Rezoning of Regent Park

By
Dawar Naeem & Lawrence Rodriguez
Dawar and Lawrence are community journalists with Focus Media Arts Centre

The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association hosted a meeting for the residents of Regent Park on the 3rd floor of Daniels Spectrum. Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (also known as RPNA) is an association that “seeks to foster an inclusive, diverse, and healthy neighbourhood association in which all residents feel at home.” The purpose of this meeting was to update and engage community members on the Re-zoning application submitted by Tridel and Toronto community housing for the phases 4 and 5 of the Regent Park revitalization.

The meeting was centred around the important knowledge of what was happening around the Re-zoning, what were the community benefits related to the project, to urge people to join the Regent Park Community Benefits Coalition, and teach people how to engage and support each other during the critical time for the community.

The Phases 4 and 5 of the Regent Park revitalization are bordered by Gerrard Street and Oak Street to the north and south, and River Street and Dreamers Way to the east and west. In 2014, a plan was approved that included 564 rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units as part of the plan to replace 2,083 TCHC-operated RGI units in Regent Park. Also included were 3,465 square metres of commercial space for businesses and 1,353 market units.

Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) and Tridel Builders Inc. have filed a rezoning submission with the City of Toronto, requesting an increase in the density of development in the Regent Park Phases 4 and 5 of the revitalization. The increased density will enable TCHC and Tridel to build 1,000 more units of housing than previously planned for, and add thousands of square metres of gardens, retail and community space.

While these talks were hosted, members of the community — either present in the room, or on the Zoom call for those who couldn't come physically — were encouraged to talk as well to explain what their thoughts and perspectives were regarding the Rezoning.

Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) and Tridel Builders Inc. have filed a rezoning submission with the City of Toronto, requesting an increase in the density of development in the Regent Park Phases 4 and 5 of the revitalization. The increased density will enable TCHC and Tridel to build 1,000 more units of housing than previously planned for, and add thousands of square metres of gardens, retail and community space.