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Recently, at Queen’s Park, a powerful press conference brought urgent attention to the crisis facing disabled communities in Ontario. Led by FAIR—Families for Accountability, Inclusion and Reform—survivors of institutional abuse, advocates, and family members called on the provincial government to act now. The gathering exposed decades of abuse, neglect, and preventable deaths within group homes funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Speakers Angela Richards, Carolyn Kassinger, and Brad Evoy called for an end to systemic harm and the creation of real, community-based solutions. Evoy, Executive Director of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario, stressed the need to move away from institutional and policing models. “We must prioritize community well-being, not containment,” he said. Key demands from the coalition include a Supported Decisions Act, independent oversight of group homes, a livable social assistance rate, and the release of transparent public ...

Toronto City Council has passed a controversial bylaw that could change how protests are held across the city, including in communities like Regent Park and the Downtown East. The new “bubble zones” bylaw, approved on May 22 in a 16–9 vote, allows schools, daycares, libraries, hospitals, and places of worship to apply for a 50-metre protest-free zone. The zones can last up to one year. The bylaw comes into effect July 2. Supporters say the move protects children, patients, and worshippers from being harassed near sensitive spaces. The city is investing over $1.6 million to hire 12 bylaw officers and run a public education campaign. But critics, including civil liberties groups and several councillors, say the law could restrict free expression in public spaces. Toronto Centre Councillor Chris Moise—whose ward includes Regent Park—voted against the measure, warning it may violate rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Moise called for the city to delay the bylaw until...

On June 2nd, Indigenous leaders and allies from across Ontario gathered at Queen’s Park for a powerful demonstration against Bill 5—a controversial piece of legislation that First Nations say undermines their rights and endangers the environment. Backed by Premier Doug Ford’s government, Bill 5 would allow the province to bypass municipal laws and environmental safeguards to expedite development projects, including mining, in regions designated as “economically significant.” Crucially, this can happen without meaningful consultation or consent from affected Indigenous communities. Protesters chanted “Kill Bill 5” as speakers from the Chiefs of Ontario, Grand Council Treaty #3, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation warned that the bill violates Treaty obligations and sets a dangerous precedent for fast-tracking industrial expansion on ancestral lands. The rally followed a press conference last week where Indigenous leaders denounced the bill as a direct threat to their land, water, and future gener...

Toronto Centre now has a new voice in Parliament. Evan Solomon, a former journalist and political commentator, won the April 28 federal by-election with 64.5% of the vote, keeping this key downtown Toronto seat in Liberal hands after former MP Marci Ien’s departure. The riding—encompassing Regent Park, St. James Town, Church-Wellesley Village, and Old Town—remains a strong Liberalhold, yet residents continue to demand action on pressing local issues like affordability, housing, and food security. Shortly after his election, Solomon was officially sworn in as Canada’s first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, a newly created portfolio that signals a shift in federal priorities towards digital transformation as a central element of the country's economic strategy. In his new role, Solomon is charged with reviving stalled digital initiatives and expanding access to government services, while also overseeing regional economic development for Southern Ontario. Fo...

The Moss Park Coalition launched a community survey to capture the voices of residents amid rising gentrification and development pressures. Led by local organizer David Anderson and supported by coalition member Mohammad Asim Bhatti, the survey gathered responses from 87 residents during events held throughout 2024 and early 2025. The results underscore urgent challenges facing Moss Park’s community. Nearly 80% of respondents identified affordable housing as their biggest concern, followed by tenant protections, food access, community safety, and employment opportunities. Many residents reported worsening conditions in Toronto Community Housing buildings, increasing rents, and short-term leases, which create instability for families. A lack of tenant rights education further compounds these struggles. The survey also highlighted disappointment with the Ontario Line project by Metrolinx. Residents say promised local hiring has not materialized, and newcomers face barriers when their cr...

In a candid and thought-provoking conversation with Regent Park TV journalist Fred Alvarado, renowned author and public intellectual John Ralston Saul discussed critical issues shaping Canada’s future, from the role of community media to the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in today’s political landscape. Saul, who has dedicated much of his career to exploring the complexities of democracy and citizenship, reflected on his journey as a public intellectual. He emphasized the need for inclusivity in Canadian society, urging that democracy must evolve to reflect the diverse experiences of its citizens, especially marginalized groups. The conversation delved into the state of freedom of expression in Canada, with Saul expressing his concern about growing challenges to free speech. Drawing on his experience as former president of PEN International, Saul highlighted the vital role of community media in safeguarding this fundamental right. According to Saul, local outlets have a uni...

On May 5, communities across Toronto gathered to mark Red Dress Day—a National Day of Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). Red dresses hung in public spaces served as haunting reminders of lives stolen by violence and colonial systems. This visual symbol, rooted in the REDress Project by Métis artist Jaime Black, has become a powerful call to action across Canada. Regent Park TV reporter Fred Alvarado attended three poignant events that day. The first took place at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, where Mayor Olivia Chow joined elders and community members in a healing ceremony featuring drumming, traditional dances, and sacred fire. At Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, a striking red dress designed by artist EJ Kwandibens was displayed. Attendees reflected, shared stories, and renewed their commitment to honouring MMIWG2S through education and advocacy. Finally, at Toronto Metropolitan University, red dresses w...

On April 15, 2025, the Tenant Services Committee (TSC) of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) convened its latest meeting, providing a crucial platform for tenant voices on matters directly impacting their communities. Among those who addressed the committee was long-time tenant advocate and Regent Park resident Miguel Avila-Valarde, who made no fewer than eight deputations on a wide range of issues affecting TCHC tenants. A resident of 220 Oak Street, a 27-storey high-rise on the edge of Regent Park, Miguel has witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with life in aging public housing stock—fragility shaped by years of institutional neglect and bureaucratic inaction. Despite these conditions, he has tirelessly advocated for marginalized tenants, Indigenous communities, and public housing residents across the city. At this meeting, Miguel raised urgent concerns ranging from tenant safety to administrative processes. Miguel also tackled the financial burden of mandato...

Regent Park residents, police officers, TCHC staff, and housing advocates gathered virtually for the latest monthly meeting of the Regent Park Safety Network—a key space for addressing community safety and strengthening local ties. Moderated by community members Leonard Swartz and Hajia Abubakar, the meeting was hosted by the Safety Working Table of the Regent Park Social Development Plan. Participants shared updates, voiced concerns, and discussed new strategies to keep the neighbourhood safe. Constable Mahamed Osman of Toronto Police 51 Division shared recent statistics, reported on a firearm seizure, highlighted the success of a community food drive, and announced that community-police meetings will now be held twice a year. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 23 at 6 p.m. at the Regent Park Community Centre. Updates also came from Councillor Chris Moise’s office, including news about Housing Clinic Workshops happening May 3 and May 5. These sessions are open to all reside...