Catch da Flava Online

Catch: Tell us about your experience of growing up in the community. How long have you lived in Regent Park? Regent Park has been a consistent and formative presence in my life. My connection to the community began during my elementary years at Nelson Mandela Park Public School, and I have remained closely connected since then while continuing my education through high school and university. My academic work at the University of Toronto is in an HBSc program, with an interdisciplinary focus on the study of religion across diverse traditions, including Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and secular thought. This has shaped my approach to ethical reasoning, inclusive leadership, and thoughtful decision-making. I have gained research-focused experience within major public institutions, including The Hospital for Sick Children and the University Health Network, where professionalism, accountability, and discretion are essential. While these experiences have influenced my path, Regent Park cont...

 On March 16th 2026, planning committee members of the Regent Park Social Development Network and members of the Regent Park Neighbourhood Association,  joined the 22 other neighbourhood representatives from across the City of Toronto, to participate in discussions related to the new formation of a city wide advocacy group known as the Coalition for Responsible Community Development. The aim of this new coalition is to build a network of neighbourhood groups from across the City of Toronto dedicated to the funding and support of community-led Social Development Plans and Community Development Plans. The Coalition argues that every neighbourhood in Toronto should have the resources to plan and shape its future and through the development of community-led Social Development Plans (SDPs) and Community Development Plans (CDPs). Social Development Plans (SDPs) and Community Development Plans (CDPs) like the Regent Park Social Development Network, strengthen neighbourhood safety, ec...

 In 2003, when Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) began submitting plans to the City for the transformation of Regent Park, from 100% Public Housing to a mixed income and mixed-use community,  the approval from City Council required TCHC to work collaboratively with Regent Park residents and local agencies to develop and implement a Social Development Plan (SDP).  The Regent Park SDP would ensure that redevelopment would not just be about building new housing and facilities but would positively change the quality of life experienced by Regent Park residents - which at that time were exclusively socio-economically challenged TCHC Tenants living in rent geared to income (RGI) units. Regent Park would be the very first redeveloped TCHC community to have a SDP which would give community members a say in what they felt would improve the lives of residents in the new Regent Park.   To meet City Council’s requirement, the city’s community development staff wo...

 Elena Taghizadeh. is a familiar face in Regent Park, where she has long been a resident and an advocate for the community. As co-chair of the SDP Network’s  Employment and Economic Development Working Group (EED), Elena has witnessed firsthand the implementation of the SDP. She believes in its power to bolster local entrepreneurship in Regent.  One can look at the Carousel Cafe & Bistro as a successful impact of the EED’s work.  The Carousel Cafe & Bistro, located in the Community Living Room of the Daniels Spectrum, provides opportunities for local Regent Park food vendors to partner with the cafe to sell their foods in the cafe and be part of the catering business. The establishment of the Carousel Cafe was a direct result of the three month Cafe Pop Up Project that was initiated by EED working in collaboration with Centre for Social Invention (CSI).  The project provided an opportunity for local food vendors to pilot their business by selling their f...

The Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Network’s Safety Working Group, also known as the Regent Park Safety Network (RPSN) is one of the four working groups of the SDP Network, The Safety Network, facilitated monthly by co-chairs, Leonard Swartz and Ina Labauschagen, brings together key agencies and community stakeholders who are working in the area of safety including the Toronto Police Service, Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Community Housing Community Safety Unit and elected representatives. At the March 16, 2026, monthly meeting of the Safety Working Group, Leonard Holder, the District Chief of Toronto Fire Services highlighted important fire safety issues, with a strong focus on the risks associated with e-bikes. Residents were advised not to store e-bikes inside residential units due to the potential dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries. According to Leonard even lithium-ion batteries on cell phones can be hazardous. Fire officials noted that clearer policies and gui...

 A recent virtual panel on the future of work is sparking important conversations for communities like Regent Park, where many residents rely on app-based jobs to make ends meet. Held on April 14, the event “Gig Work – Delivering an Insecure Future for Many?” brought together researchers, organizers, and policymakers to examine how platform-based work is changing employment across Ontario. The discussion was moderated by Jessica Bell and featured economist Jim Stanford, gig worker organizer Jennifer Scott, and policy researcher Deena Newaz. The conversation focused on a growing shift: stable jobs with benefits are being replaced by short-term, app-based work with fewer protections. “This isn’t a new system,” said Stanford. “Telling poor people to do low-paid tasks for others is as old as capitalism.” He challenged the idea that technology is driving these changes, arguing instead that it’s about “how the work is organized and who benefits.” For workers on the ground, the reality is...

On March 24, The Toronto Police Service announced Task Force Guardian and a Counter-Terrorism Security Unit, describing the initiatives as a response to a more complex and evolving public safety environment. At a media conference, Chief Myron Demkiw, alongside Deputy Chief Frank Barredo, said the goal is to improve how police detect, prevent, and respond to threats, including extremism, hate-related incidents, and other public safety concerns. As part of this rollout, Task Force Guardian will increase police visibility in everyday public spaces—transit areas, community hubs, and places of worship. Officers may also be seen carrying tactical gear, including patrol rifles. Police say this is meant to deter incidents and allow for faster response, not to signal an immediate threat. Officials say the move is about preparedness and adapting to both global tensions and local safety demands. Task Force Guardian will also work alongside existing specialized and emergency response units already...

At Toronto City Hall, city officials, community leaders, and residents gathered to assess five years of Toronto’s Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism—an initiative with direct impact on neighborhoods like Regent Park and Moss Park. The update, presented at the Economic and Community Development Committee, outlined progress made since the plan’s launch, including expanded investments in Black-led initiatives and the completion of many targeted actions. But for residents in the Downtown East, the conversation quickly turned to what remains unresolved. “We’re seeing progress on paper,” said community advocate Walied Khogali during the meeting. “But on the ground, families are still struggling with food insecurity, housing instability, and unemployment. The reality hasn’t changed enough.” Across Regent Park and Moss Park, where many Black families live, systemic barriers continue to shape daily life. As redevelopment transforms the area, residents say the pressures are not just about...

Residents of 200 Wellesley Street East are raising ongoing safety concerns, calling for faster and more visible action inside one of St. James Town’s largest high-rise buildings. At a tenant meeting held April 1 at Wellesley Community Centre, residents, housing officials, and police gathered to discuss conditions in the building. The meeting brought together the Toronto Housing Community Safety Unit, Toronto Police 51 Division, the St. James Town Safety Network, the St. James Town Residents Council, and the 200 Wellesley Tenants Association, along with Councillor Chris Moise and Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) staff. While police presented data showing a decline in major crimes, residents questioned how those figures reflect their lived experiences. “Our concerns aren’t perception… we are experiencing the violence,” one resident said. Constable Victor Espinoza-Parent noted that assaults, thefts, and shootings are lower compared to last year. “If I’m basing on last year, we’re under...

At Toronto City Hall on April 9, 2026, the Economic and Community Development Committee heard a wide-ranging discussion on community development and equity planning, with strong input from Regent Park residents, members of the Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, and the newly-formed Coalition for Responsible Community Planning calling for more consistent, community-led investment. The item focused on how the city’s community development plans, inclusive economic development frameworks, and equity-based tools can better guide public investment across neighbourhoods. At the centre of the discussion was community benefits planning—how growth and redevelopment can be more directly tied to local priorities and long-term neighbourhood well-being. For Regent Park residents, the conversation reflected ongoing questions about how equity is defined and how resources actually reach communities most affected by redevelopment and displacement pressures. Mohammed, vice-chair of the City’s Confront...

Safety, housing issues, and community well-being remain urgent concerns for residents across Moss Park—especially for tenants navigating daily challenges inside their buildings while thinking about the future of their neighborhood. On March 26, 2026, residents, community members, and local partners gathered at 295 Shuter Street for a Moss Park Safety Network meeting focused on tenant safety and neighborhood concerns. The session, moderated by Abel Tesfaldet from the City of Toronto’s Violence Intervention & Support Unit, brought together Toronto Police 51 Division, Toronto Community Housing staff, and tenant leaders. But it was residents’ voices that defined the tone of the meeting. Police updates showed a mixed picture. According to Toronto Police 51 Division, overall crime statistics in the area have decreased compared to the same period last year, including fewer assaults and break-ins. “We’re under every type of offense compared to last year,” said Sergeant Robert Chevalier, po...

A new chapter in the redevelopment of Regent Park began on March 2, 2026, as government officials and Toronto Community Housing broke ground on a new affordable housing tower at the southeast corner of Gerrard Street East and Dreamers Way. The 26-storey building will bring 271 affordable rental homes to the neighbourhood as part of Phase 4 of the Regent Park Revitalization. According to project details, the development will include 136 replacement rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units for residents displaced during earlier phases of redevelopment, along with 135 new affordable rental homes intended to expand the supply of lower-cost housing in the community. The building will also include indoor and outdoor community spaces and a mix of unit sizes, with an emphasis on family housing. If construction proceeds as planned, tenant occupancy is expected in 2029. The project represents more than $219 million in public investment, including $50.7 million from the City of Toronto, $86 million from...

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 ...

A new chapter in the redevelopment of Regent Park began on March 2, 2026, as government officials and Toronto Community Housing broke ground on a new affordable housing tower at the southeast corner of Gerrard Street East and Dreamers Way. The 26-storey building will bring 271 affordable rental homes to the neighbourhood as part of Phase 4 of the Regent Park Revitalization. According to project details, the development will include 136 replacement rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units for residents displaced during earlier phases of redevelopment, along with 135 new affordable rental homes intended to expand the supply of lower-cost housing in the community. The building will also include indoor and outdoor community spaces and a mix of unit sizes, with an emphasis on family housing. If construction proceeds as planned, tenant occupancy is expected in 2029. The project represents more than $219 million in public investment, including $50.7 million from the City of Toronto, $86 million from...

On February 19, 2026, the Planning Committee of the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Network met to discuss key governance matters related to how the network manages internal conflicts and communication among its members. Facilitated by Adonis Huggins, the meeting focused on two major agenda items: the formalization of a new Conflict Resolution Administrator role and a review of the SDP Network’s Email Use and Letters Violation Policy. The first discussion centred on the creation of the Conflict Resolution Administrator position, a role developed as part of the network’s broader Shaping Culture policy. The initiative is intended to strengthen internal accountability and ensure disputes within the network are addressed through a clear and transparent process. Huggins opened the conversation by outlining the background of the policy and the need for a structured approach to resolving conflicts within the network. Long-time SDP member Michael Rosenberg then provided a detailed ov...

On February 21, residents, youth, families, agencies, and community partners gathered at Ada Slaight Hall inside Daniel Spectrum for the BGC Toronto Kiwanis Black History Month Community Celebration — a youth-led event grounded in recognition, connection, and visibility. Participants moved through engagement tables, youth-run businesses, mentorship spaces, and cultural programming, strengthening ties across Regent Park, Cabbagetown, St. James Town, and the broader Downtown East. #blackhistorymonth #toronto #2026 #regentpark #youth #culture #excellence

A new chapter in the redevelopment of Regent Park began on March 2, 2026, as government officials and Toronto Community Housing broke ground on a new affordable housing tower at the southeast corner of Gerrard Street East and Dreamers Way. The 26-storey building will bring 271 affordable rental homes to the neighbourhood as part of Phase 4 of the Regent Park Revitalization. According to project details, the development will include 136 replacement rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units for residents displaced during earlier phases of redevelopment, along with 135 new affordable rental homes intended to expand the supply of lower-cost housing in the community. The building will also include indoor and outdoor community spaces and a mix of unit sizes, with an emphasis on family housing. If construction proceeds as planned, tenant occupancy is expected in 2029. The project represents more than $219 million in public investment, including $50.7 million from the City of Toronto, $86 million from...

The Planning Committee is advancing efforts to strengthen coordination, transparency, and shared decision-making across the SDP Stakeholders Table, as members reviewed a series of updates aimed at aligning priorities and improving how the initiative operates across its working groups and community partners.

Residents, youth, and community leaders gathered at the Regent Park Centre for Excellence on February 7 for the Black Excellence Panel, hosted by Chris Moise as part of Black History Month programming in Ward 13, Toronto Centre. The event brought together senior leaders from across Toronto’s public and non-profit sectors to reflect on leadership, representation, and opportunity — themes that remain central to Black History Month and to communities navigating systemic inequities. Moderated by Deputy City Manager Denise Campbell, the panel featured Nadia Gouveia, Chief Operating Officer at Toronto Community Housing Corporation; Dr. Na-Koshi Lamptey, Medical Officer of Health at Toronto Public Health; and Nigel Barriffe, President of Urban Alliance on Race Relations and Vice President of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto. Panelists shared personal journeys of advancement into senior leadership roles, speaking candidly about challenges, mentorship, and the responsibility of creating pathw...

On February 24, 2026, residents gathered to celebrate Black History Month through one of humanity’s oldest and most powerful cultural traditions: storytelling. Hosted by Radio Regent's own Murphy Brown, the evening featured Anansi folktales. Brown, a journalist, radio host, storyteller, and activist, framed the stories not as simple entertainment but as living history. Drawing on her African-centred upbringing in South America, she describes storytelling as a lineage shaped by elders and ancestral knowledge. Her work carries forward the role of elders as knowledge-keepers and culture-bearers, ensuring that cultural memory remains active within community life.