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MTE Consultants Acquires RIZZ Engineering, Strengthening Expertise in Structural Design and Precast Concrete

Lawrence Heights, Phase 1
Residential

Lawrence Heights, Phase 1

Partners

KPMB Architects

Project overview

The Lawrence Heights Revitalization is a multi-phase redevelopment project spanning the area north of Lawrence Avenue and south of Ranee Avenue, along Allen Road. The vision for this transformation includes a mix of social housing, affordable and market-rate rental units, condominiums, freehold townhomes, and mixed-use mid-rise buildings. Beyond residential offerings, the plan also incorporates retail spaces, a new community center, a school, daycare facilities, and expanded public parks and recreational areas. 

Lawrence Heights Phase 1 encompasses a 25.6-acre site adjacent to the Yorkdale Subway Station entrance. The revitalization plans for this phase involved the demolition and replacement of 233 Toronto Community Housing rental units, the introduction of market condominium and townhome developments, and the creation of 53,820 ft² of commercial space.  

MTE's Involvement

MTE was proud to provide civil engineering for the development of Lawrence Heights, phase 1. 

At the outset of the project, our Civil team reviewed the draft plan conditions for the site as they related to the blocks we were designing. Our team then collaborated with the Consulting Engineer that was responsible for the overall Draft Plan approval, providing input to help resolve the draft plan conditions that affected our scope.  

Our Hydrogeological professionals then developed a strategy to address groundwater concerns. MTE carried out a Hydrogeological Study to characterize the existing groundwater conditions including the location of the water table in relation to the finished grade for the basement floor elevations. Our team also determined the suitability of the subsurface soils for infiltration and to estimate water quantity contributions for long-term groundwater management. The study involved the installation of 11 monitoring wells, which helped us outline several strategies based on the type of unit being built. Methods of managing this included waterproofing of foundation walls, and installation of weeping tiles and sump pumps. The Hydrogeological Investigation was completed in accordance with the City of Toronto Private Water Discharge Approval Application that came into effect August 2018.  

Our Civil team also prepared the detailed site engineering design, including design of the onsite watermain, and sanitary and storm sewers to meet Ontario Building Code and City of Toronto guidelines. The grading design ensured the appropriate site drainage was achieved, and that stormwater quantity and quality controls are in accordance with City standards. Our stormwater quality control solution involves treatment train approach using roof downspout disconnections, vegetated buffer / filter strips, and oil grit separators and / or filtration units.