Regent Park Revitalization: June 10th Community Consultation with the City on Plan Amendments

Last Monday, June 10^th, Regent Park gathered to discuss the revitalization plans. The City of Toronto Department of Planning and Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) held a consultation with the community on the recent development plan amendments proposed by TCHC. The turnout for the consultation was impressive, with the entire Ada Slaight Hall auditorium in the Daniels Spectrum building nearly filled to capacity. 

The topic of the consultation was the following changes to the development plan for Regent Park proposed by TCHC:*

• Increase from 5,400 to 7,500 social and market housing units at the completion of all phases
• Increase the projected population from 12,500 to approximately 17,000 at the completion of all phases
• Removal of two small parkettes replaced by a new larger park/sports field  and adjustment to permitted land use designations, blocks and streets proposed  to reflect reconfigurations of park spaces
• Addition of commercial parking garage as a permitted use
• Demolition of heritage listed 14 Blevins building and proposal for a 60m tower on this block
• Increase of building heights in some locations including but not limited to:
• Two additional 88m towers on Dundas St E (Phase 3)
• One new 120m tower on Parliament Street (Phase 4)
• Sites on north side of central park and site on River Street – currently permitted at  22m & 30m, proposed increase to 50m 

* (From the City website: visit http://www.toronto.ca/planning/regentpark.htm)

Not expressed in this list of amendments is the population proportional change that would occur with the construction of additional market housing units. The proposed plan amendments shift the population proportion from an approximate 60-40% split to a proposed 75-25% split -- owners to renters. (Though TCHC maintains a consistent 50-50% split as, for example, a house of TCHC residents with two adults and three children would be counted as equal to five single-dwelling market housing units). Though residents in attendance vocalised their concerns about the proposed changes, the focus of apprehension was on the height of the proposed towers rather than the proportional shift in population mix.

Specific unease was expressed over the proposed height of a tower to be built on the corner of Gerrard and Parliament (120 metres). Residents had a number of concerns about its height, including blocking sunlight in surrounding buildings, contrasting with the historical architecture of the area, increasing density/traffic in an already congested corner, and once again secluding Regent Park as an insular and inward-facing island. According to the City representatives, John Gladki and Angela Stea, anxiety around the buildings height had been vocalized prior to the consultation. Throughout the consultation, the audience was reassured that the community’s displeasure would be noted and addressed in the next planning stages.

The new proposed tower heights

Others noted concerns around amenities being able to support the population influx, and what this increase would mean for access to programming. In response, it was noted that the increased green space in the plan amendments should hopefully provide more programming opportunities. It was also noted that strained access to City facilities is a challenge all across Toronto, and that this drawback is difficult to avoid.

Besides the new athletic field, the most welcome plan amendment proposed was clearly the demolition of the tower at 14 Blevins Place. Residents came out to voice their support for its deconstruction, offering poignant examples of the challenges faced daily for those residing in the dilapidated heritage building.

TCHC Chief Development Officer, Greg Spearn, represented TCHC at the consultation, and spoke about the rationale behind amendments to the development plan. Spearn cited deficits, specifically miscalculations on the district energy system, and desire for early completion of the development as reasons for the increase in market unit builds. For some this did not justify the changes proposed, but for all it seemed clear that compromise will have to be made by all parties in order for Revitalization to continue.

For more information on these proposed changes and the process for approval, please visit www.toronto.ca/planning/regentpark.htm.

Proposed Population Density Changes in Regent Park -- Community Consultation June 10, 2013

The Regent Park community may soon see a significant population expansion.  Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) and Daniels Corporation have submitted a rezoning application to be voted upon by City Council to increase the density in Regent Park from 5400 to 7500 units. This proposed plan moves the population proportion from a approximately 60-40% split to a proposed 75-25% split (owners to renters).

There hasn't been a lot of discussion so far about why these changes are being proposed and how they affect the community, but these are significant potential changes. Today, Monday, June 10th, the City will be hosting a Community Consultation on these proposed changes at 7p.m. in the Daniels Spectrum: 585 Dundas St. East. Make sure to come out to hear more about these changes and how they may impact you.

During a recent conference held at the Canadian Urban Institute on the topic of Lessons Learned from Revitalization in Regent Park, TCHC Chief Development Officer, Greg Spearn, spoke quite candidly about the decision to shift proportions. Spearn revealed that as of the completion of Phase 2, the organization will be facing a $8million deficit, and this change keeps the Revitalization viable. 

The shift in proportion is not the only solution being proposed by the TCHC - Daniels Corp partnership. Spearn also revealed that the organization has taken on Royal Bank of Canada as a lending partner to alleviate some of the financial strain. Additionally, financial restructuring of TCHC properties and the retail development are intended to partially subsidize the Revitalization. 

Clear from the presentation, was the desire on the part of all stakeholders to find ways to continue Revitalization.

These proposed changes in proportion will likely have the largest impact, however, and it is important the community stay actively engaged in this process to ensure the health of Regent Park. Make sure to participate in these discussions.

Again, the City of Toronto will be hosting a community consultation on June 10^th at 7 p.m. at the Daniels Spectrum.  We encourage you to attend and voice your opinions.

Hey All,

Just a reminder that this coming Monday June 10th at 7 p.m. at the Daniels Spectrum the City of Toronto will be hosting a community consultation on the re-zoning and site plan amendment applications.  Please come out and ensure your voice is heard!

Launch of the Regent Park Farmers' Market

Yesterday was the launch of the Regent Park Farmers’ Market, and Regent Park Boulevard** was bustling with patrons taking in all that the vendors had to offer (see the full list at the end of this post).  The Market will be running every Wednesday, until October 30^th, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will be serving locally grown foods and locally made goodies.

BBQ corn, butterfish sandwiches, samosas, smoothies, and butter tarts were just some of the food people were enjoying yesterday. Homemade breads, spices, organic herbs, and fresh root vegetables were in abundance. This market is aimed to be different from others in the city; Regent Park Farmers' Market is an affordable option where you will experience the wonderful diversity found in the community.  

Besides the delicious food and treats, the atmosphere was lovely. In many instances, people were meeting each other for the first time on the Boulevard and taking time out to engage with their neighbours. Several of the vendors were from Regent Park and provided some cultural favourites that will surely keep you coming back every week. The Market truly has something for everyone and is a lovely place to meet new people in the community.

We see a bright future for the Regent Park Farmers’ Market and hope you will support this endeavour. We will have a table there each week and hope you will stop by and say hi. For more information about the market please visit their website at www.regentparkfarmersmarket.ca.

**Regent Park Boulevard has not yet been officially named. It is the street colloquially known as "Street P Parking," running north/south on the East side of the Daniels Spectrum. Make sure to come out to the official street naming the same day as Sunday in the Park, on July 7th.

This list is of the venders at the market June 5, 2013. List will change throughout the season.

• Arman Farmers' Market (Wali) - bbq corn / coconut juice / sugar cane juice = RP local resident & hero
• Fish Shack (Ali) - cod fish & veggie fritters / fish & veggie sandwiches / homemade juices
• Hymark Farms (Zach) - beans / potatoes / other fresh produce = will also have Halal Goat at future markets
• Southern Horizon (Margaret & Rodney) - fresh greens / root vegetables
• The Food Smyth (Dave) - artisan cheeses
• Simply Buds (Maryann & Andrew) - raspberry & blueberry berliners / pecan tarts = RP local residents who cooked at Paintbox Bistro
• Exact Edge (Denzil) - knife sharpening
• Incredible Spices (Sanjiz) - all homemade spice blends / sauces / dips and samosas / mango lassi
• Red Pocket Farm (Amy) - fresh greens / root vegetables
• Wicklow Way (Greg & Elaina) - organic vegetables / flowers / honey
• De la Terre Bakery (Chad) - fresh baked assorted breads / muffins / date squares = they grow their own grain for the breads / treats
• Fathima's Tasty Treats (Fathima & Ahamed) - veggies & chicken samosas / fish balls / cupcakes = RP local residents who cooked at Paintbox Bistro
• Sally's Spring Rolls (Sally) - veggie & chicken spring rolls / chutney = RP local resident (caters many community events) = cooked at Paintbox Bistro
• Fresh City Farms (Arlene) - fresh greens / broccoli / root vegetables
• Paintbox Bistro's Boxie - coffee / fruit smoothies

Regent Park Food and Gardens

 Ensuring all people have access to affordable, culturally diverse, fresh and nutrient-rich foods is vital to the overall health of the community. Regent Park has a long history of food advocacy. In the 1980s, the high cost to buying fresh food was identified as a barrier to good nutrition, so the Regent Park Community Health Centre, along with the CRC, negotiated various green spaces in Regent Park to convert them to urban gardens. Well over 300 families worked on their own allotted gardens and grew foods for their families.

What we found was we had some excellent urban farmers living in Regent Park. They’ve been able to grow such foods as okra, black pepper, and even rice! 

However, we also knew that not everyone could farm nor did we have the space to ensure there was enough room to grow food for everyone who lives in the community. Developing food security initiatives has therefore long been a priority for Regent Park. 

Currently, there are several new projects that are working to enhance food security for the community. The new Food Centre at the Christian Resource Centre and the Regent Park Farmers’ Market are just a few of the initiatives that are coming into the neighbourhood this year.  

Even more food initiatives will be developing alongside the completion of Regent Park park and still more when the Athletics Grounds are complete. This unique approach to urban agriculture speaks to the creativity and ingenuity found in Regent Park.

With the support of long-serving community agencies, urban farming continues to be a vital tool for many residents, and we are excited to see the new food projects being initiated in Regent Park -- especially the Regent Park Farmers’ Market, which launches today! Make sure to stop by and check out the flyer on our website for more information.

Open Letter to Regent Park Graduates

To All of Our Graduates,

Whether you are graduating grade 6, 8, 12 or you've finished your post-secondary degree , we would like to take a moment and congratulate you on your accomplishments. As you prepare for the next chapter of life, be proud of the work you have done thus far, because we are. Whether you are heading into high school, post secondary school, or leaving academia for the workforce, take a moment and celebrate your milestone.

Preparing for the next stage of your life can be scary and overwhelming; the unknowns can seem daunting. Remember that the obstacles you will face are surmountable and are a true test of your character. Never shy away from life’s challenges; embrace and defeat them with the resilience that can only come from your story. Most importantly never forget that you have a community standing behind you, cheering you on.

Do not be afraid of the changes that will come with your approaching journey. The places and people may differ over-time, but learn to embrace these experiences as stepping stones for a greater purpose. Do not shy away from the opportunities that are presented. Always take a leap of faith; you are ready.

You will always be your hardest critic in life -- sometimes believing that your goals are too large and your accomplishments too small -- but this cannot be further from the truth. The little things are what build one’s character and will make you the best version of yourself. Let your will to succeed be your driving force and take you to places you never thought possible.

We are all so proud of your accomplishments and know that whatever you want to achieve in life is possible if you work hard for it. Others cannot define you; it is your drive and will to succeed that will elevate you to the next level. You are worthy of all the success you receive and never allow anyone to take that away from you.

We wish you all the best in this next chapter and look forward to your continued success.

From,

All of Us in Regent Park