Dimitrije Martinovic is a community journalist with FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE.

The Regent Park Social Development Plan, commonly known as the SDP, is a community-wide initiative made up of Regent Park–serving agencies, grassroots groups, and residents. Established in 2007, the SDP is centred on the goal of creating an inclusive and cohesive Regent Park. The social development plan is constructed by four areas of priority; these include the community-building working table, the safety network, employment and economic development, and lastly, the communication table.

In the February 5, 2024 Planning Committee Meeting held via Zoom, Richard Kirwan, Community Development Officer, Social Development Finance and Administration, City of Toronto, explains the hiring process for the position of a new Community Development Officer, and also discusses the recent developments in the Refreshed Regent Park Social Development Plan, commonly known as the "Refresh".

The hiring process is comprised of series of steps that involves an application process, the completion of some assignments, and finally the interview phase with a presentation of an additional assignment. The position is an internal one with applicants having to be members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (C.U.P.E.).

Moving on to Richard's report of the “Refresh” of the Social Development Plan (SDP),  it is important to note that “the original SDP contained 75 recommendations which would bring about positive social change in the neighbourhood. The basic vision was to have social inclusion and social cohesion to make a healthy and vibrant neighborhood. The refreshed document continues with this same plan on a more extended upgrade This vision provides a mechanism to ensure the benefits of the revitalization and the success of a mixed-income community.“ (https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/9081-Refreshed-Regent-Park-SDP-2019.pdf)

The main points of Richard's report covered an update on the current work with the reference group, work with an appointed consultant, and the new terms of reference.