Northcrest Developments has launched a global design competition for the Runway at YZD in Toronto, formerly home to the historic Downsview airport.
The YZD Runway Design Competition will ask cross-disciplinary design teams to transform the 2-km airstrip into a key centerpiece for the future series of mixed-use communities across the expansive 370 acres.
The competition will also task global design teams, led by a registered landscape architect, with developing a holistic set of design guidelines for the runway which will shape its future and inform how it connects and interacts with the site’s neighbourhoods.
The Runway at YZD is envisioned as an unparalleled outdoor experience with a pedestrian-focused and publicly-accessible corridor that will become a destination for visitors to experience its creative public spaces.
The former airstrip links the seven complete communities at YZD, and will also be animated by community uses, public amenities, and recreation opportunities for the 55,000 residents and 23,000 workers that will eventually live, work and visit the site.
“This competition presents an extraordinary opportunity for design teams to make their mark by reimagining a cherished piece of Toronto’s industrial heritage into a world-class, public space where people can gather, explore, and enjoy,” said Kristy Shortall, senior vice president of Development at Northcrest Developments. “The Runway is the heart of YZD, and it embodies our ambitions of creating complete communities that are vibrant, sustainable, and connected. We’re excited to see the level of talent and creativity that will emerge to help bring this vision to life.”
Award-winning urban designer, city-building advocate, and author Ken Greenberg will chair the competition jury, alongside other design, development, and placemaking experts.
“The Runway at YZD reflects a growing understanding that reusing—rather than demolishing—outdated urban infrastructure can become a great source of identity and uniqueness for successful neighbourhoods,” said Greenberg. “YZD is an incredible city-building opportunity for not only Toronto, but North America, and the Runway will set the tone for much of what’s to come.”
The competition will consist of two phases. The first one will see global design teams submit Expressions of Interest. For phase two, Northcrest Developments will issue closed Requests for Proposals to shortlisted teams. Once selected, the winning team will start work on the YZD Runway Design guidelines in Q3 2025.
For many years, Northcrest has implemented a Meanwhile Use strategy, activating several areas of the site with free community-focused events, pop-ups, partnerships with local businesses and arts, and other cultural and recreation opportunities. These include the annual Play on the Runway, Hangar Skate, and Tee Up Downsview, a public art-infused mini golf experience. The recently opened YZD Experience Centre and Plaza has transformed the Bay 12 Hangar into a hub designed to educate the public on the future of YZD, alongside various activities.
“Our Meanwhile Use strategy has been instrumental in turning YZD into a vibrant community by opening this historically closed space and welcoming the public in. From our perspective, it’s a preview of the inclusive community we’re shaping, with the Runway poised to be a key magnet in the future. These actiations are just the begining of what YZD – and, critically, the future Runway will offer as a destination for residents and visitors alike,” said Shortall.
For more details about the YZD Design Competition, visit yzd.ca/runwaydesign. Submissions for Expression of Interest are due at 11:59 p.m. EST on November 22, 2024.