Downsview Stories
Downsview is a place for stories—both big and small
Downsview is not a blank slate. Starting with its significance to Indigenous communities as a ridge 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.
Issac Reid: Downsview’s Black Pioneer
Downsview today is one of the most racially diverse neighbourhoods in the country. But it wasn’t always thus.
The Alouette Satellite
Canada got involved in developing guided missile technology in the 1950s as part of the cold war. The de Havilland plant in Downsview is where a new crop of inventors and technicians converged to innovate and experiment with space exploration and satellite technology.
Downsview United Church
Downsview was growing quickly in the years before Confederation, and local churches struggled to keep up with a growing number of worshippers.
Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine
ownsview has been the site of aerospace research for decades, but a lesser known chapter of scientific innovation concerns undersea and aviation medicine.
De Havilland Aircraft
Starting in the late 1920s, land in the Downsview area was being used for airfields—Barker Field, the Canadian Express Airport and the Toronto Flying Club. In April 1929, the de Havilland Airfield was built after de Havilland Aircraft of Canada purchased 70 acres of farmland along Sheppard Avenue West.
Little Manila & a Filipino–Downsview Connection
Toronto has been a destination for many Filipinos seeking opportunity and a new place to call home since the 1960s . At first the community tended to gather downtown around Church St, Parliament Street, and St James Town living in high rise apartments.
What’s your Downsview Story?
Share your memories, help, and suggestions for other stories that we can write up. We’re here to listen. We’re here to learn. So let’s start at the beginning: What’s your story, Downsview?