Northcrest Developments has launched a global design competition to transform a 2-km decommissioned runway at the former Downsview Airport in Toronto into a vibrant pedestrian corridor. The competition aims to make the runway a key feature of the future 370-acre community, connecting seven neighborhoods with public spaces, amenities, and recreational areas for 55,000 residents and 23,000 workers.

The site, known as YZD, was formerly a military base and aerospace hub and is now one of North America’s largest urban redevelopment projects. Design teams are tasked with creating guidelines for the runway’s transformation into a world-class public space, reflecting adaptive reuse of industrial infrastructure. The competition is chaired by urban designer Ken Greenberg, with the winning team starting in 2025.

Expressions of Interest are due by November 22, 2024.

 

Published on October 23, 2024