Update:
Frequently Asked Questions have been updated! Scroll to the section below that answers the common questions we’ve received.
Our zoning application is currently being reviewed by City staff. RioCan and Milestone remain committed to continuing community engagement throughout 2026, and we look forward to meeting with you soon!
Reimagining Lawrence Plaza: Be part of the long-term vision to reimagine Lawrence Plaza as a vibrant mixed-use community that celebrates its history and context.
About the Project
Project Vision
We are proposing an improved vision for Lawrence Plaza as a vibrant, mixed-use community. This is an exciting opportunity to enhance the site and strengthen its connection with the surrounding neighbourhood through:
A Long-Term Phased Approach
We are proposing a thoughtful, long-term redevelopment that will be completed in phases. While the full buildout will unfold over multiple decades, construction will occur only during specific periods, allowing the retail plaza to remain open and its businesses to continue operating throughout.
A New Public Park
Creating a new public park that will serve as the heart of the community.
A Vibrant Public Realm and Streetscape
Designing a vibrant public realm and pedestrian-friendly streetscape that seamlessly connects with the surrounding community and amenities.
High Quality Design
Promoting high quality design that draws inspiration from timeless architectural designs.
New Housing & Future Retail
Provide the much-needed housing for future residents and retail space that can accommodate both returning and new retailers.
Project Timeline
The planning application process includes several key milestones. Visit this page regularly for updates on our progress and opportunities to get involved.
Site Description
Located on the northwest corner of Lawrence Avenue West and Bathurst Street in the Englemount-Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto, the existing plaza consists of retail on the ground floor with office on the second floor.
Visuals
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Ground Floor Plan
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Artist Concept – Subject to Change
Park Eastern Edge Condition Facing North
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Artist’s Concept – Subject to Change
Amenity Terrace Facing Park and Daycare
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Artist’s Concept – Subject to Change
View from Bathurst Street Facing West
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Artist’s Concept – Subject to Change
Bay Window Facing North-West Towards Park
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Artist’s Concept – Subject to Change
View from Park Facing South-West
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Artist’s Concept – Subject to Change
View of Park Facing North-East
Project Team
Project location
Frequently asked questions
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What is the current use for the site?
Lawrence Plaza is a commercial retail property covering approximately 10 acres. It primarily features retail spaces with office units located on the second floor of select buildings. The plaza is home to over 50 stores, including major anchors such as Winners, Metro, TD Canada Trust, Scotiabank, CIBC, LCBO, Shoppers Drug Mart, and United Bakers, along with a surface parking lot.
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What is the long-term vision for this site?
We envision a vibrant mixed-use community with new housing, retail spaces, a public park, improved roads, safe pedestrian connections, and well-integrated open spaces. The addition of residential units is anticipated to bolster the economic viability of existing and future retail options and offer housing options to the community.
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What is the timing for the proposed redevelopment?
The future redevelopment will be built over the long-term in a phased approach. The proposed redevelopment will not all happen at once, but over decades, with the phased construction occuring only during specific periods, allowing the retail plaza to remain open and its businesses to continue operating throughout. We are in the early stages of the process and require both the necessary planning permissions from the City as well as favourable market conditions before any work will commence. The City’s review of our initial application, followed by design refinements and application resubmissions, will be a thorough process during which we will continue to engage the community for further input. We are committed to keeping you informed and will provide key updates as we progress.
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Will there be availability in the future redevelopment for existing commercial tenants?
We deeply value our tenants and understand that the existing plaza is integral to our community. We are early in the process, and the amount, size and types of retail and services are being determined. The site boasts a well-balanced tenant mix, and our goal is to maximize the amount of retail space in the future redevelopment. RioCan and Milestone will work with commercial tenants to explore opportunities to accommodate returning retailers in the new development wherever possible.
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Are you going to have a grocery store as part of the redevelopment?
A grocer tenant is an anchor and pivotal to both our business and the community. Our priority is to mitigate any impacts to the operations of the existing grocer and all tenants throughout the entire development process.
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What are the traffic and parking impacts of the redevelopment?
As part of our application submission to the City, we were required to submit a Transportation Impact Study (TIS) which analyzes and reviews the anticipated traffic and parking impacts of the proposed redevelopment – the full study can be downloaded by visiting the City’s Application Information Centre. This study is thoroughly reviewed by traffic engineers and transportation experts at the City over the course of the application process to ensure that the proposed redevelopment meets the City’s requirements and standards. We understand that the area’s traffic and parking conditions are critical to the community. As landowners, we are committed to developing a project that enhances the experience for the community, as well as supports the retailers and future residents. Alongside our transportation consultant, we are exploring various ways that the proposed redevelopment could mitigate impacts, even improve the traffic and parking conditions within and around the site as we look ahead to the long-term future of this property.
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Will there be public space for the community to use?
Our current vision for the site features a central public park designed to be accessible and welcoming for new and existing residents. We also plan to incorporate retail spaces throughout the development, creating a vibrant, pedestrian-focused community that seamlessly connects with surrounding neighborhoods. These new open spaces and connections will enhance accessibility and foster a sense of community, enriching the experience.
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How can I get involved?
Visit the Contact Us page to provide us with your feedback on the project and to ask questions.
Contact us
We want to hear from you
Interested in learning more or providing your feedback on the proposal? Please get in touch with us through the form below and a member of the project team will get back to you.
Contact Us
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