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Toronto neighbourhood rallying to save aging shopping plaza from demolition

Jack Landau

created: Nov. 18, 2025, 4:06 p.m. | updated: Nov. 19, 2025, 1:50 p.m.

A proposed multi-tower redevelopment of Toronto's first suburban shopping plaza has riled up a local councillor, who has embarked on a campaign to send developers back to the drawing board. A proposed redevelopment of Lawrence Plaza at Bathurst and Lawrence would involve the demolition of the 72-year-old shopping centre and construction of as many as eight residential buildings. Conceptual plans to redevelop the Lawrence Plaza property at 534 Lawrence Ave W. first emerged in early 2025 and were followed in June by a more fleshed-out concept from developer RioCan, in a joint venture with property owner the Milestone Group. Local city councillor Mike Colle has taken a stand against the development, rallying neighbourhood support to stop the redevelopment of the plaza. Colle intends to launch a petition and is planning a rally to "save Lawrence Plaza" later in the month.

2 weeks, 6 days ago: blogTO