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On November 27th, 2024, the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Stakeholders Table convened for its quarterly hybrid meeting at the Urban Pavilion in Regent Park, located at 660 Dundas St East 3rd floor.  The major item for the meeting was a presentation of the SDP strategic plan by the Strategic Planning Committee.  Chaired by Regent Park Resident, the meeting followed an agenda that included Introduction, Status of the SDP strategic Plan and City Refresh, Summary of the Strategic Plan Process, Approval of Major Changes, Next Steps, Announcements City of Toronto meeting. The meeting began with a warm welcome and land acknowledgment by SDP resident co-chair Walied Khogali Ali. Walied, who provided an overview of the SDP's purpose: Community Belonging through inclusion and social cohesion. He also explained the parts of the SDP network which includes the stakeholders table, the working groups: Safety network, community building, employment and economic development, commun...

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; 12:41 Man Charged in Violent Carjacking That Left Victim Shot in Regent Park; 15:09 Covenant House Toronto Expands Winter Care for Youth Experiencing Homelessness; 17:04 Ontario Passes Bill Allowing Removal of Toronto Bike Lanes; 17:48 Local Ice Rinks Are Now Open! 18:33 Events in Regent Park.

Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) provided a preview of its latest affordable housing development at 175 Oak Street, marking a key milestone in the ongoing revitalization of Regent Park. TCHC leaders and local officials came together to discuss the building’s significance and the broader impact of the Regent Park transformation. The 15-storey building is designed with families in mind, offering 213 affordable units, including 189 Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) units and 24 affordable rental units. The building also features shared amenities, such as gardens, a family room, a playground terrace, and multi-purpose rooms, all aimed at fostering community connections. Nearly 20% of the units exceed accessibility requirements, ensuring the building is inclusive to a wide range of residents. As part of one of Canada’s largest urban renewal projects, 175 Oak Street represents a major step in the revitalization of Regent Park, which began in 2006. The project has already delivered over 1,400 RGI...

On November 28, 2024, Moss Park became the stage for a powerful dialogue on ending gender-based violence in refugee and newcomer communities. Hosted by Hope for Refugees International at 163 Queen Street East, this event was part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The event brought together refugees, LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, and advocates to confront a pervasive issue affecting the most vulnerable. Survivor stories offered profound insights into the courage and resilience of those impacted, while keynote speakers Honourable Charmaine A. Williams and MPP Dr. Jill Andrew stressed the critical need for inclusive policies and targeted support. Workshops explored trauma-informed care, legal resources, and strategies for engaging men in building healthier relationships—crucial steps in fostering safer and more equitable communities. Patrick King Mwesigye, Program Manager at Hope for Refugees International, emphasized the dire need for increased funding an...

On December 4, 2024, more than 62 residents and community stakeholders gathered virtually for a special emergency meeting of the Regent Park Safety Network, marking a historic turnout. The session was convened in response to a recent car-jacking and shooting in Regent Park, sparking urgent discussions on public safety. Toronto Police Service Neighbourhood Community Officers Farzad Ghotbi, Miercea Biga, and Sergeant Jeremy Boyko led the conversation, detailing recent arrests and sharing safety strategies. Co-chaired by Leonard Swartz and Hajia Umul, the meeting provided a platform for residents to raise pressing concerns and engage directly with law enforcement. Representatives from Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), Yonge Street Mission, and Toronto Seniors Corporation were also present, offering insights and responses to the incidents. Attendees emphasized the need for proactive measures to ensure community safety and the importance of fostering trust between residents and ...

On December 2, 2024, advocates, experts, and residents gathered for an emergency webinar to examine the dire implications of Bill 223 on harm reduction services in Ontario. Moderated by Zoe Dodd, an Indigenous harm reduction activist from the Toronto Overdose Prevention Society, the event provided a critical forum to discuss the bill’s impact on supervised consumption sites and other essential supports. Hosted by the Toronto Overdose Prevention Society, Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction, and the Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective, the webinar featured meaningful insights from the HIV Legal Network, Moss Park Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS), and Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction. Speakers addressed the legislation’s legal challenges, emphasizing its potential to dismantle life-saving services for at-risk communities. Participants raised urgent concerns about how Bill 223 could exacerbate challenges for those experiencing addiction and homelessness. The session also highlighted ...

On December 4, 2024, the Toronto and East York Community Council, chaired by Ward-13 Councillor Chris Moise, approved zoning amendments for 325 Gerard Street East—Phases 4 and 5 of the Regent Park revitalization. This decision is an important step in the ongoing transformation of Regent Park into a mixed-income neighbourhood. The amendments, recommended by the Director of Community Planning, aim to address critical infrastructure needs while expanding housing opportunities through the addition of 98 new market units on Blocks 4B and 4C and Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s (TCHC) commitment to deliver 633 Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) units, with key adjustments to Zoning By-law 1325-2023 ensuring necessary setbacks to mitigate infrastructure conflicts and allowing for additional building massing to accommodate a broader range of housing options. Community members participated in the meeting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining affordability and ensuring the revitalization po...

The Roadmap for Redevelopment event held at Urban Economy Forum on Now 14, 2024, addressed the multifaceted challenges of affordable housing, with an emphasis on community-centered development, equitable urban planning, and the complexities of transitioning housing from private to nonprofit ownership. The project was launched in 2022 via Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Supply Challenge. The event is of civic importance as it addresses the critical issues of affordable housing, community resilience, and equitable urban development, which are central to the well-being of Toronto residents. In Regent Park, a neighbourhood undergoing significant transformation, these discussions are crucial for ensuring that development prioritizes inclusivity, affordability, and social cohesion, preserving the area's legacy as a diverse, mixed-income community. The Roadmap for Redevelopment event explored the balance between heritage preservation and modern housing solutions,...

The Planning Committee met recently to finalize preparations for the upcoming November 27th Stakeholders Table meeting, where the focus will be on the Social Development Plan (SDP) strategic proposals. Michael Rosenberg and Adonis Huggins of the Regent Park SDP Planning Committee led the discussions, outlining the strategic planning journey that began over a year and a half ago. The plan aims to address key priorities for the organization, improve its effectiveness, and structure its efforts to benefit the Regent Park community. During the meeting, Michael reviewed the eight key proposals that will be presented to the stakeholders on November 27th. These proposals have been shaped through multiple committee and stakeholder meetings throughout 2023 and 2024. He emphasized that the Stakeholders Table meeting will be decision-focused, aiming to reach consensus on each proposal. If consensus isn’t reached, the committee discussed options such as allowing for amendments, further deliberati...

At the November 26 meeting of the Economic and Community Development Committee, chaired by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, community members’ voices were heard as the City approved the Shelter Safety Action Plan, a comprehensive 36-month initiative aimed at improving safety across Toronto's shelter system. Gord Tanner, General Manager of Toronto Shelter and Support Services, presented the plan, which prioritizes the well-being of both shelter staff and clients while addressing systemic challenges. A key aspect of the meeting focused on contract amendments related to lodging for asylum seekers and refugees, as well as community safety team services. To maintain essential services, the City authorized an increase of $13.9 million in the contract with the Canadian Red Cross for refugee lodging, extending its term to December 2025. Additionally, the contract with One Community Solutions for community safety team services was expanded by $8.1 million, enhancing safety measures within shelt...

RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 100 (November 18th to November 23rd) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Gabriel Meissner, Kedar Ahmed, 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; 0:59 TCHC Unveils New Affordable Housing at 175 Oak Street; 05:41 Councillor Chris Moise Addresses Key Issues Impacting Toronto Centre; 14:34 National Housing Day: Advocates Demand Action on Ontario's Housing Crisis; 21:17 Youth-Led Discussion Highlights Student Housing Crisis; 25:54 Toronto City Council Divided Over Christian Heritage Month Debate; 29:19 Book Launch of Niizh by Joelle Peters Celebrates Indigenous Storytelling in Regent Park; 32:30 Events and Jobs in the community.

From Allan Gardens to Regent Park: Moise Discusses Town Hall Outcomes, Encampment Solutions, and the Future of Sankofa Square.  In this RPTV interview, Gabriel Meissner speaks with Councillor Chris Moise to tackle the crucial issues facing Toronto Centre’s neighborhoods, including Regent Park, St. Jamestown, and Moss Park. Moise recently held a series of Community Town Halls across the area, aiming to bridge communication between city officials and residents. He explains some tangible initiatives that have resulted from these discussions, such as increased safety measures and urban improvements, and shares how ongoing feedback will influence decisions about housing, public safety, and local services. The interview also covers the recent clearings of encampments in Allan Gardens, with Moise updating on the progress for those connected to shelters and explaining the city’s approach to Indigenous cultural practices within the park, such as sacred fires. Another critical topic is the i...