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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

 "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

 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 affordable ho