Caught in the Eye of the Storm: Urban Revitalization in Toronto’s Lawrence Heights

by Jon Careless

This book is a case-study analysis of the public housing district of Lawrence Heights in North York, Toronto, a neighbourhood undergoing the largest revitalization in Canada. The book presents a chronological narrative of change and upheaval in Lawrence Heights, beginning with its origins after World War Two as a modernist style “city on a hill” that was intended to help remedy Toronto’s affordable housing shortage and simultaneously transform its systemically disadvantaged tenant base into idealized members of the middle class. As the community became progressively more racialized and oppressed in the late twentieth century, the reputation of Lawrence Heights and its occupants became steadily more denigrated by the forces of stigmatization, governmental neglect and police brutality. In this milieu, local political officials and private developer partners have striven to tear Lawrence Heights down and rebuild it into a socially mixed neighbourhood. This plan threatens the existing social fabric of a proud and politically active community. 

Genres: History

192 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[Rain Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jon Careless’ Caught in the Eye of the Storm stands out as a meticulously researched and passionately argued examination of Toronto’s housing crisis. Its professional organization, focus on pressing social issues, and advocacy for equity make it an essential read for those engaged in urban policy and housing justice. However, its dense academic tone and repetition of themes at many points during the book’s run may not appeal to all audiences, including readers like myself who anticipated a more narrative-driven, digestible and concise approach. I rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars for its depth, relevance, and the author’s commitment to justice, even if it wasn’t my preferred style of reading.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fernwood Publishing in exchange for an honest review.**

[renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

In-depth exploration of Lawrence Heights, a neighbourhood nestled around Yorkdale Mall and the Allen Expressway. Built in the 1950s, LH is known for its large number of public housing units and being a rougher part of town. Careless takes a deep dive into an ongoing revitalization movement in the LH community through a decolonial urban theoretical lens. It's a very justice-oriented book, and perhaps some of the thoughts Careless suggests are a little preachy and overly idealistic. But, it is above all a well researched academic perspective that traces the history of LH from farmland to present day with a focus on the people that call it home.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Careless provided an interesting perspective on public/ social housing policy that I did not have when the cover caught my eye. I wish that he had offered an alternative approach - as it was clear that the model in place is presented as incredibly flawed. Appreciated being challenged to think twice about how messaging lands when involved in the work.

[Enid Wray]

This might be a great little book for a third or fourth year Urban Planning Seminar - maybe even a graduate course.