id8 Downsview

The Downsview Lands in north Toronto surround Downsview Park, one of Toronto’s largest urban green spaces. Over time, these lands will be developed and be interconnected. 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’ interests in this site are twofold: first, Downsview Park and second, the planning and development of surrounding lands. 

Reimagining the future of Downsview together

The Company is working with Northcrest Developments to plan a large portion of the Downsview lands, a sector that includes the airport, Downsview West (Sheppard) and Downsview East (Chesswood) districts and Allen West (a portion of the Allen lands), representing one of the largest redevelopment sites in Toronto. With the airport slated to close in March 2024 and the subway extension complete, there’s an important opportunity to revisit the land use and development framework for the Downsview Lands. Northcrest Developments, a subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSPIB), and Canada Lands Company are working together to create a comprehensive planning framework for the future of the site. Downsview Park is not formally part of the planning process but will be enhanced as it will continue to be the heart of the community.

Canada Lands and Northcrest are striving to achieve a future that demonstrates how to build sustainable, resilient, vibrant, healthy and complete communities. A key part of the process involves working closely with residents and communities, as well as a wide range of community stakeholders, through the planning and development process. Canada Lands and Northcrest are committed to working with the community and respecting the public interest over the long term.

After 18 months of engagement, the project team 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. Since then, a number of public meetings have been held to engage the local community and solicit interest and input in the Secondary Plan Update process. The Company participates in all such public meetings. City staff also presented a Draft Secondary Plan Update to City Council in spring 2023 and received authority to proceed toward completion by spring 2024. You can learn about the plan here.