New Library Coming to Regent Park

By Fred Alvarez
(Fred is a journalist with the Focus Media Arts Centre, funded by the Government of Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative.)

Welcome to RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 24. In this weekly news show we present news that impacts on Regent Park and other surrounding communities. Episode 24 for the week of March 18th to March 24th, 2022 features segments on: Report of the March 14, 2022, Regent Park Executive Directors Meeting ( 01:16 min); SDP Planning Committee Receives A Report on New Women’s Entrepreneurial Group ( 07:12 min); New Toronto Public Library to Be Built in Regent Park ( 11:10 min); Indigenous Men’s Shelter to open at 67 Adelaide St. E. in 2024 ( 16:34 min); Safety Alert: Police Investigating Numerous Suspected Drug Overdoses in the Downtown Core, Possibly Linked to Four Overdose Deaths ( 18:05 min); Covid-19 & Vaccination Update: Latest Data in Relation to Vaccine Engagement Levels in Regent park, Moss Park, and St James Town Areas ( 19:58 min); Announcements, Events and Jobs in Regent Park ( 26:03 min).

One of the featured stories is about a   New Toronto Public Library to Be Built in Regent Park. See article below.

Toronto Public Library Parliament Street Branch relocate to Regent Park
Regent Park to get a new library

Toronto Public Library is the busiest urban public library system in the world, every year TPL has millions of users visiting its branches and taking advantages of their online services with one hundred library branches across the city. The goals of Toronto Public Library are:
1.       To create and animate accessible and inclusive spaces that are flexible and sustainable to inspire Torontonians to grow together.
2.       To broaden Toronto’s digital access and inclusion expanding the opportunity for everyone to access technology and develop the skills to use it to thrive in the digital world.
3.       To build pathways for workforce development that will empower Torontonians to succeed in a changing workforce and economy.
4.         To provide the vital ingredients for a democratic society facilitating and defending access to information and empower everyone to engage in civic life.

On March 8th, 2022 Toronto Public Library held an online community information session in relation to Parliament Street Branch relocation to Regent Park. The consultation meeting was hosted by Leesa Tossios, Area Manager for 17 TPL branches in downtown core including the Parliament Street Branch.

After land Acknowledgment, Leesa Tossios welcomed and introduced City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, Toronto Public Library staff, Toronto Community Housing Corporation staff and Tridel to help share the presentation. The agenda included:

1.       City Councillor Remarks.
2.       Overview from Regent Park development Phases 4 & 5.
3.       Toronto Public Library Overview.
4.       Library Services and Spaces.
5.       Capital Project Planning.
6.       Community Q&A Session.

City Councillor Wong-Tam remarks focused on the ways of reimagining a new contemporary library and the benefits this new community space will bring to Regent Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

“Libraries are becoming incredible places of digital media arts, innovation, people are using them as community hubs, there are opportunities for Wi-Fi and computer access becoming a wealth of community knowledge. As we embark in the revitalization and the rebuilding of Regent Park, the conversation I had with community members is what do we need to do, what is missing, and how do we fill in the gaps. Community wanted a few things; they want more deeply affordable housing in Regent Park and they also want to see a community hub space that is going accessible to the community and most important managed by the community and rethink the library model and center for learning excellence. This conversation is about building a complete neighborhood where you and your family can walk to all the assets, buildings and facilities that you need and it’s a portion you deserve.” Said councilor Wong-Tam.

Peter Zimmerman, Senior Development Manager for TCHC introduced THCH and Tridel team and pointed out the importance of the Regent Park rezoning effort to accommodate additional affordable housing and create a community space for the new Toronto Public Library.

Susan Martin, Toronto Public Library Capital Planning and Implementation Manager, explained the reasons to relocate and expand the branch and TPL objectives in relation to New Services, Children’s spaces, Teen’s Spaces, and Youth Hub, and Digital Innovation Hub.

"TPL is working and engaging with the urban indigenous communities as a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. There is an ongoing consultation for planning and designing culturally space and relevant library spaces. A number of initiatives are underway at TPL that are starting these conversations."

Susan finished the presentation sharing the Capital Project Planning Overview in three phases. Phase one of 12 to 24 months begins with hiring an architect, community consultation, start design and presentation of final design to the community. Phase two of 12 to 24 months consist of city approvals and working drawings. Phase three will spend 24 months for hiring a contractor and construction process.   
At the end of the consultation, the community had the opportunity to make questions and comments about the presentation and other issues related to the new Library.