Capturing Community: A Journey Through Photography and Storytelling with Northcrest

By: Omar Hassan

Photography has long served as my primary lens through which I engage with the world. It functions as a visual lexicon, articulating what language often fails to capture. It can capture the abstract in the mundane, and the extraordinary within the ordinary of even the simple moments of life, magnifying existing details that are forever etched in memory, inviting a reimagination of our reality. Far from being a simple act of pressing a shutter, photography is an intricate process of capturing fleeting moments and freezing it in a frame. These frames are like pages of a book, or an entire book in their own right – if ventured into properly. They embed layers of meaning, offering others a vantage point from which they can see what ordinarily goes unnoticed. Initially, it was a tool for curiosity—an instrument to probe the nuances of my environment. But with time, it evolved into something far more profound: an ongoing dialogue between myself, the subject, and the eventual observer.

The foundation of this passion was laid in my childhood. My father, an architect, utilized photography for its functional precision, documenting the structures he designed, scrutinizing the interplay of geometry and form. However, for me, it held a deeper allure. I became captivated by the way a single frame could suspend time, encapsulate a moment, and convey an entire narrative in its stillness. I vividly recall those early days of travelling alongside my father, as we journeyed across Canada and the United States, documenting the landscapes that unfolded before us. Each image was like preserving a fragment of memory, a slice of time rendered eternal in the frame.

As I grew, so did my exploration of the medium. Macro photography, in particular, became a compelling avenue of discovery. The act of drawing in—of seeing closer than the eye naturally allows—was revelatory. A single petal, the delicate wing of a bee, or a dew-laden leaf—each revealed a universe within the ordinary. Photography became, for me, an invitation to decelerate, to look with intention, and to find artistry in the most everyday subjects. No longer just a method of preservation, it emerged as a way to expose the profound within the mundane, to elevate the overlooked into something extraordinary.

Discovering a New Perspective at Downsview and Northcrest

I am a PhD student at York University, specializing in Health Policy and Equity. My research focuses on improving mental health support for first responders and reducing barriers to treatment, with the aim of lowering PTSD and suicide rates within this community. Although the campus is close to Downsview (YZD), I had no direct connection to this part of the city before my collaboration with Northcrest. It was a hidden gem, existing outside of my usual commute and exploration—almost like a discovery "in my own backyard.

However, the pandemic, like it did for many, prompted a reconfiguration of my routines and perceptions. As the city stilled, I found myself drawn to lesser-known corners, seeking new environments to engage with, acquiring a new super telephoto camera lens to attempt to see the world around me in a new metaphorical lens. A recommendation about the hawks and falcons frequenting Downsview Park piqued my interest, prompting me to venture out, camera in hand, eager to explore the interplay between urban and natural landscapes: something I could never capture with the old camera my father had. Capturing my first image of a hawk in mid-flight—a precise moment suspended in time—brought an exhilarating rush, a palpable connection between myself and the untamed world, now immortalized through this new lens. Much like the small planes at Downsview Airport taking off in the distance behind the hawks, my imagination took flight within this environment, challenging what I thought I knew about perspective and connection, and about flight and freedom.

This perspective of flight and freedom resonated with the teams at North York Arts and XOXO Downsview. The image of birds of prey—majestic and untethered—intensely surveying the urban landscape from the park, juxtaposed against the industrial backdrop of aircraft and hangars, ignited a new vision for XOXO Downsview. These birds, much like the community itself, are not confined within boundaries but are part of a larger ecosystem, one that extends beyond the skyline.

The Red-Tailed Hawk, a frequent visitor to Downsview, shares this space with the Snowy Owl, a migratory species that travels vast distances—thousands of kilometers—to make this area its winter home. One moment, captured through my lens, features a hawk gazing into the distance, wings poised for flight. This image, now displayed along the fence of the Hangar at YZD, serves as a tribute to the enduring themes of flight and transformation. It stands as a visual metaphor for the symbiotic evolution of natural and urban landscapes, symbolizing a shared readiness to soar into the future and boldly explore the world beyond. There is something in the hawk's piercing eyes and steadfast gaze that tells a story of resilience and vision—a silent narrative of watching over a changing landscape, embodying the spirit of exploration and the courage to embrace what lies ahead.

That serendipitous encounter with nature and vision, became the gateway to my involvement with Northcrest. Impressed by my work, I was flattered that they approached me, inviting me to document the community surrounding their ambitious development at the former Downsview Airport lands. The project was unique in its scope, offering me the rare chance to chronicle the evolution of a place poised at the intersection of past and future. This was not merely about photographing static landscapes; it was an immersive study of a neighbourhood in flux, a community undergoing transformation. I walked the streets, engaged in conversations with residents, and attuned myself to the rhythms of daily life. What I sought to capture were not just images, but the living moments—the interactions, the stories—that collectively define the essence of a community in transition.

The Heart of Documentary Photography

Documentary photography is, at its core, an immersive practice. It transcends mere observation, requiring the photographer to step into the heart of a scene, attune to its rhythms, and anticipate the moment when the essence of a story reveals itself. It is a discipline that demands more than a trained eye—it calls for patience, empathy, and an unwavering respect for the subjects framed within the lens. It’s about immersing oneself within a community, not just to observe but to deeply feel and understand the hidden layers of their life as they unfold. It’s about becoming part of that shared experience, recognizing that before you can truly be “one” with others and gain access to the more intimate realms of their lives and stories, you must first build a connection—one grounded in empathy and trust. When photographing a community like Downsview, I am not simply capturing isolated scenes and emotions devoid of context; rather, I am revealing the intricate layers of life that exist beneath the surface, with each image infused with the rich texture of lived experience.

There is a profound power in the quiet, unassuming moments that speak to the core of human connection—a mother gently pushing her child on a swing, children’s laughter echoing through the park, elderly neighbours exchanging stories on a sun-warmed bench. These are the moments that give a place its identity, revealing the humanity that resides within its bricks and mortar. My responsibility as a photographer is not merely to capture decontextualized portraits but to honor these moments, creating a space where they can be seen and understood. It’s about conveying the richness and complexity of the lives that shape these neighborhoods by first sitting down and truly listening to the people and their stories. Those who are the youth captured now will one day paint their own portraits in the future as they raise their families on this land, their roots firmly planted in the ground, and their stories interwoven with the very fabric of the community. Their experiences will shape the legacy of this place, echoing the hopes, dreams, and struggles of those who came before them. A camera stitches together the pages of a book, and these main characters will craft a chapter of their own, contributing to an ever-evolving narrative that reflects the heart and soul of their community.

Collaborating with Northcrest has offered me the opportunity to not only document the present, but to engage in a broader narrative of transformation, growth, and future possibilities of chapters that are yet to come. Downsview Airport is in the midst of a profound metamorphosis, with Northcrest’s vision of constructing a city within a city standing at the intersection of its storied past and its potential future. In this context, my role extends beyond simple documentation—I am a visual historian, tasked with preserving glimpses of the past while capturing the evolving contours of the future.?

The Power of Photography as a Catalyst for Connection

Photography communicates in ways that words cannot. At the YZD Experience Centre, my images stand alongside those of other artists, capturing the faces, landscapes, and moments that shape this community. Viewers are not simply observing—they are engaging, reflecting on their own connection to the space and how they fit into its evolving narrative. This is what I find most compelling about photography—its ability to spark dialogue, ignite curiosity, and evoke a sense of belonging. Often, we need a prompt or a spark to set things in motion, yet the beauty of this reality lies in the fact that the recipe for inspiration—the flame of passion and the fuel that sustains it—exists within us all. This makes creativity a universal and accessible flame, quietly waiting to be kindled by a spark so small and universal which can ignite immense possibilities within each of us. Much like my research into mental health, asking key questions and exploring different perspectives is essential to making an impact. The same principle applies to photography—capturing unique, standout images comes from deliberately seeking new angles and viewpoints. Both require a willingness to look beyond the surface and find what others might overlook. This means taking the time to sit with your subject, understand its role within the space, and consider how it fits into its surroundings. Doing so enables you to shine a unique light on it, revealing details and perspectives that others may have missed.

North Toronto’s diversity extends beyond its people to its landscapes and wildlife. Capturing that complexity has been a privilege. There is beauty in the way cultures and generations converge, where the past and future coexist. Through my lens, I aim to encapsulate the energy of this community in transition, as well as the natural elements that thrive even within the urban fabric.

Framing the Future with Northcrest’s Vision

As Northcrest continues its transformation of the old Downsview Airport, an exciting tension exists between what has been and what will be. My photography bridges that gap. Each frame not only tells a story of the present but hints at the potential of what is yet to unfold. These emotion-filled faces reflect a deep connection to the land and space as it is now, inviting us to envision these feelings as possibilities and catalysts for, and in the future.

What excites me most about Northcrest’s vision is their dedication to fostering a space for creativity. They are not merely constructing homes and offices; they are building a hub where art, community, and innovation converge. Photography plays a vital role in this narrative, capturing the evolution of space while reflecting the emotions, memories, and experiences that will shape this new community. The beauty within this vision, is that these pages and chapters already exist within the fabric of this community.

The Art of Seeing Through Photography

Photography invites us to view the world through a different lens. It encourages us to slow down, observe, and engage with our surroundings in ways we might not otherwise. As I continue to document the evolution of this former industrial site, I am reminded of photography’s unique power—not merely as an art form, but as a tool for deeper understanding. My images are not just about aesthetics; they aim to capture the essence of a place, the spirit of a community, and the possibilities that lie ahead.

In the end, photography is about connection, cultivating and mastering vulnerability as a lost art. Through revealing the raw emotions and intimate moments of life, we can foster empathy and understanding within ourselves and others. ?It allows us to tell stories that matter, offering perspectives that might otherwise go unseen. My work with Northcrest gives me the opportunity to capture a community in motion, to document its journey, and to celebrate the people and moments that make it distinct. It allows me to bridge the gap between art and academia—two fields often inaccessible to many—by increasing my own self-awareness and exploring the roles of angles, narratives, perspectives, and experiences to weave together stories. Through this process, Northcrest has allowed me to make both fields more approachable, sharing these stories and helping others discover connections. As this story continues to unfold, I am honoured to be the one behind the lens, helping to frame its future through the art of photography.

Photos in this blog are courtesy of Omar Hassan and are not to be reproduced without permission.