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Check out highlights from the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Planning Committee’s first meeting of 2025, held on January 9th. Led by Elena Taghizadeh, Co-Chair of the Employment and Economic Development working group, the committee discussed key issues shaping the future of Regent Park. Topics include the role of the SDP’s four working groups—Safety, Communication, Employment and Economic Development, and Community Building—along with debates on inclusivity and voting processes. The meeting also covered crucial updates from the Funding Committee, focusing on the need for a strategy to secure additional funding for Regent Park, especially in light of the $26.8 million community benefits fund from the new developer, Tridel, for phases 4 and 5 of the redevelopment. Stay tuned for a deep dive into these vital discussions and how they aim to shape a brighter future for all Regent Park residents, both TCHC and market rate. 

Deany Peters has been a pillar of the Regent Park community since 1981, dedicating her life to fostering civic engagement and advocating for social change. For over three decades, she worked as a Community Development Worker at the Regent Park Community Health Centre, all while serving on numerous non-profit boards. Her tireless dedication earned her the Sir James Woods Award for Community Development in 2013, a testament to her unwavering commitment to improving her neighbourhood. When reflecting on her early years in Regent Park, Deany recalls the deep sense of community that inspired her. From local gatherings to grassroots initiatives, these experiences not only left a lasting impression on her but also motivated her to empower others to take action. She acknowledges the challenges residents faced when initiating programs independently, often encountering resistance from city officials. Yet, these obstacles only fueled her resolve to advocate for the neighbourhood she loves. The ...

 At Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park, the community gathered to celebrate the launch of Niizh, a play by award-winning Anishinaabe playwright Joelle Peters. Hosted as part of the Toronto Lit Up program by Playwrights Canada Press, the event spotlighted Indigenous storytelling in an intimate setting filled with connection, creativity, and community spirit. Dawar Naeem – Local Journalism Initiative Niizh tells the heartwarming story of Lenna, a young woman from a reserve preparing for her first year of college, and her meet-cute with Sam, who has recently returned to the community after years away.The play captures the bittersweet highs and lows of a rural teenage upbringing, filled with Indigenous humor, small-town charm, and dream-like interludes. It’s a coming-of-age love letter to community,exploring themes of love, identity, and the complexities of leaving home. The Toronto Lit Up program, led by the Toronto International Festival of Authors and the Toronto Arts ...

Paul Tobias’ journey from growing up in Regent Park to becoming a published author and community leader is a testament to resilience and the power of generational change. His life story, shaped by the challenges of public housing, systemic inequities, and racial discrimination, speaks to larger societal issues that demand collective attention. Dimitrije Martinovic – Local Journalism Initiative Paul’s book, written as a reflection on his struggles and triumphs, challenges social stigmas often attached to public housing residents and immigrants. By sharing his personal narrative, Paul highlights the persistence required to rise above systemic barriers while calling for reforms in housing policies and social service accountability. His experience also underscores the need for equitable access to education as a means of breaking cycles of poverty. Education played a central role in Paul’s life and became the legacy he passed on to his children. Through his deter...

By Gabriel Meissner Gabriel is a Community Journalist at Focus Media Arts Centre Premier Doug Ford’s government has announced plans to close 10 of Ontario’s 23 supervised drug consumption sites by March 2025, targeting those located near schools and childcare centers. Ford asserts that the closures are necessary to protect children from exposure to drug use and the potential dangers of discarded needles in public spaces. Additionally, he argues that these sites have not demonstrated a significant impact on improving addiction outcomes and may contribute to issues in surrounding neighbourhoods. As an alternative, the government will introduce 19 new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs, which aim to provide a broader spectrum of addiction and homelessness services but will not include supervised drug consumption. The government’s decision has sparked widespread debate, with public health advocates, community leaders, and harm reduction workers voicing ...

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; 21:29 Man Charged in Violent Carjacking That Left Victim Shot in Regent Park; 23:57 Covenant House Toronto Expands Winter Care for Youth Experiencing Homelessness; 25:52 Ontario Passes Bill Allowing Removal of Toronto Bike Lanes; 26:36 Local Ice Rinks Are Now Open! 27:21 Events in the Community.

At a recent TCHC update meeting, Daniels Corporation shared progress on Regent Park’s revitalization. Allison Platt, Director of Development, detailed plans for Block One at Gerrard and Parliament. The project includes a 10-story mid-rise, a 25-story tower, and 12 retail units, with occupancy expected in fall 2025. Heela Markhail highlighted Daniels’ $5 million affordable homeownership program, allowing 12 Regent Park residents to purchase homes while contributing community service hours. Social procurement initiatives have reinvested $200,000 locally, commissioning community artists to create public amenities like benches and bike racks. Recent commercial additions include Ultra Pilates and restaurants like Tahini and Sushi 96, reflecting Daniels’ commitment to enhancing the neighborhood.

On December 18, 2024, the City of Toronto Community Funding Unit announced the recipients of the 2024 Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Grant. The Regent Park Social Development Plan, also known as the SDP, is a community wide network that engages in projects that create a sense of belonging, inclusion and cohesion to bring Regent Park together as one community and improve the social environment in Regent Park. The 2024 City of Toronto's SDP Grant supports organizations, grassroots groups, Toronto Community Housing tenants, and community members who are advancing one or more of the plan's key focus areas: Community Safety Communication Employment & Economic Development Community Building

On December 5, 2024, the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Planning Committee conducted a detailed evaluation of their recent Stakeholders Table meeting, using the "Roses, Thorns, and Buds" approach. This feedback method, which highlights strengths (roses), challenges (thorns), and opportunities for growth (buds), was essential for the committee in assessing the community's experience and identifying ways to improve future meetings. The Stakeholders Table meeting, held on November 27th at the UN Urban Pavilion, brought together Regent Park residents and community members to discuss progress on the SDP and its future direction. The event provided a platform for residents to hear updates and engage in meaningful conversations about the neighbourhood’s ongoing redevelopment. The committee’s reflection highlighted several "roses," including the transparency and openness of the meeting, where residents felt heard and involved in shaping Regent ...

The Planning Committee of the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) convened on December 12, 2024, underscoring its pivotal role in coordinating strategic direction, action priorities, and fostering alignment among SDP organizations. Acting as the central conduit for stakeholder and resident engagement, the committee continues to strengthen Regent Park’s collaborative network. The meeting began with updates on community events and initiatives, followed by a report from Richard Kirwan, Community Development Officer at the City of Toronto. Kirwan provided crucial updates regarding the Administrative Coordinator position and the Co-Chairs, highlighting expanded capacities to enhance outreach and community involvement. He also noted that while funding is secured, payment logistics remain under review, as the staggered start dates of the Co-Chairs, beginning in 2023, necessitate pro-rated adjustments moving into 2024. The Planning Committee remains instrumental in aligning the SDP’s v...

The 4th Annual Project Hope Christmas Toy Drive brought joy and support to over 200 newcomer kids and their families in Regent Park, marking their first holiday season in Canada. The day began with volunteers and officers gathering at 51 Division before heading to Daniels Spectrum, where the Ada Slaight Hall Auditorium was filled with toys, gift boxes, and winter clothing. From 1 PM to 3:30 PM, the team worked to create a heartwarming celebration for the families. Project Hope is led by dedicated officers like Constables Mustafa Popalzai, Farzad Ghotbi, and Mircea Biga. Both Ghotbi and Popalzai, themselves former refugees, bring a personal understanding of the challenges newcomers face. Ghotbi, a founding member of Project Hope, reflected on his journey from Iran to Canada and expressed gratitude for Regent Park's ongoing support. Since 2021, Project Hope has grown into a GTA-wide initiative, collecting over $1.2 million in in-kind donations with contributions from police, communit...

RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 102 (December 2nd to December 11th) - 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; 01:06 TCHC, Daniels and Tridel Host Regent Park Community Meeting to Share Revitalization Updates; 07:42 Petition Opposes New Condo Developments in St. James Town; 08:50

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...