Ever wondered about the history hidden beneath your feet? Right here at Downsview Airport a fascinating story unfolds. Downsview Airport wasn’t always a closed airport. It boasts a rich past deeply intertwined with Toronto’s aviation heritage. Opened in 1929 as de Havilland Airfield it was one of only two airports serving the Greater Toronto Area besides Pearson.
Downsview Airport was more than just a place for planes to land and take off. It was a hub of innovation a testament to Canada’s aerospace prowess. De Havilland Canada a major player in aviation history built and tested iconic aircraft like the Beaver the Twin Otter and the Dash 8 there. The airport’s runways and hangars witnessed the birth of these legendary planes.
But Downsview Airport’s story extends beyond its civilian role. During World War II it became a significant Royal Canadian Air Force base. RCAF Station Downsview played a crucial role in Canada’s wartime efforts. It later evolved into Canadian Forces Base Toronto serving the Canadian Armed Forces until its closure in 1996.
Downsview Airport was much more than just an airport. It hosted major events. The 1984 and 2002 papal visits by Pope John Paul II took place here. It even served as the venue for the Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto concert featuring The Rolling Stones in 2003. The concert was a significant event for Toronto’s post-SARS economic recovery.
For years Bombardier Aerospace used Downsview Airport as a testing facility. They owned twelve hangars where they assembled aircraft including the Dash 8 the Global Express and the Global 5000. Even the wings of the Learjet 45 were built here.
The Downsview Airport complex was vast. It had one operational 7000-foot runway a parallel taxiway and remnants of other runways now used as taxiways. The airport’s fire service was unique. Bombardier Aerospace Emergency Services personnel were cross-trained firefighters first responders and airport security.
Downsview Airport officially closed in April 2024. Bombardier Aerospace moved its operations elsewhere. Northcrest Developments now owns the land. They plan to transform the 1.5 square kilometer site into a large residential and commercial area. The project is ambitious and is expected to take decades. They have even preserved the airport’s legacy by naming the new development YZD after the airport’s former IATA code.
The story of Downsview Airport isn’t just about planes and runways. It’s a story of innovation military history and community events. It’s a legacy that continues to shape Toronto even as the site undergoes transformation. This place is a testament to the past and a promise for the future. The spirit of flight still lives on.