The Lawrence Heights Community Recreation Centre, part of the Lawrence Heights Revitalization Project, was recently evaluated by Toronto's Design Review Panel. Designed by CS&P Architects and Two Row Architect for the City of Toronto, the four-story building will be located on the east side of Allen Road between the University Line 1's Yorkdale and Lawrence West stations. The project is expected to serve over 48,000 residents in the area. It is part of the broader revitalization effort led by Context Development, the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) and Metropia in collaboration with the Province of Ontario.
Lawrence Heights Community Recreation Centre, Toronto, designed by CS&P Architects and Two Row Architects for the City of Toronto
The recreation center would cover approximately 72,000 square feet, making it one of the largest community and recreation centers in Toronto. It is the third of four phases of the comprehensive revitalization of Lawrence Heights. The revitalization spans 100 acres and includes the replacement of 1,208 TCHC units and the addition of over 4,000 new market units. The redevelopment plan also includes new parks, retail space, a school and improved road access.
In March 2024, it was announced that the Government of Canada had committed $25 million in federal funding to the project. In addition, the city allocated $13 million for the new daycare center.
Lawrence Heights Revitalization Phased Plan
While the panel's feedback is valued for improving project designs, the city does not require developers to implement all recommendations. Overall, panelists responded positively to the presentation and recognized the recreation center's potential to improve community amenities.
As presented to the board, the plans call for a double gymnasium with an elevated running track, two indoor pools, multi-purpose rooms, dance and fitness studios and a strength and conditioning room. There would also be a communal kitchen and a youth room with media, computer and lounge areas. Panelists suggested that the southeast entrance may be too reserved for visitors and that the concrete on the lower exterior level would need a rougher texture to better mimic stone.
Entrance Lounge, Lawrence Heights Community Recreation Centre, Toronto, designed by CS&P Architects and Two Row Architects for the City of Toronto
In addition, a new daycare center with 88 places is to be built in the complex, including 10 for toddlers, 30 for toddlers and 48 for preschool children. It would feature dedicated playrooms, a kitchen, laundry room, toy washing station, parent/staff resource room and universal washrooms. The existing community center will remain in operation until the new center is completed.
Youth Lounge, Lawrence Heights Community Recreation Centre, Toronto, designed by CS&P Architects and Two Row Architects for the City of Toronto
While panelists appreciated the comprehensive nature of the daycare design, some expressed concerns about the bus turnaround area and surface parking spaces, suggesting that these spaces could be maximized for green spaces such as stormwater infiltration systems. In addition, the need for accessible parking and vehicle drop-off areas was highlighted.
Sustainability was a key principle of the presentation, with plans to achieve net zero emissions targeting Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard V3 and the Toronto Green Standard Version 4. and geothermal renewable energy. Other measures include a compact building shape, a reduced ratio of glazing to solid walls and a high-performance building envelope to increase energy efficiency. Water reuse systems are implemented for irrigation purposes.
Building interior, Lawrence Heights Community Recreation Centre, Toronto, designed by CS&P Architects and Two Row Architects for the City of Toronto
Panelists praised these sustainability efforts, but some pointed to the need for more bike parking and a better visual transition between the concrete and wood materials used on the lower and upper levels of the building. They also expressed concern about the amount of glazing on the ground floor.
The City of Toronto has conducted a comprehensive public consultation process in the region beginning in 2022 to seek input from diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, residents, youth, seniors and people with special needs. This engagement process is divided into several phases, with the first phase completed in fall 2023, the second phase taking place in the winter, and the third phase continuing throughout the summer.
East facade, Lawrence Heights Community Recreation Centre, Toronto, designed by CS&P Architects and Two Row Architects for the City of Toronto
The detailed design phase began in spring 2024 and is expected to last until spring 2025. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by 2028. While the project would already have appropriate zoning as it is a city matter, it still needs to go through the site plan approval process, with the schedule calling for further reviews before final approval.
UrbanToronto will continue to monitor the progress of this development, but in the meantime you can learn more in our database files linked below. If you'd like, you can join the discussion in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the designated area on this page.
* * *
UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area – from proposal to completion. We also offer instant reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from the first application.