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On November 19, 2024, the Employment & Economic Development (EED) working group of the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) held a pivotal meeting at Daniels Spectrum. Attendees were introduced to the core mission of the EED and the broader SDP, which aims to foster economic growth and improve social infrastructure in the community. The meeting served as a platform for the EED to outline its goals and highlight key next steps to uplift the Regent Park community. A notable moment was the introduction of Colin Pendlebury as the group’s new Co-Chair, a role crucial to leading future initiatives. The event also featured an interactive session, where participants were divided into groups to discuss entrepreneurial and economic opportunities for Regent Park residents. These discussions aimed to generate actionable ideas and strategies to address employment gaps and boost economic empowerment in the neighborhood. As the session concluded, attendees expressed optimism about the EED...

The SDP Planning Committee Meeting held on November 14 went through some key events in the planning agenda that happened during this meeting. Due to technical difficulties, the meeting was shorter than usual. The facilitator Elena Taghizadeh facilitated a brief description of the events discussed during the meeting. Events such as the approval of the funds for the future EED meeting, the staff request to provide details on the SDFA money flow were also approved and briefly informed. Some announcements were also made such as: The Roadmap Annual party held on November 14, 2024, EED Quarterly meeting held on November 19, 2024, and a future stakeholders meeting on November 27, 2024.

RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 99 (November 8th to November 17th) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Gabriel Meissner, Kedar Ahmed, Marcelo Ramirez, and Fred Alvarado 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; 0:55 Affordable Housing Units Open at 175 Oak St Amid Ongoing Housing Shortage; 02:16 Rhythms of Change: Regent Park’s Journey Through the Eyes of Mitchell Cohen; 05:43 2024 Roadmap —Redevelopment Plans to Confront Systemic Racism—Annual Celebration in Regent Park; 09:40 Toronto Unveils Plan to Build 20,000 New Rental Homes; 17:57 Ontario Government Introduces Bill-223 to Restrict Supervised Consumption Sites Near Schools; 21:38 Union Leaders Call for Reversal of Safe Injection Site Closures in Toronto; 26:06 Events and Jobs in Regent Park.

On November 12th, the launch of Rhythms of Change, Reflections on the Regent Park Revitalization by Mitchell Cohen took place at the UN World Urban Pavilion in Regent Park. This event marked a significant moment for the community as Cohen, CEO of The Daniels Corporation, shared insights into the 18-year revitalization of Regent Park. Daniels Corporation were the official developers for the first three phases of the Regent Park revitalization and played a key role in transforming Canada’s oldest public housing neighborhood into a vibrant, mixed-income community. Cohen’s book gives insight into this journey, emphasizing the importance of community-led development and strong partnerships between residents, stakeholders, and developers. The revitalization turned Regent Park into a model for inclusive urban renewal, highlighting innovative strategies that brought new housing, facilities, and opportunities to the area, while fostering deep connections within the community. At...

At the November 18th Board of Health meeting, chaired by Toronto City Councillor Chris Moise, important discussions unfolded, shaping the future of Toronto’s health and wellness strategies. From appointing a new Medical Officer of Health to advancing solutions for the city’s drug toxicity crisis, the meeting addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities. The first item on the agenda was the appointment of Toronto’s next Medical Officer of Health. As Dr. Eileen de Villa prepares to step down at the end of the year, the hiring committee and Phelps Group have finalized their search, with a recommendation for her successor now under review. Next, the Board reviewed the 2024 progress report for Our Health, Our City, a five-year strategy tackling mental health, substance use, and harm reduction. The report highlights progress made this year, including the citywide expansion of the Toronto Community Crisis Service and new initiatives to support affordable housing a...

On October 30th, residents of Regent Park joined a virtual community consultation hosted by the City of Toronto to discuss proposed zoning amendments for the neighborhood’s Phases 4 and 5 revitalization. The meeting brought together representatives from Toronto Community Housing, Tridel, and City officials to address updates aimed at tackling infrastructure challenges and expanding housing options. A major point of discussion was the proposed addition of 98 market units and its potential implications for the 633 Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) units that have been a cornerstone of Regent Park’s redevelopment plan. Residents voiced their concerns about how the changes could affect the neighborhood’s affordability and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of preserving its legacy as a mixed-income, diverse community. Key presentations were delivered by City Planner Katherine Bailey, TCHC’s Peter Zimmerman, and Tridel’s Bryan Sherwood, who shared insights into the proposed changes and their...

Mayor Olivia Chow and City Councillor Chris Moise led a press conference today at 65 Dundas Street East, marking the grand opening of 92 rent-geared-to-income units in what was previously a temporary shelter. The new housing development reflects Toronto’s latest initiative to address the city’s urgent housing crisis by creating stable, affordable living spaces for residents in need. The 65 Dundas project is part of the city’s broader approach to addressing homelessness and affordable housing. By repurposing shelters into permanent housing, Toronto is focusing on reducing the need for emergency shelters, instead offering long-term options that are geared to income and tailored for individuals and families struggling to find stable housing. During the event, which took place at the newly opened housing, Councillor Moise stressed that affordable housing remains one of the city’s highest priorities, pointing out that rent-geared-to-income models can provide much-needed support and dignity ...

The Regent Park Social Development Plan is a community-wide network that aims to promote social inclusion and cohesion and address issues in Regent Park. The planning committee is a coordinating body of the SDP. The main agenda topic for today’s October 31, 2024, meeting was a review of a draft policy to confront anti-Semitism. The discussion was facilitated by Joel Klassen (Co-Chair of the Community Building Working Group of the SDP). Joel helped  guide the conversation. Emotions ran high as participants shared their concerns and perspectives on this complex subject. Now, let’s go to the discussion.

With the winter season approaching, the City of Toronto has introduced its Winter Services Plan to provide crucial support for the city’s homeless population, with a particular focus on downtown east communities like Regent Park. In Toronto, where winters bring severe cold, these measures are vital to ensuring the safety and dignity of the city’s most vulnerable residents. At a recent press conference, Gord Tanner, head of the city’s shelter and support services, highlighted the urgent need for additional resources. He noted that while 12,200 people are currently housed each night in city shelters, over 200 are still turned away daily due to capacity limits. To address this, the Winter Services Plan includes 530 additional temporary beds and the opening of three new respite centers, providing essential overnight relief between November 15 and April 15. On the coldest nights, the city will also open designated warming centers to offer extra space and shelter. City Councillor Alejandra B...

On November 11, community members gathered at Parliament and Carlton Streets for a Remembrance Day ceremony hosted by the Cabbagetown BIA, honoring Canada’s veterans and the sacrifices they made. This year’s observance brought together residents from Cabbagetown, Regent Park, and surrounding areas in a poignant display of remembrance and unity. The event began with Matthew Mohan, Executive Director of the Cabbagetown BIA, who welcomed attendees with heartfelt words. Bill Renieris, Chair of the Cabbagetown BIA, offered opening remarks, setting a reflective tone for the gathering. Silas Friesen, a talented trumpeter, led O Canada before Marci Ien, Member of Parliament, delivered a stirring reading of In Flanders Fields, followed by Silas’ rendition of O God, Our Help in Ages Past. Community voices Patty Junior of the Epicure Shop, Lissed Gamboa from Dixon Hall, and Gail Lynch of Zero Cocktail Bar shared a meaningful poem reading on Why We Wear a Poppy, underscoring the importance of rem...