We are excited to share the YZD Scholarship Program is open for a new round of support for eight students, with $3,500 available for those planning to pursue post-secondary education in Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Project Management, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Skilled Trades, or Urban Planning.
The YZD Scholarship Program is helping create real pathways for students in the Downsview neighbourhood and nearby communities.
Many students from local high schools have already received support to continue their studies, with several now working with the YZD team as YZD Ambassadors and helping welcome others to the project.
If you know a student who could benefit, please share the ScholarTree link to the YZD Scholarship Program in our bio or visit yzd.ca/scholarships.
Apply by June 30, 2026.
Meet YZD’s first neighbourhood: the Hangar District.
Rooted in the site’s aviation legacy, the Hangar District will transform former airport Hangars into vibrant spaces— transit-connected and steps from future homes, shops, restaurants, plazas, and parks.
With construction beginning in 2026, this marks the start of a 30-year transformation that will redefine how people live, work, create, and connect in Toronto.
Purpose-built for today’s needs and tomorrow’s expectations. See what’s taking shape at YZD — link in bio.
Early works construction has begun at YZD, North America’s largest urban redevelopment project.
This phase focuses on enabling infrastructure – stormwater systems, a construction access route, and site preparation – supporting future homes, jobs, and community growth.
@pomerleauconstruction is leading this work in YZD’s first neighbourhood, and we’re excited to see YZD move from vision to visible impact.
Building a city starts with listening – especially to the young people imagining what comes next.
Last month, we launched the YZD Student Mural Project, a multi‑school initiative inviting local students to collaborate with professional artists to imagine the communities, spaces, and connections they want to see for the future of YZD.
The first mural now has a permanent home at the YZD Experience Centre, and the work continues. Today, we’re sharing a sneak peek at the second mural coming to life at Ancaster Public School. Led by arts educator, Rachel Pyfrom, students across the school have been exploring the theme of “belonging,” turning their ideas into a colourful, collective design — with every student contributing their own mark.
“YZD has shown me a future focused on community,” says Rachel. “Giving students the chance to create this mural offers a powerful moment of personal expression. To me, that’s true community.”
Thank you to the students and Rachel for showing us what belonging means through your eyes. We can’t wait to see the finished mural inspiring future generations at Ancaster Public School.
We’re excited to unveil YZD Lane – an important step as YZD continues to take shape. We were pleased to welcome Councillor @jamespasternak and his team on site to mark the moment.
YZD Lane is a non‑public, rideshare‑only route supporting access to Rogers Stadium, part of our Meanwhile Use Strategy. While temporary, the stadium’s first season demonstrated the value of bringing activity back to the site. According to economic impact findings released in 2026, events at the venue generated over $500M in economic activity for Toronto and the province.
A lane unveiling might seem small, but it matters. This sign moves YZD from plans into something tangible – another way we’re putting this place on the map, literally and figuratively.
🚨Art unveiling alert!
A handful of great ideas and a few flecks of paint have officially transformed into an inspiring new mural, now on display at our YZD Experience Centre.
Youth voices are crucial to the inclusive community we’re fostering at YZD. Giving students the opportunity to create public art helps cultivate a strong sense of pride of place – and our YZD Student Mural Project was designed to do just that.
Today, we’re proud to reveal the first completed mural, created by students from Downsview Secondary School in collaboration with illustrator @melikasaeeda , now installed in its new home.
Have a look at the finished piece and see the creativity and vision of these emerging artists. You can also plan your visit the YZD Experience Centre to experience the mural in person and discover what’s taking shape at YZD. 🎨
Community Benefits at YZD are shaped by more than plans on paper – they show up in real choices and experiences, long before construction begins.
In our latest piece, two people shaping Community Benefits at Northcrest share how inclusion and opportunity are built into the project early – from partnerships and procurement to programming that invites people onto the site.
As ideas turn into places people actually use and shape together, connection builds – and with it, a sense of belonging that points to the kind of place YZD is becoming.
Watch below and read the full piece – link in bio.
YZD is about more than building a place – it’s about supporting the people who will help shape it.
Since 2023, the YZD Scholarship Fund has supported students pursuing paths that help cities evolve – easing financial barriers while building confidence, connections, and real‑world experience. A couple of those students are Daniel Park, Annie Phou, and Vicky Tran – who’ve seen the impact of the program inside and outside of the classroom.
Now open for a new round of support for eight students, learn more about the scholarship at the link in bio. 🔗
Step through the proverbial doors and discover what’s taking shape at YZD.🚪
As part of the @cityofto@doors_opento , YZD is welcoming the public into the YZD Experience Centre to explore the rich history of the site and the bold vision guiding its future.
Formerly Downsview Airport, this 370‑acre site is now the setting for one of Canada’s most ambitious city‑building projects.
🗓️ May 23 & 24
⏰ Guided tours at 11AM, 1PM & 3PM
👀 Dive into immersive 3D models of the site
📍 YZD Experience Centre (34 Hanover Road)
While you’re here, enjoy free on‑site programming including Community Gardening in the YZD Indigenous Hub and sustainable crafting workshops with Ecru Collective.
Come explore what’s next. Link in bio for full details.
City-building starts long before the buildings.
Last night, we hosted a sold-out @uli_toronto members tour at YZD, welcoming dozens of city-builders – many for their first visit – to explore North America’s largest urban redevelopment project.
Opening projects early matters. It’s how ideas are shared, dialogue begins, and a sense of place takes shape.
Led by our team, guests experienced the YZD Experience Centre, YZD Plaza, and the future Hangar District – seeing adaptive reuse, early programming, and Responsible Development in action.
Thanks to ULI Toronto for helping build stronger, more connected communities.
This weekend at YZD, our Earth Day event combined free bike tune‑ups, hands‑on learning about Responsible Development, and activities in the YZD Plaza – simple, practical ways that sustainability shows up at the neighbourhood scale. We recognize that play is where care begins: helping children discover, create and grow their connection to the Earth from the earliest age.
While Earth Day also offers a moment to gather, these efforts reflect a broader, ongoing approach to how YZD is planned, built, and stewarded – from supporting active transportation and local partnerships to embedding environmental responsibility into long‑term development decisions.
For a deeper look at our progress to date, including how these priorities are being advanced together, have a look at our Progress Report, which captures the commitments, actions, and outcomes shaping YZD as it moves from plan to reality.
🔗 in bio
Enabling youth voices to imagine the future of their city has been part of our DNA since day one.
As a long-term city-building project, we know today’s students will one day shape the community we’re creating at YZD – and even call it home.
That’s why we partnered with @blankcanvasesto on the YZD Student Mural Project: a multi-school initiative inviting students to collaborate with professional artists and imagine the kinds of spaces and communities they want to see in their future city.
We’re kicking things off at Downsview Secondary School with illustrator @melikasaeeda . Over the past few weeks, Melika has been working closely with students – listening, brainstorming, and translating their ideas into a shared concept.
Now, that vision is coming to life 🎨
Swipe to see the process so far.
