On Wednesday April 30, 2025, three candidates running for federal elections in the riding of Toronto Centre, met at the Daniels Spectrum Arts Centre in Regent Park, to share their platforms and to answer questions from the Toronto Downtown East Community.
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…
Shinji Yamaguchi, owner of Gushi, reflects on community transformation and the impact of local redevelopment. Shinji Yamaguchi, the owner of Gushi Japanese Street Food, spoke about the evolving dynamics of his neighborhood since opening his business in 2019. He observed a significant change, particularly after the area's development and demolition of older buildings. One notable aspect was the constant presence of ambulances near Anniversary Park, a common sight as local residents faced health and social challenges. Yamaguchi described the park as a space attracting problematic behavior, with people frequently drinking and leaving trash behind, making it less welcoming. However, he remains hopeful about future improvements as redevelopment plans are expected to brighten the park and surrounding areas. Despite the ongoing issues, Yamaguchi appreciates the neighborhood's growing sense of community and mutual support, which he believes is gradually improving the environment.
Regent Park entrepreneur Rashmi Shrestha has turned her passion for the food industry into a thriving business despite economic challenges. Having worked in the food sector for over 15 years, including a managerial role at Whole Foods, she decided to establish her own Asian fusion restaurant, Bowl and Snacks. Her menu features a diverse range of dishes, from sushi to Nepalese, Indian, and Indonesian cuisine, reflecting both her culinary expertise and heritage. Rashmi, a Nepalese immigrant who moved to Canada in 2008, has called Regent Park home for over 16 years. She praises the community's support, crediting locals for helping her business stay afloat. However, she acknowledges the difficulties of running a small restaurant in a neighborhood facing economic struggles, homelessness, and transient customers. Despite these obstacles, Rashmi remains optimistic about the future. To stay competitive, she plans to expand her digital marketing efforts, recognizing that social media outreach…
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…
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 also voiced strong opposition to the proposed $46.2 million budget increase…
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…
Regent Park entrepreneur Rashmi Shrestha has turned her passion for the food industry into a thriving business despite economic challenges. Having worked in the food sector for over 15 years, including a managerial role at Whole Foods, she decided to establish her own Asian fusion restaurant, Bowl and Snacks. Her menu features a diverse range of dishes, from sushi to Nepalese, Indian, and Indonesian cuisine, reflecting both her culinary expertise and heritage. Rashmi, a Nepalese immigrant who moved to Canada in 2008, has called Regent Park home for over 16 years. She praises the community's support, crediting locals for helping her business stay afloat. However, she acknowledges the difficulties of running a small restaurant in a neighborhood facing economic struggles, homelessness, and transient customers. Despite these obstacles, Rashmi remains optimistic about the future. To stay competitive, she plans to expand her digital marketing efforts, recognizing that social media outreach…
On January 16th, 2025, Councillor Chris Moise of Ward 13 and Deputy Mayor Councillor Ausma Malik of Ward 10 co-hosted the annual Budget Town Hall Meeting at Toronto City Hall. The event featured key speakers, including Mayor Olivia Chow and Budget Chief Councillor Shelley Carroll, providing residents with a comprehensive overview of the city’s 2025 budget.
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.
On January 16, 2025, Social Planning Toronto hosted a virtual Budget Town Hall, offering a platform for community leaders and residents to dissect the 2025 City Budget and its implications. The event featured prominent voices like Sara Beyer from the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights, Diana Chan McNally of The Shift, Daniella Leacock from the Toronto Drop-In Network, and Stephen Mensah of the Toronto Youth Cabinet.
Mayor Olivia Chow and Budget Chief Councillor Shelley Carroll, alongside City Manager Paul Johnson and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Stephen Conforti, have introduced Toronto's 2025 budget, a comprehensive $18.8 billion operating plan alongside a historic $59.6 billion capital investment.
Toronto City Council has approved the "Shelter Safety Action Plan," a three-year initiative aimed at improving safety and services in city shelters, particularly for asylum seekers and refugees. The plan includes increased funding for community organizations providing temporary shelter and expanded housing options tailored for refugees.
In RPTV last segment of the year, we report on the 11 successful applicants of the 2024 SDP Grant. The grant, which is administered by the City of Toronto Community Funding Unit, provides funding to projects that are aligned with the four priority areas of the SDP and promote social cohesion and inclusion. The projects will begin in the new year. In this episode RPTV also reports on the release of the Daniels Spectrum Community Access Program. The program provides selected community groups with free or significantly reduced access to Daniel event spaces at the Daniel Spectrum Centre. RPTV ends the episode by wishing our viewers a safe and happy holiday season.
On December 5th, the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Planning Committee met to review progress and address key funding concerns for future initiatives. Facilitated by Elena Taghizadeh, the meeting focused on strategic planning, community funding, and the extension of the SDP administrative coordinator’s position. Joel Klassen, agency co-chair for the Community Building Working Table, informed the committee that the administrative coordinator’s role would be extended by three to five months, until the ongoing SDP refresh process is completed. Klassen proposed inviting City of Toronto staff to future meetings to provide more clarity on the extension and explore potential updates to the position’s responsibilities. A major focus of the meeting was the need to secure sustainable funding for the SDP to continue into the future. Co-chair Walied Khogali Ali highlighted the crucial role of funding in supporting grassroots initiatives, community safety programs, and fostering…
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, community…
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 MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam Addresses Legislative Poverty and ODSP-OW challenges; 16:51 Ford Government Introduces "Maintaining Public Spaces Act" to Dismantle Encampments; 20:43 City Adopts Plan to Speed Up Affordable Housing Development; 22:05 Ontario Passes Bill to Shut Down Supervised Drug Consumption Sites; 23:47 NDP Toronto Centre Spreads Holiday Cheer in Regent Park; 24:23 Events in the community.
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.
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…
On December 5th, the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Planning Committee met to review progress and address key funding concerns for future initiatives. Facilitated by Elena Taghizadeh, the meeting focused on strategic planning, community funding, and the extension of the SDP administrative coordinator’s position. Joel Klassen, agency co-chair for the Community Building Working Table, informed the committee that the administrative coordinator’s role would be extended by three to five months, until the ongoing SDP refresh process is completed. Klassen proposed inviting City of Toronto staff to future meetings to provide more clarity on the extension and explore potential updates to the position’s responsibilities. A major focus of the meeting was the need to secure sustainable funding for the SDP to continue into the future. Co-chair Walied Khogali Ali highlighted the crucial role of funding in supporting grassroots initiatives, community safety programs, and fostering…
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, community…
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 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,…
Report of the SPD Stakeholders Table Meeting on November 27th, 2024. 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. Over sixty members attended the meeting. The major item for the meeting was a presentation of the SDP strategic plan by the Strategic Planning Committee. Regent Park resident, Deany Peters, began the business of the meeting by presenting background information about 2024 SDP Strategic Plan, a process conducted by the Strategic Planning Committee of the SDP to involve the membership of the SDP in reviewing the SDP structures, directions and activities and to make recommendations for changes. Next grassroots agency member, Michael Rosenberg, explained that the goal of tonight’s Stakeholders Table meeting was to review the propose changes and to decide whether or not to approve them or revise them. Next, Regent Park resident and Co-chair of the…
