Neighbourhood
Your Local Area
Guide
50 George Butchart Drive sits in the heart of North York's Downsview Park community — a vibrant, rapidly evolving neighbourhood where urban convenience, green space, and diverse culture come together. Here's everything you need to know about living here.
18 min
Walk to subway
4 min
To Hwy 401
25 min
To Pearson Airport
300+
Acres of parkland
About the Area
Where urban convenience
meets green space
Downsview Park is a 300-acre urban oasis in the heart of North York. Once home to a military airfield, the area has been reimagined as a vibrant, mixed-use community where parks, culture, and modern living converge.
Residents enjoy immediate access to extensive trail networks, sports facilities, an urban farm, and a calendar of major cultural events and concerts. The surrounding neighbourhood offers a growing selection of dining, retail, and services — with one of the GTA's most diverse culinary corridors along Sheppard Avenue.
Getting Around
Transit & Transportation
Well-connected by subway, bus, and highway — getting around from this address is fast and flexible whether you're heading downtown, to the airport, or up to cottage country.
Downsview Park Station
TTC Line 1 (Yonge-University) + GO Transit — approximately an 18-minute walk or a quick bus ride away. Direct connection south to Union Station and north to York University and Vaughan.
Sheppard-Yonge Station
TTC Line 1 meets Line 4 (Sheppard) at this major interchange hub. Multiple bus routes along Sheppard Avenue connect you here — a key transit node for cross-city travel.
Sheppard Ave Bus Routes
TTC bus routes along Sheppard Avenue (including the 84 Sheppard West and 984 Sheppard Express) provide east-west connectivity across North York, linking to Yonge, Sheppard-Yonge, and Downsview Park stations.
Highway 401
Approximately 4–5 minutes to Highway 401 via Keele Street or Dufferin Street. The 401 is the main east-west artery across the GTA, connecting you to Scarborough, Mississauga, and beyond.
Allen Road
Allen Road (Ontario Highway 400 south extension) provides a direct north-south corridor. Merge onto the 400 within minutes for travel to Barrie, cottage country, or northwest Toronto.
Highway 400
Just minutes north via Allen Road. Highway 400 connects Toronto to Barrie, Orillia, Muskoka, and northern Ontario — perfect for weekend getaways.
TTC bus routes along Sheppard Ave (84 Sheppard West, 984 Sheppard Express) provide east-west connectivity across North York. Downsview Park Station connects you to Line 1 Yonge-University — direct to Union Station in about 25 minutes. Cyclists benefit from dedicated bike lanes and the extensive hydro corridor trail network.
Airports
Proximity to Airports
Two airports within easy reach — Pearson for international travel and Billy Bishop for quick regional hops.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Canada's busiest airport and Toronto's main international hub. Located approximately 25 km southwest — roughly a 25–30 minute drive via Highway 401. Serves all major domestic, international, and transatlantic routes.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Toronto's downtown island airport on the Lake Ontario waterfront. Approximately 18 km south — about 20–25 minutes by car. Offers regional and short-haul flights via Porter Airlines and Air Canada to destinations across Canada and the northeastern US.
Outdoors
Parks, Trails & Green Spaces
One of the biggest advantages of this location is the abundance of green space — from the 300-acre Downsview Park to ravine trails and neighbourhood parks.
Downsview Park
VisitOver 300 acres of urban parkland right at your doorstep. Features an extensive trail network, sports fields, an urban farm, event spaces, and the Dogsview off-leash dog park. Hosts major concerts and community events year-round.
Earl Bales Park
VisitA 45-hectare park featuring ski hills in winter, a community centre, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, a basketball court, and walking trails. Located along the West Don River ravine with beautiful naturalized areas.
Mel Lastman Square
North York's signature public square in the heart of the Yonge Sheppard Centre area. Features a reflecting pool in summer, ice skating rink in winter, an amphitheatre, and regular community events and festivals.
North York Memorial Community Park
A peaceful neighbourhood park along the West Don River with walking trails, playgrounds, and green space for picnics and relaxation.
Fellowes Park
A local green space with walking paths, open fields, and playground — perfect for casual strolls and family outings.
Hydro corridor trails
Extensive trail networks run through the hydro corridors connecting Downsview Park to surrounding neighbourhoods — ideal for walking, cycling, and jogging with unobstructed views.
Coffee & Cafés
Local Coffee Shops
Your morning coffee routine has options — from neighbourhood indie spots to trusted favourites, all within a short walk or drive.
Bakery on Sheppard
A popular local bakery-cafe on Sheppard Ave West known for fresh pastries, specialty coffees, and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere.
Cozy Coffee Bar
A neighbourhood favourite offering single-origin pour-overs, espresso drinks, and light bites in a relaxed, modern setting.
Starbucks — Downsview Park area
The familiar Starbucks experience with seasonal specials, located in the surrounding retail area for a reliable caffeine fix.
Dining
Restaurants & Dining
Sheppard Avenue is one of Toronto's most diverse culinary corridors — you'll find Korean BBQ, Chinese dim sum, shawarma, Ethiopian, Caribbean, and more within minutes. Here's a taste of what's nearby.
Classic North American diner fare — burgers, breakfast plates, and comfort food in a casual, family-friendly setting on Sheppard Ave.
Upscale casual dining with globally inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere at the Yonge-Sheppard Centre.
Korean BBQ & Korean Cuisine
Sheppard Avenue and the surrounding area are renowned for Korean dining — from BBQ grills and bibimbap to fried chicken and late-night spots. A true culinary corridor.
Chinese & East Asian Dining
The North York stretch of Sheppard and Yonge is packed with Chinese restaurants, dim sum spots, bubble tea shops, and pan-Asian fusion restaurants.
Middle Eastern & Mediterranean
Shawarma joints, Lebanese grills, falafel spots, and Mediterranean eateries dot the area — flavourful, affordable, and always satisfying.
Fast-casual Neapolitan-style pizza with fresh, customizable toppings. Great for a quick lunch or family dinner.
Global Flavour on Sheppard
The Sheppard corridor is one of Toronto's most diverse dining strips — you'll find Ethiopian, West African, Caribbean, Vietnamese, and more within minutes of each other.
Pet Owners
Dog Parks & Off-Leash Areas
This neighbourhood is a dream for dog owners — multiple off-leash parks, trail systems, and a dedicated pet wash station right in the building.
Downsview Park Trails (Leash-Optional Zones)
The extensive trail network through Downsview Park offers leash-optional walking through naturalized green spaces — ideal for morning or evening walks with your dog.
Building Pet Wash Station
Unit 608's building includes a dedicated pet wash/bath station — rinse off muddy paws after a trip to the dog park without dirtying your bathroom.
Community
Community & Local Businesses
From major shopping destinations to local libraries and cultural venues, the area has everything a resident needs for daily life and weekend exploration.
CF Fairview Mall
Major shopping centre at Sheppard Ave E & Yonge St with over 180 stores including Nordstrom Rack, H&M, and a food court. About 10 minutes east.
Learn moreSheppard Ave West Shopping Plazas
A continuous strip of plazas and retail along Sheppard Ave West — grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, restaurants, and specialty shops for daily needs.
North York Central Library
One of Toronto's largest public libraries at 5120 Yonge St. Extensive collections, study spaces, community programs, and digital resources.
Learn moreNorth York Community Centres
Multiple community centres in the area offering recreation programs, meeting rooms, fitness classes, and cultural events for all ages.
Yonge Sheppard Centre
Mixed-use complex at the corner of Yonge and Sheppard with retail, dining, services, and residences — a vibrant hub of activity.
Cultural & Arts Venues
North York Centre and surrounding area host art galleries, performance spaces, and the Meridian Arts Centre — bringing live theatre, film, and cultural programming to the community.
Stay Active
Recreation & Fitness
Whether you prefer the gym, the pool, the trails, or the slopes — there are options for every season and every fitness level.
North York YMCA
Full-service YMCA facility with gym, pool, basketball court, fitness classes, and community programs. A staple for active families.
Visit websiteGoodLife Fitness
Large gym location at Sheppard Ave E with extensive cardio and strength equipment, group fitness classes, and personal training.
Visit websiteFit4Less
Budget-friendly gym at 5150 Yonge St with 24-hour access, modern equipment, and no long-term contracts.
Visit websiteIndoor Pools & Aquatic Centres
North York has multiple indoor pools and aquatic centres — from drop-in lap swimming to aquafit classes and family swim sessions.
Sports Courts & Fields
Basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds are scattered throughout the area's parks and community centres.
Winter Activities
In winter, head to Earl Bales Ski & Snowboard Centre for skiing and snowboarding just minutes away. Mel Lastman Square offers outdoor ice skating in a festive setting.
See it for yourself
The best way to experience the Downsview Park neighbourhood is on foot. Schedule a tour and explore the area with Tory.