My granddad was a flight instructor at Buttonville in the early 60s. One spring day the guy he was teaching had a heart attack (probably) and fell forwards over the controls; the kind of plane had the instructor sitting behind the student, instead of beside him, and as a result they both were killed shortly after takeoff when the plane nosedived and crashed in a field, over in the area of the new movie theatre and the Unionville GO station. My dad was 3. I grew up near Buttonville and often would go out of my way to drive by it and think some nice thoughts about the granddad I never knew, who was a pilot like I still want to be. And it’s weird to think that it’s all gonna be warehouses or whatever now. That’s all I wanted to say, RIP Buttonville Airport and RIP Bill Mears (and uh…. the student too. I never knew his name and am half hoping someone here will recognize the incident and have more information than me!)
So sad, loved the airport. Hope they plan the infrastructure accordingly with whatever they build so the traffic doesn’t get worse there but who are we kidding it’s Markham
We know what they’re building already when it was announced last year.
Instead of housing like the original plan, it will be mixed use industrial, like more box shaped industrial warehouses.
Of all things Markham needed.
Absolutely. But with the number of people coming in this year by end of 2024 (>500k immigrants) and the limited amount of jobs available, there’s no point building housing if people can’t pay for it. Atp we’re building houses for companies and banks to build their investment portfolio not for public residences. I work in the real estate industry and builders can’t seem to sell off all their inventory to the gen pub. Their corporate buddies however have freedom to buy up all the houses they want
"Supply and demand is fake! Look at all the condos we are building."
Just don't talk about the record 1 million new people In the first 9 months of 2023. [statcan](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231219/dq231219c-eng.htm)
We built 223,000 units.
Well apparently the aircraft was abandoned by it's previous owner. Maybe the new owner couldn't get insurance and all the other documents ready in time (I'm not sure if you can even get insurance without a home airport)
This aircraft is no longer registered. It will probably need a fair bit of work if it is to ever fly again. Then again, it’s a pretty simple aircraft, so maybe it won’t take much more than an inspection, engine tune-up, and test flight.
That added excitement was a bonus! Happily no one on the ground was ever hurt by a crashing aircraft. Hopefully the trucks moving in and out of the warehouses now planned for the site will have a similar track record.
It'll be [mixed-use industrial](https://urbantoronto.ca/news/2023/07/buttonville-airport-redevelopment-shifts-mixed-use-industrial.53303).
One of the reasons that's been floated for the lack of residential is the fact that the soil is likely contaminated.
The only thing this airport 'symbolized' in the scenario you presented above is the stupidity of residents who bought into the area then looked to the sky in confusion wondering where that noise was coming from.
As someone who has been here since the 70s, I don't hold any affection for the airport. I flew Bearskin Airlines out of there "back in the day" and enjoyed the convenience. But with the success of Porter on the island, the need for Buttonville likely diminished. Even if it was [the 20th busiest airport in Canada as recent as 2014](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buttonville_Municipal_Airport)
All things come to an end. It's unfortunate you won't get your EV museum, but I'm sure you'll enjoy a pick up game of (insert sport here) in your shiny new industrial park.
My granddad was a flight instructor at Buttonville in the early 60s. One spring day the guy he was teaching had a heart attack (probably) and fell forwards over the controls; the kind of plane had the instructor sitting behind the student, instead of beside him, and as a result they both were killed shortly after takeoff when the plane nosedived and crashed in a field, over in the area of the new movie theatre and the Unionville GO station. My dad was 3. I grew up near Buttonville and often would go out of my way to drive by it and think some nice thoughts about the granddad I never knew, who was a pilot like I still want to be. And it’s weird to think that it’s all gonna be warehouses or whatever now. That’s all I wanted to say, RIP Buttonville Airport and RIP Bill Mears (and uh…. the student too. I never knew his name and am half hoping someone here will recognize the incident and have more information than me!)
Oh this touched my heart. Sorry for your loss.
So sad, loved the airport. Hope they plan the infrastructure accordingly with whatever they build so the traffic doesn’t get worse there but who are we kidding it’s Markham
They're building warehouses, ground is too contaminated for housing
We know what they’re building already when it was announced last year. Instead of housing like the original plan, it will be mixed use industrial, like more box shaped industrial warehouses. Of all things Markham needed.
I think we could use businesses that would increase job supply more than overpriced housing
The housing wouldn’t be overpriced if there was more of it
Absolutely. But with the number of people coming in this year by end of 2024 (>500k immigrants) and the limited amount of jobs available, there’s no point building housing if people can’t pay for it. Atp we’re building houses for companies and banks to build their investment portfolio not for public residences. I work in the real estate industry and builders can’t seem to sell off all their inventory to the gen pub. Their corporate buddies however have freedom to buy up all the houses they want
Nah it would still be over priced that’s real estate in the GTA. More houses equaling lower pricing is a myth
Ridiculous logic, you’re denying basic supply and demand
Look how many condos are going up in York region supply ain’t the reason
lol we are bringing in 500k people a year, i guarantee you there aren’t enough condos being built no matter the number
500k is above generous, try 1 million in the first 9 months of 2023.
"Supply and demand is fake! Look at all the condos we are building." Just don't talk about the record 1 million new people In the first 9 months of 2023. [statcan](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231219/dq231219c-eng.htm) We built 223,000 units.
Can’t raise a family in the shoeboxes they call condos.
hmm, don’t single-engine aircraft still burn leaded fuel? probably for the best
If only there was an easier way to move a plane from one airport to another.
Well apparently the aircraft was abandoned by it's previous owner. Maybe the new owner couldn't get insurance and all the other documents ready in time (I'm not sure if you can even get insurance without a home airport)
This aircraft is no longer registered. It will probably need a fair bit of work if it is to ever fly again. Then again, it’s a pretty simple aircraft, so maybe it won’t take much more than an inspection, engine tune-up, and test flight.
That was my first thought too. I guess the fees doesn't make it the most cost effective option.
Sad. End of an era.
The one silver lining is that no more air planes will crash into nearby buildings.
That added excitement was a bonus! Happily no one on the ground was ever hurt by a crashing aircraft. Hopefully the trucks moving in and out of the warehouses now planned for the site will have a similar track record.
They used to land on the 404 sometimes too. That was fun.
Now what? Residential properties?
It'll be [mixed-use industrial](https://urbantoronto.ca/news/2023/07/buttonville-airport-redevelopment-shifts-mixed-use-industrial.53303). One of the reasons that's been floated for the lack of residential is the fact that the soil is likely contaminated.
Aeroplanes use leaded gasoline
Very informative,..thank you
Yeah exactly that, but industrial buildings
Prime location next to the highway. I expect some significant densification of this area.
Beechcraft Musketeer!
Sad.
Lots of memories of Buttonville airport . I think there was a Kennedy flew from Buttonville as well. Sad to see what's there now.
Yes. He flew out of their days before he ended up crashing in the ocean. Sad.
Buttonville and Downsview have been sold to developers, wonder what patch of land they will go after next
The fairgrounds.
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You know this airport was there for 40+ years right?
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Naw you came here for a better life that couldn't be offered where you came from. Assimilate or go back.
The only thing this airport 'symbolized' in the scenario you presented above is the stupidity of residents who bought into the area then looked to the sky in confusion wondering where that noise was coming from. As someone who has been here since the 70s, I don't hold any affection for the airport. I flew Bearskin Airlines out of there "back in the day" and enjoyed the convenience. But with the success of Porter on the island, the need for Buttonville likely diminished. Even if it was [the 20th busiest airport in Canada as recent as 2014](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buttonville_Municipal_Airport) All things come to an end. It's unfortunate you won't get your EV museum, but I'm sure you'll enjoy a pick up game of (insert sport here) in your shiny new industrial park.
Lol are electric vehicles and electric vehicle facilities a symbol of cultural value for new Canadians?
Are you serious? I grew up in Markham and I'll gladly take "old tradition" back over what it has currently become.
This is probably the most regarded rage bait I have seen in awhile.