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City Hall Takes Action on Anti Black Racism in Toronto

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 In a major step toward addressing systemic anti-Black racism, the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee has adopted a motion introduced by Walied Khogali Ali, a Regent Park resident and committee member. The motion urges the City to implement key recommendations from the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) From Impact to Action report, which examines the prevalence of anti-Black racism within both the Toronto Police Service (TPS) and the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC). Dawar Naeem – Local Journalism Initiative This motion called on the City to invite the OHRC to present its findings, providing valuable insights into how Black Torontonians, particularly those in diverse and mixed-income neighbourhoods like Regent Park, are disproportionately affected by systemic racism. Regent Park, one of Toronto’s most diverse and historically under-resourced communities, is home to a significant number of Black residents who have long faced systemic challenges in public
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BLACK IN TIME: Uncovering Hidden Histories of Black Canada

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 "Black in Time," the new installation by the African Canadian Explorations Collective (ACE), blends art, history, and technology to highlight the long, often overlooked presence of Black people in Canada. Created by photographer David Ofori Zapparoli and educator Donna Paris, the installation features striking portraits accompanied by deeply personal stories about historic Black communities across the country. Dimitrije Martinovic – Local Journalism Initiative Visitors can access these stories through QR codes, listening to oral histories with single-use headphones or reading transcriptions available on-site. This multi-sensory experience offers more than a glimpse into individual lives; it invites reflection on the collective journeys of Black Canadians that have shaped the country. What sets "Black in Time" apart is its location in the Daniels Spectrum building in Regent Park, a neighborhood steeped in its own complex history. Home to many residents of African, A
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Rastafest: Celebrating Caribbean Roots and Rastafarian Spirit in Regent Park

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 Rastafest in Regent Park is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, reggae music, and Rastafarian traditions. In an interview, festival founder and CEO Masani Montague explains the evolution of the festival, which originally took place in Jane and Finch before moving to Regent Park. Montague shares that the relocation was driven by the organizers' desire to expand the festival's focus on the multidisciplinary and multi-arts aspects of Rastafarian culture, emphasizing not only music but also the broader artistic expressions of the Caribbean diaspora. At Rastafest, attendees can immerse themselves in live reggae performances, workshops, and drum circles that foster a sense of unity and reflection on African heritage. Caribbean food vendors offer traditional dishes, while artisans sell crafts and clothing that embody the spirit of Rastafarianism. These cultural elements provide a space for the community to celebrate and preserve the contributions of Jamaican and other Caribbe
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Toronto's Safe Injection Sites Are Closing

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Premier Doug Ford’s government has announced plans to close 10 of Ontario’s 23 supervised drug consumption sites by March 2025, with a focus on those near schools and childcare centers. This decision, Ford says, is based on concerns for children’s safety, especially regarding discarded needles in public spaces. Ford also argues that these sites have not significantly improved addiction outcomes and may be negatively impacting surrounding communities. Instead, the government will introduce 19 new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs, which aim to provide comprehensive care but will exclude supervised drug consumption. In this Regent Park TV video, we explore the impact of these closures on communities like Regent Park, which has long struggled with issues related to addiction, homelessness, and public health. The video features street interviews with downtown residents, conversations with Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS) workers, and an interview with MPP Kri
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Sisters in Spirit Vigil: Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls at Allan Gardens

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 The Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto recently held the powerful Sisters in Spirit vigil on October 4th, National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse People. The event began with a march at 191 Gerrard St E and concluded with a heartfelt vigil at Allan Gardens. It honored the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, bringing together community members from the Downtown East neighborhoods in a show of solidarity, raising awareness about the ongoing crisis that has seen over 4,000 Indigenous women go missing or be murdered across Canada. Participants carried lanterns crafted by community members and clients of the Centre, symbolizing their dedication to honoring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. The lanterns later formed a powerful circle at the vigil, representing unity and remembrance. This year's gathering was particularly significant, as it welcomed Mayor Olivia
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City of Toronto Launches 2025 Budget Consultations

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 The City of Toronto has officially launched its 2025 budget consultations, opening the process to residents for feedback on crucial issues like housing and community services. Regent Park TV attended the media conference at Toronto City Hall, where Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Shelley Carroll, Chair of the Budget Committee, highlighted the importance of public participation. This year’s consultations, starting a month earlier than usual, offer multiple ways for residents, including those in Regent Park, to voice their concerns. These include an online survey available in 12 languages and six in-person or virtual consultation sessions. The first session is scheduled for October 19 at North York Memorial Hall. Mayor Chow emphasized the importance of community input, stating, "We want to hear from you, the people of Toronto." Councillor Carroll echoed this, calling the process inclusive and collaborative. For Regent Park, these consultations are particularly significant as
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The Battle Over 214 - 230 Sherbourne Street: Profit or People?

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On balmy Sept 25th morning, a handful activists  gathered in front of Toronto City Hall, they included members from  230 Fight Back, No More Demoviction, All Saints Church Community Centre, and Street Health. Standing in front of a red and black banner emblazoned with the phrase:  "WE WON'T BE PUSHED OUT” speakers took turns calling for urgent action to combat the city’s housing crisis. For the activists, the issue was clear: this land was meant to provide a haven for Toronto’s most vulnerable. KingSett’s purchase signaled yet another victory for private interests at the expense of those struggling to survive.  Dimitrije Martinovic – Local Journalism Initiative They came to voice their outrage over the recent sale of 214-230 Sherbourne Street to KingSett Capital, a private equity firm notorious for flipping properties at a profit. This downtown property, located in an area rife with homelessness, addiction, and mental health struggles, had long been envisioned as affordable ho
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BEYOND THE LENS – Focus Alumni Share Their Success Stories

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  For more than three decades, Focus Media Arts Centre, originally known as the Regent Park Youth Media Arts Centre, has been an integral part of the Regent Park community. Throughout its history, Focus has documented the ongoing transformation of the area, capturing the stories and voices that shape its identity. Dimitrije Martinovic – Local Journalism Initiative Beyond its role as a chronicler of Regent Park’s evolution, Focus Media Arts Centre has also been a training ground for aspiring media professionals. Offering workshops in photography, video production, radio broadcasting, and civic journalism, Focus has become a launching pad for young people eager to explore careers in media. With a commitment to hands-on learning, the centre provides a space where creativity and technical skills come together. Today, many alumni credit Focus with shaping their career trajectories. From co-op students to college interns, those who passed through Focus say their experiences we
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Low-Income Communities Fight Back Against Developers in Toronto

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At the Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park, residents and advocates came together for an event titled "Low Income Neighbourhoods Fighting Back." Organized by Downtown Toronto community groups, the discussion focused on the pressing challenges of gentrification and housing justice in Toronto's low-income neighborhoods, which are increasingly threatened by aggressive buyouts from large developers. Speakers from 230 Fightback, Regent Park Neighbourhood Association, No Demovictions Coalition, the Toronto Under-housed and Homeless Union (TUHU), and other organizations shared their stories of resilience and advocacy. They addressed the impacts of demovictions, skyrocketing rents, and the displacement of vulnerable communities, emphasizing their collective fight against policies that prioritize profit over people. The speakers called for stronger tenant protections, affordable housing options, and immediate government action to curb the gentrification threatening Downtown East neigh
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Advancing Reconciliation: The City of Toronto’s Commitment to Indigenous Justice and Empowerment

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 RPTV explores the City’s 10-Year Reconciliation Plan and its support for Indigenous communities. The City of Toronto is taking bold steps to advance reconciliation through its 10-year Reconciliation Action Plan, which was launched in 2022. This plan outlines 28 crucial actions aimed at addressing the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities while promoting truth, justice, and economic empowerment. Developed in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, the plan is designed to evolve and adapt based on the needs and priorities of Toronto’s Indigenous Peoples. At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to transparency and inclusivity, as well as restoring trust between the city and Indigenous residents. Key areas of focus include economic development, increasing civic engagement, and supporting Indigenous self-determination. The plan also highlights the city’s dedication to ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and integrated into decision-making
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