Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government is sending $25 million to Toronto for the construction of a new community recreation and childcare centre in Lawrence Heights.
The $25 million in federal funding announced today will offset part of the $128 million the city has budgeted for the new 72,000-sq. ft. facility. The city says the new centre, which will replace an existing rec centre, will help families, especially those with young children, stay active and engaged in recreation and sport.
Features include a six-lane, 25-metre pool with a leisure pool, a double gymnasium with a raised track, fitness, dance and aerobic studios, as well as weight and conditioning rooms, a community kitchen and a social services office.
The new facility is part of TCHC’s Lawrence Heights Revitalization project, which includes replacing 1,208 TCHC units, building more than 4,000 new market units, along with new parks, retail space and roads connecting Lawrence Heights to the surrounding community.
Federal funding comes from Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program and offsets part of the $128 million Toronto City Council has budgeted for the centre’s construction and design. Additionally, the city has budgeted $13 million for the new child care centre.
The new facility is being designed with the community through an extensive public engagement and consultation process. This work began in 2022 and includes participation from Indigenous communities and Rights Holders, youth, seniors, families, people with special needs, Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) residents and racialized community members.
Phase two of community engagement will begin later this month and will focus on sharing draft design options to the local community for feedback.
More information about the new Lawrence Heights Community Recreation & Child Care Centre is available on the city’s website.
