Downsview Park
Encyclopedia
Downsview Park is a former Canadian Forces Base
in the community of Downsview in Toronto
, Canada
. It contains about 231.5 hectares (572 acres) of land, of which more than 130 hectares (320 acres) are earmarked for traditional parkland, recreational and cultural amenities. As the mandate requires that the park be developed on a self-financing basis, approximately 102 hectares (212 acres) are dedicated to opportunities that provide a revenue stream to finance the construction, development and management of Downsview Park as an integrated 231.5-hectare (572 acre) sustainable community.
The property has been the site of several high-profile events, including two Papal Visits by Pope John Paul II
, in 1984 (while still an active military base) and 2002 (World Youth Day
), as well as the Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto
concert in 2003 featuring The Rolling Stones
, AC/DC
, and many others. The Canadian music festival Edgefest
has also called Downsview Park home for the last two years with the likes of Linkin Park
, Stone Temple Pilots
, The Sam Roberts Band, Billy Talent
, AFI
, Alexisonfire
and Metric
performing.
Downsview
and Wilson
subway stations on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line are both near Downsview Park on its eastern edge; the future Sheppard West
subway station would be located at the park's north end.
In 1999, the Parc Downsview Park announced an International Design Competition in attempt to turn Downsview Park into an urban park
, and potentially one of the largest ones in the world. in which Bruce Mau Design, Rem Koolhaas, Oleson Worland, and Petra Blaisse submitted the winning design scheme, known as "Tree City." Parc Downsview Park has since come up with a new plan to construct commercial and residential developments instead.
Downsview Park consists of 260.6 hectares (644 acres) of land in the northwest portion of the City of Toronto and the geographic centre of the Greater Toronto Area. These lands were previously used as the air force base CFB Downsview
from 1947 until April 1, 1996, when the base closed. It was also announced that the lands were to be held in perpetuity and in trust as a unique urban recreational green space for the enjoyment of future generations. The mandate to create the urban recreational green space was given to Parc Downsview Park Inc. (PDP) in 1996 and the title to 231.5 hectares (572 acres) of the Downsview Lands was transferred to PDP in 2006 in order to facilitate the development of Downsview Park. The Department of National Defence (DND) retained 29 hectares (72 acres) of the land to accommodate ongoing military needs. Approximately 150 hectares (370 acres) of the land adjacent to the Downsview Lands (including Toronto’s oldest operational airport) is under the jurisdiction of Bombardier Aerospace.
plays their home games out at Downsview, using a space in The Hangar's west end. In the summer of 2011, Toronto Roller Derby moved to another space in the Park known as The Bunker, and will host the inaugural Roller Derby World Cup
in that space in early December 2011. The Downsview Park Sports Centre also accommodates Defcon Paintball, Downsview Park’s Grand Prix Kartways electric go-karting (aka green go-karting), Downsview Park’s Hoopdome basketball facility, Downsview Park’s The Rail Skatepark skateboard destination, True North Climbing indoor rock climbing gym and Downsview Park’s Premier Elite Athlete’s Collegiate (PEAC) school for elite athletes. The National Squash Academy, operated by former World #1 player Jonathon Power is set to open in the Fall 2010 as well.
On June 5, 2009, a group headed by Herb Carnegie
announced plans to buy an expansion franchise from the National Hockey League
(NHL), tentatively named the Toronto Legacy. The team would play in a yet-to-be-built new arena, set to be located within the park.
is currently housed in the historically relevant building located at 65 Carl Hall Road. The building was once home to the original de Havilland Canada
aircraft manufacturing plant and later housed the construction of the Avro Arrow as well as the assembly of the Alouette I satellite. Consequently, the building is seen as being one of great importance in the context of Canadian aviation and aerospace history. Largely run by volunteers, and housing a full replica of the famous Avro Arrow among numerous other notable artifacts, the museum was given an eviction notice on September 20, 2011 citing a large arrears of rent. The other tenants of the building were also given notices that leases would be terminated on that day despite being current in their rent. Many of those tenants are now seeking legal council in hopes to attain compensation for the unprompted termination.
Downsview Park has partnered with a third party developer from the U.S. to replace the museum with a four-rink hockey facility. The majority of the structure is to be destroyed with only the facade of the building to be maintained.
’s newest winter festival and one of Canada’s largest holiday light shows. For its second year, the Trail was extended to almost three kilometres, and the format changed to drive-through
. Trail of Lights features over 400,000 energy-efficient LED
lights arranged into hundreds of light displays, over half of which are animated. The displays take just over two weeks to install, using over 6500 feet (1,981.2 m) of LED light strands.
The Trail winds past displays (some over two-storeys tall), under arches, into themed areas, and through the Trees of Imagination and Downsview Park’s Canada Forest, where more than 50,000 trees have been planted.
In addition to the outdoor illuminated displays, there are a range of indoor activities, including carolers and photos with Santa
.
and he ordered park management to pull the act. As it left only two days to find a replacement, the entire show was cancelled.
Canadian Forces base
A Canadian Forces Base or CFB is a military installation of the Canadian Forces. For a facility to qualify as a Canadian Forces Base, it must station one or more major units .Minor installations are named Canadian Forces Station or CFS A Canadian Forces Base or CFB (French Base des forces...
in the community of Downsview in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. It contains about 231.5 hectares (572 acres) of land, of which more than 130 hectares (320 acres) are earmarked for traditional parkland, recreational and cultural amenities. As the mandate requires that the park be developed on a self-financing basis, approximately 102 hectares (212 acres) are dedicated to opportunities that provide a revenue stream to finance the construction, development and management of Downsview Park as an integrated 231.5-hectare (572 acre) sustainable community.
The property has been the site of several high-profile events, including two Papal Visits by Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pope John Paul II , born Karol Józef Wojtyła , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted ; only Pope Pius IX ...
, in 1984 (while still an active military base) and 2002 (World Youth Day
World Youth Day
World Youth Day is a youth-oriented Catholic Church event. While the event itself celebrates the Catholic faith, the invitation to attend extends to all youth, regardless of religious convictions....
), as well as the Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto
Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto
Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto was a benefit rock concert that was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on July 30, 2003. It was also known as "Toronto Rocks", "Stars 4 SARS", "SARSStock", "SARSfest", "SARS-a-palooza", the "SARS concert", or, more descriptively, "The Rolling Stones SARS Benefit...
concert in 2003 featuring The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
, AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
, and many others. The Canadian music festival Edgefest
Edgefest
Edgefest, a yearly outdoor rock concert festival that primarily promotes Canadian rock music, began in 1987 as a thank-you gesture to the listeners of Toronto radio station 102.1 the Edge and as a birthday party to commemorate both the station's tenth birthday, and the coinciding Canada Day...
has also called Downsview Park home for the last two years with the likes of Linkin Park
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
, Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots is an American rock band from San Diego, California that consists of Scott Weiland , brothers Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo , and Eric Kretz ....
, The Sam Roberts Band, Billy Talent
Billy Talent
Billy Talent is a Canadian post-hardcore band from Streetsville, Ontario. They formed in 1993 with Ben Kowalewicz as the lead vocalist, Ian D'Sa on lead guitar, bassist Jon Gallant and drummer Aaron Solowoniuk ....
, AFI
AFI (band)
AFI is an American alternative rock band from Ukiah, California that formed in 1991. They have consisted of the same lineup since 1998: lead vocalist Davey Havok, drummer and backup vocalist Adam Carson, with bassist Hunter Burgan and guitarist Jade Puget, who both play keyboard and contribute...
, Alexisonfire
Alexisonfire
Alexisonfire was a five-piece, Juno-nominated post-hardcore band that formed in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada in 2001. The band consisted of George Pettit , Dallas Green , Wade MacNeil , Chris Steele , and Jordan Hastings .They describe their music as "the sound of two Catholic high-school girls...
and Metric
Metric (band)
Metric is a Canadian indie rock and New Wave band founded in 1998 in Toronto. The band has also at various times been based in Montreal, London, New York City and Los Angeles...
performing.
Downsview
Downsview (TTC)
Downsview is a station of the Yonge–University–Spadina line of the Toronto subway and RT. It is located at the intersection of William R. Allen Road and Sheppard Avenue West. The station is currently the northern terminus of its western branch, the Spadina line. It is also a ‘Vivastation’ on the...
and Wilson
Wilson (TTC)
Wilson is a station on the Yonge–University–Spadina line of the subway system of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is located in the median of Allen Road at 570 Wilson Avenue.2257 parking spaces surround the station in four commuter lots.-History:...
subway stations on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line are both near Downsview Park on its eastern edge; the future Sheppard West
Sheppard West (TTC)
Sheppard West is a Toronto Subway station under construction on the western branch of the Yonge–University–Spadina line of the subway system in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is located where the GO Transit Barrie line crosses Sheppard Avenue West, on an extension of Bakersfield Street...
subway station would be located at the park's north end.
In 1999, the Parc Downsview Park announced an International Design Competition in attempt to turn Downsview Park into an urban park
Urban park
An urban park, is also known as a municipal park or a public park, public open space or municipal gardens , is a park in cities and other incorporated places to offer recreation and green space to residents of, and visitors to, the municipality...
, and potentially one of the largest ones in the world. in which Bruce Mau Design, Rem Koolhaas, Oleson Worland, and Petra Blaisse submitted the winning design scheme, known as "Tree City." Parc Downsview Park has since come up with a new plan to construct commercial and residential developments instead.
Geography
CFB Downsview
Canadian Forces Base Downsview is a former Canadian Forces base in Toronto, Ontario. The airfield is currently operated as Toronto/Downsview Airport.-RCAF Station Downsview:...
from 1947 until April 1, 1996, when the base closed. It was also announced that the lands were to be held in perpetuity and in trust as a unique urban recreational green space for the enjoyment of future generations. The mandate to create the urban recreational green space was given to Parc Downsview Park Inc. (PDP) in 1996 and the title to 231.5 hectares (572 acres) of the Downsview Lands was transferred to PDP in 2006 in order to facilitate the development of Downsview Park. The Department of National Defence (DND) retained 29 hectares (72 acres) of the land to accommodate ongoing military needs. Approximately 150 hectares (370 acres) of the land adjacent to the Downsview Lands (including Toronto’s oldest operational airport) is under the jurisdiction of Bombardier Aerospace.
Sports facilities
Downsview Park's most regular attraction is The Hangar, an indoor recreational facility within the Downsview Park Sports Centre, which accommodates approximately 400,000 visitors per year to its soccer and volleyball facilities alone. Beginning the summer of 2009, Toronto Roller DerbyToronto Roller Derby
Toronto Roller Derby , is a women's flat-track roller derby league in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Formed in 2006, the league started play in 2007, and completed its fifth season in 2011...
plays their home games out at Downsview, using a space in The Hangar's west end. In the summer of 2011, Toronto Roller Derby moved to another space in the Park known as The Bunker, and will host the inaugural Roller Derby World Cup
Roller Derby World Cup
The Roller Derby World Cup is an international women's roller derby tournament organized by Blood & Thunder magazine. Teams of amateur skaters from around the world are fielded to compete for their respective nations. The inaugural 2011 event is being hosted by Toronto Roller Derby, and is being...
in that space in early December 2011. The Downsview Park Sports Centre also accommodates Defcon Paintball, Downsview Park’s Grand Prix Kartways electric go-karting (aka green go-karting), Downsview Park’s Hoopdome basketball facility, Downsview Park’s The Rail Skatepark skateboard destination, True North Climbing indoor rock climbing gym and Downsview Park’s Premier Elite Athlete’s Collegiate (PEAC) school for elite athletes. The National Squash Academy, operated by former World #1 player Jonathon Power is set to open in the Fall 2010 as well.
On June 5, 2009, a group headed by Herb Carnegie
Herb Carnegie
Herbert H. Carnegie, CM, O.Ont is a former Canadian ice hockey player. Born in Toronto, Ontario to Jamaican parents, Carnegie was the first African-Canadian hockey player to be offered an opportunity to play in the National Hockey League.-Playing career:Carnegie’s hockey career began in 1938 with...
announced plans to buy an expansion franchise from the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
(NHL), tentatively named the Toronto Legacy. The team would play in a yet-to-be-built new arena, set to be located within the park.
Partnerships
Downsview Park is also home to the Canadian Air & Space Museum, the Toronto Wildlife Centre, the Downsview Park Film and Television Studios and the Downsview Park Arts Alliance, all of which not only pay rent to assist PDP in meeting its self-financing requirements, but also help to animate the site with a variety of programs and activities, many of which are run in partnership with PDP.Aviation museum
The Canadian Air and Space MuseumCanadian Air and Space Museum
The Canadian Air and Space Museum is an aviation museum featuring artifacts, exhibits and stories illustrating a century of Canadian aviation heritage and achievements...
is currently housed in the historically relevant building located at 65 Carl Hall Road. The building was once home to the original de Havilland Canada
De Havilland Canada
The de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd. company was an aircraft manufacturer with facilities based in what is now the Downsview area of Toronto, Ontario, Canada...
aircraft manufacturing plant and later housed the construction of the Avro Arrow as well as the assembly of the Alouette I satellite. Consequently, the building is seen as being one of great importance in the context of Canadian aviation and aerospace history. Largely run by volunteers, and housing a full replica of the famous Avro Arrow among numerous other notable artifacts, the museum was given an eviction notice on September 20, 2011 citing a large arrears of rent. The other tenants of the building were also given notices that leases would be terminated on that day despite being current in their rent. Many of those tenants are now seeking legal council in hopes to attain compensation for the unprompted termination.
Downsview Park has partnered with a third party developer from the U.S. to replace the museum with a four-rink hockey facility. The majority of the structure is to be destroyed with only the facade of the building to be maintained.
Developments
The initial phase of the construction of Downsview Park began in 2005. The first step was to regenerate the soil, which had been compacted by more than 50 years of military base use, so that it will again support the lush vegetation that is planned for a very significant portion of the site. A major feature of this initial work is the development of the Canada Forest, which was started with a partnership with Natural Resources Canada and its 2020 Fast Forest initiative. The planting of a forest within an urban setting actualizes one of the compelling images embodied in the Tree City design.Trail of Lights
Downsview Park’s Trail of Lights is TorontoToronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
’s newest winter festival and one of Canada’s largest holiday light shows. For its second year, the Trail was extended to almost three kilometres, and the format changed to drive-through
Drive-through
A drive-through, or drive-thru, is a type of service provided by a business that allows customers to purchase products without leaving their cars. The format was first pioneered in the United States in the 1930s but has since spread to other countries. The first recorded use of a bank using a drive...
. Trail of Lights features over 400,000 energy-efficient LED
LEd
LEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
lights arranged into hundreds of light displays, over half of which are animated. The displays take just over two weeks to install, using over 6500 feet (1,981.2 m) of LED light strands.
The Trail winds past displays (some over two-storeys tall), under arches, into themed areas, and through the Trees of Imagination and Downsview Park’s Canada Forest, where more than 50,000 trees have been planted.
In addition to the outdoor illuminated displays, there are a range of indoor activities, including carolers and photos with Santa
Santa Claus
Santa Claus is a folklore figure in various cultures who distributes gifts to children, normally on Christmas Eve. Each name is a variation of Saint Nicholas, but refers to Santa Claus...
.
Champions In Action
Weeks after Elephant Man had been pulled from a downtown Toronto club after management had been informed of his violently anti-gay lyrics he was scheduled as a headlining act at the Champions in Action concert presented by Action Promotions at a Downsview Park venue. When park management was informed of Elephant Man's hostile lyrics, they responded to concerns by having the performer sign a "morality clause" which states that the event "should not promote the hatred and derision of any group." Unsatisfied, since this didn't address the problem of a violently anti-gay performer playing at a federal park, the lobbying by citizens continued. Park management scheduled a meeting with Park senior staff and respresentatives of one lobbying group, as well as a lobbying individual though there was little more to discuss as park management had been very clear in their support for the performer and did not see any issue with Elephant Man performing at a federal venue. News of the online campaign reached John BairdJohn Baird (Canadian politician)
John Russell Baird, PC, MP is a Canadian politician currently serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper....
and he ordered park management to pull the act. As it left only two days to find a replacement, the entire show was cancelled.