2024 RP SDP Grant Recipient
The 2024 SDP Grant supports organizations, grassroots groups, Toronto Community Housing Tenants, and other community members in advancing one or more of the plan's focus areas:
After School Homework Club
September 12th 2024 to May 2025
Toronto Centre - Candidates Meeting in Regent Park
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.
RPTV - Toronto Centre Candidates and Community Decisions Ahead
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…
All Candidates Meeting - Federal Election - Toronto Centre
Wednesday, Apirl 23, 2025
Funding for Sustainable Community Projects
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Province-wide Empowerment Grant: Funding for Sustainable Community Projects
Employment Preparation Program
4-Week Employment Preparation Program
RPTV - Gushi's View on Community Change
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.
RPTV - Restaurateur Navigates Challenges and Community Support in Regent Park
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…
RPTV - Neighbourhood Community Officers Discuss Crime Trends and Safety Strategies in Our Local Communities
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…
RPTV - Residents Demand City Prioritize Marginalized Communities in 2025 Budget
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…
RPTV - Regent Park Past, Present, and Future – Deany Peters' Journey of Advocacy
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…
Restaurateur Navigates Challenges and Community Support in Regent Park
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…
Hiring: Community Ambassador Job
Community Ambassador Job Call - March 23rd!
Hiring: Civil Project Designer
Overview
Hiring: Mechanical Design Intern
Job: Mechanical Design Intern
Hiring: Civil Engineer in Training
Job: Civil Engineer in Training
Hiring: STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY ANALYST
Fulltime: (40 hours per week)
Youth-Led Community Crisis Response Fund
The Youth-Led Projects stream provides one-time financial assistance to youth-led, youth-driven projects or activities that address a specific violent incident/crisis in a community (local neighbourhood or community of common bond) and contribute to community capacity building and/or community healing and wellbeing. The primary focus population of the proposed project or activity is for MVP (Most Vulnerable People) Youth.
General Community Crisis Response Fund
The General Community Crisis Response Fund (CCRF) provides one-time financial assistance for projects that address a specific violent incident/crisis in a community (local neighbourhood or community of common bond) and contribute to community capacity building and/or healing.
RPTV - Let’s Talk Budget: Engaging Wards 10 and 13 at Toronto’s 2025 Budget Town Hall
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.
RPTV - Regent Park: Past, Present, and Future – Deany Peters' Journey of Advocacy
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.
RPTV - Social Planning Toronto Hosts 2025 City Budget Virtual Town Hall Highlighting Community Concerns
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.
RPTV - Toronto Unveils 2025 Budget: 6.9% Tax Hike to Fund Enhanced City Services
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.