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Northcrest Developments’ Marina Sheehan Plays a Key Role in the Redevelopment of the 370-Acre Downsview Site
Marina Sheehan, Northcrest Developments’ Director of Development, is helping transform Toronto’s former Downsview Airport Lands into an urban community.
She leads the redevelopment of Wilson Landing, a 44-acre neighbourhood within Northcrest’s 370-acre YZD project. The proposed mixed-use community is planned to accommodate approximately 19,000 residents and will include housing, a school, a library, a cultural space and offices.
Sheehan helped prepare the 2023 Downsview Lands Framework Plan, which covers 520 acres of contiguous lands, including Northcrest’s property and neighbouring sites. She subsequently assumed leadership of Wilson Landing, guiding its framework and implementation strategy while coordinating with municipal officials, stakeholders and community members.
Before joining Northcrest in 2020, Sheehan worked with Canada Post, where she led planning, design and approvals for a $470 million, 585,000-square-foot postal sorting facility. She also worked as a development planner with CreateTO on Toronto’s Port Lands portfolio, collaborating with Waterfront Toronto, the city and other stakeholders.
She joined Northcrest as a development manager when the company had fewer than 10 employees and earned two promotions in under four years, becoming director in January 2024.
Sheehan also initiated an accessibility working group that researched best practices in corporate real estate, development and placemaking, helping Northcrest join the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition. She mentors co-op students, interns, and junior staff and participates in ULI career development events.
Her contributions to the Downsview Secondary Plan earned the company the Ontario Professional Planners Institute PlanON Vision Award of Excellence. Sheehan was also named one of 10 Urban Land Institute Women’s Leadership Initiative Champions.
These are just a few reasons we chose Marina Sheehan as a 2026 Canadian Women in Real Estate Award winner. The annual awards celebrate the achievements of women who have reached respected leadership positions and taken on mentorship roles.