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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,...

As 2024 ends, Regent Park and downtown Toronto grapple with housing affordability, sustainable transportation, and public health crises. Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP for Toronto Centre, addresses these pressing issues, advocating for bold, community-focused solutions, she was interviewed by RPTV Reporter Jabin Haque. Wong-Tam calls for urgent action to save consumption and treatment services threatened by Bill 223, warning of increased opioid deaths without these critical supports. Premiere Ford's plan, says WongpTam, will not be able to address the increased stress his plan put on the health care system. As 2024 concludes, Wong-Tam’s message to Toronto Centre residents is clear: resilience and community-driven solutions are key. She remains committed to affordable housing, safer streets, and equitable healthcare for all.

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...