In 1944 with the war in Europe drawing to an end, a number of men in the West Hill and Highland Creek area decided it was time to organize some kind of community club for men who would be willing to devote themselves to the service of their community. The ideals of Lionism appealed to them and an application was made for a charter to Lions International.

On November 3, 1944 the club received its charter and officially became the West Hill-Highland Creek Lions Club under the leadership of President Clifford Hodgkinson and with a membership of forty-three men. The club began its long journey of service to the community.

The Lions Club held its first carnival in August of 1945. Thousands of dollars poured in at this annual event which enabled the club to finance its work in the community. The carnival ran successfully for seventeen years and in 1962 the club's chief source of income became the Monday night bingos. The major objective of the club at this point in time was the establishment of a recreation centre.

Eventually, a five acre piece of property suitable for a park and community centre was found at the corner of Manse Road and Lawrence Avenue. The then owner, Mrs. Betha Chapman - a Heron descendant, was very interested in the Lions' plans and agreed to sell the property for a very modest price and made a personal donation as well.

The park was officially opened in September 1947 and the community centre opened its doors in June of 1955. The Lions Club eventually deeded the parcel of land known as Heron Park to the then Scarborough Township who agreed to further develop the land, adding a swimming pool, tennis courts and roofing the ice rink.

The Lions supported and actively sponsored many projects in the early years when social assistance was not available to the public. There were the hockey and baseball teams, bursaries to four local high schools, local senior groups, two local hospitals, Christmas baskets for the needy, support for kidney and diabetes associations, summer camp for underprivileged children, C.N.I.B., the list went on.

History was made around the world when in 1987 the once all male club now allowed women into the organization. The West Hill-Highland Creek Lions Club was the very first club in Toronto to induct women and the fourth in all of Ontario.

In December 2001 the new Heron Park Community Centre was officially opened and became the new home for the West Hill-Highland Creek Lions Club.

They are still deeply involved with many organizations. Locally they still support the four high schools, sponsor a baseball team and support two women's shelters and the West Hill Community Services. The Lions also support the C.N.I.B., Canadian Diabetes, Lions C.N.E. Pee Wee baseball, summer camps for children with needs, and the Crohns & Colitis Foundation of Canada. A children's Christmas fun fair is held annually as well as two craft sales. The Lions are also involved in the annual Heritage Day celebrations. Sixty years have passed and our motto "We Serve" is still very evident.