A nearly century-old abandoned airport is about to undergo a massive transformation into a new city in northwest Toronto, Canada. The redevelopment project for Downsview Airport is slated to commence this year, aiming to convert the 370-acre site into a modern urban development accommodating around 66,000 residents across 30,000 properties. Named “YZD” after the airport’s call sign, the city is expected to house up to 83,500 individuals by 2051.
The ambitious plan includes the creation of seven interconnected neighborhoods that will be built gradually over the next few decades. Costing approximately £16 billion over 30 years, this initiative ranks among the largest urban development projects in North America.
Central to the proposal is the transformation of the 1.24-mile runway into a pedestrianized park, serving as a focal point connecting the different neighborhoods. This runway is envisioned as the communal outdoor space for the residents, aiming to set a new standard for public areas in Toronto.
The development emphasizes the incorporation of green spaces, with plans to establish about 70 acres of parks and open areas alongside easy access to amenities. The YZD project highlights the proximity of parks and open spaces to homes and workplaces, emphasizing a people-centric design approach.
Furthermore, developers plan to repurpose existing structures from the former airport into the futuristic urban district to promote ecological sustainability. Retaining older buildings instead of constructing new ones is seen as a more environmentally friendly approach due to the embedded carbon in the existing structures.
Notably, hangars built between the 1950s and 1990s will be preserved and repurposed into business establishments. Additionally, vegetation covering rooftops is expected to aid in rainwater absorption, reduce flood risks, and enhance biodiversity in the area.
The location has been vacant since 2024 following the departure of Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier.