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SDP Planning Committee meets the CBOWG Mediators

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On November 21, 2024, the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Planning Committee hosted a meeting with mediators involved with the Community Benefits Oversight Working Group. The Planning Committee Meeting was facilitated by Joel Klassen, an agency member of the SDP. The purpose of the meeting was to hear from mediators on their progress in resolving the year-long dispute between the various members and parties of the Community Benefits Oversight Working Group, also known as CBOWG. CBOWG is a 20-member advisory group comprised of Regent Park residents representing the neighborhood’s diverse voices. Membership also includes representation from Toronto Community Housing, Tridel, local agencies and subject matter experts who serve as non-voting members. The role of CBOWG is to shape and oversee the $26.8 million community benefit fund, established as part of TCHC’s partnership with Tridel for Phases 4 and 5 of the Regent Park revitalization. At the meeting, the CBOWG mediators,...
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Balancing Revitalization and Advocacy: A Conversation with MPP Kristyn Wong Tam

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As 2024 ends, Regent Park and downtown Toronto grapple with housing affordability, sustainable transportation, and public health crises. Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP for Toronto Centre, addresses these pressing issues, advocating for bold, community-focused solutions, she was interviewed by RPTV Reporter Jabin Haque. Wong-Tam calls for urgent action to save consumption and treatment services threatened by Bill 223, warning of increased opioid deaths without these critical supports. Premiere Ford's plan, says WongpTam, will not be able to address the increased stress his plan put on the health care system. As 2024 concludes, Wong-Tam’s message to Toronto Centre residents is clear: resilience and community-driven solutions are key. She remains committed to affordable housing, safer streets, and equitable healthcare for all.
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SDP Stakeholders Meeting November 27, 2024

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On November 27th, 2024, the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Stakeholders Table convened for its quarterly hybrid meeting at the Urban Pavilion in Regent Park, located at 660 Dundas St East 3rd floor.  The major item for the meeting was a presentation of the SDP strategic plan by the Strategic Planning Committee.  Chaired by Regent Park Resident, the meeting followed an agenda that included Introduction, Status of the SDP strategic Plan and City Refresh, Summary of the Strategic Plan Process, Approval of Major Changes, Next Steps, Announcements City of Toronto meeting. The meeting began with a warm welcome and land acknowledgment by SDP resident co-chair Walied Khogali Ali. Walied, who provided an overview of the SDP's purpose: Community Belonging through inclusion and social cohesion. He also explained the parts of the SDP network which includes the stakeholders table, the working groups: Safety network, community building, employment and economic development, commun...
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RPTV Weekly News (EP100) - SDP Stakeholders Meeting Report; Man arrested in Regent Park Carjacking

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RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 101 (November 24th to December 1st.) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Gabriel Meissner, Kedar Ahmed, Marcelo Ramirez, and Jabin Haque, we present news that impacts on Toronto's Regent Park and the surrounding areas. In this episode we present the following news: 0:00 Intro; 0:56 Report of the SPD Stakeholders Table Meeting on November 27th, 2024; 12:41 Man Charged in Violent Carjacking That Left Victim Shot in Regent Park; 15:09 Covenant House Toronto Expands Winter Care for Youth Experiencing Homelessness; 17:04 Ontario Passes Bill Allowing Removal of Toronto Bike Lanes; 17:48 Local Ice Rinks Are Now Open! 18:33 Events in Regent Park.
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New Affordable Housing in Regent Park by TCHC

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Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) provided a preview of its latest affordable housing development at 175 Oak Street, marking a key milestone in the ongoing revitalization of Regent Park. TCHC leaders and local officials came together to discuss the building’s significance and the broader impact of the Regent Park transformation. The 15-storey building is designed with families in mind, offering 213 affordable units, including 189 Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) units and 24 affordable rental units. The building also features shared amenities, such as gardens, a family room, a playground terrace, and multi-purpose rooms, all aimed at fostering community connections. Nearly 20% of the units exceed accessibility requirements, ensuring the building is inclusive to a wide range of residents. As part of one of Canada’s largest urban renewal projects, 175 Oak Street represents a major step in the revitalization of Regent Park, which began in 2006. The project has already delivered over 1,400 RGI...
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Voices for Change: Ending Gender-Based Violence in Refugee Communities

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On November 28, 2024, Moss Park became the stage for a powerful dialogue on ending gender-based violence in refugee and newcomer communities. Hosted by Hope for Refugees International at 163 Queen Street East, this event was part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The event brought together refugees, LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, and advocates to confront a pervasive issue affecting the most vulnerable. Survivor stories offered profound insights into the courage and resilience of those impacted, while keynote speakers Honourable Charmaine A. Williams and MPP Dr. Jill Andrew stressed the critical need for inclusive policies and targeted support. Workshops explored trauma-informed care, legal resources, and strategies for engaging men in building healthier relationships—crucial steps in fostering safer and more equitable communities. Patrick King Mwesigye, Program Manager at Hope for Refugees International, emphasized the dire need for increased funding an...
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Regent Park Community Meeting Addresses Safety Concerns After Car-Jacking Incident

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On December 4, 2024, more than 62 residents and community stakeholders gathered virtually for a special emergency meeting of the Regent Park Safety Network, marking a historic turnout. The session was convened in response to a recent car-jacking and shooting in Regent Park, sparking urgent discussions on public safety. Toronto Police Service Neighbourhood Community Officers Farzad Ghotbi, Miercea Biga, and Sergeant Jeremy Boyko led the conversation, detailing recent arrests and sharing safety strategies. Co-chaired by Leonard Swartz and Hajia Umul, the meeting provided a platform for residents to raise pressing concerns and engage directly with law enforcement. Representatives from Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), Yonge Street Mission, and Toronto Seniors Corporation were also present, offering insights and responses to the incidents. Attendees emphasized the need for proactive measures to ensure community safety and the importance of fostering trust between residents and ...
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Bill 223: Emergency Webinar Highlights Threats to Harm Reduction Services

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On December 2, 2024, advocates, experts, and residents gathered for an emergency webinar to examine the dire implications of Bill 223 on harm reduction services in Ontario. Moderated by Zoe Dodd, an Indigenous harm reduction activist from the Toronto Overdose Prevention Society, the event provided a critical forum to discuss the bill’s impact on supervised consumption sites and other essential supports. Hosted by the Toronto Overdose Prevention Society, Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction, and the Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective, the webinar featured meaningful insights from the HIV Legal Network, Moss Park Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS), and Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction. Speakers addressed the legislation’s legal challenges, emphasizing its potential to dismantle life-saving services for at-risk communities. Participants raised urgent concerns about how Bill 223 could exacerbate challenges for those experiencing addiction and homelessness. The session also highlighted ...
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City Approves Zoning Amendment for 325 Gerard Street East of Regent Park Phases 4 and 5

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On December 4, 2024, the Toronto and East York Community Council, chaired by Ward-13 Councillor Chris Moise, approved zoning amendments for 325 Gerard Street East—Phases 4 and 5 of the Regent Park revitalization. This decision is an important step in the ongoing transformation of Regent Park into a mixed-income neighbourhood. The amendments, recommended by the Director of Community Planning, aim to address critical infrastructure needs while expanding housing opportunities through the addition of 98 new market units on Blocks 4B and 4C and Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s (TCHC) commitment to deliver 633 Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) units, with key adjustments to Zoning By-law 1325-2023 ensuring necessary setbacks to mitigate infrastructure conflicts and allowing for additional building massing to accommodate a broader range of housing options. Community members participated in the meeting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining affordability and ensuring the revitalization po...
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Roadmap to Redevelopment: Building Resilience and Equity in the Future of Affordable Housing

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The Roadmap for Redevelopment event held at Urban Economy Forum on Now 14, 2024, addressed the multifaceted challenges of affordable housing, with an emphasis on community-centered development, equitable urban planning, and the complexities of transitioning housing from private to nonprofit ownership. The project was launched in 2022 via Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Supply Challenge. The event is of civic importance as it addresses the critical issues of affordable housing, community resilience, and equitable urban development, which are central to the well-being of Toronto residents. In Regent Park, a neighbourhood undergoing significant transformation, these discussions are crucial for ensuring that development prioritizes inclusivity, affordability, and social cohesion, preserving the area's legacy as a diverse, mixed-income community. The Roadmap for Redevelopment event explored the balance between heritage preservation and modern housing solutions,...
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