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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 experience...

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...

 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-ma...

 With the Ontario government's looming plan to shut down five supervised drug consumption sites in Toronto, communities in the Downtown East gathered on August 31st for International Overdose Awareness Day, underscoring the vital role these sites play in saving lives. RPTV’s Gabriel Meissner covered three powerful events where harm reduction advocates and community members came together to honor those lost and demand action. The 519, Street Health, and partner organizations hosted the 'Together We Can End Overdose' event at Barbara Hall Park, which featured sacred fire, Indigenous drumming, powerful speakers, and a community BBQ. The event highlighted the importance of harm reduction strategies, including naloxone training, to empower community members to respond effectively to overdoses and save lives. At the Moss Park CTS (Consumption and Treatment Services), located under the South Riverdale Community Health Centre on Sherbourne Street, participants gathered for similar ...

Sunday in the Park has long been a cornerstone of social cohesion and inclusion in Regent Park, and this year’s festival was no exception. In a neighbourhood experiencing significant change, the event continues to foster connections, promote unity, and provide a space for residents to come together.    This year’s festival faced significant financial challenges. In fact leading up to the event, questions were raised whether this year's festival should be cancelled as funding from the City of Toronto only amounted to $1500, significantly down from previous years. However in a remarkable show of community spirit, residents leaders rallied to raise funds, with key donations coming at the last minute to ensure the festival could proceed. TD Canada Trust contributed $2,500, the Daniels Corporation donated $1,500, and Scotiabank contributed $1,500. Thats not all, both Tridel and YSM each donated $1000. The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA), donated $750 and NIP, Metrol...