Lawrence Heights is Toronto Community Housing's largest Revitalization project and almost double the size of Regent Park. Through Revitalization, this 100-acre site (40.5-hectares) south of Yorkdale Shopping Centre will be transformed into a vibrant, mixed-income community. Revitalization will include replacing 1,208 Toronto Community Housing units and building over 4,000 new private market units, along with new parks, retail space, and roads connecting Lawrence Heights to the surrounding community. This plan for Lawrence Heights reflects years of input from residents, neighbourhood organizations, and the City of Toronto.
On this page
Overview
- Replaced Toronto Community Housing rental units: 1,208
- Private market units: 4,092
- Start date: October 2015
- Anticipated completion date: 2035
- Total size: Over 100 acres (40.5 hectares)
- Amenities: New public parks and open space in Phase 1. The complete Revitalization will include new public parks, school and community centre, and new retail.
Phase 1 details
- Start date: October 2015
- Replaced Toronto Community Housing rental units: 255
- Private market units: 845
- Anticipated completion date: 2023
- Developer partners: Context and Metropia (Heights Development Inc.)
Employment and education
As part of their commitment as the developer partners for Phase 1, Context and Metropia (Heights Development Inc.) contributed $500,000 in 2013 to establish the
Building our Future: Limitless Heights Scholarship and committed to $3.5 million worth of resident employment and training. To date, over 120 scholarships have been awarded, over 200 job opportunities and 200 pre-employment and skill-building opportunities have been created, and 550 youth summer job opportunities, internships, and student placements for TCHC tenants have been provided.
Map
Click on the image above to view the full site plan
Construction updates
The first new rental building 20 Zachary Court was completed in 2018. Construction of New Heights Court is nearing completion and is expected to open early 2021. Relocated tenants will have an opportunity to move into the new building.
During 2020-2023, it is anticipated that the following will be completed:
- New public roads
- New Heights Court
- Turtle Island Road
- Hooyo Terrace
- Green Gardens Boulevard
- Deep Roots Terrace
- Lawrence Heights Way - New TCHC rental building at 20 New Heights Court
- New TCHC grade-related units
- New market grade-related units
- New public park within Phase 1
- New linear park and public art along Allen Expressway
What's next?
Relocation of all households in Phase 1 will be completed by early 2021. Following this, the remaining structures on site will be demolished. Once demolition is complete, work will begin on the remaining new public streets, a new public park, and new rental and market grade-related units.
Planning for the next Phases of Revitalization are underway. It is anticipated that an RFP for Phases 2 and 3 will be issued in 2021.
Will there be noise and dust?
The construction manager will make every effort to limit noisy activities within typical working hours and regularly scheduled vibration monitoring will occur as part of the requirements of the building permit. Regular street sweeping and other dust control measures will also be applied to minimize and reduce the scattering of dust and debris.
More questions?
Contact the Revitalization Office at 416-981-5626.
Development timelines
2023 (anticipated)
Phase 1 complete.
2018
First new Toronto Community Housing building completed (20 Zachary Court).
October 2015
Demolition begins for Phase 1.
April 2013
Toronto Community Housing Board of Directors approves entering into a partnership with Context and Metropia (Heights Development Inc.) to construct Phase 1 of Lawrence Heights.
June 2012
City Council votes to adopt a Social Development Plan for Lawrence Heights.
November 2011
Toronto City Council strongly endorses the Lawrence-Allen Secondary Plan allowing Toronto Community Housing to move forward with revitalization.
