Hear from neighbours
We invite people affected by an issue to share their experience, concerns and ideas.
About the LRA
A local group with a practical purpose.
Bringing residents into the conversations and projects that shape Leslieville.
Who we are
Resident-led since 2018.
The Leslieville Residents Association brings neighbours together around local issues and opportunities. Our work includes planning and development, streets and laneways, parks and greening, and connections between residents and community organizations.
Our area extends from the rail corridor on the west and north to Coxwell Avenue on the east and Lake Shore Boulevard on the south.
We are a volunteer-run group focused on Leslieville. People contribute local experience, professional skills and time to the issues they care about.
We welcome different perspectives and work constructively with others. Our community work is independent of the organizations and institutions with which we collaborate.
Our area
The neighbourhood we serve.
Leadership
Blair Scorgie
Executive Director
Blair Scorgie is a Leslieville resident, Registered Professional Planner and urban designer. As Executive Director, he coordinates the LRA's work and connects neighbours, organizations and project partners.
He is Managing Principal of Scorgie Planning and a Sessional Lecturer at TMU's School of Urban and Regional Planning, with more than fifteen years of consulting experience in planning, housing and urban design.
His community involvement includes the Leslieville BIA's Development Committee and Streetscape Master Plan Committee, WoodGreen's Housing Development Committee and the Bruce Public School Parent Council. He is also involved in housing advocacy through HousingNowTO and More Neighbours Toronto.
Read Blair's professional biography →
Have a question about the LRA, an idea for the neighbourhood or an interest in helping? Contact Blair through the LRA inbox.
Contact BlairCore contributors
People helping move the work forward.
Tura Cousins Wilson
Core contributor
Tura is an architect and co-founder of SOCA, Studio of Contemporary Architecture. His work connects architecture and urban design with cultural research, adaptive reuse and inclusive city-building.
LinkedIn →Craig Race
Core contributor
Craig is a Toronto architect, principal of Craig Race Architecture and a co-founder of Lanescape. A founding member of the LRA, he brings experience in sustainable housing, residential design and urban infill.
LinkedIn →Graeme Kennedy
Core contributor
Graeme is a development professional with Waterfront Toronto. He brings experience in real estate development and waterfront city-building to his involvement as an LRA core contributor.
LinkedIn →Our wider team continues to take shape, with people contributing to particular projects and issues.
How we work
Local knowledge matters.
Good community work starts with understanding the issue, hearing different experiences and being clear about what can be achieved.
Work through the options
We aim to connect local knowledge with relevant research, planning information and practical constraints.
Keep the conversation open
Questions, different views and suggestions are welcome. Contact us about work underway or an issue you think needs attention.
Public positions
How we develop our comments.
The Executive Director coordinates reviews, seeks input from active contributors and affected neighbours where appropriate, and approves submissions issued in the LRA's name.
Significant or contentious matters are discussed more broadly among the core team. Our aim is to explain the planning issues, consider different perspectives and provide clear reasons for the positions we take.