Community Iftar at 150 River Street Celebrates Ramadan and Regent Park’s Diversity

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On February 20, residents gathered at 150 River Street in Regent Park for a community Iftar marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. The event was organized by Kristyn Wong-Tam, Member of Provincial Parliament for the area, and brought together community members for an evening centred on reflection, cultural exchange, and the shared breaking of the fast. Before sunset, the event also featured a small cultural market where local vendors showcased food, crafts, and small businesses. The market added a festive and community-oriented atmosphere, allowing residents to connect while supporting local entrepreneurs from within the neighbourhood. Regent Park is widely recognized as one of downtown Toronto’s most diverse communities, home to residents from many cultural and faith backgrounds. The Iftar created a welcoming space for Muslim residents observing Ramadan while also inviting neighbours and allies to take part and learn about the significance of the holy month. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, prayer, charity, and self-discipline, with daily fasting from dawn until sunset. The event was supported by Sureya Ibrahim, a local community leader involved with Mothers of Peace, along with volunteers from the Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre (RPIRC). Staff from Toronto Community Housing were also present on site, assisting with outreach, coordination, and logistics to ensure that residents across the community were aware of the gathering and able to attend. Community Iftars are an important tradition during Ramadan, providing an opportunity for people to come together at sunset to break their fast and strengthen community bonds. In neighbourhoods like Regent Park—where many cultures live side by side—such events also play a role in building social cohesion and mutual understanding. Wong-Tam has maintained long-standing ties with the Regent Park community. Prior to serving as an MPP, Wong-Tam represented the area as a Toronto City Councillor and worked closely with residents and local organizations through earlier phases of the neighbourhood’s revitalization. Events like the Regent Park community Iftar highlight the neighbourhood’s commitment to inclusion and community-building, bringing residents together across cultures and faiths to share in the spirit of Ramadan. 

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