A future transit-oriented community called Arbo at Downsview is on the move with the recent approval of a draft plan of subdivision, which paves the way for the project’s first phase.

Canada Lands Company will now be able to divide a single large piece of property into parcels for development and public amenities.

The first phase is a three-block, 1,400-unit mixed-use community at Sheppard Avenue West and Keele Street with a 20 per cent minimum of affordable housing units.

The multi-step project, part of the Downsview Lands development, will eventually include an existing natural heritage woodlot and a new ecological park of more than 9 acres. Canada Lands is providing almost 20 acres to the City of Toronto for the woodlot and new parks.

Arbo will also be a mix of residential and non-residential uses, such as retail and seniors’ amenities. A new east-west street will serve the phase 1 blocks, which will run between Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West.

Starting in 2025, Canada Lands will begin working through the engineering design of the public elements and conclude with the subdivision registration to finalize the blocks created by the draft plan approval for transfer of ownership to the city and future builder partners.