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RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 96 (October7th to October 14th) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Marcelo Ramirez, Gabriel Meissner,  Thunder Cloud, Jabin Haque, 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; 01:05 Upcoming Regent Park Community Consultation Meeting on Phases 4 & 5; 03:39 Community Leaders Gather to Address Homelessness at 2024 Toronto Shelter Network Conference; 08:51 Moss Park Town Hall: Community Concerns Take Center Stage; 15:30 City Council Approves 214-230 Sherbourne Development Amid Strong Community Opposition; 19:44 City Moves Forward with Universal Student Food Program to Address Hunger in Schools; 21:49 Fire Station 325 Open House Celebrates Fire Prevention Week; 23:06 Events and Jobs in Regent Park Community.

On October 16, Progress Toronto hosted a virtual presentation featuring frontline worker and housing advocate Diana Chan McNally, focusing on debunking myths surrounding homelessness and harm reduction. The event brought critical insights into how misinformation often fuels resistance against evidence-based solutions, a topic of particular importance to the Downtown East and Regent Park communities. With the area grappling with a severe housing crisis and the toxic drug epidemic, the discussion emphasized the need for informed dialogue to drive meaningful change. Drawing from her extensive experience supporting unhoused people in Toronto's Downtown East, McNally dismantled misconceptions that often distort public perceptions of homelessness. She highlighted how these myths not only shape public opinion but also lead to policy decisions that neglect or even harm vulnerable populations. By equipping participants with tools to counter these narratives, she aimed to foster greater unde

The seven vacant lots at 214-230 Sherbourne Street have become a focal point in the discussion surrounding affordable housing. With housing insecurity on the rise, Kingsett Capital, one of Canada's prominent private equity real estate investment firms, proposed constructing a 46-storey luxury condominium in a neighbourhood in dire need of affordable housing. This application sparked outrage among residents, highlighting concerns about further exacerbating gentrification in the area. Despite significant community opposition, Toronto City Councillor Chris Moise motioned to approve the application during a recent council meeting in October 92024, granting Kingsett Capital permission to proceed with the luxury condo development. Reports suggest that Kingsett may plan to "flip" the property—selling it quickly for profit. This decision has led to widespread disappointment in the community, particularly among groups like 230 Fightback, who advocate for establishing low-income ho

The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Daniels Spectrum, gathering members to reflect on a year of significant change and ongoing community advocacy. With food provided by a local Café Pop-Up vendor, the event highlighted RPNA’s key achievements and outlined its vision for the future. One of the major announcements at the AGM was the stepping down of Co-Chairs Ismail Afrah and Marlene De Genova, who represented Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) and market residents. Both were acknowledged for their leadership and service. The RPNA also confirmed its transition to an independent organization, after previously being under the trusteeship of Yonge Street Mission (YSM). This shift marks a new chapter in the association’s development, with continued support from Daniels Corporation, the developer behind the first three phases of Regent Park’s revitalization. Daniels’ funding ensures that RPNA’s Community Coordinator position will

The Planning Committee convened on September 19, 2024, to address important topics ranging from AI note-taking tools to upcoming co-chair elections and funding for key initiatives. Facilitated by Walied, the meeting began with a Land and African Ancestral Acknowledgment, followed by a review of the agenda and updates on upcoming Social Development Plan (SDP) events and interactions with City of Toronto staff and local Councillors. One of the most debated topics was the use of OTTER AI note-taker bots during meetings. Adonis Huggins, the co-chair of the Communications working group of the SDP, facilitated a discussion about whether these bots comply with the current meeting recording policy. Some members raised concerns about privacy, noting that the AI bots send transcriptions to all invitees, regardless of whether they attended. Many argued that the bots could create issues by recording and sharing information without full consent from participants. As the meeting concluded, key decis

 Regent Park, known for its rich diversity and resilience, provided the perfect backdrop for the celebration. The Toronto Birth Centre has been an important part of the community for 10 years, serving families from all walks of life and fostering a space where culturally safer and accessible birthing care is prioritized. As one of Toronto's most culturally diverse neighbourhoods, Regent Park represents the kind of inclusive spirit that the TBC has always aimed to cultivate—one where all people and traditions are honoured. The event also underscored the TBC's dedication to social inclusion in birthing practices. Regent Park has a history of transformation, and the Toronto Birth Centre’s presence within this community aligns with a broader effort to create equitable access to healthcare and support. The TBC prioritizes sharing its space and resources with marginalized communities, recognizing the ongoing challenges posed by systemic injustices, and ensuring that all families can

 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

 "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

The 7th Annual Indigenous Legacy Gathering 2024, hosted by the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, unfolded as a powerful four-day event that brought together communities to celebrate indigenous culture, healing, and remembrance. Held at Nathan Phillips Square, the gathering culminated on September 30th with the long-awaited opening of the Spirit Garden—a sacred space that now stands as a tribute to the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities, honoring residential school survivors and the children who never returned home. The Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, located in Regent Park, has been a cornerstone of support for Toronto’s Urban Indigenous communities. Through ceremonies, language revitalization, and cultural teachings, Council Fire has continually uplifted Regent Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Their work played a significant role in the gathering's focus on restoring identity and fostering a sense of belonging. Guided by the hosts Ava Hill