The Downsview framework aims to enhance Toronto's urban landscape by increasing greenspace, housing,
and job opportunities. However, it does not fully address the specific needs of the local community.
Our research analyzes the current conditions at the edges of the framework, where the proposed plan
interacts with the daily lives of existing residents. By assessing these transitional zones, we aim
to identify gaps and opportunities that can inform future urban design strategies.
We highlight the urgent need for affordable, community-based housing clusters that align with the
principles of a 15-minute city, ensuring residents have access to essential services within a short
distance. Additionally, we examine how to activate the borders of the site to foster communal
urbanism, enhancing connections to food, recreation, work, and transit. Finally, understanding the
"who" — the distinct groups that make up this vibrant community — is essential for creating an urban
plan that fosters inclusivity and community for all.
“Density should not be understood and measured as an abstract number of objects or
people per area. This mentality produced irresponsible sprawl everywhere, where buildings are
understood as things deposited indiscriminately across a territory without any relation to public
infrastructure…density must be measured instead as the intensity of social and economic exchanges
per area”
— Spatializing Justice: Building Blocks by Teddy Cruz and Fonna Forman, p.68
History of Downsview
Indigenous Past
The area of Downsview belonged to the Territory and Treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit as
well as the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. This area was being
settled around 1793 during and after the American Revolution by Loyalists fleeing from the United
States.
Early Settlers
Named for the view from the elevated lands, Downsview was first settled by John Perkins Bull, who was
given the land by his father in 1830. By 1842, John established a farm and built his house - the
"Downsview House".
After his marriage, John was given the nickname "Squire" by the townspeople as his house was used as
a court and jail. The John Perkins Bull house still stands today at 450 Rustic Road, where it has
found a new purpose as a nursing home.
For over 100 years, Downsview served as an agricultural community with its own general store,
school, and post office.
Photograph of the John Perkins Bull house. 1955. Photo courtesy of Toronto Public Library Archives.
In 1824, three brothers from the Boake family sailed to Canada from Ireland and settled in York
Township (Toronto) where their sister, Elizabeth Bull, was already settled. In 1830, the Boakes
purchased a large parcel of land that is known today as Downsview Park. Four generations of the
Boake family made this area their home until it was expropriated by the military in 1951.
Aviation
In 1929, William De Havilland purchased 70 acres of farmland along Sheppard Ave to build the De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada factory. At the time, it was Canada's largest supplier of aircraft in
the 1930s. An optimal site due to its topography, several record-breaking flights were made with
aircraft assembled here at the De Havilland factory in Downsview.
De Havilland company employees. 1930s. Photo courtesy of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.
De Havilland purchased more land and added another hangar and a building, which is now known as the
Downsview Park Sports Complex. With the start of WWII, more runways and facilities were built.
In 1946, the airport housed the 400 Squadron RCAF and later the 411 Squadron RCAF. Throughout the
Cold War, these two squadrons were responsible for Toronto's air defense.
As of 2016, the immediate area around the park and airport houses over 15,000 people. The
neighborhood houses mostly older people, and from 2001 to 2011, the 0-14 year old population shrunk
by 6.7%.
1705
The Mississaugas of the Credit, part of the Ojibway nation, control most of what is now Southern Ontario.
1775 - 1783
Settlers arrive to the site during and after the American Revolution.
Toronto's earliest railway is built by Ontario Simcoe Huron Union Railroad, facilitating trade
between the three lakes.
An aerial view of Toronto looking east from the foot of Parliament Street, around the time of the OS&H sod-turning.Source
1929
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada opens its factory in Downsview, marking the start of aviation
activity in the area. The factory plays a pivotal role in manufacturing military aircraft for
the Canadian Armed Forces, especially during WWII.
1937 - 1952
The Royal Canadian Air Force expropriates properties to enlarge airstrips and establish an RCAF station.
1940
Downsview Airport is officially built as a military base during World War II. It becomes a
significant hub for aviation testing and production during the war, cementing its importance in
Canada’s defense efforts.
Air-to-air photograph of a De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito B Mk IV Series 2 bomber with No. 105 Squadron of the Royal Air Force in flight.
1947
After the war, De Havilland continues to use the airport for civilian and military aircraft
production. The surrounding area begins transitioning from its agricultural roots to a growing
industrial and suburban zone with the Baby Boom.
1954
Toronto's post-war suburban boom extends to Downsview. Residential subdivisions replace farmland,
transforming Downsview from a rural outpost into a bustling suburban area.
1962
Canada's first spacecraft is launched - the Alouette 1 Satellite equipped with the STEM antenna,
both developed by De Havilland engineers and scientists. The same year, the Department of
National Defence expropriates land adjacent to the airport, resulting in the diversion of
Sheppard Avenue from its original course.
1969
Downsview continues to be a prominent location for the Royal Canadian Air Force, with the
military using parts of the base for training and operations.
1984
Pope John Paul II holds a historic mass in Downsview Park, attracting hundreds of thousands of
people and marking one of the largest gatherings in Canadian history.
1992
Bombardier purchases De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.
1996
Downsview Airport officially ceases operations as a military base, and much of the land is
repurposed into Downsview Park, Canada’s first national urban park.
2000
OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture), led by world-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, is
selected to design the master plan for the Downsview Lands. This visionary proposal imagines
Downsview as a vibrant mixed-use community with green spaces, housing, and commercial areas. It
emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and urban livability.
Diagram of the OMA masterplan for Downsview. 2000. Image courtesy of OMA.Learn more.
2002
World Youth Day takes place at Downsview Park.
2002
The opening of Downsview Station (known today as Sheppard West) on the Toronto subway line
accelerates urban development, improving access to the area. Downsview becomes more integrated
into Toronto’s urban grid, attracting further residential and commercial growth.
Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto is hosted at Downsview Park to help revive Canada's economy
after the 2003 SARS outbreak.
It is recorded as the largest paying rock band concert in the world by Guinness World Records.
Source.
Photo of the concert in Downsview Park. 2003. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
2012
A stage collapses at the park before the Radiohead concert, killing one and injuring 3 others.
Downsview stage collapse. 2012. Image courtesy of Toronto Star.Source.
2017
The Downsview Park TTC Subway Station opens, enhancing transit accessibility. It serves as a
crucial link for the expanding community and nearby York University.
2018
Bombardier announces the sale of its Downsview site as part of a broader corporate restructuring
plan, officially ending its long-standing aviation operations in the area.
2020
Downsview continues to evolve as plans for the Downsview Lands redevelopment move forward. The
focus is on creating a balanced, sustainable community that includes housing, commercial spaces,
and large green spaces. The redevelopment is expected to house over 100,000 people and offer
expansive public parkland.
2023
The area continues to be a site of major urban planning initiatives, including smart city
technologies and sustainable living solutions. Downsview’s transformation from a military
airport into a modern urban district continues, with future projects emphasizing its importance
as a green, innovative community hub.
Our Walkthrough
Over a span of several days, we collected photos, videos, sounds, and stories of the people and places
around the site. As we walked around the site, we made notes of our experience and stress levels. This
part is best experienced with sound. ♫
They are strongly opposed to the proposed development and believe that
funds should be directed towards enhancing existing, inadequate infrastructure such as
streets, sidewalks, playgrounds, schools, and community centers.
They are concerned about the additional traffic that the development would generate and
the increase in noise, which would disrupt the currently peaceful and
quiet neighborhood, particularly affecting the elderly residents who value the
tranquility of their community.
Resident on their morning walk
She is open to welcoming cyclists and pedestrians into the area but is
opposed to increasing car traffic.
The community is very cohesive, consisting of both young families and
elderly residents.
We interviewed her on the west side of the site while she was walking
to the park with a friend visiting from Puerto Rico.
She is a resident nurse and member of the community council along with
her husband.
Person walking a dog
She described the area as peaceful and safe, noting that there aren't
many people outside, making it quite quiet.
She mentioned that the East Side is usually much busier and
livelier compared to the West Side.
She also pointed out that there isn't a direct path to travel from the
East to the West; instead, one has to go all the way around
Downsview Airport, which takes 10-15 minutes.
Additionally, she highlighted that the neighborhood has a strong
Italian and Jewish presence.
We interviewed her on the West side.
Teenager at soccer pitch
He mentioned that he doesn’t see anything wrong with the area or the
neighborhood, though he thinks more courts or parks would
always be a nice addition.
He pointed out that they already have direct access to Yorkdale via
the bus and doesn’t see a need for additional amenities closer to
them, as they all go to Yorkdale.
While he enjoys biking, he noted that there aren’t bike lanes on the
West Side, only on the East Side.
We interviewed him at a soccer field where he was playing soccer with
his friends.
Elderly woman sitting on bench
She mentioned that she had lived in the area for over 40 years and had seen
it change quite a bit.
She had heard about the new development at the old airport site.
Part of her was excited because it might bring new shops and
facilities they could use, but she was also worried about increased
traffic and noise.
She hoped they would keep some green spaces and consider long-time
residents in their plans.
Mechanic at Shell gas station
He expressed skepticism about the whole thing.
Developments like this tended to raise rent prices, which worried him.
He hadn't looked into all the details but hoped they would include affordable
housing.
Plus, construction might make his commute tougher than it already was.
Teenager at skate park
He admitted he didn't know much about it but thought that if they built more stuff
for people his age, like a better skate park or entertainment spots,
that would be cool.
As long as they didn't take away their hangout spots.
We spoke with him at the skate park area within Stanley Greene Park where
he was skateboarding with his friends.
These maps show locations of schools, points of interest, neighbourhood boundaries, and more.
1 / 6
Vegetation
The series of maps contain information about groundcover, hydrology, topography, and pollution.
1 / 7
Traffic Incidents
The series of maps contain information about traffic incidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and automobiles.
1 / 3
Minorities
Dots represent the distribution of minorities in each census dissemination area.
1 / 7
Framework
These maps show the proposed building typologies and open spaces.
1 / 3
1 / 8
Mobility
These maps show how people get around the site through various modes of transportation.
1 / 6
Additional Maps
These diagrams show 15-minute travel reach using various forms of transportation, as well as lot types.
Transect
ExistingProposed
Precedent Study
Aviapolis
Vantaa, Finland
This masterplan materialized through a focus on connecting airport, nature, and city through walkable
pathways. Located next to Helsinki Airport, this masterplan accommodates the growth of the region's
commercial and service industries tied to the international airport.
Amager Commons Quarter
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Amager Commons master plan by CF Møller envisions a series of clustered, walkable communities that
prioritize pedestrian traffic and limit car access, fostering close-knit neighborhoods with abundant green
spaces, all designed within a low to mid-rise framework of urban islands and superblocks.
Byker Wall
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
The Byker Wall embodies a set of key principles focused on community-centered design, social integration,
and environmental responsiveness.
It prioritizes incorporating residents’ input, low-to-medium density housing, and pedestrian-friendly
streets. The Wall acts as a barrier against noise and wind while fostering social interaction through
communal spaces. Its use of vibrant colors and varied materials creates a human scale, making it a model
for socially sustainable urban housing.
