Keele Street.

1920s

While aviation in Toronto did not start in Downsview, the area played a significant role in the development of the aviation community in Canada during the 1920s. The area surrounding Downsview became the site of several airfields including Barker Field, the Canadian Express Airport, the Toronto Flying Club and later the de Havilland Airfield.

1930s

De Havilland Canada (“DHC”) purchased 70-acres of land in Downsview near Sheppard Avenue. The original runways were narrow dirt tracks in an open field, surrounded by agricultural lands.

1940s

During the war, DHC produced aircrafts like the Tiger Moth, Avro Anson, and Mosquito fighter bomber. In 1944, Dufferin Street was closed between Wilson and Sheppard to extend The Runway, with Wilson Heights Boulevard built to ease traffic.

1950s

The area became a full-scale airport with paved runways through land acquisitions, including closing part of Dufferin Street. In 1952, DHC traded their site for 96 acres in the airport’s southwest corner and built the first phase of their aircraft facility.

1990s

Downsview saw major expansion in the 1980s with new Hangars and a shift in ownership. Starting in the 1960s, the site changed hands, with Bombardier taking over in the 1990s.

2010s

In 2018, Bombardier announced its departure and sold the property to PSP Investments, which in turn, created Northcrest Developments to redevelop the land.

2020s

With a vision rooted in innovation and community, Northcrest introduced the YZD brand in 2024 – honouring the site’s legacy with its call sign moniker, while shaping the future of the 370-acre mixed-use destination.