Canada Lands Seeks More Units, Smaller Unit Sizes For 'Arbo Downsview' Master Plan

Canada Lands Company has submitted updated plans for the Arbo Downsview development in North York, Toronto. The revised proposal seeks to add 300 more residential units to the already approved 1,400, bringing the total to 1,700 units in Phase 1. This change aims to provide more housing options while keeping the overall building size the same.

To accommodate the additional units, the company plans to reduce the minimum size requirements for two- and three-bedroom apartments. This adjustment is intended to offer greater design flexibility and respond to the growing demand for smaller, more affordable family-sized homes. The goal is to make it easier for families to find suitable housing in a challenging market.

Despite the increase in unit numbers, the total building height and overall floor area will remain unchanged. The development will still include important community features such as parks, public spaces, and a commitment to affordable housing. Specifically, 20% of the units are designated as affordable housing.

A notable aspect of the Arbo Downsview project is the preservation of a 12-acre natural woodlot, which will be transferred to the City of Toronto for public use. This green space will serve as a central feature of the neighborhood, offering residents a natural retreat within the urban environment.

Canada Lands Company is also contributing $7 million toward the development of a future community center and $1 million for public art installations. These investments aim to enhance the community's cultural and recreational amenities, making Arbo Downsview a more vibrant and inclusive place to live.

Construction for Phase 1 of Arbo Downsview is expected to begin in late 2026. The development is part of a larger plan to transform the former Downsview Airport lands into a mixed-use, transit-oriented community that balances urban living with natural spaces. Through these efforts, Canada Lands Company aims to address housing needs while fostering a sustainable and connected neighborhood.