Community input guides Lawrence Heights revitalization plans

On Wednesday, June 26, Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) hosted a community meeting for tenants at the Lawrence Heights Community Centre to provide an update on revitalization efforts in the neighbourhood. More than 50 tenants attended the meeting, which featured presentations from TCHC’s Development team. Staff shared the latest developments, including updated anticipated timelines and phases for revitalization. Staff also reported back on the 2021 consultation process. The process identified tenants' key priorities and will inform TCHC’s Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Phase 2 developer partner.

A key highlight of the meeting was a report on the top five tenant priorities. These priority areas, identified through extensive consultation in over 1,000 interactions, include:

1. Education, training, jobs, and tenant businesses: There is a critical need for better access to education, training, employment opportunities, and support for tenant-owned businesses.

2. Community safety: Safety concerns, including violence and crime, are significant barriers to creating a secure and healthy community.

3. Community space: The lack of adequate community spaces and amenities hinders social interaction and the quality of life for tenants.

4. Access and inclusion: Improving access to spaces, services, and opportunities is essential for the well-being of all tenants, especially seniors and those with diverse needs.

5. Tenant engagement: Building trust and enhancing communication between tenants and TCHC is crucial for encouraging a collaborative community.

During the meeting, tenants engaged in a lively Q&A session and participated in a feedback exercise focused on tenant priorities. Staff asked attendees to reflect on what resonates with them, and to identify any missing elements. This input will help validate the priorities captured in the Social Development Plan (PDF), so that the final Tenant Priorities Report reflects the current needs of the community.

TCHC also provided an update on the revised approach to the next RFP for revitalization. Due to market conditions and other factors, TCHC’s Board of Directors approved a shift to focus the next RFP on Phase 2 only – rather than combining Phases 2 and 3 together. This change aims to address current market challenges more effectively, while supporting the project’s ongoing success.

Olu Quamina, TCHC’s Manager, Revitalization and Renewal Communities, expressed gratitude to the tenant participants: “Thank you all for coming out on this beautiful summer evening. Your voices are vital, and our continued collaboration will ensure the best outcomes for our community.”

As a next step, TCHC will host additional consultation sessions in smaller meetings to dive deeper into specific priorities with various tenant groups. “Your continued involvement is crucial as we finalize the tenant priorities report and prepare the RFP for Phase 2 developer selection,” Olu concluded. 

For more information about the Lawrence Heights’ Tenant Priorities Report Consultations, please contact us: LawrenceHeights@torontohousing.ca.

Presentation

Lawrence Heights community meeting presentation – June 26, 2024 (PDF)