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 At a recent meeting, Councillor Chris Moise from Toronto Centre, Ward 13, led a discussion focused on redevelopment efforts and urban maintenance in the downtown core. Councillor Moise and community advocates confronted the city’s escalating affordable housing crisis, specifically centred on a contested property at 214 to 230 Sherbourne Street. Long regarded as a potential site for social housing, this property has sparked debate between those who want it preserved for affordable housing and a private developer with plans to construct luxury condominiums. The meeting highlighted fundamental tensions between public responsibility and private development interests, as well as the urgent need for the city to prioritize affordable housing over high-end projects. Alongside the Sherbourne Street issue, the council addressed concerns about community safety, noting an increase in crime, including drug-related activities affecting local neighbourhoods. City officials highlighted the need f...

The Planning Committee held its meeting on October 17th, 2024, focusing on key strategic directions for the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP). The agenda began with a land acknowledgment and African ancestral acknowledgment, followed by a review of the day's objectives. Elena led the meeting, guiding discussions on agenda proposals for the Planning Committee's 2024 priorities. Updates on business cases were provided, with Joel and Brandy reporting that results are still pending on some of the previously submitted cases. A major point of discussion was preparing for the upcoming November 27th Stakeholders Table Meeting. The committee deliberated on proposing a budget for the meeting, potential business case presentations, and clarifying the approval process to ensure smooth operations. The meeting also highlighted the importance of each working group submitting their recommendations for the panel review committee. Additionally, the committee began discussing steps needed...

RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 97 (October 15th to October 21st) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Gabriel Meissner, Thunder Cloud, Kedar Ahmed, 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; 01:04 Regent Park Social Development Plan Introduces Listening Sessions; 04:12 Toronto city crews dismantle encampment in Allan Gardens; 05:10 St. James Town Hall: Councillor Chris Moise Engages Community on Key Issues; 06:10 Toronto Expands Winter Homelessness Plan Amid Growing Demand; 08:48 New Bylaw Aims to Curb Renovictions in Toronto; 11:00 200 Activists Stage Die-In to Protest Safe Injection Site Closures; 15:49 Indigenous Report: Families Demand Justice: National Inquiry into Police-Involved Indigenous Deaths; 23:34 Events and Jobs in Regent Park. 

The Regent Park Social Development Plan's (SDP) Planning Committee held a pivotal meeting on October 10, 2024, via Zoom, where important decisions were made to ensure strong community representation and guide the neighbourhood's ongoing revitalization. The meeting, facilitated by Elena Taghizadeh, the current Co-chair of the Employment and Economic Development working group of the Regent Park SDP, highlighted the committee's commitment to transparency and collective decision-making. A central focus of the meeting was the expiration of election terms for the committee’s co-chairs and community representatives, all of which ended on August 31, 2024. One seat, in particular, has remained vacant since June, with no communication or participation from the representative. The committee is now tasked with determining whether to approach Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) to either reinstate, replace, or leave the position unfilled. This discussion raised the need for clear protocols...

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 pu...

 "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...

 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...

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...

 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...

 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 ...

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 aff...