SDP Planning Committee meeting 10 OCT 2024

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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 on leaves of absence and leadership vacancies, prompting the committee to consider updating its Terms of Reference for future clarity.

A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to focus on community concerns around the SDP  "Refresh," a strategy linked to the ongoing redevelopment of Regent Park. Residents have voiced frustration over the lack of a public forum to discuss the Refresh. In response, the committee aims to host a Town Hall where Social Development, Finance and Administration (SDFA) will be invited to address these concerns and ensure that the voices of Regent Park residents are front and centre.

Location: Toronto

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