An abandoned airport with nearly a hundred years of history is about to undergo a major transformation into a vast urban center. The redevelopment of Downsview Airport in northwest Toronto, Canada, is slated to begin this year. The ambitious project will convert the 370-acre site into a new city named “YZD”, honoring the airport’s call sign. It is expected to house around 66,000 residents in over 30,000 properties initially, with a projected capacity for up to 83,500 by 2051.
The development will be divided into seven distinct neighborhoods interconnected and built gradually over the next few decades. With an estimated cost of £16 billion, the 30-year plan ranks as one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in North America.
The focal point of the plan is the 1.24-mile runway, which will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly park linking the various neighborhoods. Developers describe the runway as the communal backyard for the new residential areas, setting a new standard for public spaces in Toronto.
Green spaces are a key feature of the project, with approximately 70 acres designated for parks and open areas, providing easy access to amenities. The YZD website emphasizes the integration of parks and open spaces throughout the city, all within close proximity to homes and workplaces, designed for pedestrian use rather than vehicular traffic.
In an environmentally conscious move, developers aim to repurpose existing structures from the former airport into the modern urban district to reduce carbon footprint. Notably, hangars constructed between the 1950s and 1990s will be preserved and converted into business facilities.
Additionally, vegetation will cover the rooftops to aid in rain absorption, reduce flood risks, and enhance wildlife diversity, as reported by CNN. The site has been vacant since 2024 following the departure of Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier, marking the beginning of this transformative urban renewal project.