Almost a year ago, The Toronto Star’s NewInHomes reported that The Cadillac Fairview Corporation had purchased Buttonville Airport with the purpose of re-developing the area into a vibrant community. Today, Cadillac Fairview has given us a peek at what their vision is for the 170-acre project.

Cadillac, in conjunction with Markham developers, Armadale Properties Limited, has submitted a secondary plan application to the Town of Markham. The application spells out the transformation of the airport into a major retail, commercial, and residential hub for the city.

“We are excited about this next step and look forward to working with the town of Markham, the Region of York and others having jurisdiction to move this world class project ahead”, said Finley McEwen, Senior Vice President of Development at the Cadillac Fairview Corporation.

“With Buttonville, we are proud to put people, economic growth, and sustainability at the forefront of urban planning”.

The plan is, in a word, impressive.

The new Buttonville development will include seven distinct areas totaling approximately 9,000,000 square feet. A waterfront district will be located to the west at highway 404, which will feature a 13-acre man-made lake and commercial offices. To the south will be the 3,600,000 square foot residential district and the mixed-use commercial district. Other highlighted areas of the plan include the core centre, a convention area, as well as an office district. The plan will see over 4,000 new homes and 24,000 jobs added to the area. There is also talk of a future subway line, connecting Buttonville with the Sheppard Line at Fairview Mall.

“The focus of this plan is on attracting business, new investment, and the talent vital to the success of knowledge based industries”, said Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham.

“This project aims to provide the neighbourhood, services and amenities that creative professionals have come to expect from Markham”.