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Shaping Canada’s Future: John Ralston Saul on Politics, Inclusion & Community Media’s Vital Role

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In a candid and thought-provoking conversation with Regent Park TV journalist Fred Alvarado, renowned author and public intellectual John Ralston Saul discussed critical issues shaping Canada’s future, from the role of community media to the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in today’s political landscape. Saul, who has dedicated much of his career to exploring the complexities of democracy and citizenship, reflected on his journey as a public intellectual. He emphasized the need for inclusivity in Canadian society, urging that democracy must evolve to reflect the diverse experiences of its citizens, especially marginalized groups. The conversation delved into the state of freedom of expression in Canada, with Saul expressing his concern about growing challenges to free speech. Drawing on his experience as former president of PEN International, Saul highlighted the vital role of community media in safeguarding this fundamental right. According to Saul, local outlets have a uni...
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Red Dress Day: Honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People

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On May 5, communities across Toronto gathered to mark Red Dress Day—a National Day of Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). Red dresses hung in public spaces served as haunting reminders of lives stolen by violence and colonial systems. This visual symbol, rooted in the REDress Project by Métis artist Jaime Black, has become a powerful call to action across Canada. Regent Park TV reporter Fred Alvarado attended three poignant events that day. The first took place at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, where Mayor Olivia Chow joined elders and community members in a healing ceremony featuring drumming, traditional dances, and sacred fire. At Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, a striking red dress designed by artist EJ Kwandibens was displayed. Attendees reflected, shared stories, and renewed their commitment to honouring MMIWG2S through education and advocacy. Finally, at Toronto Metropolitan University, red dresses w...
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Miguel Avia Velarde: A Voice for TCHC Tenants

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On April 15, 2025, the Tenant Services Committee (TSC) of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) convened its latest meeting, providing a crucial platform for tenant voices on matters directly impacting their communities. Among those who addressed the committee was long-time tenant advocate and Regent Park resident Miguel Avila-Valarde, who made no fewer than eight deputations on a wide range of issues affecting TCHC tenants. A resident of 220 Oak Street, a 27-storey high-rise on the edge of Regent Park, Miguel has witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with life in aging public housing stock—fragility shaped by years of institutional neglect and bureaucratic inaction. Despite these conditions, he has tirelessly advocated for marginalized tenants, Indigenous communities, and public housing residents across the city. At this meeting, Miguel raised urgent concerns ranging from tenant safety to administrative processes. Miguel also tackled the financial burden of mandato...
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Safety Network Shares Community Updates Amid No Major Incidents in Regent Park — April Meeting

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Regent Park residents, police officers, TCHC staff, and housing advocates gathered virtually for the latest monthly meeting of the Regent Park Safety Network—a key space for addressing community safety and strengthening local ties. Moderated by community members Leonard Swartz and Hajia Abubakar, the meeting was hosted by the Safety Working Table of the Regent Park Social Development Plan. Participants shared updates, voiced concerns, and discussed new strategies to keep the neighbourhood safe. Constable Mahamed Osman of Toronto Police 51 Division shared recent statistics, reported on a firearm seizure, highlighted the success of a community food drive, and announced that community-police meetings will now be held twice a year. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 23 at 6 p.m. at the Regent Park Community Centre. Updates also came from Councillor Chris Moise’s office, including news about Housing Clinic Workshops happening May 3 and May 5. These sessions are open to all reside...
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Changing Cultures of Regent Park 2025 Media Project

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The Changing Cultures of Regent Park 2025 Media Project was a 13-week collaboration between University of Toronto and the FOCUS Media Arts Centre (FOCUS), a not-for-profit organization that was established to counter negative stereotypes about the Regent Park community and provide media literacy and production programming for residents living in the area. Designed as a credited U of T university course, the project took place at the FOCUS location in the Daniel's Spectrum Arts Centre. Together, University of Toronto students and residents of Regent Park learned about the multi-dimensional history of Regent Park focusing on topics such as immigration and racial formation, urban renewal, housing redevelopment, public health, and community organizing. Next, the U of T students and FOCUS journalists worked in teams to envision, research, and produce their own media project addressing a specific historical issue in Regent Park. In designing their projects, groups were e...
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Spring is in Air: 26 Years of Growing Together

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As spring slowly took hold in Regent Park, Green Thumbs Growing Kids welcomed the season with their annual “Spring in the Air” event on April 26, which celebrated gardening, local food, and 26 years of grassroots community building. Held at the Regent Park Greenhouse and Picnic Area, neighbours gathered to browse plants, enjoy live music from David Celia & Co., and reconnect over seedlings and soil, despite the chilly weather. Founded in 1999 by Sunday Harrison, Green Thumbs began as a children’s gardening program and has since grown to include school gardens, rooftop projects, and youth training programs. Today, the group provides fresh produce baskets to local residents and fosters environmental education across several Regent Park schools. RPTV’s Kedar Ahmed spoke with Sunday Harrison, Rebecca Davis-Scott, and Taylor Milan, who all emphasized the power of gardening to build community, teach youth valuable skills, and address food insecurity. “It’s more than growin...
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City Expands Youth Jobs: 10,000 New Summer Positions by 2026

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Toronto is taking a major step toward addressing youth unemployment with the creation of the Toronto Youth Employment Program, which aims to provide 10,000 additional summer jobs for young people by 2026. The initiative was discussed on February 26, 2025, at the Economic and Community Development Committee meeting at City Hall. The motion, proposed by Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport), was passed unanimously. Youth unemployment in Toronto currently stands at 20%, a crisis that has been linked to rising crime rates, including firearm-related arrests and violent carjackings. The motion was championed by the Toronto Youth Cabinet, which has engaged over 30,000 young people to understand their need for stable, meaningful work. The program will partner with community organizations, the private sector, and government agencies to offer young people job opportunities, mentorship, and skills training. City leaders hope this initiative will not only reduce violence but also break cycles of...
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Canada Elections 2025: Toronto Centre Candidates and Community Decisions Ahead

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With the 2025 federal election fast approaching, Toronto Centre is emerging as one of the most closely watched races in the country. This densely populated riding, which includes Regent Park, St. James Town, Cabbagetown, and Church-Wellesley, represents a diverse and evolving urban landscape. Home to a mix of long-time residents, newcomers, and marginalized communities, the riding faces pressing issues such as housing affordability, social inequality, and economic recovery. As candidates present their platforms, voters will play a crucial role in shaping the future of a riding that reflects both the challenges and opportunities of urban Canada. The race features a strong lineup of candidates. NDP’s Samantha Green emphasizes affordable housing and climate action. Liberal Evan Solomon, a former broadcaster, promotes economic growth and social justice. Conservative Luis Ibarra, a community activist, highlights fiscal responsibility and immigrant engagement. Green Party’s Olivia Iheme push...
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Webinar Explores Impact of Safe Consumption Sites Closures and Private Investigators Targeting Sites

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A recent webinar organized by the Toronto Harm Reduction Alliance (THRA) explored the impact of closing supervised consumption sites (SCS) in Toronto and highlighted growing concerns over Ontario’s use of private investigators to target these sites. Panelists with extensive experience in harm reduction discussed the importance of these services and addressed the misinformation surrounding their operation. The webinar shed light on the province’s decision to hire private investigators to gather evidence on these sites. Investigators, working for the provincial government, visited The Neighbourhood Group’s (TNG) facilities, which operate the Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site (KMOPS), and questioned staff and neighbours without disclosing their ties to the government. Despite these efforts, two government-commissioned reports found no justification for closing the sites, with one recommending that services be expanded. Ontario’s plan to close five sites, including t...
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Neighbourhood Community Officers Discuss Crime Trends and Safety Strategies in Our Local Communities

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Regent Park TV recently welcomed Neighbourhood Community Officers from Toronto Police’s 51 Division—Constables Farzad Ghotbi, Mircea Biga, and Illankumaran Shanmuganathan—for an in-depth discussion on safety, crime trends, and community engagement in Regent Park and St. James Town. During the interview, the officers provided updates on crime trends, noting an increase in gun violence compared to 2023, a year that saw no shootings in Regent Park. They emphasized that while overall crime rates fluctuate, continued community collaboration remains crucial. The officers also highlighted their role in trust-building through consistent engagement, working alongside residents to address safety concerns. Another key issue discussed was the rise in hate crimes in our local community, particularly antisemitism and Islamophobia. Officers underscored their commitment to fostering inclusivity by supporting diverse communities and ensuring public safety through education and outreach. As the province...
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