Toronto Jane's Walk - Regent Park Revitalized

Organizers of Regent Park Jane's Walk met at 500 Dundas Daniel's showroom this weekend to conduct the neighbourhood tour of the Regent Park Community and how the Revitalization Plan is taking shape.

The Revitalization Plan was designed to build on the strengths of the community and generate the vibrant neighbourhood it deserves. The definition of a great neighbourhood is a place that include retail, employment, recreational and community spaces for residents from all age and different social economic backgrounds.

What is going on at Regent Park?

Phase One is nearing completion and the Regent Park community has also evolved during this time:

• Approximately 350 Regent Park residents are employed by construction sub-contractos, engineering firms, social service agencies, and the new commercial tenants. Revitalization is delivering economic opportunities to social housing tenants.
• Toronto Community Housing has constructed six new rental buildings, three within the boundaries of Regent Park neighbourhood, and three in the East Downtown area. The first rental townhome is currently being occupied.
• High-efficiency heating and cooling is provided in all new buildings by the District Energy Paltn and the creation of Regent Park Energy Inc.

Phase Two in progress:

• The Aquatic Centre is one of many City of Toronto investments in Regent Park. The new Centre will welcome recreational swimmers of all ages next year.
• The 4.3 acre Big Park, which still needs to be officially named, will include new playground equipment, public art, an off-leash dog area and a community garden. The new park will be ready in late 2012.
• The Regent Park Arts and Culture Centre will be home to diverse arts based organizations including local groups ArtHeart, Regent Park School of Music, Cabbagetown/ Regent Park Museum and the Regent Park Film Festival. New to the community are COBA [Collective of Black Artists], Native Earth Performing Arts and the CSI [Centre for Social Innovation].
• The Paintbox Condominium adjacent to the Arts and Culture Centre is under construction, and will be launching its sales event very soon!

Integrated with Regent Park Jane's Walk, TEDxToronto also held their 2011 event SALON: The Citizen sharing ideas from an inspiring panel and guests:

• Lancefield Morgan (TCHC - Regent Park Revitalization Consultant)
• Michele Peters (Regent Park Focus - Youth Outreach Worker)
• Loyal Al-Shimmary (Regent Park Focus Participant and Resident)
• Eli Malinsky (Jane Walks Board Member, Director of Partnerships Centre for Social Innovation).

• Dave Meslin: on the subject of how to develop grassroots citizenship
  Peter MacLeod: on citizenship from an institutional perspective
  Masia One: sharing the 411 on youth engagement models

If you would like to live in and be part of a Toronto diverse and vibrant community, I would love to help you find your next home!