Northcrest Developments has selected Michael van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) as the winners of a global competition to create the Runway Roadmap at YZD in Toronto.

New York-based MVVA received the nod from a jury of industry experts. Chaired by Toronto-based urban designer Ken Greenberg, the jury assessed 47 submissions from across the globe. More than 150 design teams from 20 countries took part in the competition, said Northcrest.

MVVA company will be tasked with creating design guidelines that underpin and shape the $30-billion long-term redevelopment project.

Northcrest views the former airport’s 2.1-kilometre runway as the backbone, or “connective tissue” seven new YZD neighbourhoods. YZD is regarded as one of the most ambitious city-building projects in North America.

The competition invited design teams from various disciplines to transform the two-kilometre former runway into a key strip future mixed-use communities across the 370-acre site. While launching the competition, Northcrest said it wanted the winning design to serve as an international example of how industrial infrastructure can be repurposed into innovative public spaces.

“Reimagining The Runway was one of the first and most pivotal decisions we made when conceiving the vision for YZD,” said Derek Goring CEO of Northcrest. “Given this, it was essential the team tasked with developing The Runway design guidelines shared our vision of transforming this historic landmark into an iconic pedestrian space.

“We also knew we wanted a world-class team to help shape this essential piece of YZD. MVVA’s track-record of delivering internationally acclaimed projects both in Toronto and abroad, their shared commitment to design excellence, social impact and environmental stewardship, as well as the incredible team they brought together make them the perfect firm to lead this critical next stage as The Runway continues to come to life.”

Northcrest’s vision of The Runway comprises a pedestrian-focused, publicly accessible corridor that will serve as a destination for visitors from around the world. In addition to connecting the seven communities, the redeveloped former airstrip will connect offer public amenities, community spaces, and recreational opportunities. The space is designed to serve the 55,000 residents and 23,000 workers expected to live and work at the site, as well as the many visitors that it will attract.

A former test airstrip and military base, Downsview Airport had been a centre for aerospace manufacturing for more than 100 years. In 2018, Bombardier sold the airport, and it was transferred to lead developer Northcrest in spring 2024.

The Runway has already played host to several events at YZD as Northcrest aims develop a vibrant community to generate revenues to offset the cost of operating existing buildings during construction.

The events have ranged from Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto, also known as SARSstock, to Papal visits and, the fourth of Play on the Runway. The latter event attracted thousands of people of all ages.

“This exciting event was a true testing-ground to imagine how a runway can transform from a place for planes to a place for people,” said Northcrest.

The Runway is also the current home of the temporary 50,000-spectator seasonal Rogers Stadium. The strip has also been the scene of what Northcrest calls “unique placemaking initiatives,” inviting local and regional residents to experience the space as a “canvas for creativity,”

“The Runway is where the essence of YZD truly comes alive,” says Goring. “As we look ahead to breaking ground on the first phase of YZD in early 2026, we’re also laying the groundwork for The Runway’s future.”

YZD draws its name from the former airport’s call sign. Northcrest is a subsidiary of the Ottawa-based Public Sector Pension Plan Investment Board, whose main business office is in Montreal and works with the development company on YZD and other projects.

MVVA describes itself as a group of landscape architects who expand the reach of their profession by collaborating with leaders in other fields, from hydrologists and climate scientists to ecologists, engineers, artists and architects.

Photo: Courtesy of kg&a/Northcrest Developments