By Fred Alvarado
(Fred is a journalist with the Focus Media Arts Centre, funded by the Government of Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative)

RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 17.
 
Regent Park Weekly News presents news that impacts on Regent Park and other surrounding communities located in the Down Town East communities of Toronto.

Episode 17 for the week of January 12th to January 18th, 2021 featured segments on: Paintbox Catering & Bistro closes operations after serving Regent Park since 2012 ( 01:50 min); Toronto Fire Services response to fire alarm at Regent Park’s Tim Hortons ( 07:32 min); Report of the RPNA’s Virtual Safety Meeting ( 08:47 min); Green Thumbs and YEY presents at the January ED Directors Network meeting ( 15:36 min); Temporary closing of St James Town Library ( 20:39 min); Ontario bringing in more rapid tests as students set to return to school ( 22:12 min); Isolation center for unhoused people with COVID-19 nearly full ( 24:21 ); Vaccination clinics update ( 28:11 min); Events in Regent Park Community ( 29:09 mins).   

The following is one of the reports that was featured:

PaintBox Catering & Bistro closed operations after serving Regent Park residents since 2012.
Award winning and popular Regent Park hospitality hub PaintBox Catering & Bistro closed indefinitely according to a letter written by its founder and owner Chris Klugman and published in the restaurant’s website and social media, citing being defeated by the pandemic.

“PaintBox is closed” says a written statement to customers and partners.
“I am writing this letter with a heavy heart to inform you Paintbox is closing effective immediately – and to apologize for any inconvenience or challenges this may cause anyone.
This was not an easy decision to make. However, like many companies and organizations, this 22-month long pandemic with no end in sight has simply been too much to manage. With a new surge and other variants on the horizon, with a renewed government lockdown and cancelled catering, Paintbox is out of financial resources and no longer tenable.” Klugman said in the letter.

Chris Klugman expressed his deepest thanks to Daniels Corporation President and CEO, Mitchell Cohen, for conceiving Paintbox and in realizing the significant positive impact Paintbox has had on Regent Park and the broader community.

“I will always be proud to have been part of this vision.” Chris wrote. 
In reflection, some of the high points and legacy of Paintbox include:

• Preparing over 35,000 meals for hunger relief since the start of pandemic. ·      
• Recognized internationally for a unique for-profit social enterprise. ·       
• Incubating food business startups like Batch Cookies, Spike your Food, and DoGood Donuts.
• Bringing the Regent Park community together as a community hub, hosting bazaars, buffets, youth events, meetings and opening our kitchens to local initiatives.       
• Mentoring staff who have gone on to success in overcoming personal and systemic barriers, from winning cooking competitions to becoming important voices for gender and racial equality and becoming mentors themselves.

“One thing I value the most has been the opportunity to work alongside Regent Park residents, grassroots groups and agencies as co-chair of the SDP Community Building working group and other neighbourhood programs.” Klugman said in the letter.

“While the pandemic has defeated Paintbox, I personally intend to continue to work toward equity, inclusion, belonging and building opportunities for all moving forward. I do hope the space can continue to contribute to the vitality of the Regent Park community, whether it’s supporting entrepreneurs, arts and cultural programming, neighbourhood feel, excitement and happiness, or economic drivers. Again, I would like to thank everyone for their support and inspiration over the years.” Chris Klugman closed his letter as Paintbox era comes to an end.

PaintBox Bistro will be remembered by Regent Park residents as a company that embraced environmental and social responsibility while providing a superior level of food service, and being able to collaborate with the community to fight poverty, promote environmental sustainability and create employment opportunities. Paintbox was recognized by the BMW Foundation and named "Best For The World" by B Corporation in 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 for its efforts.

So far, more than 140 bars and restaurants have closed in Toronto since the start of the pandemic in 2020.