The federal government is investing $25 million towards the new Lawrence Heights Community Recreation & Child Care Centre—one of Toronto’s largest community centres at 72,000 square feet.

The facility will target net zero emissions with its building design. Some features include a six-lane, 25-metre pool and leisure pool, a double gymnasium with a raised track, fitness and dance studios, a community kitchen and social services office and Indigenous Placekeeping elements. The child care centre will hold 88 spaces and include stroller storage space, a parent/staff resource room and playrooms for infants, toddlers and preschool kids.

The project is part of TCHC’s Lawrence Heights Revitalization project. Since 2022, its been designed with the community through an extensive public engagement and consultation process. The current centre serves more than 48,000 residents in one of the largest public housing communities in Canada.

Funding comes from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program and offsets part of the $128 million Toronto City Council has budgeted for the facility’s construction and design and $13 million for the new child care centre.