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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...

Toronto City Council has adopted a series of reforms to address mounting pressure on the city’s refugee and emergency shelter system, following a report from Ombudsman Toronto that raised serious concerns about the treatment of refugee claimants in 2022. The Ombudsman’s investigation revealed that refugee claimants were excluded from the shelter system without proper documentation or clear policy direction. Many were referred to federal services that could not provide adequate housing. The report highlighted systemic discrimination—particularly impacting Black and African refugees—and urged immediate improvements. During the March 2025 council meeting, the Ombudsman responded to questions from council members and presented 14 recommendations to enhance human rights compliance, transparency, and accountability. Mayor Olivia Chow introduced a motion calling on the federal government to reinstate the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) and restore settlement funding. Councillor Alej...

A new report from the Shelter Housing Justice Network (SHJN) and the Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union (TUHU) condemns Toronto’s handling of homelessness, citing 766 deaths over the past three years. Toronto Public Health reported 135 homeless deaths in the first half of 2024, with drug toxicity as the leading cause. The city also revised previous data, now confirming 331 deaths in 2022 and 300 in 2023. At a media conference moderated by outreach worker Greg Cook, advocates and people with lived experience, including Lynn Walker and Jennifer Jewell, outlined the severe risks faced by unhoused individuals—especially those with disabilities. The report presents 29 demands for immediate action, including 24/7 warming centers and expanded rent-geared-to-income housing. Walker, who lived in encampments for two years, described losing friends to violence and extreme cold. Jewell, a wheelchair user, highlighted the inaccessibility of shelters and housing. Advocates are also calling for a...

"Portrait of a Neighbourhood” preserves Regent Park’s history and voices. Regent Park, Toronto’s oldest social housing community, has undergone significant redevelopment over the decades. The Regent Park photo gallery “Portrait of A Neighbourhood”, developed by the Focus Media Arts Centre over the years, serves as a vital record of this transformation. Through the lens of Regent Park resident youth photographers and program instructors like David Zapparoli and Tyrone McLean Wilson, the project captures Regent Park’s evolving landscape, ensuring its rich history is preserved for future generations. Beyond mere documentation, these photographs challenge negative perceptions of the neighborhood, providing a deeper narrative that highlights resilience, community, and cultural identity. The project is not just an artistic endeavour—it is a civic act, preserving marginalized voices and ensuring their stories remain part of Toronto’s collective memory. Photography, as both a historical r...

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 presentation by Adonis Huggins of Focus Media Arts Centre, who introduced a Jeopardy-style game that will be featured at the upcoming Regent Park Stakeholders’ meeting. The game, designed to educate and energize participants, will feature questions related to the SDP, community priorities, and local initiatives. “It’s a fun and interactive way to build understanding and participation around the plan,” Huggins explained during his presentation, as he previewed key categories and game mechanics.