Catch da Flava Online

For over a decade, Officer Farzad Ghotbi has been more than a law enforcement figure in Regent Park. He has been a mentor, a role model, and a steadfast community advocate. On March 8, the community gathered at Fred Victor Community Centre (40 Oak) to celebrate his contributions and bid him a heartfelt farewell. Farzad first joined the Neighbourhood Community Officer Program in 2013 when it was launched in Regent Park under 51 Division as a pilot initiative. The program’s success in fostering relationships and improving safety led to its expansion citywide. His deep understanding of the challenges newcomers face—having come to Canada as a refugee himself—fueled his passion for community work. In 2021, Farzad co-founded Project Hope alongside fellow officer Mustafa Popalzai, collecting and distributing over half a million dollars’ worth of essential items for refugees. He also played an active role in Regent Park TV, hosting Meet Your Neighbourhood Officer with Constable Mircea Biga, st...

On January 28th, residents and advocates gathered at 200 Wellesley St. for a town hall meeting organized by the Keep St. James Town Affordable Coalition. The discussion centered on proposed developments at 5 Huntley and 2-8 Earl Street, raising concerns about affordability and the future of Toronto’s most densely populated neighborhood. St. James Town, home to many lower-income families, seniors, and marginalized groups, is facing increasing pressure from gentrification. As affordable housing options dwindle, the coalition is urging developers to designate at least 10% of new units as affordable housing and to establish a non-profit-run childcare facility. Moderated by community organizer Ana Teresa Portillo, the meeting provided residents with strategies to advocate for their neighborhood. Residents will also receive deputation training and tactics for door-to-door outreach in future meetings before the next Toronto and East York Community Council meeting at City Hall. An online peti...

On February 28, 2025, the Wellesley Community Centre became a hub of energy, celebration, and reflection as St. James Town marked Black Futures Month. Organized by The St. James Town Community Corner, The Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People, Dixon Hall, and other key partners, the event showcased Black excellence, resilience, and the collective fight against anti-Black racism. A central part of the gathering was the Community Fair, where organizations provided vital resources, including economic opportunities, mental health support, and employment assistance. Beyond celebrating Black culture and achievements, attendees engaged with service providers offering tangible pathways for change. The program, hosted by MCs Amanda and Kendra, opened with a dynamic African drum performance by Izimba Arts, filling the space with rhythmic energy. Spoken word artist Kaynn delivered a powerful poem inspired in Black History Month. Ward 13 Councillor Chris Moise followed with opening re...

In a major step forward for grassroots organizing in Toronto’s Regent Park, the Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA) has officially launched its new website — a digital hub designed to inform, empower, and connect residents. Unveiled at the recent Social Development Plan (SDP) Stakeholders Meeting, the website introduces a range of tools aimed at deepening civic engagement in the community. At its core are several active campaigns advocating for local priorities — including housing justice, tenant rights, improved TTC service, and increased funding for social development initiatives. Each campaign invites residents to learn more, take action, and make their voices heard. The site also features a membership portal where residents can register to receive updates, participate in organizing efforts, and get involved in RPNA committees or advocacy groups. This easy-to-access tool is meant to make civic participation more inclusive and convenient, especially for those who may not att...

Tenants, advocates, and community members gathered at 214–230 Sherbourne Street in Moss Park to demand urgent action on Toronto’s housing crisis. The rally marked the beginning of the People’s March for Housing Justice, which continued through the downtown core to the Financial District. The Sherbourne lot, left vacant for 17 years, was the rally’s central symbol—a site many view as representing systemic failure and corporate neglect. Now owned by KingSett Capital and slated for a 46-storey luxury condo, the site has become a flashpoint in the fight over who gets to live in Toronto. Advocates demanded that the lot be redeveloped as social or rent-geared-to-income housing instead. Speakers criticized major developers and corporate landlords for driving up rents, neglecting building conditions, and displacing low-income tenants. They pointed to the growing number of “demovictions,” where affordable housing is replaced with upscale developments. Rally organizers highlighted how poverty, h...

Toronto’s new protest exclusion zone bylaw, set to take effect July 2, was the focus of a recent meeting of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee—a civic body tasked with examining how City decisions affect Black communities. Passed by City Council in a 16–9 vote, the bylaw prohibits demonstrations within 50 metres of schools, hospitals, and places of worship. City staff say the aim is to protect vulnerable groups, but many civil liberties advocates and committee members warn the policy could restrict Charter-protected rights and disproportionately impact racialized communities. At the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff James Lapierre presented the City’s implementation plan, including a forthcoming community communication strategy. He emphasized that the Advisory Committee would play a role in shaping how information is shared with impacted residents. The discussion quickly turned to broader civic concerns: how decisions like this are made, who is consulted, and what it mea...