RE-IMAGINING
THE FUTURE OF DOWNSVIEW TOGETHER
Northcrest Developments and Canada Lands Company are collaborating to plan the future of 520 acres at Downsview. The upcoming departure of Bombardier provides an opportunity to rethink the evolution of the area and build sustainable, resilient, vibrant, healthy, and complete communities together. In consultation with stakeholders and the local community, we are working towards a framework plan which will keep Downsview Park at its heart. This project will be multi-phased and take decades to evolve.
WE’RE HEARING ABOUT WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO DOWNSVIEW
In May 2020, we kicked off discussions with the public, community groups, and stakeholders to introduce the project and process, and to seek feedback. People told us about what they value in the neighbourhood—like Downsview Park and diverse locally-owned businesses—and the challenge they face—like the lack of safe direct connections, a history of job losses, and the shortage of places where the community can come together, among others. We also heard a lot about opportunities that people want us to consider for the future of these 520 acres.
DRAWING BIG IDEAS FROM SHARED PRIORITIES
Our design team has begun the early stages of crafting a framework for Downsview in response to public and stakeholder feedback, public policy priorities, and the priorities of Northcrest and Canada Lands. We're encouraged by just how much our collective priorities overlap and used the convergence to shape four design ideas: Parks & Nature; Getting Around & Across the Site; Jobs & Employment; and People & Neighbourhoods. Learn more and tell us if they resonate with you.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS TO SHAPE THE FUTURE
Your input is important as we create a collaborative framework for these lands. There are many ways to share your thoughts. To start, please join our Virtual Townhall on Sept 29th from 7-9pm to learn about our emerging ideas, ask questions, and tell us what you think. You can also sign up for subject-specific Virtual Public Workshops and meet us in person at our pop-up tent, which will be springing up around the community this fall—while observing strict Covid-19 protocols. We also welcome your thoughts online, by phone, email, or mail.
TO KNOW WHERE WE'RE GOING, WE NEED TO KNOW WHERE WE'VE BEEN
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. Get to know the personalities and stories—both big and small—that have contributed to the distinctive character of Downsview through time. Tell us which stories are important to you and suggest others to explore. We’re here to listen. We’re here to learn. What’s your story, Downsview?