Northcrest Developments has appointed Beau Brooker to oversee construction at the $30 billion redevelopment of the 370-acre former Downsview Airport lands in Toronto, now known as YZD.
Brooker, who joined the company this summer as vice president of construction, will manage contractors and subcontractors responsible for executing one of North America’s largest urban redevelopment projects, Northcrest said. Brooker previously oversaw construction at the $2.5 billion ICE District in downtown Edmonton and then assumed the same role for residential high-rise builder Edenshaw Developments Ltd.
“Beau’s arrival marks a pivotal chapter for us and his global experience across industries and complexities makes him the perfect fit for a project as long-term and transformative as YZD. As we begin to physically shape YZD – a project that will define not just a site, but our city for generations to come – we know that delivering on this shared vision is paramount," said CEO Derek Goring.
The hire indicates Northcrest’s shift from planning to construction as work begins on the Hangar District, the section of the project recently approved by the Toronto City Council. Brooker has been tasked with selecting a general contractor for work to begin in early 2026.
Northcrest is a Toronto-based real estate developer and subsidiary of the Montreal-based Public Sector Pension Investment Board that has almost $300 billion in assets under management. It invests on behalf of pension plans of the federal public service, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Northcrest was formed in 2018 to undertake the YZD project, named after the airport code for the shuttered Downsview Airport. It encompasses 370 acres located at what is now known as the Downsview Airport Lands. Northcrest plans to build a series of residential zones on the property that could house 54,000 people in up to 28 million square feet of residential space and contain 72 acres of park space.
Brooker said he looks forward to getting to work on YZD, a development he described as a "once-in-a-generation project" that will help shape the future of Toronto.
On June 29, the developers opened the new 50,000-seat Rogers Stadium on the property as a seasonal outdoor concert venue specifically to host concerts.