How YZD is Creating Memories for Generations to Come

By: Victoria Barber

My son doesn’t think about city-building—he just sees a place to run, to build LEGO, to skate, to explore. Although he’s more preoccupied by books and blocks, what’s happening around him is shaping his future. YZD is a project that will serve the next generation in our City, and it’s incredible to watch it unfold through his eyes.?

When I joined Northcrest Developments last year, I was immediately drawn to the potential of this incredible 370-acre project. What exists now is a blank canvas of possibility for every person who walks through our doors or steps foot on our site. Being a part of the team that’s helping shape what that experience looks like sparks a profound joy in me, but I know it isn’t done overnight.???

Designing events and creating spaces where families can come together to make cherished, lasting memories is no small feat—it takes vision, passion, and a touch of magic. It also requires a creative team with diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives to the table to transform ideas into something truly extraordinary. At YZD, that’s exactly what we do. Creating spaces the whole family can enjoy isn’t an exact science, but it does come down to five key elements that make all the difference.

Fun, for Everyone?

A great family event is one that creates shared experiences—where every generation can connect, participate, and leave with a sense of joy and inspiration. Whether through music, storytelling, interactive play, or hands-on activities, the best events bring people together.?

The YZD Experience Centre truly brings this vision to life. It’s more than just a space—it’s a dynamic hub where families can explore, learn, and create lasting memories together. Kids can dive into puzzles, LEGO, books, and story time in the dedicated Kid’s Zone, while our Weekends at YZD programming offers engaging activities for all ages. Whether they’re imagining the cities of the future or getting hands-on with STEM experiences, there’s something for every young explorer.?

But it’s not just for kids—parents can also find their space here. From yoga and art workshops for all ages, to opportunities to reconnect with the land and discover what’s ahead in the next 30 years, the Experience Centre is designed for the whole family to enjoy, grow, and be inspired.??

Throughout the year, we have a variety of different pop-up events that are really family focused, encouraging families to come and experience the site in a completely new way.?

Finding Stories Worth Sharing??

Storytelling has always been at the heart of what I do. I've seen firsthand how spaces can transform when people come together to share experiences, whether through performance, movement, art and more. At Northcrest, that perspective helps shape a vision where YZD isn’t just a place but a living, breathing story—a destination where creativity, culture, and community come together to create something truly special.?

With every chance we get, our activations, weekend programming, school events, and everything in between aim to inspire visitors to write their own stories and share them often.??

Keep People Coming Back??

Imagination knows no bounds—whether it’s building a block city, bursting through bubbles at Bubble Planet, standing beside a towering dinosaur at Dinos Alive, learning to skate at Hangar Skate, feeling snowflakes swirl at a winter market, or meeting a favourite TV character at Kidapalooza on Family Day weekend.?

With something new to experience every weekend at YZD, we’re creating more than just a space—we’re building a destination. A place where families can return time and time again, knowing that each visit brings a fresh adventure, a new memory, and a reason to come back for more.?

Get Community Buy-In?

Designing spaces for families doesn’t have to be a guessing game. More often than not, the answers are right in front of you—you just have to ask.?

At YZD, our teams work tirelessly to engage with the community, inviting them for tours, hosting events, and gathering direct feedback on what they want to see. By listening, learning, and doing the research, we ensure that every space we create is meaningful, inclusive, and truly reflects the needs of the people who will enjoy it. When you put the community at the heart of the process, the possibilities are endless.??

Think Beyond Today?

This is a generational project—the 10-year-olds learning to skate here today will one day live, work, and create their own stories in this community. By making YZD a place that is engaging, inclusive, and rich with opportunity, we’re not just shaping spaces; we’re shaping a future that people will want to be part of for generations to come.?

As a parent, it’s been a joy to share this place with my son, knowing that his generation will be the one to truly make it their own. Right now, he’s just beginning to understand the world around him, and by the time he’s grown, so too will YZD—ready to support, inspire, and thrive alongside him.?