The City of Toronto has received $25 million in funding from the federal government to go ahead with the construction of a new community centre in North York.

The Lawrence Heights Community Recreation & Child Care Centre is currently among the city’s largest community and recreation centres at 72,000 square feet. It serves more than 48,000 residents.

The new facility is part of Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s (TCHC) 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.

The federal funding commitment 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. The city has budgeted a further $13 million for the new child-care centre.

“This is a wonderful example of how federal and municipal governments can come together and work towards creating better communities and recreational opportunities that are so important to the health and wellbeing of our residents,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.

The facility will feature state-of-the-art amenities and target net zero emissions with its building design.

Some of the proposed community recreation facility features include a six-lane, 25-metre pool and leisure pool, a double gymnasium with a raised track, fitness, dance and aerobic studios, weight and conditioning rooms, multi-purpose rooms, a community kitchen and a social services office.

A new child-care centre will have 88 spaces including 10 infant spaces, 30 toddler spaces and 48 pre-school spaces.

“We are proud to deliver a state-of-the-art City of Toronto facility and gathering place that meets the needs of the neighbourhoods that surround it,” said Councillor Jennifer McKelvie. “This centre will help us meet Toronto’s goal of becoming a net zero city while providing more child care opportunities for families in the Lawrence Heights Community.”

The project is currently being designed with feedback and consultations with the community. 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 residents and racialized community members.

Detailed design is expected to take place this spring, with the start of construction anticipated for 2026.