Regent Park SDP Planning Committee Advances Funding Advocacy and Governance Discussions

As Regent Park continues to be reshaped through large-scale redevelopment, conversations about strengthening the neighbourhood’s social infrastructure remain central to residents and stakeholders. On January 29, 2026, the Planning Committee of the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) met to address funding advocacy, governance processes, and community culture policies shaping the network’s future. The meeting opened with a brief overview of the history and purpose of the Social Development Plan, presented by facilitator Walied Khogali Ali. Members were reminded that City Council approved $2.5 million in funding beginning in 2019 — allocated at $500,000 annually — to support social development initiatives aligned with community priorities. Participants were encouraged to review previous Regent Park TV coverage documenting SDP activities and milestones. During discussions, members received updates regarding the anticipated $26.8 million in community benefits connected to ongoing redevelopment. It was noted that a portion of these funds is expected to be dedicated to community grants available to both Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) and market residents for projects aligned with SDP priorities. However, several questions emerged about how the funding will be structured and accessed. Participants heard that priorities will be reassessed through community consultation every three to four years, and that the new funding model may differ significantly from previous SDP funding streams. Concerns were raised that the evolving framework could affect the SDP network’s ability to directly support working group initiatives. The overall amount of funding available for grants remains unclear, prompting further discussion among members. A key agenda item involved reviewing revisions to a draft advocacy letter requesting continued City funding for the SDP in the 2026 municipal budget. Recommendations included acknowledging the existing annual operating allocation of $50,000 and the dedicated full-time City staff position connected to the SDP. Members noted, however, that decisions regarding the use of operational funds and the responsibilities of the staff position remain under City control rather than the SDP network itself. It was also clarified that operational funds are not currently available to support SDP project activities. Additional suggestions for strengthening the letter included adding an appendix highlighting the measurable successes and community impact of previously funded projects. Members also recommended referencing past multi-year initiatives — including youth-focused programs such as Youth Empowering Youth (YEY) and community youth asset mapping work — that concluded due to the loss of City funding. This discussion addressed concerns about perceptions of youth engagement within the network. The committee agreed that the advocacy letter should focus specifically on Regent Park’s context rather than broader citywide challenges. The revised version is expected to be resubmitted to the upcoming agenda committee meeting. The meeting also revisited the SDP’s Shaping Culture Policy, a framework developed to promote inclusion, respect, and conflict resolution within the network. Members learned that while the policy had previously been adopted, it was never fully implemented. The planning committee noted the absence of an incident reporting form and formal procedures for addressing conflicts, both of which had been recommended in earlier discussions. Following deliberation, participants agreed to work with City staff and the Shaping Culture Committee to develop a clearer implementation process. Proposed next steps include creating an incident reporting system, establishing procedures for addressing allegations of bullying or harassment, providing training and support for resident mediators, and seeking clarity on whether the City intends to appoint a neutral mediator. The January 29 meeting reflected ongoing efforts to define how social development priorities will evolve alongside physical redevelopment in Regent Park. As funding structures change and governance processes continue to develop, the SDP network remains focused on maintaining community voice and accountability in shaping the neighbourhood’s future.