Master Planning Toronto Pearson Airport: Building on an iconic legacy

The Greater Toronto Area’s population nearly doubled between 2000 and 2020 and is projected to surpass 9.5 million by 2046, driving demand for air travel and expansion at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
 
Under the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA), the airport is actively evolving into a top-tier global hub connecting Canada to the world. Since 2010, Kasian has partnered with the GTAA on a series of master plans and feasibility studies to explore and develop under-utilized areas, from large parcels of land to individual buildings.
 
Balancing immediate needs with long-term growth, visioning sessions and workshops with GTAA teams, agencies, and stakeholders engaged users early, tested concepts, and evaluated impacts on infrastructure, real estate value, and passenger experience.
 
Key initiatives include the 409 Lands master plan’s proposed office, commercial, and hotel spaces connected to downtown via a transportation hub; Terminal 3 Sheraton Parkade Expansion’s consolidated staff hub with capacity for growth; Terminal 1’s office, hotel, and conference centre study; and the staged Terminal 1–3 Link connecting terminals with monorail, hotel, retail, and office tower.
 
In addition to prior planning and feasibility work, Kasian has been commissioned to deliver major upgrades to the GTAA Administration Building, T1 Customer and Terminal Services, the Hold Baggage Screening Building, and development of the Node E transborder retail centre, gates, and hold rooms.
 
These master planning and design efforts have helped Toronto Pearson earn recognition as the Best Large Airport in North America by ACI World, advancing its position as a global gateway.
 

“What we have achieved at Toronto Pearson is a testament to the effectiveness of the entire project team who are all driven by the pursuit of providing a phenomenal passenger experience.” – Sanja Djulepa, Principal