The Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Network’s Safety Working Group, also known as the Regent Park Safety Network (RPSN), met on March 16 for its monthly meeting, bringing together key agencies and community stakeholders to share updates and address ongoing safety concerns in the neighbourhood.
The meeting was facilitated by Leonard Swartz, Co-Chair of the RPSN, and included updates from partners such as the Toronto Police Service, Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Community Housing, and the City’s Community Safety Unit.
A representative from the Toronto Police Service shared the latest crime statistics from 51 Division, which includes Regent Park. According to the update, crime levels are slightly higher compared to the same period last year, from January to March 2025. However, no major incidents were reported at the time. Community members also raised concerns about ongoing safety challenges in the neighbourhood.
Toronto Fire Services highlighted important fire safety issues, with a strong focus on the risks associated with e-bikes. Residents were advised not to store e-bikes inside residential units due to the potential dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries. Fire officials noted that clearer policies and guidelines are currently being developed to help residents store these devices safely.
Updates from the offices of Councillor Chris Moise and MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, as well as Toronto Community Housing, were not presented at this meeting due to the absence of representatives. However, Leonard Swartz shared that he remains in ongoing communication with these offices to ensure information continues to flow.
The discussion also addressed food insecurity in Regent Park, with a focus on the work being done by Fred Victor to support residents facing barriers to accessing food.
An update was also shared on the Community Violence, Wellbeing and Recovery Project, a partnership between the City’s Violence Intervention & Support Unit (formerly known as the Community Safety and Wellbeing Unit) and Unison Health and Community Services. The initiative aims to support individuals impacted by violence through trauma-informed and culturally responsive care, offering both immediate mental health support and connections to long-term services. Although a representative was unable to attend, members noted that planning is moving forward, with the RPSN working toward finalizing details for an Action Plan Grant tied to the project.
Community Safety Unit representative Anthony Lamanna raised concerns about a recent spike in opioid-related overdoses across Toronto’s downtown core, including the presence of dangerous substances such as veterinary-grade narcotics. In response, community members highlighted available resources, including overdose awareness and response training sessions held on the last Tuesday of each month at the Regent Park Community Health Centre.
The meeting also included a discussion on improving public understanding of the roles of Community Safety Unit officers compared to police officers, helping residents better navigate available support systems.
Youth engagement was another key topic. With youth not present at the meeting, members discussed the importance of finding better ways to involve them in decision-making processes. Suggestions included offering honoraria, creating youth-focused activities, and securing dedicated funding to support their participation. Members emphasized that youth voices are essential in shaping a safer and more inclusive Regent Park.
The conversation also expanded to community wellness, with a suggestion form Lana Nwaokoro to advocate for a wellness hub model similar to one implemented by Toronto Community Housing at another site, aimed at supporting seniors and promoting healthy aging.
Finally, updates were shared from the SDP Network’s Planning Committee meeting, including priorities for 2026 and the launch of a new website, RPSDPnetwork.ca. The platform, introduced by Communications Working Group Co-Chair Adonis Huggins, is designed as a central hub where residents can access information, attend meetings, and get involved in shaping the future of Regent Park.
The March meeting highlighted the ongoing collaboration between agencies and residents, while also underscoring key challenges such as rising crime trends, overdose risks, and the need for stronger youth engagement and accessible community resources.
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