March 11, 2010

Toronto Community Housing unveils plan for Lawrence Heights renewal

TORONTO

Toronto Community Housing, Canada’s largest social housing provider, and the City of Toronto have unveiled a 20-year draft revitalization plan for the Lawrence Heights community.

The plan will gradually transform the 100-acre community into a mixed-income and mixed-use community that replaces all 1,208 social housing units and adds 4,300 to 4,800 market units.

It includes new retail, parks, schools and community facilities along with a mix of housing types and uses — traditional townhouses, mid-rise apartments and high-rise apartments.

Construction could start by late 2011.

Built in the 1950s, the buildings in Lawrence Heights are aging and require significant investment simply to bring them up to a good state of repair, the city said. Access for cars and pedestrians is difficult due to the winding streets and poor design.

“Through revitalization projects like this, we are seeing a return to tested and true neighbourhood planning principles that can address the design challenges and social isolation of the community while improving the quality of housing for residents,” said Mayor David Miller

The plan is expected to be submitted to Toronto city council in June.

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