2025 YSM Micro-Grant for entrepreneurs
We are excited to share that Phase 2 of the YSM Micro-Grant program is now open! This program is designed to support entrepreneurs in Regent Park.
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
RPTV NEWS Holiday Edition - 2024 SDP Grant Recipients & Daniels Community Access Program
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.
Regent Park SDP Planning Committee, Discusses Funding and Administrative Role Extension
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…
Project Hope Brings Holiday Joy to Newcomer Families in Regent Park
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 (EP102) - Ontario Passes Bill 223; TCHC, Daniels & Tridel Host Update Meeting
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 (EP101) - Man arrested in Regent Park Carjacking; SDP Strategic Plan discussed
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.
Tridel calling for Small Bussiness in RP
Calling All Small Business Owners in Regent Park!
ArtReach Community Arts Programming Grant
Register to attend Info Session
Catch da Flava - December 2024 Issue
RPTV - Regent Park Social Development Plan Planning Committee Strengthens Community Engagement
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…
RPTV - Regent Park SDP Planning Committee, Discusses Funding and Administrative Role Extension
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…
RPTV - Project Hope Brings Holiday Joy to Newcomer Families in Regent Park
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 - Balancing Revitalization and Advocacy: A Conversation with MPP Kristyn Wong Tam
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.
RPTV - SDP Planning Committee meets the CBOWG Mediators
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,…
RPTV - SDP Stakeholders Meeting of November 27, 2024, on the SDP Strategic Plan
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…
RPTV - Balancing Revitalization and Advocacy: A Conversation with MPP Kristyn Wong Tam
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.
RPTV - Community Meeting Addresses Safety Concerns After Car-Jacking Incident
On December 4, 2024, more than 62 residents and community stakeholders gathered virtually for a special emergency meeting of the SDP Regent Park Safety Network, marking a historic turnout. Co-chaired by Leonard Swartz and Hajia Umul, the meeting provided a platform for residents to raise pressing concerns and engage directly with law enforcement. The session was convened in response to a November 27, 2024, car-jacking and shooting that culminated in an arrest in Regent Park, sparking concerns from Regent Park community members on public safety. Toronto Police Service Neighbourhood Community Officers Farzad Ghotbi, Miercea Biga, and Sergeant Jeremy Boyko led the conversation, informing residents about the car-jacking and shooting incident and emphasizing that the incident had nothing to do with Regent Park, with the exception that it was the location of the arrest. More concerning was the revelation by community officers, that a week prior to this incident, officers pulled over a…
RPTV - Affordable Housing in Regent Park by TCHC
Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) provided a preview of its latest affordable housing development at 175 Oak Street, marking a key milestone in the ongoing revitalization of Regent Park. TCHC leaders and local officials came together to discuss the building’s significance and the broader impact of the Regent Park transformation. The 15-storey building is designed with families in mind, offering 213 affordable units, including 189 Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) units and 24 affordable rental units. The building also features shared amenities, such as gardens, a family room, a playground terrace, and multi-purpose rooms, all aimed at fostering community connections. Nearly 20% of the units exceed accessibility requirements, ensuring the building is inclusive to a wide range of residents. As part of one of Canada’s largest urban renewal projects, 175 Oak Street represents a major step in the revitalization of Regent Park, which began in 2006. The project has already delivered over 1,400…
RPTV in Conversation with City Councillor Chris Moise
From Allan Gardens to Regent Park: Moise Discusses Town Hall Outcomes, Encampment Solutions, and the Future of Sankofa Square.
RPTV Weekly News (EP100) - 175 Oak St Unveiled; Advocates and Youth Call for Housing Solutions
RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 100 (November 18th to November 23rd) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Gabriel Meissner, Kedar Ahmed, 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:
Help shape the future of recreation facilities and parks
The City of Toronto is seeking input from community members to help shape the future of Toronto’s recreation facilities and parks. We are reaching out as we believe your clients/community members would be interested in participating and providing their feedback. Please share this email, the attached e-flyer, and/or the short shareable text at the bottom of this email widely in your community to encourage participation. A printable poster is also attached, should you wish to post it in a shared space.
RPTV - EED Meeting November 19, 2024: Unveiling EED's Newest Co-Chair & Interaction Sessions
On November 19, 2024, the Employment & Economic Development (EED) working group of the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) held a pivotal meeting at Daniels Spectrum. Attendees were introduced to the core mission of the EED and the broader SDP, which aims to foster economic growth and improve social infrastructure in the community. The meeting served as a platform for the EED to outline its goals and highlight key next steps to uplift the Regent Park community. A notable moment was the introduction of Colin Pendlebury as the group’s new Co-Chair, a role crucial to leading future initiatives. The event also featured an interactive session, where participants were divided into groups to discuss entrepreneurial and economic opportunities for Regent Park residents. These discussions aimed to generate actionable ideas and strategies to address employment gaps and boost economic empowerment in the neighborhood. As the session concluded, attendees expressed optimism about the…