YZD Plant Guide, Downsview Airport Lands, Toronto, ON

SpruceLab worked closely with Dougan Ecology to create a Planting Guide for Northcrest Development’s YZD, the 370 acre redevelopment of the Downsview Airport Lands in Toronto. The guide is intended to support planting throughout the project site as it is completed over the course of a few decades. It will mainly be used by landscape contractors as they source, install, and maintain plantings. The guide also ties into YZD’s sustainability goals that shape the vision for the development. SpruceLab researched native plants with different growing conditions to provide Northcrest with a reference list of plants that align with their vision and ecological values for YZD. Species included were selected based on the following criteria: local native species (with plants specifically native to the Toronto area where possible), climate adaption, non-toxic, plants for harvest (both food and medicine), biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

The guide includes sections for different sun and moisture conditions, naturalization, street trees, meadows, urban agriculture, vines/climbers, screening, raised planters, and bulbs. Another section of the guide outlines information on different aspects of maintenance including fertilizing, watering, mulching, weeding, visual inspections, replanting and seeding, pruning, pest management, and other miscellaneous tips. The last two portions of the guide share information on plant suppliers and additional books, documents, and website resources, as well as information about the Tree Urban Site Index. Northcrest will be providing complimentary copies of the guide as well as a native seed packet at the YZD Farmer’s Market held every Saturday from June 14 to October 11.

Due to the long term nature of YZD, the guide will be reviewed and updated over time to reflect any changes to regulations and other factors.