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ITAC, Council Fire & City of Toronto mark new chapter in Indigenous tourism at the Spirit Garden

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The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) marked a major milestone on July 11 with the launch of its new multi-year Operational Plan at the Spirit Garden in Nathan Phillips Square. Hosted in partnership with Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre and the City of Toronto, the gathering brought together Indigenous leaders, residential school survivors, entrepreneurs, tourism experts, and city officials to celebrate ITAC’s 10th anniversary and unveil a plan backed by $35 million annually through Social Impact Funding. The plan aims to grow Indigenous tourism businesses, expand the workforce, and strengthen infrastructure and marketing support—laying the foundation for long-term cultural and economic resurgence. ITAC President and CEO Keith Henry moderated the event and shared the vision behind the strategy. He was joined by Jason Johnston, Ontario rep and tourism operator, who highlighted the sector’s growth and the need to support authentic Indigenous experiences. Council ...
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Tenant Rights Front and Centre at Final Toronto Centre Talks of 2025

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In a city where over 70% of Toronto Centre residents are renters — many of them in Regent Park — housing issues continue to take centre stage. On June 10, 2025, the final Toronto Centre Talks (TC Talks) event of the year brought community members together at the Wellesley Community Centre for an evening focused on tenant rights and housing justice. TC Talks is a community engagement series launched by Councillor Chris Moise to bring residents into direct conversation with policy makers, frontline workers, and advocates on issues impacting everyday life — from public safety to housing, transit, and affordability. Each session focuses on a pressing topic, offering residents both information and a platform for their voices to be heard. This final session featured presentations from RentSafeTO, ACORN Canada, Neighbourhood Legal Services, and the Neighbourhood Information Post. Each speaker shared practical tools to help tenants protect their rights, fight against displacement, and stay ho...
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Understanding Bill 33: What Ontario’s School Policing Plan Means for our Local Communities

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An online teach-in hosted by Policing Free Schools is raising urgent questions about Bill 33—Ontario’s proposed Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025. If passed, the legislation would require public school boards to implement School Resource Officer (SRO) programs wherever local police services offer them. Bill 33 would also give the Ministry of Education expanded powers to take over school boards, rename schools, and direct the sale of school property—decisions typically made at the local level. While some officials argue the bill would improve school safety, many students, parents, and educators—especially in communities like Regent Park—are voicing concern. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) ended its SRO program in 2017 after students, particularly Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth, reported feeling intimidated by police in schools. Two speakers at the teach-in offered powerful insights: Andrea Vásquez, a community educator, outlined how Bill 33 follows a troubling...
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Regent Park Outloud 2025Outloud in Regent Park: Pride, Inclusion, and Community Regent Park Outloud 2025

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Regent Park Outloud celebrates Pride with joy and purpose—uplifting 2SLGBTQ+ voices and building inclusive community unity. On June 13, the streets of Regent Park came alive with colour, music, and celebration as the third annual Regent Park Outloud festival brought together residents, artists, and allies to mark 2SLGBTQ+ Pride and community unity. Held along Regent Park Boulevard, the free outdoor event featured a vibrant mix of circus acts, exotic animals, storytelling corners, live DJs, art installations, local vendors and a drag performance. But beneath the festivities was a deeper civic purpose: fostering inclusion, visibility, and social cohesion in a neighbourhood shaped by change. “This started three years ago after our founder, Gail Lynch, heard about homophobia in the neighbourhood,” said co-organizer Joanne Herbert. “She said, ‘We need to have a Pride.’ And we did.” That first event in 2023 planted the seeds for a new tradition—one that centers the voices and experiences of ...
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RPNA WEBSITE LAUNCH 2025

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In a major step forward for grassroots organizing in Toronto’s Regent Park, the Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA) has officially launched its new website — a digital hub designed to inform, empower, and connect residents. Unveiled at the recent Social Development Plan (SDP) Stakeholders Meeting, the website introduces a range of tools aimed at deepening civic engagement in the community. At its core are several active campaigns advocating for local priorities — including housing justice, tenant rights, improved TTC service, and increased funding for social development initiatives. Each campaign invites residents to learn more, take action, and make their voices heard. The site also features a membership portal where residents can register to receive updates, participate in organizing efforts, and get involved in RPNA committees or advocacy groups. This easy-to-access tool is meant to make civic participation more inclusive and convenient, especially for those who may not att...
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Farewell to Farzad: A Neighbourhood Community Officer’s Legacy of Service and Impact in Regent Park

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For over a decade, Officer Farzad Ghotbi has been more than a law enforcement figure in Regent Park. He has been a mentor, a role model, and a steadfast community advocate. On March 8, the community gathered at Fred Victor Community Centre (40 Oak) to celebrate his contributions and bid him a heartfelt farewell. Farzad first joined the Neighbourhood Community Officer Program in 2013 when it was launched in Regent Park under 51 Division as a pilot initiative. The program’s success in fostering relationships and improving safety led to its expansion citywide. His deep understanding of the challenges newcomers face—having come to Canada as a refugee himself—fueled his passion for community work. In 2021, Farzad co-founded Project Hope alongside fellow officer Mustafa Popalzai, collecting and distributing over half a million dollars’ worth of essential items for refugees. He also played an active role in Regent Park TV, hosting Meet Your Neighbourhood Officer with Constable Mircea Biga, st...
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St. James Town Community Fights Back as Developers Plan 5 Huntley & 2-8 Earl St. Projects

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On January 28th, residents and advocates gathered at 200 Wellesley St. for a town hall meeting organized by the Keep St. James Town Affordable Coalition. The discussion centered on proposed developments at 5 Huntley and 2-8 Earl Street, raising concerns about affordability and the future of Toronto’s most densely populated neighborhood. St. James Town, home to many lower-income families, seniors, and marginalized groups, is facing increasing pressure from gentrification. As affordable housing options dwindle, the coalition is urging developers to designate at least 10% of new units as affordable housing and to establish a non-profit-run childcare facility. Moderated by community organizer Ana Teresa Portillo, the meeting provided residents with strategies to advocate for their neighborhood. Residents will also receive deputation training and tactics for door-to-door outreach in future meetings before the next Toronto and East York Community Council meeting at City Hall. An online peti...
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St James Town Celebrates Black Brilliance and Voices of Change through Storytelling.

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On February 28, 2025, the Wellesley Community Centre became a hub of energy, celebration, and reflection as St. James Town marked Black Futures Month. Organized by The St. James Town Community Corner, The Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People, Dixon Hall, and other key partners, the event showcased Black excellence, resilience, and the collective fight against anti-Black racism. A central part of the gathering was the Community Fair, where organizations provided vital resources, including economic opportunities, mental health support, and employment assistance. Beyond celebrating Black culture and achievements, attendees engaged with service providers offering tangible pathways for change. The program, hosted by MCs Amanda and Kendra, opened with a dynamic African drum performance by Izimba Arts, filling the space with rhythmic energy. Spoken word artist Kaynn delivered a powerful poem inspired in Black History Month. Ward 13 Councillor Chris Moise followed with opening re...
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Regent Park Neighbourhood Association Launches Website to Strengthen Civic Engagement

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In a major step forward for grassroots organizing in Toronto’s Regent Park, the Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA) has officially launched its new website — a digital hub designed to inform, empower, and connect residents. Unveiled at the recent Social Development Plan (SDP) Stakeholders Meeting, the website introduces a range of tools aimed at deepening civic engagement in the community. At its core are several active campaigns advocating for local priorities — including housing justice, tenant rights, improved TTC service, and increased funding for social development initiatives. Each campaign invites residents to learn more, take action, and make their voices heard. The site also features a membership portal where residents can register to receive updates, participate in organizing efforts, and get involved in RPNA committees or advocacy groups. This easy-to-access tool is meant to make civic participation more inclusive and convenient, especially for those who may not att...
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Housing Justice Rally at 214-230 Sherbourne Demands Action on Corporate Neglect and Displacement

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Tenants, advocates, and community members gathered at 214–230 Sherbourne Street in Moss Park to demand urgent action on Toronto’s housing crisis. The rally marked the beginning of the People’s March for Housing Justice, which continued through the downtown core to the Financial District. The Sherbourne lot, left vacant for 17 years, was the rally’s central symbol—a site many view as representing systemic failure and corporate neglect. Now owned by KingSett Capital and slated for a 46-storey luxury condo, the site has become a flashpoint in the fight over who gets to live in Toronto. Advocates demanded that the lot be redeveloped as social or rent-geared-to-income housing instead. Speakers criticized major developers and corporate landlords for driving up rents, neglecting building conditions, and displacing low-income tenants. They pointed to the growing number of “demovictions,” where affordable housing is replaced with upscale developments. Rally organizers highlighted how poverty, h...
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