Downsview Area Secondary Plan Review Study

The Downsview Area Secondary Plan Review was a project to reassess the existing Secondary Plan within the context of the City’s recently updated planning goals and objectives. It also ensured that the planning policies for this area were current and appropriate to guide future development. The project also considered the Spadina Subway Extension, which will include a new subway station near Sheppard Avenue and the CN rail line, that will connect with the GO Transit rail service between Barrie and downtown Toronto.

The review was completed by a multi-consultant team that we led, and resulted in an updated planning direction for the lands. The study area was approximately 530 sq ha and major landowners included the federal crown corporation Parc Downsview Park Inc, Bombardier Aerospace, Department of National Defence and the City of Toronto. This combination of landowners contributed to the special conditions of the site, and required that the plan address and integrate these existing uses. One of the key elements of the plan was the integration of the National Park to the surrounding communities as well as maintaining significant areas of employment lands.

The study examined the need for new infrastructure in the area (streets, watermains and sewers). This process was conducted as an integrated Master Plan in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process and therefore addressed the completion of the first two phases of the Class EA. In addition, extensive community participation and consultation, including community meetings, open houses and drop-ins, was conducted for the review study.