The Plan
Setting the Stage for Change at Downsview West
The changes at Downsview West will be guided by a District Plan that is planned in response to the Downsview Secondary Plan.
Downsview West’s District Plan will include four areas with distinct characters connected through a people-centric network of new streets, parks, and open spaces. The District will also includes the historic Supply Depot at 40 Carl Hall Road, which will gradually be integrated into the new community with a variety of outdoor gathering spaces, and new leasing opportunities.
District Neighbourhoods
The northern gateway to the District embraces the Downsview Park TTC & GO Station and defines the skyline with the District’s tallest buildings
Bringing together nature, culture, and a re-imagined Depot building
A neighbourhood with a unique residential character, with green mid-block connections that bring communities together in an intimate shared space
The District’s south end is anchored by re-purposed buildings along Carl Hall Road and beloved Downsview Park, blending old and new
District at a glance
Encouraging an inclusive community by providing 20% affordable housing
65% of the District’s population is located within 500m of the Downsview Park TTC and GO Station
800m Ancestors’ trail weaving the history of Indigenous culture, language, and traditions into the urban fabric
Community amenities including a school, daycares, and diverse retail spaces throughout the district
~4 ha of new parks and open green spaces will support sustainability, community well-being, and stormwater management
Streets are designed as public spaces with an additional 900m of off-street walking and cycling paths
Community Engagement
Engagement for the District Plan involved local communities, including residents and stakeholders, African, Caribbean, Black (ACB) communities and local youth, and continued dialogue with Indigenous communities. Activities included pre-consultation conversations, public meetings, community pop-ups, meetings with Right Holders and Indigenous Community Sharing meetings.
Four local youth engaged their peers about the Downsview West District.
Meetings were held with members of ACB communities and ACB-serving organizations.
Indigenous community sharing meetings were held, as were conversations with the three Rights-Holding First Nations and the local Métis Council.
Hundreds were engaged via virtual community meetings, in-person open house events, and community pop-ups.
Indigenous Placekeeping
With the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and on-going conversations with Rights-Holders and urban Indigenous communities, Canada Lands Company is exploring opportunities for new spaces and places on these lands to express Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Fostering a sense of belonging for human and non-human beings, and celebrating Indigenous arts, crafts, and land-based learning.
Acknowledge the interconnectivity and interdependence of all things, and create spaces for ceremony, community gathering, and storytelling.
Respect the health of all orders of creation – from the soil and root nation below to the flyers and skies above.
Downsview West's Social Impact
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The engagement program includes the application of an equity-lens tool, building organizational capacity for implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout the stages of development. Learn more about engagement with the community.
Sharing Local Culture
Canada Lands Company is committed to amplifying the rich local arts scene and exploring how equity and diversity will guide opportunities for decades to come.
Creating space for BIPOC creativity
Artist and curator Danilo Deluxo transformed the former fire station into a canvas that celebrates the impact and achievements of Ulysses “Crazy Legs” Curtis: a trailblazing Toronto Argonaut running back, much-loved educator, and local hero.
The Depot
The Depot occupies 81,290 square meters (875,000 square feet) of studio, office, and warehouse space. It will play a central role in the development of the Downsview West District.
The Depot
The Depot occupies 81,290 square meters (875,000 square feet) of studio, office, and warehouse space. It will play a central role in the development of the Downsview West District.