Project YZD: Turning a Defunct Airport into a Brand-New City
Toronto's Downsview Airport, which was closed in 2024, is set to be transformed into a new urban hub for 50,000 residents. The initiative, known as Project YZD, carries a price tag of $30 billion and covers 370 acres. Development is expected to unfold over more than three decades. This massive undertaking reflects a growing global trend of repurposing abandoned industrial sites to address housing shortages and promote sustainable urban growth.
Key Features of the Development
Project YZD includes plans for roughly 8,800 residential units, with 20% designated as affordable housing. The tallest towers will reach up to 197 meters. To foster a livable environment, the site will be divided into three primary districts:
- Station Quarter
- Heart at the Crossroads
- Mews District
The tallest buildings will be situated closest to transit hubs, ensuring easy access to infrastructure.
The former runway, stretching nearly two kilometers, will be converted into a park, serving as a central green space. During World War II, the airport site was used for manufacturing military aircraft, and in the 1990s, it was handed over to an aerospace company.
In March 2026, a revised zoning and development plan application was submitted to the City of Toronto. The project has evolved through ongoing consultations with municipal authorities, Indigenous representatives, agencies, and local communities. Urban planning expert Derek Goring commented:
'One of the main challenges of large-scale urban redevelopment is that without any historical foundation, new neighborhoods can end up feeling soulless.' - Derek Goring
He also stressed the importance of preserving existing structures: 'Existing buildings already contain a huge amount of embodied carbon, so instead of full demolition and new construction, it is far more environmentally friendly to retain and adapt them.'
The new district will also feature office spaces, retail outlets, and community and educational facilities. Project YZD aims not only to provide housing for new residents but also to create a convenient and eco-friendly living environment.
Transforming the former Downsview Airport into a new city is part of a broader trend of urbanization and the rehabilitation of abandoned industrial zones in major cities. Project YZD not only addresses the demand for new housing but also incorporates environmental considerations, seeking to preserve elements of historical heritage. The execution of such large-scale projects could significantly reshape Toronto's socio-economic landscape, generating new jobs and enhancing residents' quality of life.