The City of Toronto recently held a virtual community consultation to discuss zoning amendments for the final stages of the Regent Park revitalization project. This session, held on October 30, brought together residents, representatives from Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), Tridel, and city officials, all focusing on Phases 4 and 5 of the ambitious redevelopment plan.

Fred Alvarado – Local Journalism Initiative

Key amendments to Zoning By-law 1325-2023 were at the center of the discussion, aiming to address potential conflicts with city infrastructure while expanding housing options in Regent Park, one of Toronto’s most diverse neighbourhoods. As housing shortages continue to impact Toronto, many community members voiced the importance of prioritizing affordable housing. Concerns were raised over a proposal to add 98 new market units on Blocks 4B and 4C, with residents questioning the impact on the previously promised 633 Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) units.

City Planner Katherine Bailey, TCHC’s Peter Zimmerman, and Tridel’s Bryan Sherwood each presented their insights, sparking significant community feedback. The Regent Park Neighbuorhood Association (RPNA) advocated for a balanced 50/50 split of market and social housing units, fearing that an increase in market units could compromise Regent Park’s inclusive character.

This consultation underscored the importance of resident input in shaping the future of Regent Park. As redevelopment progresses, the focus on affordable housing and community engagement remains vital to ensuring Regent Park’s unique legacy endures.

In this episode :
0:00 Intro;
0:57 City of Toronto Hosts Community Consultation on Zoning Changes for Regent Park Phases 4 & 5;
04:56 Upcoming Event: "Rhythms of Change" Book Launch Celebrates Regent Park's Transformation;
06:26 MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam Addresses Supportive Housing at Ontario Legislature;
08:53 Rally to Raise ODSP and OW Rates and Counter-Protest Against Ableism at Queen's Park;
15:15 Toronto Police Service Launches Crime Prevention Week 2024;
16:51 Indigenous Report: Remembering Murray Sinclair;
18:20 Events and Jobs in Regent Park.