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In a candid and thought-provoking conversation with Regent Park TV journalist Fred Alvarado, renowned author and public intellectual John Ralston Saul discussed critical issues shaping Canada’s future, from the role of community media to the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in today’s political landscape. Saul, who has dedicated much of his career to exploring the complexities of democracy and citizenship, reflected on his journey as a public intellectual. He emphasized the need for inclusivity in Canadian society, urging that democracy must evolve to reflect the diverse experiences of its citizens, especially marginalized groups. The conversation delved into the state of freedom of expression in Canada, with Saul expressing his concern about growing challenges to free speech. Drawing on his experience as former president of PEN International, Saul highlighted the vital role of community media in safeguarding this fundamental right. According to Saul, local outlets have a uni...

On May 5, communities across Toronto gathered to mark Red Dress Day—a National Day of Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). Red dresses hung in public spaces served as haunting reminders of lives stolen by violence and colonial systems. This visual symbol, rooted in the REDress Project by Métis artist Jaime Black, has become a powerful call to action across Canada. Regent Park TV reporter Fred Alvarado attended three poignant events that day. The first took place at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, where Mayor Olivia Chow joined elders and community members in a healing ceremony featuring drumming, traditional dances, and sacred fire. At Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, a striking red dress designed by artist EJ Kwandibens was displayed. Attendees reflected, shared stories, and renewed their commitment to honouring MMIWG2S through education and advocacy. Finally, at Toronto Metropolitan University, red dresses w...

On April 15, 2025, the Tenant Services Committee (TSC) of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) convened its latest meeting, providing a crucial platform for tenant voices on matters directly impacting their communities. Among those who addressed the committee was long-time tenant advocate and Regent Park resident Miguel Avila-Valarde, who made no fewer than eight deputations on a wide range of issues affecting TCHC tenants. A resident of 220 Oak Street, a 27-storey high-rise on the edge of Regent Park, Miguel has witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with life in aging public housing stock—fragility shaped by years of institutional neglect and bureaucratic inaction. Despite these conditions, he has tirelessly advocated for marginalized tenants, Indigenous communities, and public housing residents across the city. At this meeting, Miguel raised urgent concerns ranging from tenant safety to administrative processes. Miguel also tackled the financial burden of mandato...

Regent Park residents, police officers, TCHC staff, and housing advocates gathered virtually for the latest monthly meeting of the Regent Park Safety Network—a key space for addressing community safety and strengthening local ties. Moderated by community members Leonard Swartz and Hajia Abubakar, the meeting was hosted by the Safety Working Table of the Regent Park Social Development Plan. Participants shared updates, voiced concerns, and discussed new strategies to keep the neighbourhood safe. Constable Mahamed Osman of Toronto Police 51 Division shared recent statistics, reported on a firearm seizure, highlighted the success of a community food drive, and announced that community-police meetings will now be held twice a year. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 23 at 6 p.m. at the Regent Park Community Centre. Updates also came from Councillor Chris Moise’s office, including news about Housing Clinic Workshops happening May 3 and May 5. These sessions are open to all reside...

The Changing Cultures of Regent Park 2025 Media Project was a 13-week collaboration between University of Toronto and the FOCUS Media Arts Centre (FOCUS), a not-for-profit organization that was established to counter negative stereotypes about the Regent Park community and provide media literacy and production programming for residents living in the area. Designed as a credited U of T university course, the project took place at the FOCUS location in the Daniel's Spectrum Arts Centre. Together, University of Toronto students and residents of Regent Park learned about the multi-dimensional history of Regent Park focusing on topics such as immigration and racial formation, urban renewal, housing redevelopment, public health, and community organizing. Next, the U of T students and FOCUS journalists worked in teams to envision, research, and produce their own media project addressing a specific historical issue in Regent Park. In designing their projects, groups were e...

As spring slowly took hold in Regent Park, Green Thumbs Growing Kids welcomed the season with their annual “Spring in the Air” event on April 26, which celebrated gardening, local food, and 26 years of grassroots community building. Held at the Regent Park Greenhouse and Picnic Area, neighbours gathered to browse plants, enjoy live music from David Celia & Co., and reconnect over seedlings and soil, despite the chilly weather. Founded in 1999 by Sunday Harrison, Green Thumbs began as a children’s gardening program and has since grown to include school gardens, rooftop projects, and youth training programs. Today, the group provides fresh produce baskets to local residents and fosters environmental education across several Regent Park schools. RPTV’s Kedar Ahmed spoke with Sunday Harrison, Rebecca Davis-Scott, and Taylor Milan, who all emphasized the power of gardening to build community, teach youth valuable skills, and address food insecurity. “It’s more than growin...

Toronto is taking a major step toward addressing youth unemployment with the creation of the Toronto Youth Employment Program, which aims to provide 10,000 additional summer jobs for young people by 2026. The initiative was discussed on February 26, 2025, at the Economic and Community Development Committee meeting at City Hall. The motion, proposed by Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport), was passed unanimously. Youth unemployment in Toronto currently stands at 20%, a crisis that has been linked to rising crime rates, including firearm-related arrests and violent carjackings. The motion was championed by the Toronto Youth Cabinet, which has engaged over 30,000 young people to understand their need for stable, meaningful work. The program will partner with community organizations, the private sector, and government agencies to offer young people job opportunities, mentorship, and skills training. City leaders hope this initiative will not only reduce violence but also break cycles of...

With the 2025 federal election fast approaching, Toronto Centre is emerging as one of the most closely watched races in the country. This densely populated riding, which includes Regent Park, St. James Town, Cabbagetown, and Church-Wellesley, represents a diverse and evolving urban landscape. Home to a mix of long-time residents, newcomers, and marginalized communities, the riding faces pressing issues such as housing affordability, social inequality, and economic recovery. As candidates present their platforms, voters will play a crucial role in shaping the future of a riding that reflects both the challenges and opportunities of urban Canada. The race features a strong lineup of candidates. NDP’s Samantha Green emphasizes affordable housing and climate action. Liberal Evan Solomon, a former broadcaster, promotes economic growth and social justice. Conservative Luis Ibarra, a community activist, highlights fiscal responsibility and immigrant engagement. Green Party’s Olivia Iheme push...

A recent webinar organized by the Toronto Harm Reduction Alliance (THRA) explored the impact of closing supervised consumption sites (SCS) in Toronto and highlighted growing concerns over Ontario’s use of private investigators to target these sites. Panelists with extensive experience in harm reduction discussed the importance of these services and addressed the misinformation surrounding their operation. The webinar shed light on the province’s decision to hire private investigators to gather evidence on these sites. Investigators, working for the provincial government, visited The Neighbourhood Group’s (TNG) facilities, which operate the Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site (KMOPS), and questioned staff and neighbours without disclosing their ties to the government. Despite these efforts, two government-commissioned reports found no justification for closing the sites, with one recommending that services be expanded. Ontario’s plan to close five sites, including t...

Regent Park TV recently welcomed Neighbourhood Community Officers from Toronto Police’s 51 Division—Constables Farzad Ghotbi, Mircea Biga, and Illankumaran Shanmuganathan—for an in-depth discussion on safety, crime trends, and community engagement in Regent Park and St. James Town. During the interview, the officers provided updates on crime trends, noting an increase in gun violence compared to 2023, a year that saw no shootings in Regent Park. They emphasized that while overall crime rates fluctuate, continued community collaboration remains crucial. The officers also highlighted their role in trust-building through consistent engagement, working alongside residents to address safety concerns. Another key issue discussed was the rise in hate crimes in our local community, particularly antisemitism and Islamophobia. Officers underscored their commitment to fostering inclusivity by supporting diverse communities and ensuring public safety through education and outreach. As the province...

Revitalization and Memory in Regent Park. A look back at a 2019 partnership project between the University of Toronto and Focus Media Arts Centre.

St. James Town—a neighborhood built on resilience—celebrated Black History Month 2025 by honoring the stories of its Black residents who continue to shape and uplift their community. Their experiences are not just about survival but about building a future rooted in unity, support, and unwavering determination. For Patricia Gray, St. James Town has been home for 50 years. She has seen the neighborhood evolve through struggles and triumphs. When a fire displaced dozens of residents last February 15th, 2025, Patricia didn’t hesitate—she mobilized the community, ensuring no one went without shelter or a warm meal. Lewis Gabon, who arrived from Kinshasa in 2018, dedicates his time to helping others adjust to life in Canada. As a volunteer French teacher at The Community Corner, he guides newcomers through the challenges of settling in a new country. Yet, while he supports others, Lewis himself faces an uncertain future, fighting to remain in Canada on humanitarian grounds. His dream of cre...

The 20th Annual Strawberry Ceremony for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans, and Two-Spirit people took place outside Toronto Police Headquarters on February 14th. It was a day of remembrance, resistance, and resilience, carrying even greater weight as the first ceremony since the passing of Elder Wanda Whitebird, a guiding force behind this event. Her absence was deeply felt, yet her legacy remained in the voices and prayers of those gathered. Hosted by Audrey Huntley of No More Silence, the ceremony brought together Elders, advocates, and families still seeking justice. Elder Whitebird’s daughter, stood alongside Elder Joyce Carpenter, a mother still searching for her missing daughter. Students from Wandering Spirit School lent their voices in solidarity, ensuring that the next generation carries this fight forward. The crisis continues. More than 4,000 Indigenous women, girls, trans, and Two-Spirit people are missing or murdered in Canada. Despite the National Inquir...

In Regent Park, home to a large and vibrant Muslim population, the Iftar celebration took on a special resonance. The event featured Quranic recitations and reflective discussions on themes of patience, compassion, and spiritual growth. As the fast ended, attendees gathered to share a nourishing meal, exchanging blessings and stories. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie, turning the simple act of eating together into a powerful expression of community. Organized by the Femme Collective, a dynamic group of young women dedicated to fostering connection and empowerment, the event offered more than a meal—it was a reflection of Regent Park’s diversity and the enduring power of faith to bring people together. The Femme Collective’s role in organizing the event highlighted the growing leadership of young women in Regent Park. Their dedication to creating spaces for connection and celebration underscored the importance of youth-led initiatives in fostering social cohesion. ...

The March 20 meeting of the Regent Park Strategic Development Plan (SDP) Planning Committee brought together community leaders, residents, and organizational representatives for a dynamic session centered on engagement, coordination, and advocacy. A highlight of the meeting was a report to the planning committee by Adonis Huggins of Focus Media Arts Centre, on the Executive Director (ED) Network's upcoming meeting with the SDP strategic planning committee. The intent of the meeting is to inform members of the ED network of the strategic changes that the SDP network has implemented. The Executive Directors Network, is a coalition of local non-profit leaders working together to coordinate efforts and strengthen collaboration among service agencies. The network plays a key role in ensuring that organizational actions remain aligned with the community’s broader strategic goals.

Saqib Ahsan’s story begins in Regent Park, where he grew up surrounded by the challenges and resilience that define many inner-city neighborhoods. A South Asian Muslim and long-time resident, Saqib credits his personal growth to a network of community support—social services, education programs, and a deep culture of volunteerism. One program in particular, Pathways to Education, played a key role in shaping his aspirations during his high school years. Saquib is also the author of a science fiction novel Voyagers, a futuristic tale set a thousand years after an apocalyptic event. Drawing inspiration from Regent Park, the story’s fictional world of Acadia is shaped by waves of migration, power struggles, and deep structural inequalities. The parallels are intentional. Through speculative fiction, Saqib interrogates the legacy of poverty, the persistence of class, and the hidden costs of urban revitalization.

At the Budget Subcommittee meetings on January 21 and 22, 2025, residents from across Toronto gathered at City Hall and virtually to voice their concerns and advocate for priorities in the City’s 2025 Capital and Operating Budgets. The hearings provided an essential platform for public input, with impactful testimonies from a diverse array of communities. Among the most impactful testimonies were those from Regent Park residents, who painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by their community. Speakers called for urgent investments in affordable housing, youth programs, and the Social Development Plan in Regent Park to address the ongoing issues of gentrification and economic inequality. Two residents also highlighted the valuable work of Regent Park TV and advocated for more support for the station, emphasizing its role in amplifying community voices and fostering local engagement. Community members voiced strong opposition to the proposed $46.2 million budget increase for Toro...

On March 31, 2025, frontline health workers, harm reduction advocates, and community members gathered outside Regent Park Community Health Centre (RPCHC) to protest the closure of Bevel Up Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS). The decision comes despite a court injunction allowing supervised consumption sites to remain open and an active two-year federal exemption permitting Bevel Up to operate. Speakers at the rally condemned the move as cruel and unnecessary, highlighting the impact on vulnerable residents. Harm reduction workers spoke of the emotional toll of losing clients to preventable overdoses and urged RPCHC leadership to reconsider. Many questioned why the site was closing at all when legal protections were in place. Amid the grief, a small but significant victory emerged. A recent court ruling allows other sites affected by the province’s 200-metre restriction to remain open while the legal battle continues. However, funding challenges and political pressure still threate...

Regent Park has always been more than just a neighbourhood—it is a testament to resilience, self-reliance, and civic engagement. As part of the Regent Park: Past, Present, and Future series, we explore how community leaders have continuously shaped this evolving landscape. Among them is Kevin Jeffers, a coach, mentor, and community builder who has spent over two decades using basketball as a vehicle for youth empowerment. Born and raised in Regent Park, Jeffers experienced firsthand the challenges that many marginalized youth face—economic hardship, limited resources, and systemic barriers. However, he also witnessed the power of community and mentorship in overcoming these obstacles. Inspired by the support he received from local leaders, he saw basketball as more than just a game—it was a tool for transformation. Kevin Jeffers’ story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the youth of Regent Park. His work exemplifies civic engagement in its purest form—usin...

Harm Reduction advocates gathered outside 330 University Avenue as an Ontario court heard a charter challenge against the province’s plan to shut down 10 supervised consumption sites across Ontario by April 1, 2025. Among the sites at risk is the Regent Park Community Health Centre, a critical service that has prevented overdoses and saved countless lives. The challenge, led by a neighborhood group and two individuals who use these services, argues that Ontario’s plan violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, specifically the right to life, liberty, and security of the person. Harm reduction experts warn that closing these sites amid a toxic drug crisis will disproportionately harm marginalized communities in Downtown East Toronto. Mskwaasin Agnew, an Indigenous harm reduction advocate, emphasized that the closures are rooted in “racism” ignoring evidence that these sites create safer environments and provide essential support. She highlighted the devastating impact of toxic drugs o...