New Field FAQ

Lawrence Park CI Field Redevelopment Frequently Asked Questions

LPCI is excited for construction to begin in summer 2026 for our new sports field! We encourage you to review the June 2025 New Sports Field Update from Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) regarding the TDSB agreement with the Toronto Scottish Rugby Football Club to enhance the field at our school. 

Regular updates regarding the status of the construction will be provided directly to the school community. For your convenience, we’ve compiled the following frequently asked questions related to this project:

1. Why is TDSB entering into an agreement with a private club?

TDSB is currently addressing significant budgeting challenges. As the Province does not provide funding for all elements of TDSB operations, TDSB has begun to explore creative ways to partner with community, not-for-profit and private sectors to generate additional capital to provide the type of high-quality athletic and recreational facilities our students, staff and their neighbourhoods rely on.

2. Will students be restricted from using this new field?

LPCI students will have the same access to the new field as they do currently, as the school will have exclusive use of the field on weekdays. The Rugby club will have use of the field on specific evenings and Saturdays when TDSB has typically permitted the field to other users.

3. Why can’t we have a standard (oval) 400m running track?

The field’s design includes a 400-metre perimeter track, designed for walking and jogging, and a 100-metre straight running track. As the site is too narrow to accommodate the dimensions required for a regulation track, its layout does not follow the standard oval configuration. Unfortunately there were a number of barriers to meeting those specifications, including removing mature trees, cutting into the slope along the southwest property line, and building significant retaining walls that would be too close to the track for the safety of runners.

From the beginning, the project has focused on upgrading the field surface to better support a wide range of sports and physical education activities. The reconfigured track will continue to serve walking, running, and general fitness needs, while the professional-grade field will be of great benefit to the school’s athletics as well as local sports teams.

4. Why can’t the field be widened to allow for additional uses or layouts?

The current design reflects significant constraints posed by the physical characteristics of the site. While the rugby field is already considerably wider than a typical soccer or football field, expanding it further would require removing mature trees along the western edge of the property. In addition, as the field sits below the level of a nearby apartment parking lot (approx. 12 feet), any expansion in that direction would require a substantial retaining wall. 

5. How was input received from the school community and the broader community?

The project was initiated by the LPCI School Council in 2022. Since that time, the Council has been involved in planning discussions while also providing opportunities for school community engagement. The broader community has also been involved in the process, led by the Lyton Park Residents Organization, which provided letters of support for the project to proceed after their board unanimously approved it. The project was also advanced through a public Request for Proposals (RFP) and publicly discussed at TDSB meetings in 2025: the February 28th Planning and Priorities Committee meeting and the March 6th Regular Board Meeting.

6. Who is paying for the field upgrade and what is included in the cost?

As part of the agreement, TDSB is covering the cost of upgrading the playing surface to a high-quality synthetic turf, including the addition of a shock pad. This investment (approx. $300,000) is intended to ensure the safety, durability, and long-term performance of the field for student use for many years to come. 

7. When will the new field be complete?

The redevelopment of the field is scheduled for summer 2026. School administration will continue to work with the TDSB and TLC to ensure that the needs of all LPCI’s athletes are met and to optimize opportunities for track athletes moving forward.