Lawrence Manor is known for its family focus and knit Jewish Orthodox community. Bathurst Street marks the edge of the neighbourhood hosting Jewish institutions such as schools, cultural hubs, synagogues, eateries and stores.
A notable feature of this area is the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care offering hospital services and nursing home accommodations. Currently Baycrest is in the process of renovating and expanding its nursing home facilities.
History Of Lawrence Manor, Toronto
Lawrence Manor used to be farmland, from the 1800s until the 1940s when the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation bought the land for housing development. CMHC developed the neighbourhood by installing water service, sewers and roads before selling lots to small builders in the early 1950s. The initial buyers in Lawrence Manor had to meet CMHCs mortgage requirements, which offered a rate of four and a half percent for 25 years.
In 1951 cows were still grazing at the corner of Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue as residents started moving into the area. A shopping centre called Lawrence Plaza was constructed on that cow pasture in 1953. When it first opened Lawrence Plaza became Toronto’s shopping hub drawing shoppers from all corners of the city and helping establish Lawrence Manor as a neighbourhood, on Toronto’s map.
Lifestyle
The intersection of Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue stands out as a hub for shopping in Toronto. Here you can find a variety of shops including gift shops, bookstores, kosher food stores, bakeries offering style bagel delis and eateries. Additionally a few Chinese restaurants add to the landscape in this area.
Moving over to the shopping district at Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue you’ll discover a collection of shopping plazas. This area boasts an array of stores and dining spots that cater specifically to the community.
Lawrence Plaza, located on the north west corner of Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue is a shopping spot drawing both locals and visitors from the region. It’s renowned for its outlet stores and discount shops that attract shoppers looking for deals.
Lawrence Manor, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Prince Charles Park is a space situated right in the heart of this neighbourhood offering a playground that is popular among the local children in Lawrence Manor.
Located at 20 Covington Road the modern Barbara Frum Library boasts amenities such as a children’s story room, collections including multicultural literature, private study areas, meeting rooms and an auditorium that can accommodate up to 150 people. Adjacent to the library is a Recreation Centre spanning 10,000 feet equipped with rooms for various community activities.
Exploring parks and recreational facilities in this area promises plenty of enjoyment. Parks in Lawrence Park South provide playgrounds for kids, sports grounds and opportunities for skating. With six parks and a total of 20 facilities, in Lawrence Park South each park offers an average of three facilities.
- Number of Parks: 6
- Number of Recreation Facilities: 20
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playgrounds – 3
- Rinks – 2
- Tennis Courts – 6
- Sports Fields – 2
- Outdoor Games Facilities – 4
- Botanical Garden – 1
- Trails – 2
Lawrence Manor, Toronto Transit
Bus routes along Lawrence and Wilson Avenues connect passengers to stations on the Yonge University Spadina subway line. The Bathurst Street bus travels south towards Bathurst station, which is part of the Bloor Danforth subway line.
By heading on Bathurst Street drivers can reach Toronto’s entertainment districts within twenty five to thirty minutes. At the end of this area Bathurst Street offers commuters an entrance ramp to Highway 401.
Lawrence Park South boasts 115 transit stops. Includes Lawrence Station among its rail stations. This neighbourhood sees a mix of commuters utilizing both vehicles and public transportation with most individuals commuting within the city and generally having commute times.
Commute Destination for Residents
- Commute within the city – 88%
- Commute to another city – 12%
Commute Types
- Vehicle – 56%
- Transit – 33%
- Walk/bike – 8%
Commute Times of Residents
- 15 to 29 minutes – 29%
- 30 to 44 minutes – 39%
- 45 to 59 minutes – 13%
- 60 minutes and over – 6%
- Less than 15 minutes – 11%
Lawrence Manor, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
In Lawrence Park South you can find elementary and secondary schools along with special programs for both levels. The neighbourhood is served by a total of 10 schools, 7 Catholic schools and 1 private school. Some of the programs in these schools include International Baccalaureate, French Immersion and Advanced Placement options.
- Public Schools: 10
- Catholic Schools: 7
- Private Schools: 1
Public
- Bedford Park Public School
- ÉS Étienne-Brûlé
- ÉÉ Mathieu-da-Costa
- Glenview Senior Public School
- North Toronto Collegiate Institute
- ÉÉ Jeanne-Lajoie
- Allenby Junior Public School
- John Ross Robertson Junior Public School
- Blythwood Junior Public School
- Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute
Catholic
- ÉÉC Sainte-Madeleine
- ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel
- Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
- ÉÉC Saint-Noël-Chabanel-Toronto
- St. Monica Catholic School
- Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School
- St. Cyril Catholic School
Private
- Blyth Academy Lawrence Park
Lawrence Manor, Toronto Homes
Lawrence Manor saw the construction of its housing stock, between 1951 and 1955. The residences in this area consist of detached brick two storey houses, split level homes. Some newer custom built houses. The properties in Lawrence Manor typically have lots that’re at least thirty feet wide each with its private driveway.
Bathurst Street is adorned with both high rise apartment buildings along with a constructed luxury condominium complex.
Within this community there is a variety of housing types to cater to preferences. The neighbourhood maintains a population with 36% of households having relocated in the five years and 12% within the past year. It features a blend of more homes predominantly occupied by homeowners.