Wilson District Plan, Downsview Airport Lands, Toronto, ON

Wilson District is part of the Phase 1 of redevelopment of the Downsview Airport Lands, led by Northcrest Developments. The Downsview Airport Lands are informed by the Downsview Secondary Plan, but to further develop the work the lands have been divided into Districts for additional planning. Wilson District will be a complete community within itself, and the development will integrate the existing Wilson TTC Station into the design to provide easy access to transportation. Wilson District is being reimagined as a critical location for new employment, housing, and a high quality public realm. SpruceLab is responsible for supporting Indigenous engagement alongside Nbisiing Consulting and assisting with urban design and planning (including green stormwater infrastructure). The result of this engagement will guide the development of the vision, guiding principles, land uses, green spaces, and other features of the district and ensure the presence and celebration of Indigenous voices and culture are integrated throughout.

The project team is led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, and SpruceLab is working closely with Field Operations, Adamson Associates, Arup, WSP, Human Space, BA Group, Bousfields Inc., and Spanier Group. Other work being undertaken in the Downsview Airport Lands include the Hangar District, a 16.2 ha area that is also part of Phase 1. They made their final submission in March 2025 and are targeting submitting a final report and ZBA and DPS approval in spring-summer 2025. Phase 1 targets completion in 2031, with Phase 2 aiming to begin in 2032 and completion in 2051.

SpruceLab is also on a team shortlisted for the YZD Runway design competition, led by Field Operations, and also worked with Dougan Ecology on the YZD Plant Guide for Northcrest.