By Gabriel Meissner
Gabriel is a community journalist with FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE.

Regent Park's Social Development Plan (SDP) is a multifaceted initiative aiming to transform the neighbourhood from a social housing enclave to a vibrant, mixed-income, and mixed-use community. The Community Building Group is one of four of the working groups within the SDP. Recently, one of the co-chairs - Walied Khogali - stepped down from his position, having assumed the expanded position of SDP co-chair. As a result, an election took place, where among the three speaking candidates - Miguel Avilla Velarde, Fardowsa Mohammed and Lloyd Pike - Fardowsa was chosen as the new co-chair. 

The Community Building Group is spearheading efforts to create equitable spaces and events that foster a sense of community among both existing and new residents. With a focus on breaking down barriers, particularly between market residents and Toronto Community Housing (TCH) residents, the group strives to ensure inclusivity across diverse backgrounds and income levels.

The group has been actively involved in organising community events, such as the Black History Month celebration in February 2023 and the Sunday in the Park event in August 2023. These initiatives, led by local organisations like the Regent Park Community Health Center and Neighbourhood Information Post, aim to bring residents together and celebrate the cultural diversity within the neighbourhood.

Looking ahead, the SDP Community Building Group remains committed to collaborating with local parks, forestry, and recreation staff to provide input on recreational matters. The group's dedication to organising events that recognize and celebrate the diverse cultural and ethnic identities within Regent Park reflects its ongoing efforts to build a cohesive and inclusive community.