By Dawar Naeem
Dawar is Community Journalist with RPTV Focus Media Arts Centre
The SDP Stakeholders Table is the main decision-making body responsible for the implementation of Social Development Plan in Regent Park. The Stakeholders Committee meets four times yearly.
Intended to be a coalition of stakeholders serving or residing in Regent Park. The SDP Stakeholders Table is open to anyone including market and TCHC residents, Agencies, Grassroots Groups, Faith Groups and businesses located in or serving Regent Park, TCHC and its development partners, City of Toronto, and elected representatives serving Regent Park.
While membership is open to all, voting privileges are restricted to residents and stakeholder groups who are actively involved on the various working committees of the SDP. The working committees are communications, community building, safety, employment & economic development, funding, and evaluation and benchmarks. The SDP Stakeholders Table is coordinated by a planning committee.
On November 27 2023, a hybrid & in-person meeting of the Regent Park Stakeholders Table took place at the Community Living Room located on the first floor of Daniels Spectrum and it was live-streamed on Zoom and the Regent Park TV Youtube Channel.
The meeting was chaired by the Co-Chairs of The Social development Plan, Walied Khogali Ali, Marlene Degenova, Ines Garcia amd Leah Katerberg.
In the heart of Toronto, the transformative pulse of Regent Park beats strong, echoing the resilience and collaborative spirit of a community on the rise. Recent updates from key working groups reveal a multifaceted approach to community development, emphasizing inclusivity, economic empowerment, and cultural celebration.
Joel Klassen, at the helm of the Shaping SDP Culture Task Group, unveiled a blueprint for enhancing the efficiency of the Social Development Plan (SDP) network. The proposed guidelines, spanning meeting etiquette, conflict resolution, and mutual accountability, offer a solid foundation for effective collaboration. A trial period of 3-4 months, subject to feedback from SDP working groups, aims to refine and perfect these guidelines, setting the stage for harmonious community engagement.
Tereza Todorova and Esha Kidwai from Toronto Community Housing spoke about the Community Benefits Oversight Working Group (CBOWG), overseeing the $26.8 million community benefits funds for Phases 4 and 5 of the Regent Park Revitalization by the new developers Tridel Inc., reports an impressive 1,700 touch points with residents. Top community priorities, including employment, training, youth programs, scholarships, and communal spaces, reflect the community’s active role in shaping its destiny. A historic community vote in early 2024 will decide the allocation of these funds, underscoring a groundbreaking participatory approach.
Kayilyn Ferreira of the SDP Evaluation and Benchmarks Committee (EBC) showcased the TIMES framework, a tool designed to measure various facets of community development. Surveys employing TIMES collected crucial data on community leadership, collaboration, resource accessibility, and wealth creation. The ongoing evaluation process involves champions from each working group, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of SDP’s progress and areas for improvement.
The Community Building Working Group, led by Joel Klassen, continues to be a catalyst for unity through its organization of impactful events. From Black History Month celebrations to the Sunday in the Park event, the group promotes cultural and ethnic diversity, reflecting the rich tapestry of Regent Park.
Mary-Ann Kalalang from the Filipinos in Regent Park Community Group shared successful projects, such as the Filipino Heritage Celebration and ongoing art workshops, showcasing the power of resident-led initiatives in fostering cultural pride and community bonds.
Launched in September, the Tech Lending Library has made significant strides in providing technology access to the community. With 94 members served and over 300 loans of laptops, tablets, and mobile hotspots, the library is a vital resource for bridging the digital divide and empowering residents in today’s digital world. AbdiRahman, the Coordinator of the Regent park Tech lending Library, hopes to expand the impact of the Tech library and positively influence the lives of Regent Parkers.
Adonis Huggins, Executive director of Focus Media Arts Centre, spoke about the Impact of Regent Park TV (RPTV), a key information hub, that produced 162 videos in 2021, engaging over 40,000 views. Its commitment to youth empowerment through video production and editing training positions RPTV as a pivotal platform for community’s’ expression. Despite its achievements, RPTV aims to increase its visibility to ensure it becomes a go-to source for information in Regent Park.
The Employment and Economic Development Working Group has connected residents with resources, opportunities, and stakeholders, fostering access to job opportunities, training workshops, and scholarships. The group’s weekly email newsletter has become a valuable tool for communication, reaching over 175 stakeholders and contributing to increased awareness. Ismail Afrah and Layla Zia spoke about the impacts of the EED Working Group.
As the working groups continue their dedicated efforts, Regent Park emerges as a model for community collaboration and grassroots initiatives. Through inclusivity, empowerment, and cultural celebration, this Toronto neighborhood is not just revitalizing its physical spaces but also building a resilient and thriving community for generations to come.