Englemount-Lawrence, The Family Oriented Neighborhood in Toronto.
History:
Englemount-Lawrence contains the area known as Lawrence Manor. Lawrence Manor was farmland from the early 1800s until the 1940’s when the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation purchased this property for residential development. CMHC serviced this entire subdivision putting in water service, sewers, and roads, before selling off individual lots to a number of small builders in the early 1950’s. The first Lawrence Manor buyers had to qualify for a CMHC mortgage. These mortgages were for 25 years at a rate of only four and a half percent! Cows were still grazing on the north-west corner of Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue in 1951 when the first residents began moving into this neighborhood. Lawrence Plaza was built in 1953 on the site of this former cow patch. Lawrence Plaza was the largest shopping center in Toronto when it first opened. It attracted shoppers from all over Toronto and helped put the Lawrence Manor neighborhood on the map.
The Englemount-Lawrence neighborhood, with a population of 22,100, according to the 2011 Statistics Canada data, is bounded by Hwy. 401 to the north, Allen Road to the west, Briar Hill Avenue to the south, and Bathurst Street to the east. Over the 10 years from 2001 to 2011, more residents have been listing Tagalog (Pilipino, Filipino) as their Home Language. That number has grown from 290 to 1,300 – an increase of 348 percent.
According to the 2011 census data, Tagalog is the most common non-official language in Englemount-Lawrence with 8.9 percent listing it as their Mother Tongue. Spanish and Russian are also common in this neighborhood within Ward 15 (Eglinton-Lawrence).
Overview:
Lawrence Manor is a family oriented neighborhood with a predominantly Jewish Orthodox community. Bathurst Street which forms the eastern boundary of this neighborhood includes Jewish schools and cultural centers, synagogues, restaurants, and retail shops. The dominant landmark in this neighborhood is the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care which provides hospital and nursing home care. Baycrest is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion of its highly regarded nursing home facilities. The character of Englemount-Lawrence is exemplified by its calm environment. There is a fair amount of greenery in this part of the city; there are about 10 parks nearby for residents to visit, such as Baycrest Park, and they are especially well-spread out, making it very easy to access them. Residents will also find that numerous tree-lined streets are prominent. This neighborhood is quiet overall, as noise from streets and other parts of the city is rarely an issue – although that is not the case around Allen Expressway or Highway 401.
Homes:
Lawrence Manor’s original housing stock was built largely between 1951 and 1955. These houses include detached brick two-storey houses as well as split-level homes and bungalows. There are also some newer custom built houses in this neighbourhood. The lots in Lawrence Manor are at least thirty feet wide and all the houses have a private drive. Bathurst Street is lined with low and high-rise apartment buildings as well as a recently built luxury condominium apartment building.
The majority of the housing stock of Englemount-Lawrence is made up of small apartment buildings and large apartment buildings, while the remainder is mainly single detached homes. This neighborhood is primarily composed of one-bedroom and two-bedroom homes. Around 60% of the properties in the neighborhood are occupied by renters whereas the remainder is occupied by owners. About 30% of homes in this part of the city were constructed pre-1960, while many of the remaining buildings were built in the 1960s and the 1980s. Retail stores line much of the area on the west side of Bathurst Street. Lawrence Plaza at Bathurst and Lawrence caters to the area and opened in 1953. On the side streets west of Bathurst is mainly residential single homes and low rise apartments. The area east of Bathurst to Yonge is home to the more wealthy part of Lawrence Manor and the community is home to a number of Orthodox Jewish organizations and religious centers.
Lifestyle:
The Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue intersection is one of the premier Jewish shopping districts in Toronto. Included in this mix are gift shops, bookstores, kosher food shops, bakeries selling “Montreal style bagels”, delicatessens and restaurants. A handful of Chinese restaurants are also included in this retail corridor. The Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue shopping area is centered around smaller shopping plazas. This retail district also features many stores and restaurants that cater to the local community. Lawrence Plaza, situated on the north-west corner of Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue is a popular shopping destination that attracts a local as well as a regional clientele. This plaza is especially well known for its many outlets and discount stores.
Parents and their children will value the proximity to schools and daycares, which are within walking distance from the majority of houses for sale in this part of Toronto. Parents are served by public and private schools at both the elementary and high school levels. With regards to food, it is typically an option for homebuyers in Englemount-Lawrence to buy general and specialty groceries by walking. In addition, a restaurant is generally just around the corner, and residents benefit from a few cafes as well. A very good choice of clothing stores can also be found within a short walking distance.
PARKS
Prince Charles Park is an island of green space conveniently located right in the middle of this neighborhood. Prince Charles Park has a children’s playground that is well used by the many young children in Lawrence Manor. The ultra-modern Barbara Frum Library at 20 Covington Road features a children’s story room, French and multicultural collections, private study rooms, a meeting room, and an auditorium with a 150 person seating capacity. Combined with the library is a 10,000 square foot Recreation Centre, that contains multi-purpose rooms for use by local community groups.
Several parks are also located in Englemount-Lawrence including Viewmount Park, Chater Court Park, Varna Park, Baycrest Park, Raja Park, Fraserwood Park, Flemington Park.
RECREATION & CULTURE
Other amenities in the area include the Barbara Frum Library, North York Harvest Food Bank, Baycrest Arena, Baycrest Health, Viewmount Park Tennis Club, as well as the Lawrence West and Yorkdale TTC subway stops.
TRANSPORTATION
This neighborhood enables house buyers to get around using several methods of transportation. The public transit network in this part of Toronto is very good, owing to a few nearby bus lines. Most houses for sale in this part of the city are located in places that are also quite convenient for walking; many daily needs can be carried out without the use of a vehicle, and there are also a fair number of businesses in proximity. Despite the fact that the area is flat, commuting by bicycle is challenging in this part of Toronto because there are few bike lanes.
SCHOOLS
Lawrence Manor has 8 Public schools, 4 Catholic schools, and 5 Private in this neighborhood, your kids can get a great education.
Public School:
Lawrence Heights Middle School
Address: 50 Highland Hill, North York, ON M6A 2R1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2620 | Fax: (416) 395-4950 | Email: LawrenceHeights@tdsb.on.ca
“Lawrence Heights Middle School is an exciting place to be and a great place to learn. We offer a comprehensive curriculum with a strong focus on core language arts and mathematics subjects as well as an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the arts including drama, dance, visual arts, instrumental music, and health/physical education. Technology is integrated into the teaching and learning environment.” As originally published by Lawrence Heights Middle School
Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School
Address: 95 Falkirk St, North York, ON M5M 4K1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2630 | Fax: (416) 395-4470 | Email: LedburyPark@tdsb.on.ca
“Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School are a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 school located in an economically diverse, multicultural, multi-faith and multilingual community near Bathurst and Lawrence. Our school is recognized for its strong parent-school partnerships. We pride ourselves in providing all students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunity to become successful individuals. Ledbury’s staff emphasizes a comprehensive academic program with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy as well as student engagement & empowerment. Vibrant co-curricular/after school programs enhance the growth and development of our students. We are constantly improving our incorporation of IT to help our students better prepare for the future.” As originally published by Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School
Address: 116 Cornelius Pkwy, North York, ON M6L 2K5, Canada | Telephone: 416 551-7072
Address: 300 Banbury Rd, North York, ON M2L 2W2, Canada | Telephone: 416 397-2085
“Ayant été la première école francophone du Grand Toronto, l’École secondaire Étienne-Brûlé occupe un lieu privilégié d’éducation de langue française au sein de la population de Toronto et des environs. Nous sommes le reflet de la communauté francophone torontoise actuelle. Notre école est enrichie par la présence d’élèves et de membres du personnel qui nous arrivent des quatre coins du monde et qui travaillent dans une atmosphère de respect et de collaboration.” As originally published by ÉS Étienne-Brûlé
Address: 145 Baycrest Ave, North York, ON M6A 1W4, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2040 | Fax: (416) 395-2044 | Email: Baycrest@tdsb.on.ca
“Baycrest Public School is a small, dynamic community school with dedicated staff, great students, and supportive parents. As a Model Cluster D5 School, we are fully committed to providing each child with a rich and varied program, focused upon innovative curriculum initiatives and founded upon the principles of equity in a caring, safe, and welcoming learning environment. We continue to maintain a thriving partnership with the Learning Through The Arts (via the Royal Conservatory of Music) and Arts For Children and Youth initiatives in integrating music, drama, and the visual arts throughout the curriculum.” As originally published by Baycrest Public School
Address: 10 Flemington Rd, North York, ON M6A 2N4, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2430 | Fax: (416) 395-4466 | Email: Flemington@tdsb.on.ca
“We work collaboratively to create a safe and nurturing environment in which students thrive and succeed. Flemington Public School is diverse in origin, united in achievement. The school is located in the Lawrence Heights Community, north of Lawrence Avenue, west of Bathurst Street. The school opened in 1958 and has a diverse student population, representing many different languages and cultural groups. More than 60% of our students have a primary language other than English.” As originally published by Flemington Public School
John Polanyi Collegiate Institute
Address: 640 Lawrence Ave W, North York, ON M6A 1B1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-3303 | Fax: (416) 395-3304 | Email: JohnPolanyi@tdsb.on.ca
“John Polanyi Collegiate Institute (JPCI) opened September 2011 at 640 Lawrence Avenue West (Lawrence and Allen Road). JPCI is a semestered school offering a full range of university, college and apprenticeship programs. The facility encompasses large classrooms and workspaces ideal for effectively delivering all the programs in science biotechnology, computer-technology, professional lecture hall presentations, arts and cosmetology labs, and arts and sports performances. JPCI is committed to bringing out excellence in every student.” As originally published by John Polanyi Collegiate Institute
Address: 101 Englemount Ave, North York, ON M6B 4L5, Canada | Telephone: (416) 395-2460 | Fax: (416) 395-4472 | Email: GlenPark@tdsb.on.ca
“École Glen Park Public School is located south of Lawrence Avenue just west of Bathurst Street. The school was newly constructed in 1998 and our facilities are very much “state of the art” with air conditioning, a huge gym with a partitioned lunchroom and kitchen for our Breakfast Program. Currently, our enrolment is approximately 470 students who are representative of families from a tapestry of cultural backgrounds. As a dual-track school, both French Immersion (SK entry point) and English programs are offered from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6. We believe that our school should mirror a learning environment where staff and students enjoy learning and growing together in an atmosphere of safety, pride, and encouragement.” As originally published by Glen Park Public School
Catholic and Private School:
Address: 567 Lawrence Ave W, North York, ON M6A 1A5, Canada | Telephone: (416) 789-7153 | Fax: (416) 789-3797 | Email: ssinclair@ygzs.ca
“Orthodox boys school for Grades 9-12. Post high-school studies also available. Formerly known as Mesivta of Toronto. Also has Orthodox daily, Shabbat and holiday services.” As originally published by Yeshiva Gedolah of Toronto
Address: 70 Fairholme Ave, North York, ON M6B 2W6, Canada | Telephone: (416) 630-6220 | Fax: (416) 783-8239 | Sms: (647) 204-4601 | Email: lbk@nefeshdovid.com
“The world’s only dedicated yeshiva for young men with hearing loss.” As originally published by Yeshivas Nefesh Dovid
Address: 2760 Bathurst Street, North York, ON M6B
“Bialik Hebrew Day School is committed to providing an exemplary Jewish and General education to children in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 from diverse Jewish backgrounds. Bialik fosters a strong Jewish identity that embraces the values of our Labor Zionist roots – inclusivity, social justice, and equality – in a warm and nurturing environment. Hebrew fluency, Yiddish language & culture, and a strong connection to Israel and the Jewish people are paramount. Our commitment to Jewish values, academic excellence, and innovation inspires our students to become future Canadian and Jewish community leaders.” As originally published by Bialik Hebrew Day School
Address: 15 Saranac Blvd, Toronto, ON M6A, Canada | Telephone: (416) 783-6181 | Fax: (416) 787-9769 | Email: office@baisyaakov.ca
“Bais Yaakov Elementary School represents an outstanding contribution to girls’ elementary school education in our community. Dedication to Mesorah and the dynamic pursuit of the highest of standards of excellence have gained Bais Yaakov a historic role in shaping the essence and character of Toronto over the past two generations. Bais Yaakov is committed to its students, both past and present, as well as to its continued role in the future.” As originally published by Bais Yaakov Elementary School
Bais Chomesh High School for Girls
Address: 3600 Bathurst St, North York, ON M6A 2C9, Canada | Telephone: 416.631.0585 | Fax: 416.631.0244 | Email: baischomesh@gmail.com
“For years there was a demand by the parents for a high school that would provide their daughters with a Chassidic education during their most formative years, and education imbued with the beauty of Chabad Chassidus and its philosophy. The opening of this school is the realization of their dream. The school established in 1999 is named after the Rebbitzen Chaya Mushka Schneerson o.b.m. wife of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The mission of the school is to create dedicated future leaders for the Jewish people, and role models for their respective families. The school provides a wholesome education for high school girls by emphasizing the positive approach of Chabad Chassidus and the Rebbe’s Vision of perfecting the world. Offers a full Hebrew and English program. English program is fully accredited by the Ministry of Education.” As originally published by Bais Chomesh High School for Girls
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School
Address: 125 Glenmount Ave, North York, ON M6B 3C2, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5265 | Fax: 416-393-5754
“Our Lady of The Assumption School fosters students’ excellence in academics, facilitates students’ faith development, and makes every effort to provide a safe learning environment for all of its members. With a steadily growing number of students who have been enrolled, Our Lady of The Assumption School is a welcoming place that reflects our values and beliefs. We strive to provide our students with many extracurricular opportunities and exciting educational opportunities. Moreover, we are a school focused on improving student learning and achievement.” As originally published by Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School
ÉÉC Saint-Noël-Chabanel-Toronto
Address: 30 Thistle Down Boulevard, Toronto, ON M9V 1H8
“En 1964, une entité francophone prenait forme dans une école anglaise pour les secteurs Étobicoke de North York. Il faudra attendre jusqu’en 1976 avant que tous les intervenants scolaires ne réalisent leur grand rêve: la construction de la première école française catholique desservant la clientèle de l’ouest de la ville de Toronto. Depuis, des milliers d’élèves ont fréquenté notre école, répondant ainsi aux besoins des parents qui sont venus chercher chez nous une éducation reposant sur les caractéristiques essentielles telles la foi chrétienne et la fierté de la langue française.” As originally published by ÉÉC Saint-Noël-Chabanel-Toronto
Address: 110 Drewry Ave, North York, ON M2M 1C8, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7730 | Fax: (416) 394-6288 | Email:
“À l’Ésc Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel, vous découvrirez un esprit de famille et de fraternité ainsi qu’un sens de l’accueil qui reflète nos valeurs chrétiennes. Fiers de leur identité francophone et de l’effort de leur famille et du personnel pour maintenir cet héritage, les élèves de l’école ont de multiples occasions de perfectionner cette langue et lui donner toute la place qu’elle mérite à travers de multiples activités scolaires et parascolaires, pastorales et culturelles.” As originally published by ÉSC Monseigneur-de-Charbonnel
Address: 85 Carmichael Ave, North York, ON M5M 2X1, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5249 | Fax: 416-393-5111
“We are committed to providing all of our students an education rooted in our Catholic faith and values, sensitive to social and emotional needs and focused on academic excellence.” As originally published by St. Margaret Catholic School
