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On November 21, 2024, the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Planning Committee hosted a meeting with mediators involved with the Community Benefits Oversight Working Group. The Planning Committee Meeting was facilitated by Joel Klassen, an agency member of the SDP. The purpose of the meeting was to hear from mediators on their progress in resolving the year-long dispute between the various members and parties of the Community Benefits Oversight Working Group, also known as CBOWG. CBOWG is a 20-member advisory group comprised of Regent Park residents representing the neighborhood’s diverse voices. Membership also includes representation from Toronto Community Housing, Tridel, local agencies and subject matter experts who serve as non-voting members. The role of CBOWG is to shape and oversee the $26.8 million community benefit fund, established as part of TCHC’s partnership with Tridel for Phases 4 and 5 of the Regent Park revitalization. At the meeting, the CBOWG mediators,...

On November 27th, 2024, the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Stakeholders Table convened for its quarterly hybrid meeting at the Urban Pavilion in Regent Park, located at 660 Dundas St East 3rd floor.  The major item for the meeting was a presentation of the SDP strategic plan by the Strategic Planning Committee.  Chaired by Regent Park Resident, the meeting followed an agenda that included Introduction, Status of the SDP strategic Plan and City Refresh, Summary of the Strategic Plan Process, Approval of Major Changes, Next Steps, Announcements City of Toronto meeting. The meeting began with a warm welcome and land acknowledgment by SDP resident co-chair Walied Khogali Ali. Walied, who provided an overview of the SDP's purpose: Community Belonging through inclusion and social cohesion. He also explained the parts of the SDP network which includes the stakeholders table, the working groups: Safety network, community building, employment and economic development, commun...

RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 101 (November 24th to December 1st.) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Gabriel Meissner, Kedar Ahmed, Marcelo Ramirez, and Jabin Haque, we present news that impacts on Toronto's Regent Park and the surrounding areas. In this episode we present the following news: 0:00 Intro; 0:56 Report of the SPD Stakeholders Table Meeting on November 27th, 2024; 12:41 Man Charged in Violent Carjacking That Left Victim Shot in Regent Park; 15:09 Covenant House Toronto Expands Winter Care for Youth Experiencing Homelessness; 17:04 Ontario Passes Bill Allowing Removal of Toronto Bike Lanes; 17:48 Local Ice Rinks Are Now Open! 18:33 Events in Regent Park.

Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) provided a preview of its latest affordable housing development at 175 Oak Street, marking a key milestone in the ongoing revitalization of Regent Park. TCHC leaders and local officials came together to discuss the building’s significance and the broader impact of the Regent Park transformation. The 15-storey building is designed with families in mind, offering 213 affordable units, including 189 Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) units and 24 affordable rental units. The building also features shared amenities, such as gardens, a family room, a playground terrace, and multi-purpose rooms, all aimed at fostering community connections. Nearly 20% of the units exceed accessibility requirements, ensuring the building is inclusive to a wide range of residents. As part of one of Canada’s largest urban renewal projects, 175 Oak Street represents a major step in the revitalization of Regent Park, which began in 2006. The project has already delivered over 1,400 RGI...

On December 4, 2024, more than 62 residents and community stakeholders gathered virtually for a special emergency meeting of the Regent Park Safety Network, marking a historic turnout. The session was convened in response to a recent car-jacking and shooting in Regent Park, sparking urgent discussions on public safety. Toronto Police Service Neighbourhood Community Officers Farzad Ghotbi, Miercea Biga, and Sergeant Jeremy Boyko led the conversation, detailing recent arrests and sharing safety strategies. Co-chaired by Leonard Swartz and Hajia Umul, the meeting provided a platform for residents to raise pressing concerns and engage directly with law enforcement. Representatives from Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), Yonge Street Mission, and Toronto Seniors Corporation were also present, offering insights and responses to the incidents. Attendees emphasized the need for proactive measures to ensure community safety and the importance of fostering trust between residents and ...

On December 4, 2024, the Toronto and East York Community Council, chaired by Ward-13 Councillor Chris Moise, approved zoning amendments for 325 Gerard Street East—Phases 4 and 5 of the Regent Park revitalization. This decision is an important step in the ongoing transformation of Regent Park into a mixed-income neighbourhood. The amendments, recommended by the Director of Community Planning, aim to address critical infrastructure needs while expanding housing opportunities through the addition of 98 new market units on Blocks 4B and 4C and Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s (TCHC) commitment to deliver 633 Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) units, with key adjustments to Zoning By-law 1325-2023 ensuring necessary setbacks to mitigate infrastructure conflicts and allowing for additional building massing to accommodate a broader range of housing options. Community members participated in the meeting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining affordability and ensuring the revitalization po...

The Roadmap for Redevelopment event held at Urban Economy Forum on Now 14, 2024, addressed the multifaceted challenges of affordable housing, with an emphasis on community-centered development, equitable urban planning, and the complexities of transitioning housing from private to nonprofit ownership. The project was launched in 2022 via Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Supply Challenge. The event is of civic importance as it addresses the critical issues of affordable housing, community resilience, and equitable urban development, which are central to the well-being of Toronto residents. In Regent Park, a neighbourhood undergoing significant transformation, these discussions are crucial for ensuring that development prioritizes inclusivity, affordability, and social cohesion, preserving the area's legacy as a diverse, mixed-income community. The Roadmap for Redevelopment event explored the balance between heritage preservation and modern housing solutions,...

The Planning Committee met recently to finalize preparations for the upcoming November 27th Stakeholders Table meeting, where the focus will be on the Social Development Plan (SDP) strategic proposals. Michael Rosenberg and Adonis Huggins of the Regent Park SDP Planning Committee led the discussions, outlining the strategic planning journey that began over a year and a half ago. The plan aims to address key priorities for the organization, improve its effectiveness, and structure its efforts to benefit the Regent Park community. During the meeting, Michael reviewed the eight key proposals that will be presented to the stakeholders on November 27th. These proposals have been shaped through multiple committee and stakeholder meetings throughout 2023 and 2024. He emphasized that the Stakeholders Table meeting will be decision-focused, aiming to reach consensus on each proposal. If consensus isn’t reached, the committee discussed options such as allowing for amendments, further deliberati...

RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 100 (November 18th to November 23rd) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Gabriel Meissner, Kedar Ahmed, and Jabin Haque, we present news that impacts on Toronto's Regent Park and the surrounding areas. In this episode we present the following news: 0:00 intro; 0:59 TCHC Unveils New Affordable Housing at 175 Oak Street; 05:41 Councillor Chris Moise Addresses Key Issues Impacting Toronto Centre; 14:34 National Housing Day: Advocates Demand Action on Ontario's Housing Crisis; 21:17 Youth-Led Discussion Highlights Student Housing Crisis; 25:54 Toronto City Council Divided Over Christian Heritage Month Debate; 29:19 Book Launch of Niizh by Joelle Peters Celebrates Indigenous Storytelling in Regent Park; 32:30 Events and Jobs in the community.

From Allan Gardens to Regent Park: Moise Discusses Town Hall Outcomes, Encampment Solutions, and the Future of Sankofa Square.  In this RPTV interview, Gabriel Meissner speaks with Councillor Chris Moise to tackle the crucial issues facing Toronto Centre’s neighborhoods, including Regent Park, St. Jamestown, and Moss Park. Moise recently held a series of Community Town Halls across the area, aiming to bridge communication between city officials and residents. He explains some tangible initiatives that have resulted from these discussions, such as increased safety measures and urban improvements, and shares how ongoing feedback will influence decisions about housing, public safety, and local services. The interview also covers the recent clearings of encampments in Allan Gardens, with Moise updating on the progress for those connected to shelters and explaining the city’s approach to Indigenous cultural practices within the park, such as sacred fires. Another critical topic is the i...

On November 19, 2024, the Employment & Economic Development (EED) working group of the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) held a pivotal meeting at Daniels Spectrum. Attendees were introduced to the core mission of the EED and the broader SDP, which aims to foster economic growth and improve social infrastructure in the community. The meeting served as a platform for the EED to outline its goals and highlight key next steps to uplift the Regent Park community. A notable moment was the introduction of Colin Pendlebury as the group’s new Co-Chair, a role crucial to leading future initiatives. The event also featured an interactive session, where participants were divided into groups to discuss entrepreneurial and economic opportunities for Regent Park residents. These discussions aimed to generate actionable ideas and strategies to address employment gaps and boost economic empowerment in the neighborhood. As the session concluded, attendees expressed optimism about the EED...

The SDP Planning Committee Meeting held on November 14 went through some key events in the planning agenda that happened during this meeting. Due to technical difficulties, the meeting was shorter than usual. The facilitator Elena Taghizadeh facilitated a brief description of the events discussed during the meeting. Events such as the approval of the funds for the future EED meeting, the staff request to provide details on the SDFA money flow were also approved and briefly informed. Some announcements were also made such as: The Roadmap Annual party held on November 14, 2024, EED Quarterly meeting held on November 19, 2024, and a future stakeholders meeting on November 27, 2024.

RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 99 (November 8th to November 17th) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Gabriel Meissner, Kedar Ahmed, Marcelo Ramirez, and Fred Alvarado we present news that impacts on Toronto's Regent Park and the surrounding areas. In this episode we present the following news: 0:00 Intro; 0:55 Affordable Housing Units Open at 175 Oak St Amid Ongoing Housing Shortage; 02:16 Rhythms of Change: Regent Park’s Journey Through the Eyes of Mitchell Cohen; 05:43 2024 Roadmap —Redevelopment Plans to Confront Systemic Racism—Annual Celebration in Regent Park; 09:40 Toronto Unveils Plan to Build 20,000 New Rental Homes; 17:57 Ontario Government Introduces Bill-223 to Restrict Supervised Consumption Sites Near Schools; 21:38 Union Leaders Call for Reversal of Safe Injection Site Closures in Toronto; 26:06 Events and Jobs in Regent Park.

On November 12th, the launch of Rhythms of Change, Reflections on the Regent Park Revitalization by Mitchell Cohen took place at the UN World Urban Pavilion in Regent Park. This event marked a significant moment for the community as Cohen, CEO of The Daniels Corporation, shared insights into the 18-year revitalization of Regent Park. Daniels Corporation were the official developers for the first three phases of the Regent Park revitalization and played a key role in transforming Canada’s oldest public housing neighborhood into a vibrant, mixed-income community. Cohen’s book gives insight into this journey, emphasizing the importance of community-led development and strong partnerships between residents, stakeholders, and developers. The revitalization turned Regent Park into a model for inclusive urban renewal, highlighting innovative strategies that brought new housing, facilities, and opportunities to the area, while fostering deep connections within the community. At...

On October 30th, residents of Regent Park joined a virtual community consultation hosted by the City of Toronto to discuss proposed zoning amendments for the neighborhood’s Phases 4 and 5 revitalization. The meeting brought together representatives from Toronto Community Housing, Tridel, and City officials to address updates aimed at tackling infrastructure challenges and expanding housing options. A major point of discussion was the proposed addition of 98 market units and its potential implications for the 633 Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) units that have been a cornerstone of Regent Park’s redevelopment plan. Residents voiced their concerns about how the changes could affect the neighborhood’s affordability and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of preserving its legacy as a mixed-income, diverse community. Key presentations were delivered by City Planner Katherine Bailey, TCHC’s Peter Zimmerman, and Tridel’s Bryan Sherwood, who shared insights into the proposed changes and their...

The Regent Park Social Development Plan is a community-wide network that aims to promote social inclusion and cohesion and address issues in Regent Park. The planning committee is a coordinating body of the SDP. The main agenda topic for today’s October 31, 2024, meeting was a review of a draft policy to confront anti-Semitism. The discussion was facilitated by Joel Klassen (Co-Chair of the Community Building Working Group of the SDP). Joel helped  guide the conversation. Emotions ran high as participants shared their concerns and perspectives on this complex subject. Now, let’s go to the discussion.

This is a notice for a public meeting related to zoning amendments for Regent Park Revitalization Phase 4 & 5. The meeting takes place on Dec 4, 2024 at10:00am in Community Meeting 1, at Toronto City Hall. The video features Walied Khogali Ali,  a RPNA member who advocates for a 50/50 balance between the construction of market and affordable housing units in Regent Park. if you wish to address this meeting please register by email to teycc@toronto.ca or by phone at 416-392-7033.

Her story embodies courage and a relentless commitment to justice amid Toronto's housing crisis. Isabella Gamk's journey is a profound testament to resilience, courage, and unwavering advocacy, particularly within Toronto's Downtown East and the vibrant Regent Park community. Beginning her transition at age 56, Isabella has not only embraced her identity as a transgender woman but has also become a powerful advocate for marginalized voices. As the founder of POOF (Protecting ODSP OW Funding), she has dedicated her life to fighting against poverty and homelessness, emphasizing the critical importance of social justice and support for those in need. Her activism is rooted in her personal experiences as a positive HIV survivor, navigating systemic barriers while striving for a better life for herself and others. Isabella's work with POOF has highlighted the challenges faced by those reliant on the Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works, drawing attention to ...

 At a recent meeting, Councillor Chris Moise from Toronto Centre, Ward 13, led a discussion focused on redevelopment efforts and urban maintenance in the downtown core. Councillor Moise and community advocates confronted the city’s escalating affordable housing crisis, specifically centred on a contested property at 214 to 230 Sherbourne Street. Long regarded as a potential site for social housing, this property has sparked debate between those who want it preserved for affordable housing and a private developer with plans to construct luxury condominiums. The meeting highlighted fundamental tensions between public responsibility and private development interests, as well as the urgent need for the city to prioritize affordable housing over high-end projects. Alongside the Sherbourne Street issue, the council addressed concerns about community safety, noting an increase in crime, including drug-related activities affecting local neighbourhoods. City officials highlighted the need f...

RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 97 (October 15th to October 21st) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Gabriel Meissner, Thunder Cloud, Kedar Ahmed, and Fred Alvarado we present news that impacts on Toronto's Regent Park and the surrounding areas. In this episode we present the following news: 0:00 Intro; 01:04 Regent Park Social Development Plan Introduces Listening Sessions; 04:12 Toronto city crews dismantle encampment in Allan Gardens; 05:10 St. James Town Hall: Councillor Chris Moise Engages Community on Key Issues; 06:10 Toronto Expands Winter Homelessness Plan Amid Growing Demand; 08:48 New Bylaw Aims to Curb Renovictions in Toronto; 11:00 200 Activists Stage Die-In to Protest Safe Injection Site Closures; 15:49 Indigenous Report: Families Demand Justice: National Inquiry into Police-Involved Indigenous Deaths; 23:34 Events and Jobs in Regent Park.