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Showing posts with the label Regent Park TV

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

City’s New Protest Bylaw Draws Concern at Anti-Black Racism Committee Meeting

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Toronto’s new protest exclusion zone bylaw, set to take effect July 2, was the focus of a recent meeting of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee—a civic body tasked with examining how City decisions affect Black communities. Passed by City Council in a 16–9 vote, the bylaw prohibits demonstrations within 50 metres of schools, hospitals, and places of worship. City staff say the aim is to protect vulnerable groups, but many civil liberties advocates and committee members warn the policy could restrict Charter-protected rights and disproportionately impact racialized communities. At the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff James Lapierre presented the City’s implementation plan, including a forthcoming community communication strategy. He emphasized that the Advisory Committee would play a role in shaping how information is shared with impacted residents. The discussion quickly turned to broader civic concerns: how decisions like this are made, who is consulted, and what it mea...

“Dignity Can’t Wait”: FAIR Coalition Demands Justice for Disabled Communities at Queen’s Park

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Recently, at Queen’s Park, a powerful press conference brought urgent attention to the crisis facing disabled communities in Ontario. Led by FAIR—Families for Accountability, Inclusion and Reform—survivors of institutional abuse, advocates, and family members called on the provincial government to act now. The gathering exposed decades of abuse, neglect, and preventable deaths within group homes funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Speakers Angela Richards, Carolyn Kassinger, and Brad Evoy called for an end to systemic harm and the creation of real, community-based solutions. Evoy, Executive Director of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario, stressed the need to move away from institutional and policing models. “We must prioritize community well-being, not containment,” he said. Key demands from the coalition include a Supported Decisions Act, independent oversight of group homes, a livable social assistance rate, and the release of transparent public ...

City Council Approves Protest “Bubble Zones,” Sparking Citywide Debate

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Toronto City Council has passed a controversial bylaw that could change how protests are held across the city, including in communities like Regent Park and the Downtown East. The new “bubble zones” bylaw, approved on May 22 in a 16–9 vote, allows schools, daycares, libraries, hospitals, and places of worship to apply for a 50-metre protest-free zone. The zones can last up to one year. The bylaw comes into effect July 2. Supporters say the move protects children, patients, and worshippers from being harassed near sensitive spaces. The city is investing over $1.6 million to hire 12 bylaw officers and run a public education campaign. But critics, including civil liberties groups and several councillors, say the law could restrict free expression in public spaces. Toronto Centre Councillor Chris Moise—whose ward includes Regent Park—voted against the measure, warning it may violate rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Moise called for the city to delay the bylaw until...

Rally Against Bill 5: Ontario First Nations Fight to Defend Land, Rights, and Treaties

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On June 2nd, Indigenous leaders and allies from across Ontario gathered at Queen’s Park for a powerful demonstration against Bill 5—a controversial piece of legislation that First Nations say undermines their rights and endangers the environment. Backed by Premier Doug Ford’s government, Bill 5 would allow the province to bypass municipal laws and environmental safeguards to expedite development projects, including mining, in regions designated as “economically significant.” Crucially, this can happen without meaningful consultation or consent from affected Indigenous communities. Protesters chanted “Kill Bill 5” as speakers from the Chiefs of Ontario, Grand Council Treaty #3, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation warned that the bill violates Treaty obligations and sets a dangerous precedent for fast-tracking industrial expansion on ancestral lands. The rally followed a press conference last week where Indigenous leaders denounced the bill as a direct threat to their land, water, and future gener...

Evan Solomon Elected in Toronto Centre, Sworn In as Canada’s First AI Minister

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Toronto Centre now has a new voice in Parliament. Evan Solomon, a former journalist and political commentator, won the April 28 federal by-election with 64.5% of the vote, keeping this key downtown Toronto seat in Liberal hands after former MP Marci Ien’s departure. The riding—encompassing Regent Park, St. James Town, Church-Wellesley Village, and Old Town—remains a strong Liberalhold, yet residents continue to demand action on pressing local issues like affordability, housing, and food security. Shortly after his election, Solomon was officially sworn in as Canada’s first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, a newly created portfolio that signals a shift in federal priorities towards digital transformation as a central element of the country's economic strategy. In his new role, Solomon is charged with reviving stalled digital initiatives and expanding access to government services, while also overseeing regional economic development for Southern Ontario. Fo...

Moss Park Residents Speak Out: Affordable Housing, Safety, and Jobs Top Concerns

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The Moss Park Coalition launched a community survey to capture the voices of residents amid rising gentrification and development pressures. Led by local organizer David Anderson and supported by coalition member Mohammad Asim Bhatti, the survey gathered responses from 87 residents during events held throughout 2024 and early 2025. The results underscore urgent challenges facing Moss Park’s community. Nearly 80% of respondents identified affordable housing as their biggest concern, followed by tenant protections, food access, community safety, and employment opportunities. Many residents reported worsening conditions in Toronto Community Housing buildings, increasing rents, and short-term leases, which create instability for families. A lack of tenant rights education further compounds these struggles. The survey also highlighted disappointment with the Ontario Line project by Metrolinx. Residents say promised local hiring has not materialized, and newcomers face barriers when their cr...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...