Lawrence Park stands out as one of the residential areas in Toronto. Nestled in a picturesque environment it boasts slopes, meandering streets and lush landscapes. The neighbourhood’s amenities such as shops, schools and recreational facilities are strategically situated around its edges to ensure traffic within the streets.
Known for its family atmosphere Lawrence Park is home to schools and a vibrant community association that hosts various clubs at the local church. Professionals appreciate the neighbourhood’s access to transportation via the subway and proximity to Highway 401.
History Of Lawrence Park, Toronto
The Lawrence Park neighbourhood was put together in 1907 by the Dovercourt Land Building and Saving Company, which acquired the section of Lawrence Park from John Lawrence, the namesake of this area.
Wilfred Servington Dinnick served as the president of the Dovercourt Land Company. Oversaw the development of Lawrence Park as an area, for affluent individuals.
In its promotion Lawrence Park was advertised as a community situated ‘four hundred feet above Lake Ontario’ and ‘Far from the Lake Winds in Winter’.
Despite its introduction the growth of Lawrence Park faced setbacks. The construction of homes was disrupted by two world wars, a downturn and a period of depression. It wasn’t until the 1950s that this neighbourhood was fully developed.
Lifestyle
Yonge Lawrence Village is a walk from here. This family friendly shopping spot in the area is really making a name for itself as a close knit community, with a wide range of cultural, culinary and entertainment options. The local BIA organizes festivals and events all year round.
Lawrence Park, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The recreational amenities in this area mainly focus on Lawrence Park, located to the east of Yonge Street and south of Lawrence. Within the park you can find three tennis courts with clay surfaces, a lawn bowling club and the Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens, which is known for its designed level gardens. Additionally visitors can enjoy the Lawrence Park Ravine footpath, for walking and hiking activities among fitness and nature enthusiasts.
On the corner of Lawrence Park sits the George Locke Public Library offering a range of programs tailored for adults, children and preschoolers.
Lawrence Park, Toronto Transit
Many residents of Lawrence Park can easily walk to bus stops, on Yonge Street, Mount Pleasant Road, Bayview Avenue and Lawrence Avenue. The Lawrence subway station, situated where Yonge and Lawrence intersect, is a stop on the Yonge University Spadina subway line.
It only takes five to ten minutes by car to reach the Highway 401 on ramp from Yonge Street, in Lawrence Park.
Lawrence Park, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
This area boasts secondary schools, along with specialized programs for elementary and secondary high school. The neighbourhood is served by a total of 10 schools, 5 Catholic schools, 1 private institution and 1 alternative or special education facility. Specialized programs available in the schools encompass Gifted/Talented Programs, French Immersion, Special Education Schools, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses.
- Public Schools: 10
- Catholic Schools: 5
- Private Schools: 1
Public
- Northern Secondary School
- Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute
- Glenview Senior Public School
- ÉÉ Jeanne-Lajoie
- Bedford Park Public School
- John Wanless Junior Public School
- ÉÉ Mathieu-da-Costa
- York Mills Collegiate Institute
- ÉS Étienne-Brûlé
- Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School
Catholic
- St. Cyril Catholic School
- ÉÉC Saint-Noël-Chabanel-Toronto
- ÉÉC Sainte-Madeleine
- ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel
- Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
Private
- Dunblaine School
- Alternative/Special
- Dunblaine School
Lawrence Park, Toronto Homes
Lawrence Park features homes with a mix of styles such as English Cottage, Tudor Revival and Georgian and Colonial designs. The houses in Lawrence Park were constructed between the 1910s and the late 1940s.
If you’re looking for a home that blends charm with amenities Lawrence Park is the place to be. Renovations in this area have been carefully done to maintain the appeal of these houses including details like glass windows, wooden trims around doors and windows, ornate fireplace mantels and beautiful hardwood floors.
Back in 1907 Lawrence Park was advertised as a neighbourhood situated ‘four hundred feet above Lake Ontario’ where residents could escape the winter winds from the lake. Over time Lawrence Park has indeed become renowned as one of Toronto’s areas.
Homes in Lawrence Park typically start at $2 million. Can reach into the million dollar range. The neighbourhood boasts lot sizes with frontages around 50 feet but some extending up to 60-80 feet wide.
While traditional architectural styles like Georgian, Colonial, Tudor and Craftsman are prevalent, in Lawrence Park homes contemporary modern designs have also become increasingly popular in recent years.