The District
Downsview West provides a rich blend of cultural heritage and modern connectivity
The Downsview West District is an emerging neighbourhood bordered by Sheppard Avenue West to the west and north, the Metrolinx Barrie GO rail line to the east, and Carl Hall Road to the south. At about 30 hectares (74 acres) in size, Downsview West is home to the Downsview Park TTC and GO Transit Station, as well as the Supply Depot – a large warehouse that currently hosts the Merchants’ Market, film studios, and much more. The District also benefits from the outstanding natural and recreational amenities available right next door at Downsview Park and the Aerospace Hub and Sports Zone.
The Downsview West District is an emerging neighbourhood bordered by Sheppard Avenue West to the west and north, the Metrolinx Barrie GO rail line to the east, and Carl Hall Road to the south. At about 30 hectares (74 acres) in size, Downsview West is home to the Downsview Park TTC and GO Transit Station, as well as the Supply Depot – a large warehouse that currently hosts the Merchants’ Market, film studios, and much more. The District also benefits from the outstanding natural and recreational amenities available right next door at Downsview Park and the Aerospace Hub and Sports Zone.
A Place of Opportunity
Downsview West will honour the area's history and existing structures, while proposing new opportunities. Once complete, this redevelopment will enable vibrant new spaces that provide more ways to work, live, get around, invest, and play.
Hectares of land
Estimated new residents
Estimated jobs
The District within Toronto
The District Throughout History
The future of Downsview will be built on an appreciation of the past; to know where we’re going, we need to know where we’ve been.
Southern Ontario is home to Indigenous communities since time immemorial. The lands, known today as Toronto, are the territory of Michi Saagig Anishnaabeg and historic homelands of Haudenosaunee and Wendat peoples.
1830 — Bartholomew Bull builds his farmhouse on these lands. The area is named “Downsview” for the geography and view of surrounding area. During the mid-1800s, local forests are cleared for farmland, creating preconditions for Downsview as an airbase.
1929 — De Havilland Aircraft of Canada purchases 28 hectares (69 acres) of Downsview farmland. It builds an airfield for commercial operations, which rapidly expands to produce airplanes for the British and Canadian air forces during World War II.
A new air materials base at Downsview is announced for military use to support the military’s gradual rearmament due to the Cold War. The Department of National Defence builds various structures including barracks, headquarters, and maintenance buildings. 1953-1954 — 10 and 40 Carl Hall Road are constructed. Downsview is considered the ideal location given access to rail, road, and air.
1996 — Canadian Forces Base formally closes. Downsview Park officially opens in 2012, following a wide-reaching community engagement process and an international design competition.
2021 — The Framework Plan for the Downsview Lands is developed by Canada Lands Company and Northcrest Developments. The Plan’s new vision for the future of these lands—including the Downsview West District—forms the basis of an application for an Official Plan Amendment. The City of Toronto initiates a process to update the Downsview Area Secondary Plan, called "Update Downsview."
2022-Present — Canada Lands Company begins planning and development of the District Plan for Downsview West. 40 Carl Hall Road is used as a film studio and market and 10 Carl Hall Road is vacant.
2024 onwards — Planning applications are submitted to the City of Toronto, and reviewed by City staff. The application is recommended to Council based on community feedback, technical studies, and the opinions of relevant stakeholders. Following approval, Canada Lands Company begins construction of servicing of the district. Applications for site plans and/or building permits are submitted for municipal approval.
Downsview Stories
Downsview is not a blank slate. Starting with its significance to Indigenous communities as a bridge linking the Don and Humber Rivers, Downsview has been many things to many people. It continues to be a place where stories—big and small—are evolving for countless individuals, communities, businesses, and cultures.
Learn more about Downsview's stories.
Downsview Stories
Downsview is not a blank slate. Starting with its significance to Indigenous communities as a bridge linking the Don and Humber Rivers, Downsview has been many things to many people. It continues to be a place where stories—big and small—are evolving for countless individuals, communities, businesses, and cultures.
Learn more about Downsview's stories.
The Downsview Supply Depot
The Depot building located at 40 Carl Hall Road is known to provide space for film studios, the Merchant’s Market, and Downsview Park operations, among other functions. It was originally designed for entirely different purposes. Learn more about the history of the Depot building, its military past as part of Canada’s war efforts and plans for the future.
