Lawrence Heights Summer Festival shines spotlight on tenant leadership and community spirit

The Lawrence Heights community came together for a summer festival that showcased the spirit and unity of this vibrant neighbourhood. Hosted by Toronto Community Housing (TCHC), the festival celebrated the success of the Lawrence Heights revitalization project, which has transformed the area over the last 10 years.

The festival took place at Flemington Park, a green space known by locals as “the big hill.” This year’s event brought together residents from Lawrence Heights and Neptune, TCHC staff, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, local officials, and community partners. It was filled with family-friendly activities, delicious food, and upbeat music.

This year’s festival introduced the first-ever Lawrence Heights People’s Choice Awards. These awards recognize TCHC tenant leaders from Lawrence Heights and Neptune who have made a difference in their community. One of the award winners was Trevaun Douglas, a Lawrence Heights resident who raised an incredible $46,000 for children and youth in his neighbourhood. His hard work, along with a donation from the John Tavares Foundation, resulted in a back-to-school giveaway. During the festival, students received backpacks and school supplies to start the year off right. For Trevaun, this was the first in a series of events to give back to his community with the money he raised.

Along with the awards ceremony, community members enjoyed many activities and entertainment. DJ Dreadie Love set the tone with lively music. Residents enjoyed free samples of signature dishes from local caterers and explored booths from community vendors.

The event was more than a celebration – it was a reminder of the positive changes happening in Lawrence Heights, TCHC’s largest revitalization project. Over the last 10 years, TCHC has been working to transform this community by building new homes, improving public spaces, and fostering a strong sense of belonging for residents. This festival celebrated TCHC’s commitment to this work and the progress so far.

This gathering of neighbours, leaders, and partners reflected what makes Lawrence Heights special. It’s a community that comes together to celebrate its achievements, support one another, and look toward a bright future.