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On March 31, 2025, frontline health workers, harm reduction advocates, and community members gathered outside Regent Park Community Health Centre (RPCHC) to protest the closure of Bevel Up Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS). The decision comes despite a court injunction allowing supervised consumption sites to remain open and an active two-year federal exemption permitting Bevel Up to operate. Speakers at the rally condemned the move as cruel and unnecessary, highlighting the impact on vulnerable residents. Harm reduction workers spoke of the emotional toll of losing clients to preventable overdoses and urged RPCHC leadership to reconsider. Many questioned why the site was closing at all when legal protections were in place. Amid the grief, a small but significant victory emerged. A recent court ruling allows other sites affected by the province’s 200-metre restriction to remain open while the legal battle continues. However, funding challenges and political pressure still threate...

Regent Park has always been more than just a neighbourhood—it is a testament to resilience, self-reliance, and civic engagement. As part of the Regent Park: Past, Present, and Future series, we explore how community leaders have continuously shaped this evolving landscape. Among them is Kevin Jeffers, a coach, mentor, and community builder who has spent over two decades using basketball as a vehicle for youth empowerment. Born and raised in Regent Park, Jeffers experienced firsthand the challenges that many marginalized youth face—economic hardship, limited resources, and systemic barriers. However, he also witnessed the power of community and mentorship in overcoming these obstacles. Inspired by the support he received from local leaders, he saw basketball as more than just a game—it was a tool for transformation. Kevin Jeffers’ story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the youth of Regent Park. His work exemplifies civic engagement in its purest form—usin...

Harm Reduction advocates gathered outside 330 University Avenue as an Ontario court heard a charter challenge against the province’s plan to shut down 10 supervised consumption sites across Ontario by April 1, 2025. Among the sites at risk is the Regent Park Community Health Centre, a critical service that has prevented overdoses and saved countless lives. The challenge, led by a neighborhood group and two individuals who use these services, argues that Ontario’s plan violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, specifically the right to life, liberty, and security of the person. Harm reduction experts warn that closing these sites amid a toxic drug crisis will disproportionately harm marginalized communities in Downtown East Toronto. Mskwaasin Agnew, an Indigenous harm reduction advocate, emphasized that the closures are rooted in “racism” ignoring evidence that these sites create safer environments and provide essential support. She highlighted the devastating impact of toxic drugs o...

Toronto City Council has adopted a series of reforms to address mounting pressure on the city’s refugee and emergency shelter system, following a report from Ombudsman Toronto that raised serious concerns about the treatment of refugee claimants in 2022. The Ombudsman’s investigation revealed that refugee claimants were excluded from the shelter system without proper documentation or clear policy direction. Many were referred to federal services that could not provide adequate housing. The report highlighted systemic discrimination—particularly impacting Black and African refugees—and urged immediate improvements. During the March 2025 council meeting, the Ombudsman responded to questions from council members and presented 14 recommendations to enhance human rights compliance, transparency, and accountability. Mayor Olivia Chow introduced a motion calling on the federal government to reinstate the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) and restore settlement funding. Councillor Alej...

A new report from the Shelter Housing Justice Network (SHJN) and the Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union (TUHU) condemns Toronto’s handling of homelessness, citing 766 deaths over the past three years. Toronto Public Health reported 135 homeless deaths in the first half of 2024, with drug toxicity as the leading cause. The city also revised previous data, now confirming 331 deaths in 2022 and 300 in 2023. At a media conference moderated by outreach worker Greg Cook, advocates and people with lived experience, including Lynn Walker and Jennifer Jewell, outlined the severe risks faced by unhoused individuals—especially those with disabilities. The report presents 29 demands for immediate action, including 24/7 warming centers and expanded rent-geared-to-income housing. Walker, who lived in encampments for two years, described losing friends to violence and extreme cold. Jewell, a wheelchair user, highlighted the inaccessibility of shelters and housing. Advocates are also calling for a...

"Portrait of a Neighbourhood” preserves Regent Park’s history and voices. Regent Park, Toronto’s oldest social housing community, has undergone significant redevelopment over the decades. The Regent Park photo gallery “Portrait of A Neighbourhood”, developed by the Focus Media Arts Centre over the years, serves as a vital record of this transformation. Through the lens of Regent Park resident youth photographers and program instructors like David Zapparoli and Tyrone McLean Wilson, the project captures Regent Park’s evolving landscape, ensuring its rich history is preserved for future generations. Beyond mere documentation, these photographs challenge negative perceptions of the neighborhood, providing a deeper narrative that highlights resilience, community, and cultural identity. The project is not just an artistic endeavour—it is a civic act, preserving marginalized voices and ensuring their stories remain part of Toronto’s collective memory. Photography, as both a historical r...

 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 ...

On Wednesday April 30, 2025, three candidates running for federal elections in the riding of Toronto Centre, met at the Daniels Spectrum Arts Centre in Regent Park, to share their platforms and to answer questions from the Toronto Downtown East Community. The full house event was hosted by the Community Civic Engagement Collaborative (CCEC), a non-partisan collective working to increase civic engagement in elections and beyond, through non-partisan community organizing. The CCEC represents agencies, grassroots groups and residents living and working in the Toronto Downtown East communities notably Regent Park, St. James Town and Moss Park. The three candidates were Olivia Ihem from the Green Party ( an environmental scientist), Samatha Green from the NDP (a healthcare physician), and Evan Soloman (a political journalist). Unfortunately, the Conservative candidate, Luis Ibarra, withdrew his participation from the event. The two moderators of the event were Humaira Rhman, a resident f...

The March 20 meeting of the Regent Park Strategic Development Plan (SDP) Planning Committee brought together community leaders, residents, and organizational representatives for a dynamic session centered on engagement, coordination, and advocacy. A highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Adonis Huggins of Focus Media Arts Centre, who introduced a Jeopardy-style game that will be featured at the upcoming Regent Park Stakeholders’ meeting. The game, designed to educate and energize participants, will feature questions related to the SDP, community priorities, and local initiatives. “It’s a fun and interactive way to build understanding and participation around the plan,” Huggins explained during his presentation, as he previewed key categories and game mechanics.

The “Good Education for a Bright Future” tutoring program, run by Rabia Alsabaie through her grassroots organization Happy Moms, Happy Children, is in danger of shutting down due to funding challenges. This initiative has provided essential academic support to children from Grades K to 7 in Regent Park, helping them excel in school and gain confidence. Beyond tutoring, the program offers job placements for local youth, allowing them to serve as mentors and build strong connections with younger students. This approach fosters a supportive learning environment and strengthens social ties within the community. However, the program’s future is at risk as funding from the City of Toronto’s Social Development Plan was not renewed for 2025. Rabia and her team are now scrambling to secure the necessary resources to keep the initiative running. “Education is a lifeline for many families here,” Rabia said, emphasizing that quality learning opportunities can change children’s lives. Despite her o...

As Regent Park undergoes redevelopment, residents face challenges in ensuring their voices remain central. The 6 Mar, 2025 Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Planning Committee meeting underscored the struggle for community-driven decision-making amid bureaucratic hurdles and shifting priorities. The SDP was created to ensure that redevelopment fosters social cohesion, economic development, and meaningful resident participation. However, concerns over governance, transparency, and funding surfaced during discussions. A key focus was the upcoming Regent Park Stakeholders Table on April 3, 2025, where a Jeopardy-style game will educate residents on SDP working groups. Tensions rose over the City of Toronto’s decision to halt honorarium payments for SDP co-chairs in 2024 and discontinue them in 2025, citing an unspecified investigation. Community leaders, including Adonis Huggins and Miguel Avila, called for greater transparency and resident-led decision-making, while Walied Kh...

A local restaurateur shares his journey, community ties, and the impact of rapid neighborhood change. Mizan Bhuiyan, the owner of East Coast Donair, shares his experience running a restaurant in a rapidly changing neighborhood. His menu features a mix of East Coast donair, pizza, tandoori chicken, shawarma, and poutine—offering a diverse selection that caters to the local community. Bhuiyan speaks positively about the neighborhood, emphasizing the supportive nature of the residents. He states that he does not face major challenges running his restaurant and is focused on growing his business. Both longtime customers and newcomers appreciate his food, which helps sustain and expand his establishment. The conversation also touches on the transformation of the area, with new buildings consistently emerging. While some residents welcome this change, others express concerns. One customer, who has lived in Regent Park for six years, acknowledges the neighborhood’s evolving landscape but p...

Marci Ien, the Liberal MP for Toronto Centre, has announced that she will not seek re-election in the 2025 Canadian general election. Ien, who was born in St. James Town, has represented the riding since winning a by-election in October 2020. Appointed Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth in 2021 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ien worked on issues affecting marginalized communities and supported local initiatives, including funding summer youth positions at Regent Park Focus Media Arts Centre. Before her political career, Ien was known as a broadcaster and co-host of CTV’s The Social. In her announcement video, Ien reflected on her time in office and her connection to the Toronto Centre community. Her departure marks a transition for Regent Park and surrounding neighborhoods, where her work on youth programs and local projects has had a visible presence. As Toronto Centre prepares for new leadership, Ien’s exit leaves questions about the future of community-focused advoc...

As Regent Park undergoes redevelopment, residents face challenges in ensuring their voices remain central. The 6 Mar, 2025 Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Planning Committee meeting underscored the struggle for community-driven decision-making amid bureaucratic hurdles and shifting priorities. In planning for the upcoming Spring SDP Stakeholder's Table meeting, the challenge the SDP Planning Committee faces is, how do you make community meetings more interesting for those attending? In today's meeting members discuss plans for introducing a jeopardy-style game based on the SDP. The last agenda item focused on a discussion of the 2024 and 2025 resident honoraria for the co-chairs currently on hold by the City. After an in-camera discussion on this issue, a decision was made to send a letter to the City requesting clarification and advocating to the City to release the hold. The SDP remains a vital tool to ensure Regent Park’s revitalization prioritizes its peo...

Mayor Olivia Chow unveiled City of Toronto United States Tariff Response: A Strategy to Protect Toronto Businesses, Workers, and Residents during a press conference at Fire Station 334 on Queens Quay West. With her economic action team by her side and a towering 40-foot Canadian flag in the background, Chow outlined a 10-point plan designed to mitigate the impact of new U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. The plan includes key initiatives such as deferring property taxes for affected industries, launching a “Love Local” campaign to encourage residents to support Canadian businesses, and preventing U.S.-based companies from bidding on city contracts. One of the first actions under this plan is the purchase of 17 new pumper trucks from a Canadian company, ensuring these critical firefighting vehicles are sourced locally. Tariffs on all Canadian goods are set to take effect on April 2, while tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other exports are already impacting businesses. These ...

The 20th Annual Strawberry Ceremony for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans, and Two-Spirit people took place outside Toronto Police Headquarters on February 14th. It was a day of remembrance, resistance, and resilience, carrying even greater weight as the first ceremony since the passing of Elder Wanda Whitebird, a guiding force behind this event. Her absence was deeply felt, yet her legacy remained in the voices and prayers of those gathered. Hosted by Audrey Huntley of No More Silence, the ceremony brought together Elders, advocates, and families still seeking justice. Elder Whitebird’s daughter, stood alongside Elder Joyce Carpenter, a mother still searching for her missing daughter. Students from Wandering Spirit School lent their voices in solidarity, ensuring that the next generation carries this fight forward. The crisis continues. More than 4,000 Indigenous women, girls, trans, and Two-Spirit people are missing or murdered in Canada. Despite the National Inquir...

In an interview with the owner of Ticana African Supermarket, Teresa shared insights into the store’s role in providing African food to a diverse and growing customer base. Operating for four to five years, the store initially focused on Congolese products but has since expanded to include items from various African countries such as Nigeria, Rwanda, and Burundi. Teresa mentioned that TikTok trends have increased interest in African cuisine, with customers often arriving with lists of ingredients they've seen in videos. The store has become a go-to place for authentic African items. Teresa reflected on the store’s challenges in building a customer base and highlighted the positive impact of Regent Park’s revitalization on business, attracting people from different cultures and creating new opportunities. While the store hasn't yet participated in community events, Teresa expressed interest in engaging more with the community in the future. The revitalization has also improved ...

Toronto is at the center of growing protests as the Ontario government moves forward with its plan to close five of the city’s supervised consumption sites (SCS), including the one at Regent Park Community Health Centre (RPCHC). Advocates warn this decision will have devastating consequences, particularly for Indigenous and racialized communities disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis. More than 180,000 Ontarians will lose emergency healthcare access when these closures take effect on April 1. For Regent Park and surrounding Downtown East neighborhoods—where harm reduction services are essential—the loss of RPCHC’s SCS means more than just an increase in overdoses. These sites provide critical healthcare access, housing connections, mental health support, and a non-judgmental space for life-saving resources. Without them, vulnerable residents will be forced into unsafe conditions, increasing fatal overdoses and drug use in public spaces. Local harm reduction workers stress th...