Inside the abandoned airport being transformed into a $30 billion sustainable city
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TL;DR
- Downsview Airport, a former hub for De Havilland Canada and Bombardier, is being redeveloped into 'YZD,' a large urban district.
- The 370-acre site will house over 50,000 residents and include 75 acres of green space.
- The 1.24-mile runway will be transformed into a pedestrianized park, acting as a central link for seven distinct neighborhoods.
- Existing industrial hangars will be repurposed into commercial buildings for film production, manufacturing, and clean tech.
- The project emphasizes environmental sustainability by retaining existing buildings and incorporating green infrastructure like bioswales and green roofs.
- The development aims to recreate native habitats, drawing inspiration from the site's pre-aviation Carolinian forest past.
- YZD will prioritize pedestrianization and cycling, with limited car access in the former runway area.
- The $30 billion, 30-year project will be built in phases, with the first neighborhood, 'Hangar District,' beginning construction in early 2025.