Regent Park (TO)

Regent Park Town Hall: Councillor Chris Moise Updates Residents on Key Issues

apathot — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:27:17 +0000

Regent Park Town Hall: Councillor Chris Moise Updates Residents on Key Issues apathot Mon, 09/29/2025 - 16:27

Residents filled the Regent Park Community Centre on 10th September for a town hall hosted by Ward 13 Councillor Chris Moise and his staff. The meeting gave the community an opportunity to hear updates on city priorities while raising concerns on issues ranging from housing and safety to recreation access.

Dawar Naeem - Local Journalism Initiative

Councillor Moise highlighted the City’s updated approach to homelessness and encampments. The protocol, he explained, emphasizes engaging individuals, connecting them with supports, and offering pathways into housing before removing unoccupied structures. Moise pointed to recent successes in moving people into shelter and housing, while stressing the need for compassion and consistency.

Community safety was another top concern. Moise detailed quarterly meetings with Neighbourhood Community Officers and monthly Community Safety Network sessions, designed to keep communication open between residents and police. He also introduced improvements under the Downtown East Action Plan Reset, which increased daily park and sidewalk cleaning, expanded laneway maintenance, and added 24-hour biohazard waste response.

To address concerns about dangerous intersections, Moise announced recent and upcoming pedestrian safety upgrades. Crosswalks and signals are now in place at Yonge & Maitland, Queen & Sackville, and Homewood & Carlton, with new measures planned for Parliament and Dundas, Richmond and Power, and other high-traffic areas.

The Councillor also reported progress on local access to recreation. At the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre, participation by local residents grew from 39% in 2024 to 75% in 2025. Use of the Regent Park Community Centre and athletic grounds rose from 18% to 61%, thanks to early registration policies prioritizing neighbourhood residents.

Moise’s staff closed the meeting with the latest data from Toronto Police’s 51 Division. Major crime is down nearly 11% compared to last year, with significant decreases in robberies, auto theft, and shootings. Regent Park recorded a 3.8% decline overall.

During the open mic, residents raised questions about affordable housing, transparency at City Hall, and the need for closer collaboration with grassroots organizations.

The town hall underscored both the challenges and progress in Regent Park, while reaffirming that community voices remain central to shaping the neighbourhood’s future.

Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre

Video

Ontario

Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:00

Add new comment

Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)

Councillor Moise outlines local priorities, including affordable housing, safety initiatives, and recreation access.

Tags

#rptv; #regentpark; #toronto; #townhall; #community; #news;

mkp

Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:50:53

Music Credit

Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhNZfs8ezZg Outro 2018-11-15, Doctor_Dreamchip https://freesound.org/s/458086/ and Electric Dreams-Tyrone MacLean-Wilson

Image Credit

Presentation Slides by Chris Moise's Office - Ward 13

Initial Air Date

Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:00

Creative control for this story was exercised by:

The LJI Journalist

Audience Participation

Regent Park Marks 34th Annual Sunday in the Park Celebration

apathot — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:26:34 +0000

Regent Park Marks 34th Annual Sunday in the Park Celebration apathot Mon, 09/29/2025 - 13:26

Regent Park’s Big Park was alive with music, food, and community spirit on Sunday, August 31, as hundreds of residents gathered for the 34th Annual Sunday in the Park.

Dawar Naeem - Local Journalism Initiative

The long-standing tradition, organized by local groups and volunteers, once again brought neighbours together for an afternoon of cultural performances, games, and shared meals.

Running from noon to 5 p.m., the event offered something for all ages. Families enjoyed children’s games, bingo, and face painting, while the main stage showcased live music and cultural performances reflecting Regent Park’s diversity.

Local vendors and community organizations set up booths throughout the park, offering resources and services to residents. From housing and job opportunities to healthcare support and other civic issues, groups were on hand to connect with neighbours and provide help where it was needed most. A highlight of the day was the free community BBQ, where volunteers served food to long lines of neighbours, underscoring the event’s role as both a summer festival and a unifying gathering for the community.

The celebration also drew the attention of elected officials. Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP for Toronto Centre, joined the festivities, taking time to speak with residents about community priorities. Evan Solomon, MP for Toronto Centre and Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation as well as Minister responsible for Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario , also attended, engaging with Regent Parkers and emphasizing the importance of grassroots events in building strong neighbourhoods.

For more than three decades, Sunday in the Park has been a place to celebrate resilience, diversity, and community pride.

Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre

Video

Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:00

Add new comment

Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)

Neighbourhood festival features music, food, local vendors and community connection.

Tags

#rptv; #regentpark; #community; #news;

mkp

Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

01:00:45

Music Credit

Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhNZfs8ezZg Outro 2018-11-15, Doctor_Dreamchip https://freesound.org/s/458086/ and Electric Dreams-Tyrone MacLean-Wilson

Initial Air Date

Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:00

Creative control for this story was exercised by:

The LJI Journalist

Audience Participation

Building Healing Pathways for Families: Inside Native Child’s Work in Toronto

apathot — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 20:57:50 +0000

Building Healing Pathways for Families: Inside Native Child’s Work in Toronto apathot Fri, 09/26/2025 - 16:57

This month, as communities mark Truth and Reconciliation, attention turns to the daily realities Indigenous children and families face in Toronto. The legacy of residential schools and child welfare policies continues to leave trauma, displacement, and barriers to culturally safe supports. In Regent Park and across downtown east Toronto, many families live with these challenges every day.

Fred Alvarado - Local Journalism Initiative

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto is one agency responding to these challenges. Founded in the 1980s by First Nations and Métis leaders, it is child-centered, family-focused, and community-driven. Its programs are rooted in culture, respect, and grounded in self-determination.

At their recent open house, families gathered at 30 College Street and 185 Carlton Street to explore services, enjoy Indian tacos, and visit the Mooka’am art show, themed Strength in Our Ancestors. Senior clinician Adrian Cocking explained how art has become a pathway to reclaim identity and healing, while Charlene Avalos, with Native Child since 1989, reflected on how Indigenous worldviews continue to shape their work.

Transitional Housing supervisor Randy Budd highlighted advocacy services that help families secure stable housing and community supports. Natalia, from the holistic team, described guiding families through complex challenges — from mental health support to specialized programs for survivors of human trafficking and at-risk youth under 18.

At the CAMH Pow Wow, Brianna Rushlow, supervisor of Aboriginal Head Start, spoke about programs that connect children and parents through culture, language, and land-based learning, fostering pride, confidence, and resilience.

For Regent Park, where many Indigenous families and youth live, Native Child’s presence offers not only essential supports but also a foundation of belonging and resilience that continues to uplift young people and families.

Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre

Video

Fri, 09/26/2025 - 12:00

Add new comment

Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)

Indigenous-led programs strengthen families, culture, and resilience across Toronto communities.

Tags

#indigenous; #regentpark; #toronto;

mkp

Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:15:42

Music Credit

Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhNZfs8ezZg Outro 2018-11-15, Doctor_Dreamchip https://freesound.org/s/458086/ and Electric Dreams-Tyrone MacLean-Wilson

Initial Air Date

Fri, 09/26/2025 - 12:00

Creative control for this story was exercised by:

The LJI Journalist

Audience Participation

Council Fire Youth Meet Federal Ministers to Raise Health, Housing, and Cultural Priorities

apathot — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 20:56:50 +0000

Council Fire Youth Meet Federal Ministers to Raise Health, Housing, and Cultural Priorities apathot Wed, 09/24/2025 - 16:56

Recently, Indigenous youth took centre stage to share their priorities on health, housing, and culture with federal leaders.

Fred Alvarado — Local Journalism Initiative

Hosted by Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre at the Spirit Garden inNathan Phillips Square, the dialogue offered a rare opportunity for youth to speak directly with Crown–Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty and Toronto Centre MP Evan Solomon.

Guided by Andrea Chrisjohn of Council Fire, Indigenous youth spoke candidly about the challenges they face every day, including access to safe and affordable housing, mental health supports, food security, and the preservation of their language and culture. They emphasized the importance of being included in decisions that affect their lives and communities, showing a strong commitment to shaping a future where youth voices are not just heard but actively drive meaningful change.

Terra Roy, an Anishinaabe Nation representative on the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council, stressed the importance of amplifying youth perspectives and creating spaces where their concerns can be heard and acted upon.

Toronto Council Fire, located in the heart of Regent Park, empowers Indigenous youth through mentorship, cultural programming, and leadership opportunities. For youth in Regent Park, these programs are more than support—they are a chance to connect with tradition, develop skills, and build confidence while shaping the neighbourhood’s future.

Through gatherings like this, Indigenous youth in Regent Park are not just speaking—they are helping guide the city toward a more inclusive and culturally aware future.

Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre

Video

Wed, 09/24/2025 - 12:00

Add new comment

Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)

Indigenous youth call on federal ministers to help shape decisions that affect their communities.

Tags

#rptv; #regentpark; #councilfire;

mkp

Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:04:20

Music Credit

Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhNZfs8ezZg Outro 2018-11-15, Doctor_Dreamchip https://freesound.org/s/458086/ and Electric Dreams-Tyrone MacLean-Wilson

Initial Air Date

Wed, 09/24/2025 - 12:00

Creative control for this story was exercised by:

The LJI Journalist

Audience Participation

Toronto committee reviews multi-divisional homelessness response and its impact on communities

apathot — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:14:27 +0000

Toronto committee reviews multi-divisional homelessness response and its impact on communities apathot Fri, 09/19/2025 - 14:14

Toronto’s housing and homelessness crisis was front and centre at City Hall this week as the Economic and Community Development Committee, chaired by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, reviewed the city’s multi-divisional response to homelessness.

Fred Alvarado — Local Journalism Initiative

Toronto is experiencing record shelter use, rising rents, and more people living outdoors. These pressures are felt most sharply in the downtown east, including Regent Park, where many residents are struggling to afford housing or are at risk of losing their homes. That’s why this committee meeting matters so deeply to our neighbourhood.

City staff presented updates on how divisions are working together across housing, shelters, health care, and outreach services. The committee also passed a motion to map out clear pathways from homelessness into permanent housing, ensuring that the city’s approach is grounded in human rights and easier for people to navigate.

One of the most powerful moments came from Regent Park resident and housing advocate Miguel Avila Velarde. He emphasized the urgent need for transitional housing, warning that without proper supports, both newly housed residents and long-time tenants can fall through the cracks. His words highlighted the importance of pairing rapid rehousing with strong community supports.

For Regent Park and the downtown east, these decisions are not abstract policy. They shape our daily
lives, our safety, and our future as a community.

Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre

Video

Fri, 09/19/2025 - 12:00

Add new comment

Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)

City committee reviews homelessness strategy, stressing urgent need for transitional housing.

Tags

#rptv; #regentpark; #cityoftoronto;

mkp

Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:36:27

Music Credit

Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhNZfs8ezZg Outro 2018-11-15, Doctor_Dreamchip https://freesound.org/s/458086/ and Electric Dreams-Tyrone MacLean-Wilson

Image Credit

Courtesy Toronto City Council www.toronto.ca

Initial Air Date

Fri, 09/19/2025 - 12:00

Creative control for this story was exercised by:

The LJI Journalist

Audience Participation

Toronto Communities Stand Against Gun Violence, Seeking Healing Amid Loss

apathot — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:00:40 +0000

Toronto Communities Stand Against Gun Violence, Seeking Healing Amid Loss apathot Tue, 09/16/2025 - 15:00

Community members gathered at Queen’s Park on Saturday, September 14, for a rally against gunviolence, honoring victims and their families while continuing the legacy of Louis March, founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement, who passed away in July 2024.

Fred Alvarado — Local Journalism Initiative

The event marked the conclusion of the Peace March 2025, uniting mothers, survivors, advocates, and community groups in a call for healing and systemic change.

The rally served not only as a response to recent tragedies but also as a collective remembrance of all lives lost, including 8-year-old JahVai Roy, killed last month by a stray bullet in North York. His mother, Holly Roy, spoke with powerful honesty about her grief and the urgent need for stronger community support.

Speakers emphasized that gun violence continues to disproportionately affect Black and Indigenous communities, leaving lasting social and emotional scars. Youth face particular risks as poverty, systemic inequities, and lack of opportunities fuel the cycle of violence. While Toronto police report a decline in shootings compared to 2024, families reminded the crowd that statistics cannot capture the human cost.

Among participants were Regent Park-based Mothers of Peace, Mending the Crack in the Sky, the Black Action Defense Committee, and members of the Zero Gun Violence Movement. Their message was clear: behind every bullet is a story, and communities must act together to prevent further loss.

For Regent Park residents, long impacted by gun violence, the rally underscored the urgent need for investments in youth programs, trauma supports, and community-led solutions.

Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre

Video

Tue, 09/16/2025 - 12:00

Add new comment

Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)

Families, advocates, and local groups rally for change as city mourns victims and calls for action

Tags

#rptv; #gunviolenceawareness; #toronto;

mkp

Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:33:55

Music Credit

Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhNZfs8ezZg Outro 2018-11-15, Doctor_Dreamchip https://freesound.org/s/458086/ and Electric Dreams-Tyrone MacLean-Wilson Background music - Hovering Thoughts-when the lights ae down

Initial Air Date

Tue, 09/16/2025 - 12:00

Creative control for this story was exercised by:

The LJI Journalist

Audience Participation

Evan Solomon’s New Office Nears Opening at Parliament and Gerrard

apathot — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:29:46 +0000

Evan Solomon’s New Office Nears Opening at Parliament and Gerrard apathot Mon, 09/15/2025 - 14:29

Toronto Centre MP and Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, is preparing to open his new constituency office at 409 Parliament Street, near the busy intersection of Gerrard and Parliament in Regent Park. Designed as a welcoming and accessible hub, the office will allow residents to meet in person, raise local concerns, and access federal services.

Fred Alvarado — Local Journalism Initiative

RPTV visited the site and documented the exterior, where a truck was parked as final preparations were underway. While the interior remains under wraps, a team member confirmed off-camera that a grand opening will soon be held to welcome the community.

The move follows an incident at Solomon’s former office over the Labour Day weekend, when pro- Palestine posters, a political cartoon, and the name of a journalist killed in an Israeli airstrike were plastered on the entrance. Solomon condemned the vandalism, stressing that peaceful protest is a democratic right but intimidation has no place. Authorities are still investigating.

At a recent St. James Town festival, Solomon introduced his refreshed staff to residents and addressed pressing issues such as affordable housing, rising living costs, and public safety. He highlighted federal measures including the Canada Built Canada Homes program and the creation of a national housing agency.

For Toronto Centre, the new office is more than bricks and mortar—it represents access, accountability, and a stronger connection between residents and their MP.

Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre

Video

Mon, 09/15/2025 - 12:00

Add new comment

Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)

Accessible Regent Park office aims to strengthen ties, federal support, and community connection.

Tags

#rptv; #regentpark; #toronto;

mkp

Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:05:40

Music Credit

Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhNZfs8ezZg Outro 2018-11-15, Doctor_Dreamchip https://freesound.org/s/458086/ and Electric Dreams-Tyrone MacLean-Wilson

Initial Air Date

Mon, 09/15/2025 - 12:00

Creative control for this story was exercised by:

The LJI Journalist

Audience Participation

Living Refugee Struggles & Housing Hardships: Samuel Kisitu’s 5-Year Journey From Uganda to Toronto

apathot — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 17:06:10 +0000

Living Refugee Struggles & Housing Hardships: Samuel Kisitu’s 5-Year Journey From Uganda to Toronto apathot Mon, 09/15/2025 - 13:06

Two years ago, in the middle of a harsh Toronto winter, Regent Park TV first sat down with Samuel Kisitu — also known as Freeman — to hear his story as a refugee navigating housing insecurity and the challenges of starting over in a new city.

Fred Alvarado — Local Journalism Initiative

This month marks five years since Samuel arrived from Uganda in September 2019, fleeing political persecution under President Museveni’s 40-year dictatorship. In exile, he named himself “Freeman” and put on the red beret of the People Power Movement, inspired by Bobi Wine’s call for democratic change. He is now a proud member of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change and the National Unity Platform – People Power Movement, Canada Chapter.

His journey in Toronto has carried him from nights at Dominion Church’s temporary shelter to reuniting with his family and welcoming a new child. Before finally securing affordable housing in December 2023, he was among more than 15,000 people experiencing homelessness in the city. Along the way, he became a contributing voice in Toronto’s Downtown East, helping organize during last year’s refugee housing emergency, when African-led groups and churches stepped in to shelter asylum seekers as the city’s system buckled under pressure.

Samuel’s connection to Regent Park has grown through volunteering with the Regent Park Neighbourhood Association and collaborating with Regent Park Focus Media Arts Centre — spaces that gave him a platform to speak, document, and remind the city that refugees are not invisible.

His reflections come as Toronto faces a projected $107 million shortfall in refugee and asylum-seeker housing supports for 2025. In response, Samuel appeals to the federal government not to scale back its commitment at a moment of deepening crisis.

Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre

Video

Mon, 09/15/2025 - 12:00

Add new comment

Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)

Freeman reflects on exile, family reunion, housing struggles, and his Regent Park community ties.

Tags

#rptv; #regentpark; #refugees;

mkp

Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

01:07:27

Music Credit

Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhNZfs8ezZg Outro 2018-11-15, Doctor_Dreamchip https://freesound.org/s/458086/ and Electric Dreams-Tyrone MacLean-Wilson

Initial Air Date

Mon, 09/15/2025 - 12:00

Creative control for this story was exercised by:

The LJI Journalist

Audience Participation

2025 Federal Election Candidates Meeting For Toronto Centre Riding

apathot — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:17:35 +0000

2025 Federal Election Candidates Meeting For Toronto Centre Riding apathot Fri, 09/12/2025 - 15:17

Youtube Embed Code

LJI Journalist Name

apathot

LJI Partner Name

Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre

Region

Ontario

Community

Regent Park (TO)

When Toronto Centre candidates faced off in Regent Park on April 30, 2025, the spotlight wasn’t only on politics—it was on the community itself. The packed debate at Daniels Spectrum, organized by the Community Civic Engagement Collaborative (CCEC), drew over 160 participants in person and online, proving that residents in Regent Park and the Downtown East are eager to engage in Canada’s democratic life.

The evening was hosted by a former Focus Media Arts Centre youth and Regent Park resident, who had once trained as a community newscaster for RPTV. Her presence symbolized the impact of civic journalism: empowering local residents to grow into civic leaders and trusted voices in their own community.

Residents pressed candidates on issues that matter most—affordable housing, youth employment, healthcare, community safety, and the conflict in Gaza—ensuring the concerns of marginalized neighbourhoods were front and centre in the federal race.

By covering and amplifying this event, Focus Media Arts Centre turned a single night of political debate into an ongoing resource for accountability, inspiring greater voter participation in a community where turnout has historically been low.

Add new comment

Communities Face Growing Overdose Crisis as NDP-MPPs Demand Urgent Provincial Action

apathot — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 19:14:37 +0000

Communities Face Growing Overdose Crisis as NDP-MPPs Demand Urgent Provincial Action apathot Mon, 09/08/2025 - 15:14

At Queen’s Park, NDP-MPPs and community advocates came together to demand immediate action on Ontario’s escalating overdose crisis.

Fred Alvarado — Local Journalism Initiative

Among them was Toronto Centre MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, who joined Dr. Robin Lennox, Alexa Gilmour, community advocate Diana Chan McNally, and parent Heather Robinson, whose son David tragically died of an overdose at just 17.

Last year, Ontario lost 2,244 people to drug overdoses. Since the onset of the poisoned drug supply, more Ontarians have died from overdoses than from COVID-19, yet the province still lacks a coordinated strategy to address this public health emergency.

Speakers stressed that the closure of Safe Consumption Sites has worsened conditions across Ontario, forcing people into streets, parks, and alleyways, while increasing overdose risks and creating unsafe environments for entire communities.

For Toronto’s Downtown East — including Regent Park and Moss Park — the crisis is deeply personal. These neighbourhoods are among the hardest hit, with residents witnessing overdoses daily and local shelters, health services, and harm-reduction programs stretched beyond capacity.

The MPPs are calling on the Ford government to establish an emergency response command table, bringing municipal, federal, and health experts together to implement evidence-based solutions that could save lives and protect vulnerable communities.

This growing crisis demands urgent attention before more families are left grieving.

Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre

Video

Mon, 09/08/2025 - 12:00

Add new comment

Story Summary (80 - 120 Characters)

On International Overdose Awareness Day, Ontario marks thousands of deaths from drug overdoses.

Tags

#rptv; #regentpark; #toronto;

mkp

Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:28:28

Music Credit

Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhNZfs8ezZg Outro 2018-11-15, Doctor_Dreamchip https://freesound.org/s/458086/ and Electric Dreams-Tyrone MacLean-Wilson

Image Credit

Courtesy: Legislative Assembly of Ontario Media Centre & MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam's Office

Initial Air Date

Mon, 09/08/2025 - 12:00

Creative control for this story was exercised by:

The LJI Journalist

Audience Participation