CBA for Downsview

For Downsview Lands, when it comes to ownership of lands, the key stakeholders are:

Canada Lands Company: 150 acres - Sheppard, Chesswood and Allen lands are all managed by CLC. 

Northcrest Development: Downsview Airport/Hangar lands are managed by Northcrest. 

CreatoTO (The Allen District): The Allen District is one of the districts comprising of 73 total acres and CreateTO (formerly Build Toronto) has been tasked with developing 57 acres of land in the district east of Allen Road. Working with the City of Toronto, CreateTO will first work on the Allen District Plan approval - a comprehensive master plan for the area.

SmartCentres: SmartCentres is a retail focused real estate investment trust. They manage the Wilson and Wilson South districts.

The Downsview area secondary plan also outlines 15 unique districts on the lands. From the secondary plan, these districts are: 

a) Runway Districts:

• Runway North A
• Runway North B
• Runway Central
• Runway South 

Supported by parks and mobility pathways, the Runway districts will include a range of mid-rise residential buildings with supportive non-residential uses. The proposed Dufferin Street and Billy Bishop Way extensions will serve as principal streets where non-residential uses such as retail can be found all over.

b) Transit Districts: 

• Wilson
  • Is comprised of the three TTC commuter parking lots on Wilson Avenue at Allen Road. Redevelopment of the commuter parking lots will result in an improved streetscape and improved pedestrian connections on Wilson Avenue. The need for the replacement of commuter parking resulting from the re-development of these lots will be reviewed and assessed at the time of redevelopment in consultation with the TTC.
    • Wilson South
      • Will be managed by SmartCentres
• Downsview East
• Downsview West
• Allen
  • Will develop as a mixed-use District with non-residential development near the Downsview Subway Station and residential development to the south. At-grade street connections across Allen Road will be established to connect and link the west and east sides of this District. Three local parks will be provided in this District; one on the west side of Allen Road and two on the east side of Allen Road. The parks on the east side of Allen Road will be linked via an enhanced Greenway linkage and together be a focus for the District and enhance connections to the subway station and Sheppard Avenue.
    • East
    • West

The common theme for the Transit districts is indicated through their being in close vicinity to nearby transit stations. The Downsview East and West Districts will be connected through the Northern Crossing of the GO Barrie Line and Supply Depot building (40 Carl Hall Road) as well as Wilson South District via the planned bridge over Highway 401. There will be a larger concentration of spaces with cultural, entertainment, commercial, office and institutional uses here along with a higher density of tall buildings. 

c) Arbo District (formerly known as William Baker):

Will serve primarily as an urban residential neighbourhood with a compact urban built form to support development density within walking distance of the new TTC/ GO Transit hub and along Keele Street. The large woodlot is recognized as a unique and desirable natural heritage feature that will be protected and combined with a municipal park to create a significant open space focus in the District. A multi-use path connecting this District to the National Urban Park via the existing pedestrian bridge is encouraged. Redevelopment of the lands will result in the removal of the concrete walls along Keele Street and the introduction of local street connections to Keele Street. This district will serve folks of all age groups and backgrounds with a particular focus on supporting aging in place. Additional information via the city staff report and Council item can be found here.

d) Taxiway Districts:

• Murray
• Taxiway East
• Taxiway West

Located between the Go Barrie Line and the Ancaster neighbourhood, the Taxiway districts are characterized by the area’s historic designation as employment lands or more specifically, their former identity as an industrial hub for aircraft manufacturing. This of course includes its longstanding distinctive features ranging from the Taxiway itself to the airport hangars. As such, these districts will have a substantial focus on employment and non-residential/commercial uses. In addition, the Downsview Park Boulevard extension will provide the districts with a better pathway into Downsview Park. Northcrest's community benefits plan commits to a minimum $10 million target for community benefits and social procurement.

 e) Park Commons District:

This district consists mostly of historic spaces that are tied to the area’s prior military/aerospace functions. This district also includes sports facilities surrounded by open space and varied uses in arts, culture, education and more.

For a more detailed and interactive look at these lands, please see this City of Toronto map here.