On July 3rd, 2025, The Toronto Community Benefits Network submitted a letter and deputed at the North York Community Council in support of Northcrest Developments Downsview Taxiway West district plan proposal.
Included within this proposal is Northcrest’s proposed Community Benefits Plan which commits to a minimum of $10M target for community benefits and social procurement. The Taxiway West District Plan was approved, later considered by City Council and finally adopted in late June 2025. For more details, please see here.
You can find TCBN’s full letter and recommendations along with our previous submissions to council here.
Downsview Lands is currently in the planning stages for a large-scale mixed use development which will see new housing, retail, commercial and/or institutional uses. With this significant public and private investment, TCBN wants to ensure an equitable planning process and developments that prioritizes equity, diversity and inclusion.
In November 2024, the Toronto Community Benefits Network was proud to launch our CBAforDownsview vision report, which is a culmination of our engagement with local residents, community organizations and the TCBN membership.
View report here
TCBN would like to ensure all developments at Downsview including developments on lands owned by Canada Lands Company, Northcrest Developments and CreateTO to include a Community Benefits Agreement. This includes hard targets and commitments to:
- Good jobs and equitable economic opportunities in planning, design, construction, maintenance and operations
- Social Procurement to support local businesses, Indigenous, Black and diverse owned businesses and social enterprises
- Neighbourhood Improvements including investments in affordable housing, community spaces, parks
- Environmental Sustainability in development and operations of new buildings and retrofits of existing buildings
- Protections of the urban park area and surrounding green spaces, leveraging the land to support food security initiatives
- Monitoring and Accountability of all commitments made in a CBA and a process to monitor, track and report on outcomes
We need your support to ensure that the Canada Lands Company, Northcrest Developments and CreateTO commit to building a healthy, diverse and inclusive community by committing to a community benefits agreement.
About the Vision Report
This vision was informed by our engagement with over 1,500 local residents and stakeholders to raise awareness about the planned Downsview redevelopment. Key engagement activities included a Downsview Community Benefits Committee, hosting four community events and a Downsview area tour. Collectively, we are creating the conditions for local communities to benefit and build community wealth from the development and growth of the neighbourhood.
Endorse Here
This project is being led by the Toronto Community Benefits Network
Toronto Community Benefits Network is supported by the Metcalf Foundation, Atkinson Foundation, Toronto Foundation, United Way Greater Toronto, Government of Ontario and Government of Canada
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