Deadline delayed in Downsview Park historic hangar deal

Efforts to preserve two historic aircraft hangars slated for demolition at Parc Downsview Park (PDP) have earned the buildings a temporary stay of execution.

“There’s no question that the deal is imminently doable,” said Paul Oberman of Woodcliffe Properties. “We’re down to the short strokes of negotiations at this point.” Oberman, who has restored other Toronto heritage properties including the North Toronto Station and the Gooderham Flatiron building, has been working alongside Downsview Park staff to find a way to save the hangars in a deal that would likely involve a land exchange between the park and the Department of National Defense (DND). His group has offered to provide expertise and funding in a joint venture with the park.

“We have a tenant for one of the two buildings, on economic terms that work and a use that seems to be acceptable in principal to DND and PDP,” Oberman said. While unable to disclose the specific tenant, Oberman said that it would be for an aviation-related use that would not generate high volumes of aircraft traffic. Lisa Hastings-Beck, director of public affairs and communications at Downsview Park, confirmed that discussions were ongoing.

“No decisions have been made as of yet,” she said. “Nothing is happening on the property right now.” Built in 1943, the hangars were designated as heritage buildings by the federal government in 1992.

In a January statement, the Heritage Canada foundation called on Defense Minister Peter MacKay to delay demolition to allow for talks to find alternatives. The preservation efforts are a passion project, Oberman said. “I think it’s very worthwhile, and I believe the buildings are important,” Oberman said. “And I believe now that PDP and DND agree that they are important and are worth saving.”

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