Northcrest Developments has announced a milestone at YZD, the 370-acre redevelopment of the former Downsview Airport lands, with the completion of early enabling work for the first neighbourhood, known as the 101-acre Hangar District.

A dedicated construction access road, general site preparation and a new temporary stormwater management pond were all part of the work. The pond has been excavated, lined and landscaped, with surrounding areas seeded, explains a release.

With this stage complete, planning for roads, sewers and power systems — the servicing needed to transform the former airport site — will now advance.

PSP Investments acquired the former Downsview Airport lands in 2018 and established Northcrest Developments to lead their transformation. Following zoning and subdivision approvals, construction began in 2026 with this first phase of enabling works.

Over the next 30 years, the project will evolve into several neighbourhoods, the release notes, with space for more than 60,000 residents, more than 35,000 new homes, seven million square feet of commercial and cultural spaces, and nearly 70 acres of parks and open spaces.