Planning Committee Meeting March 13th

Regent Park SDP Planning Committee Discusses Stakeholder Table Meeting and 2025 Honorarium Process

By Dawar Naeem, Community Journalist, Regent Park TV & Focus Media Arts Centre

The Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Planning Committee recently convened to address key agenda items, including preparations for the upcoming Stakeholder Table meeting and ongoing discussions around the honorarium process for 2025. The honorarium process, which provides compensation for Co-Chairs and other key contributors, remains a topic of negotiation between the SDP and the City of Toronto.

Stakeholder Table Meeting: Planning and Logistics

Brandy Skinner, a member of the Planning Committee, shared an update on the preparations for the Stakeholder Table meeting, currently set for March 27, 2025. She noted that reminders would be sent to the eight designated outreach members responsible for engaging the SDP working groups. Their task is to gather community-driven questions for an interactive engagement game at the meeting, designed to encourage participation and highlight progress within the SDP working groups.

Additionally, the committee discussed the importance of showcasing the achievements of the four SDP working groups at the meeting. Presentations are being prepared to highlight their ongoing efforts and positive impact on the Regent Park community. While content collection is still underway, the goal is to ensure the presentations reflect the collective accomplishments of the SDP.

Given the timing of the event, a proposal was made to reschedule the meeting from March 27 to April 3, 2025, to accommodate residents observing Ramadan. However, after extensive discussions, it was noted that April is already filled with significant events, including Passover (April 12–20, 2025). Alternative dates such as April 24 and April 30 were suggested, but confirmation depends on venue availability. A final decision on the meeting date is still pending.

Honorarium Process: 2024 Delays and 2025 Planning

The most pressing issue discussed was the honorarium process for 2025, which directly impacts SDP Co-Chairs and other members receiving stipends for their contributions. The committee agreed on the urgent need to meet with City staff to gain clarity on the revised process and address outstanding honorarium payments for 2024.

While the City of Toronto assured the SDP that all 2023 honorarium payments would be fulfilled, payments for 2024 remain on hold due to an unresolved issue delaying disbursement. The committee plans to use the upcoming discussions with City officials to push for a transparent and structured process that ensures payments are timely, fair, and consistent in 2025.

Beyond resolving the immediate concerns, the committee sees this as an opportunity to advocate for a sustainable honorarium system that fairly compensates community members for their time and dedication to the SDP.

Moving Forward

As the Planning Committee continues its work, there is a shared commitment to ensuring the Stakeholder Table meeting fosters meaningful community engagement while also securing a fair and efficient honorarium system for those who contribute to the Social Development Plan. The committee remains focused on working collaboratively with the City to move the SDP forward, ensuring that the voices of Regent Park residents continue to be heard, respected, and valued.