Northcrest Developments

At Northcrest, we see blank walls as an opportunity to breathe new life into our surroundings. Our latest collaboration with Toronto muralist Vanessa Spizzirri of Maed Studio brings this vision to life, transforming the entryway to Northcrest Developments’ site offices and the YZD Experience Centre with bright, nature-inspired art. Inspired by Ontario’s native flora, the mural celebrates the resilience of local ecosystems and the powerful connections between people and place. Partnering with local talents like Vanessa adds new dimensions to this historic site, infusing it with warmth and creativity as we shape the next chapter of YZD’s evolution. Her artistry is a reminder that every space has the potential to be a canvas for nature’s beauty. We’re excited to continue working with Toronto’s creative community, proving that there’s always room for fresh perspectives—and a little more colour. 📸: Kevin Tablizo (Tablizo Media)

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of The Runway at YZD Design Competition, inviting the most forward-thinking design teams to reimagine the two-kilometre Runway into a pedestrian-first corridor, anchoring our 370-acre YZD redevelopment. This is a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of urban placemaking. Maintaining and reimagining the site’s existing airport infrastructure is central to our vision. The Runway not only serves to create a pedestrian spine and public amenity but also enhances these communities with a distinct identity and sense of place. We’re looking for visionary proposals that set a new standard for adaptive reuse and sustainable design. Expressions of Interest are open until November 22. For those who share our commitment to transformative placemaking, we invite you to apply or share this opportunity with your networks to help connect us with global, innovative teams as we shape the future of Toronto. Learn more: yzd.ca/runwaydesign

“Photography is my way of articulating what language often cannot capture. It reveals the extraordinary within the ordinary, elevating overlooked details into something profound. As I began my journey with Northcrest, I saw the community at Downsview as a hidden gem, waiting to be explored through my lens. Documenting this space has felt like stepping into the role of a visual historian, capturing the intersection of past and future in a way that feels alive. Through these images, I hope to offer a new perspective on the beauty of transformation.” This reflection comes from Omar Hassan, a talented photographer whose work captures the evolving spirit of northern Toronto. His fresh and profound perspective brings new life to this once-in-a-generation transformation. We’ve been thrilled to collaborate with Omar at Northcrest and showcase his stunning images, which beautifully document the intersection of the past and future.

Art deserves a second life—one that deepens its meaning and extends its influence. Up at YZD, this philosophy is one of the pillars of our placemaking approach—integrating creativity, sustainability, and community engagement. Winter Stations, an annual public art festival that transforms the lifeguard stations of Toronto’s Beaches into interactive art installations, has captivated our city for years. Each winter, it draws acclaim for its ability to connect people with art in unexpected ways, across our city’s shoreline. Now, for the first time, some of these works have found a second home at YZD, offering the city extended access to the imaginative creativity that Winter Stations is known for. At Northcrest, we are proud to be the stewards of this new chapter, bringing these extraordinary works to fresh audiences in Toronto’s north. By relocating the installations to YZD, we’re also hope that by expanding its footprint, we allow public art to thrive in new environments, sparking dialogue and inspiring connection in a different setting. If you missed them at the Beaches, we welcome you to see how these incredible pieces are finding new life at YZD: www.yzd.ca

A new chapter in Toronto’s cultural landscape is being written at YZD. Yesterday, Live Nation Canada announced Rogers Stadium, a temporary, state-of-the-art concert venue. Opening in June 2025, this 50,000-capacity venue at the northern end of the Runway at YZD will not only showcase world-class talent but also activate our site while we continue building for the future. This venue, a major embodiment of our 'meanwhile use' strategy, will become an anchor for YZD for the next several years. It is part of our vision to help make YZD a destination today, as we create a diverse ecosystem that balances free community programming, opportunities for independent artists and non-profit organizations and landmark attractions, like this. The stadium is strategically located to offer easy access to major transit, drawing visitors from across the GTA to experience something truly special. We’re proud to be shaping YZD into a place where creativity, culture, and community thrive. Our CEO, Derek Goring, spoke with BNN Bloomberg about this exciting milestone, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

A new chapter in Toronto’s cultural landscape is being written at YZD. Yesterday, Live Nation Canada announced Rogers Stadium, a temporary, state-of-the-art concert venue. Opening in June 2025, this 50,000-capacity venue at the northern end of the Runway at YZD will not only showcase world-class talent but also activate our site while we continue building for the future. This venue, a major embodiment of our 'meanwhile use' strategy, will become an anchor for YZD for the next several years. It is part of our vision to help make YZD a destination today, as we create a diverse ecosystem that balances free community programming, opportunities for independent artists and non-profit organizations and landmark attractions, like this. The stadium is strategically located to offer easy access to major transit, drawing visitors from across the GTA to experience something truly special. We’re proud to be shaping YZD into a place where creativity, culture, and community thrive. Our CEO, Derek Goring, spoke with BNN Bloomberg about this exciting milestone, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

The future of live music in Toronto is taking shape at YZD. Today, Live Nation Canada unveiled plans for Rogers Stadium at YZD, marking a major milestone in our site’s transformation. Opening in June 2025, this state-of-the-art, seasonal venue will elevate Toronto’s live music scene, expand the city’s cultural landscape and introduce a much-anticipated facility to the Toronto region. The most ambitious attraction on the site yet, it brings an exciting opportunity to activate our site well before full development. While this represents a major opportunity for north Toronto, the stadium is just steps away from major transit lines, including the Downsview Park GO and subway stations, making it easily accessible across the region. We've been proud to partner with a diverse range of organizations—businesses, local non-profits, and independent artists—to welcome the public to YZD through community programming, creative opportunities, and landmark attractions. This latest addition will further strengthen our intention to create a space where global talent and local voices come together, making YZD a hub for culture, creativity, and community. We were honoured to be joined by Premier Doug Ford and Mayor Olivia Chow for this announcement, and we look forward to welcoming music lovers and cultural enthusiasts next summer as we continue to shape the future of this iconic site. https://lnkd.in/gdUddsWK

"The Plaza at YZD is a space where art, play, and community come together, creating a much-needed sense of belonging and wonder in our city. It’s a reflection of years of work, transforming industrial land into a vibrant hub for connection and creativity." Read more about Alana Mercury approach to placemaking at YZD: https://lnkd.in/gK2JGNYx

Welcome to the future of YZD! To distill the vision and essence of YZD into a few spaces that truly evoke wonder and belonging was no small feat. The opening of the YZD Experience Centre & Plaza represents years of thoughtful planning and collaboration, designed to provide a first-hand look at the transformation taking place across 370 acres of the former Downsview Airport lands. The Experience Centre offers more than an overview—it immerses visitors in the history, innovation, and future potential of this massive city-building project. The Plaza, meanwhile, serves as a dynamic outdoor space, a canvas for creativity and a place for meaningful connections, where art installations and thoughtfully curated spaces invite people to gather, play, and be inspired. These spaces will come to life and fully embody the community spirit through a diverse range of accessible programming that invites creativity, connection, and engagement. This is just the beginning of our long-term vision for YZD, a community where art, nature, and urban life converge in new, exciting ways. We extend our deepest thanks to everyone whose hard work and dedication helped bring this vision to life. We invite you to come and enjoy it for yourself—visit us at YZD.

From the start of our decades-long journey, we’re investing in a deeply held belief—artists are the soul of every great city. At Northcrest, we believe in their role in helping us to shape the future of YZD. Commissioning art is just the beginning. We’re committed to providing artists with the tools they need to turn bold ideas into reality—whether that’s through mentorship, logistical support, or simply the freedom to create without limits. The dozens of artists we’ve partnered with so far inspire us to push the boundaries of what’s possible. By supporting a diverse range of local artists, we hope to build a hub where creatives are drawn to connect, experiment, and flourish.