RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 72 (Feb 16th – Feb 22nd, 2024) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporter Gabriel Meissner, Fred Alvarado, and Kedar Ahmed, we present news that impacts on Toronto's Regent Park and the surrounding areas.

In this episode we present the following news for the week of February 16th to February 22nd: 0:00 intro;
 0:55 Regent Park Safety Network and Toronto Police Celebrate Remarkable Community Milestones;
11:16 Fred Victor celebrates Lunar New Year 2024;
19:08 Neighbourhood Information Post Hosts Moss Park Photo Story Event at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts;
30:54 Nelson Mandela Park receives 170 musical instruments from JazzFM;
31:45 City of Toronto approves 2024 Budget;
40:17 Events and Jobs in Regent Park community.

This week’s lead story:

The 2024 budget includes an operating budget of $17.1 billion and a 2024-2033 capital budget plan of $49.8 billion. 

By Fred Alvarado Fred is a community journalist with FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

On February 14th, 2023, Mayor Olivia Chow presented the city's 2024 budget, marking her first financial plan as mayor. The budget includes a significant 9.5% residential property tax hike citywide, the highest since Toronto's amalgamation in 1998, alongside a $ 20 million increase to the police budget. The decision to grant the full budget increase to the Toronto Police Service came after a series of debates and demonstrations, with the council ultimately approving the $20-million request.

The budget, developed with input from over 50,000 residents, emphasizes core services and investments in key areas, including affordable housing, transit, and community safety. Highlights of the budget include a $126 million allocation for affordable housing and shelters, with expansions to programs like the Multi-Unit Residential Acquisition program (MURA) and the implementation of the Winter Warming Response Plan.

Transit services and environmental sustainability receive a $30 million allocation, with measures such as freezing TTC fares and developing emissions performance standards. Additionally, $44 million is dedicated to fostering caring and safe communities, including expanding the Toronto Community Crisis Service city-wide and hiring more firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and civilian staff.

The budget also establishes a $50 million Back on Track Fund to address critical infrastructure needs and accelerate capital projects across the city. Council enhancements to the budget include additional funding for community safety, violence prevention, tree maintenance, economic development, cultural initiatives, and more.

Overall, the 2024 budget reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the city's needs while prioritizing investments that contribute to the well-being and sustainability of Toronto's diverse communities.