Lawrence Heights

From Rap Dictionary

Lawrence Heights is a geared to income community located in a section of North York known as Downsview in Toronto, Canada; roughly bounded by Bathurst street to the east, Lawrence Ave. West to the south, and highway 401 to the north. This community is conveniently tucked away behind upper-middle class houses, far removed from all main roads and businesses in the surrounding area. Lawrence Heights is often referred to as the "Jungle" by residents and police alike for 30 years, which was initially in reference to the density of tree growth and the structural design of the community, but then thanks in part to media sensationalism, the greater community began to associate the moniker to the levels of crime within the maze of affordable housing projects gave it its nickname. Demographically, the area consists largely of immigrants from the Caribbean and East Africa, but there are also small pockets of Europeans living in the largest Ontario Housing community in the city. This area has been rocked by years of gun and gang violence tainting its public image to outside residence. Lawrence Heights is regarded as Bloods territory and has been so since the mid 90's. Built from 1955-59, Lawrence Heights is the second oldest housing project in Toronto (after Regent Park).