Catch da Flava Online

On December 18th, 2024, Toronto City Council approved the Shelter Safety Action Plan, a three-year initiative aimed at improving safety and services in city shelters, particularly for asylum seekers and refugees. The plan includes increased funding for community organizations providing temporary shelterand expanded housing options tailored for refugees. Fred Alvarado – Local Journalism Initiative The plan includes 14 actions based on a CAMH study, addressing issues like violence and harassment by tackling underlying causes and enhancing support for staff and clients. Amendments to existing contracts were also approved to enhance lodging and community safetyservices, ensuring better support for asylum seekers. The council's decision reflects its commitment toproviding equitable access to shelter services, regardless of immigration status. The motion to adopt the Shelter Safety Action Plan was moved by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, Chair of the Economic and...

Pastor Eddie Jjumba of Crisis in our City Network Calls for Immediate Action to Address Discriminationand Inequities in Shelter Access Fred Alvarado – Local Journalism Initiative Toronto's shelter system is failing refugees, especially those from African countries, as they facesystemic discrimination and exclusion. Despite the Ombudsman Toronto Housing Unit Status Report 2024 highlighting these issues, little progress has been made. The Crisis in our City Network, co-chaired by Pastor Eddie Jjumba, is demanding the city take immediate action to address these barriers.Pastor Jjumba recently shared his thoughts with Regent Park TV journalist Fred Alvarado, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. "The system isn’t just broken, it’s discriminatory, especially against African refugees," he explained. "Refugees are being denied basic dignity and access to the resources they need."The network is calling for full implementation of the Ombudsm...

Paul Tobias’ journey from growing up in Regent Park to becoming a published author and community leader is a testament to resilience and the power of generational change. His life story, shaped by the challenges of public housing, systemic inequities, and racial discrimination, speaks to larger societal issues that demand collective attention. Dimitrije Martinovic – Local Journalism Initiative Paul’s book, written as a reflection on his struggles and triumphs, challenges social stigmas often attached to public housing residents and immigrants. By sharing his personal narrative, Paul highlights the persistence required to rise above systemic barriers while calling for reforms in housing policies and social service accountability. His experience also underscores the need for equitable access to education as a means of breaking cycles of poverty. Education played a central role in Paul’s life and became the legacy he passed on to his children. Through his deter...

By Gabriel Meissner Gabriel is a Community Journalist at Focus Media Arts Centre Premier Doug Ford’s government has announced plans to close 10 of Ontario’s 23 supervised drug consumption sites by March 2025, targeting those located near schools and childcare centers. Ford asserts that the closures are necessary to protect children from exposure to drug use and the potential dangers of discarded needles in public spaces. Additionally, he argues that these sites have not demonstrated a significant impact on improving addiction outcomes and may contribute to issues in surrounding neighbourhoods. As an alternative, the government will introduce 19 new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs, which aim to provide a broader spectrum of addiction and homelessness services but will not include supervised drug consumption. The government’s decision has sparked widespread debate, with public health advocates, community leaders, and harm reduction workers voicing ...

RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 101 (November 24th to December 1st.) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Gabriel Meissner, Kedar Ahmed, Marcelo Ramirez, and Jabin Haque, 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; 0:56 Report of the SPD Stakeholders Table Meeting on November 27th, 2024; 21:29 Man Charged in Violent Carjacking That Left Victim Shot in Regent Park; 23:57 Covenant House Toronto Expands Winter Care for Youth Experiencing Homelessness; 25:52 Ontario Passes Bill Allowing Removal of Toronto Bike Lanes; 26:36 Local Ice Rinks Are Now Open! 27:21 Events in the Community.

At a recent TCHC update meeting, Daniels Corporation shared progress on Regent Park’s revitalization. Allison Platt, Director of Development, detailed plans for Block One at Gerrard and Parliament. The project includes a 10-story mid-rise, a 25-story tower, and 12 retail units, with occupancy expected in fall 2025. Heela Markhail highlighted Daniels’ $5 million affordable homeownership program, allowing 12 Regent Park residents to purchase homes while contributing community service hours. Social procurement initiatives have reinvested $200,000 locally, commissioning community artists to create public amenities like benches and bike racks. Recent commercial additions include Ultra Pilates and restaurants like Tahini and Sushi 96, reflecting Daniels’ commitment to enhancing the neighborhood.

On December 18, 2024, the City of Toronto Community Funding Unit announced the recipients of the 2024 Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Grant. The Regent Park Social Development Plan, also known as the SDP, is a community wide network that engages in projects that create a sense of belonging, inclusion and cohesion to bring Regent Park together as one community and improve the social environment in Regent Park. The 2024 City of Toronto's SDP Grant supports organizations, grassroots groups, Toronto Community Housing tenants, and community members who are advancing one or more of the plan's key focus areas: Community Safety Communication Employment & Economic Development Community Building

On December 5, 2024, the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Planning Committee conducted a detailed evaluation of their recent Stakeholders Table meeting, using the "Roses, Thorns, and Buds" approach. This feedback method, which highlights strengths (roses), challenges (thorns), and opportunities for growth (buds), was essential for the committee in assessing the community's experience and identifying ways to improve future meetings. The Stakeholders Table meeting, held on November 27th at the UN Urban Pavilion, brought together Regent Park residents and community members to discuss progress on the SDP and its future direction. The event provided a platform for residents to hear updates and engage in meaningful conversations about the neighbourhood’s ongoing redevelopment. The committee’s reflection highlighted several "roses," including the transparency and openness of the meeting, where residents felt heard and involved in shaping Regent ...

The Planning Committee of the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) convened on December 12, 2024, underscoring its pivotal role in coordinating strategic direction, action priorities, and fostering alignment among SDP organizations. Acting as the central conduit for stakeholder and resident engagement, the committee continues to strengthen Regent Park’s collaborative network. The meeting began with updates on community events and initiatives, followed by a report from Richard Kirwan, Community Development Officer at the City of Toronto. Kirwan provided crucial updates regarding the Administrative Coordinator position and the Co-Chairs, highlighting expanded capacities to enhance outreach and community involvement. He also noted that while funding is secured, payment logistics remain under review, as the staggered start dates of the Co-Chairs, beginning in 2023, necessitate pro-rated adjustments moving into 2024. The Planning Committee remains instrumental in aligning the SDP’s v...