The developer (Northcrest) for YZD, the former Downsview Airport has selected Michael van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) as the winners of the YZD Runway Roadmap, a design guidelines competition. The Runway at YZD Design Competition challenged cross-disciplinary design teams to transform the historic 2-kilometer (1.3-mile) airstrip into a central feature of the future mixed-use communities planned for the expansive 370-acre site. Several teams were shortlisted in early 2025 including CCxA, Field Operations,
Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) Inc., Sasaki and SLA.
MVVA will be tasked with creating design guidelines that underpin and shape the long-term transformation of this future Toronto landmark. Once for flight, The Runway will now act as the centerpiece for the seven new YZD neighbourhoods. It will be transformed into a vibrant, sustainable, pedestrian-first public place – showing how thoughtful design can foster connection, inclusivity and a shared sense of community.
“We’re thrilled to be chosen to lead the roadmap to help transform YZD’s 2.1-kilometre Runway from asphalt into a vibrant corridor and the future heart of a series of new neighbourhoods,” said Emily Mueller De Celis, Partner at MVVA. “This competition was a rare and exciting opportunity to shape a new kind of public realm in Toronto that prioritizes place and people.”
The MVVA-led team is supported by a number of world-renowned consultants, including local and international firms Henning Larsen, HR&A Advisors, eDesign Dynamics, Lord Cultural Resources, Belleville Placemaking, Bruce Mau Design, Indigenous-owned Trophic Design, and Urban Strategies.
Image: Courtesy of Northcrest