RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 89 (July 29th to August 9th) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Jabin Haque, Kedar Ahmed, and Klavon Murdoch, 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;
01:10 Regent Park Social Development Plan Takes Summer Break;
02:30 Rastafest Regent Park: A New Cultural Celebration Coming to the Neighbourhood;
07:32 Regent Park Cultural Bazaar Unites the Community;
11:41 Black Housing and Homelessness Consultation at Regent Park;
12:35 Moss Park Summer Festival Strengthens Community Bonds;
30:21 36 youth leaders receive TCHC’s Investing in Our Diversity Scholarships;
30:51 Press Conference Highlights struggle of African Asylum Seekers in Ontario;
43:27 Alarming Life Expectancy Gap for Unhoused Toronto Residents, Study finds;
44:29 Events and Jobs in the community.

This week’s lead story:

Regent Park Social Development Plan Takes Summer Break

By Fred Alvarado and Dimitrije Martinovic Both are community journalists with FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

The Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) will pause its meetings from July 25 to September 8, 2024, giving community members and stakeholders a summer break. Meetings will restart in September, fuelling the continued effort to strengthen and unite Regent Park.

The SDP is a vital framework dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Regent Park through social inclusion and community cohesion.

Just before the break, the SDP held a significant meeting where participants discussed the SDP Refresh Report, focusing on updating strategies to meet evolving community needs. This discussion highlighted the importance of adapting the plan to ensure it continues to serve Regent Park effectively.

The SDP operates through four working groups focused on employment, safety, community building, and communication. These groups, supported by a planning committee and various sub-committees, meet regularly to develop and implement action plans that address the community's needs. Participation in these groups is open to all, including residents, city staff, and representatives from key organizations like TCHC, Daniels, and Tridel.

The SDP’s work is crucial for maintaining the progress and unity within Regent Park, and the break provides a time to reflect on achievements and prepare for the next steps. The SDP meetings will resume in September, continuing the collective effort to build a stronger, more inclusive Regent Park.