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During the phase 2 consultation, community members in the neighbourhood felt that a slight improvement from the original 2012 retail C grade was justified. The neighbourhood has 10 major supermarkets and a number of smaller ethnic grocers and residents were generally satisfied with the options available, however there are only two discount chains. Accessibility remains an issue for residents who live in the Lotherton Pathway as they remain separated from their closest supermarket at Keele Ave and Lawrence Ave W by a fenced rail corridor. There has been progress in this category with the establishment of three produce markets. A Mobile Food Market visits 10 Old Meadow Lane in Lawrence Heights and 135 Neptune Drive. A year round market also takes place at 100 Lotherton Pathway. Those who accessed these markets liked the fresh produce available but would like to see more affordable prices. Many did not know about these markets and often travelled long distances, often over 2kms away, to access other produce markets. The Lawrence Heights Community Food Bank continues to be one of the busiest programs in Toronto, serving over 650 families a month. The nearest drop-in meal program remains the Syme Woolner Neighbourhood & Family Centre on Eglinton Ave W., which is too far away for many residents. There has been positive feedback on changes implemented at the Lawrence Heights Community Food Bank which has contributed to the improved grade in this category. Community members appreciate the choice offered at the program and the implementation of a new waiting space has improved the experience for those accessing the program. There are over ten community gardens and five food skills programs in the neighbourhood. Many residents gave the community gardens positive feedback, especially the Lawrence Heights Community Food Bank garden. Some residents felt that there could be improved outreach as they did not know programs existed. The prenatal programs offered by registered dieticians at Unison Health & Community Services and the Lotherton Community Kitchen supported by North York Community House were highlighted as key community assets. Food-Friendly Neighbourhood Plan Lawrence Heights: Phase 2 About this neighbourhood Lawrence Heights is located in mid-town and also includes the communities of Neptune and Lotherton Pathway. Key landmarks include Yorkdale Mall and Allen Rd which runs through the middle of the neighbourhood. 1,208 rent-geared-to-income housing units are the focus of a 20-year revitalization project that began in 2012. Special thanks to City of Toronto, Toronto Public Health, Toronto Food Strategy and Lawrence Heights residents who participated in neighbourhood consultations. Findings Grade Neighbourhood profile Population: 35,945 Area: 9.5 sq km Median after-tax income: $41,955 % low income after-tax: 20.9% Recommendation: After 12 years at 640 Lawrence Ave. West, North York Harvest Food Bank’s main office and distribution centre will be re-locating. This requires the Lawrence Heights Community Food Bank (LHCFB) to find a new location in the neighbourhood. As the research phase of this Food Friendly project concluded in late 2014, a new space for the LHCFB had not been secured but North York Harvest does have strong support from Toronto Community Housing, Councillor Colle and several other key community stakeholders with a target to find a new location by April 30th 2015. The program currently serves 1,700 hampers a month and is one of the busiest in Northern Toronto. The Community Food Bank currently offers information and referral services, a range of volunteering opportunities and access to a community kitchen and garden programs for clients. These services will ideally be incorporated into the new location to ensure a continuity of quality service. In 2013 the LHCFB received a grading of 4.3 out of 5 for the overall quality of the drop-in service by food bank clients. The top suggestion for improvements was to find a bigger space, highlighting the potential opportunities the relocation will bring. Who should be involved: • North York Harvest Food Bank • Toronto Community Housing • Councillor Colle • Lawrence Heights Interorganizational Network (LHION) Retail Produce markets Food assistance Food skills and growing Opportunity: The ongoing Revitalization of the neighbourhood will continue to create new opportunities for commercial spaces. This will have a significant impact on local food options, including potential new retail food outlets and possibly for new community programming facilities. New affordable grocery stores in the neighbourhood would have a significant impact on local food options; local networks of convenience stores could be supported as part of a healthy corner store initiative. Research has shown there is an abundance of convenience stores in the neighbourhood, whose existing food retail space could be utilized to better serve communities. Who should be involved: • City of Toronto Planning Division • Toronto Community Housing Corporation • Lawrence Heights Interorganizational Network (LHION) • Ward 15 Councillor Colle • Local residents C+ C+ C+ D Opportunity: Since 2012 there has been an improvement in access to produce markets in the neighbourhood with the introduction of three Foodshare Good Food Markets: 10 Old Meadow Lane, 100 Lotherton Pathway and a mobile market operating at 135 Neptune Drive. Many local residents surveyed had not heard about the markets and wanted more information. Local organizations can support Foodshare with outreach and engagement activities around the markets to build on the successes to date. Local organizations could also support the produce markets in the neighbourhood by directing some of their food budget towards purchases from the market to ensure sustainability. Who should be involved: • North York Harvest • Food Share • Lawrence Heights Interorganizational Network (LHION) • Local community organizations with food purchasing budgets
