Toronto is about to witness one of its most ambitious urban transformations with the redevelopment of the Downsview Airport into a futuristic, sustainable city within a city. This $22 billion project is garnering international attention for its scale, innovative design, and focus on sustainability.
In this blog, we'll dive into the construction and design aspects of this massive redevelopment, focusing on the interests of construction workers and detailing the specific features included in the project.
Project Overview
Key Details:
- Location: Downsview Airport, Toronto, Ontario
- Total Project Cost: $22 billion
- Developers: Northcrest Developments and Canada Lands Company
- Project Area: 375 acres
- Primary Focus: Mixed-use urban development including 28 million square feet of residential space, seven million square feet of commercial property, and 74 acres of parks and open spaces
"Over the coming decades, we will transform these largely undeveloped lands into a series of vibrant neighbourhoods. Connected to each other, with a mix of housing options, new jobs in growing industries, opportunities for new business, access to parks, community facilities and services, we will create an exciting new destination in Toronto."
Northcrest Developers
Itemized Breakdown of Project Features
1. Residential Development
- Details: The project plans to introduce over 80,000 new residential units, making it one of the largest housing developments in Toronto. These units will include a mix of affordable housing, rental properties, and market-rate condominiums. The aim is to create a diverse community that caters to a wide range of income levels and family sizes.
2. Commercial and Office Spaces
- Details: In addition to residential units, the redevelopment will feature extensive commercial and office spaces. These will include retail stores, restaurants, and office buildings designed to attract businesses and provide job opportunities for the local population. The commercial spaces will be integrated into the overall design to create a walkable, vibrant community.
3. Green and Public Spaces
- Details: A significant portion of the redevelopment is dedicated to green and public spaces. This includes large parks, walking and cycling paths, and communal areas designed to foster social interaction and community engagement. The developers have emphasized sustainability, planning to preserve and incorporate existing natural features, such as trees and wetlands, into the new urban landscape.
4. Transportation and Infrastructure
- Details: The redevelopment will also involve significant upgrades to transportation and infrastructure. This includes new public transit options, such as bus routes and possibly an extension of existing subway lines, to ensure the area is well-connected to the rest of Toronto. Additionally, new roads, bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways will be constructed to facilitate easy movement within the community.
5. Educational and Cultural Institutions
- Details: The developers plan to include educational and cultural institutions within the redevelopment. This could involve the construction of new schools, libraries, and cultural centers to serve the growing population. These facilities are designed to provide residents with easy access to education and cultural enrichment opportunities.
6. Sustainable Design and Construction
- Details: Sustainability is at the core of the Downsview redevelopment. The project will incorporate green building practices, renewable energy sources, and energy-efficient designs to minimize its environmental impact. This includes the use of eco-friendly materials, rainwater harvesting systems, and solar panels to power public and residential buildings.
Construction Focus and Challenges
Job Creation and Workforce Opportunities
BlogTo reports that the Downsview redevelopment is expected to create over 41,500 jobs, not only in construction but also in retail, office work, and public services. For construction workers, this project offers opportunities to work on a large-scale, high-profile development that will likely require a diverse range of skills, from general construction to specialized trades in green building techniques.
Coordination with Existing Infrastructure
Given the scale of the project, one of the major challenges will be coordinating construction activities with the existing infrastructure and community. The developers and construction teams will need to work closely with city planners and local stakeholders to ensure that the redevelopment proceeds smoothly without causing significant disruptions to the surrounding areas.
Sustainable Construction Practices
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the project will implement green construction practices. This includes using energy-efficient building materials, reducing construction waste, and incorporating renewable energy sources where possible. For construction workers, this means working with the latest sustainable technologies and practices, providing valuable experience in a growing field of construction.
The redevelopment of Downsview Airport into a modern, sustainable urban community is a landmark project for Toronto. With a focus on residential, commercial, and public spaces, the project aims to create a vibrant, inclusive community that will set a new standard for urban living in the city. For construction workers, this project presents a unique opportunity to be involved in a transformative development that will have a lasting impact on Toronto. As the project progresses, it will serve as a model for how cities can successfully repurpose existing sites into thriving urban centers.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 123 Garratt Boulevard Hangar District Mixed Use Development Downsview - Toronto (0057080323)
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 10 Hanover Road Downsview Studio Campus Downsview - Toronto (0056080323)
