Toronto Community Housing manages many of the unit buildings, and the people that live there, strive to stay and have their voice included, and be counted as a vital member of the new mixed-income neighbourhood.

Many non-profit and community-based groups serve the area. Regent Park led grassroots, resident, and tenant groups have advocated for community benefits from developers, with the expectation that builders must give back to the neighbourhood, and replace things that they take away.

Regent Park now has a new swimming pool, the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre.

The centre was built to replace an existing and beloved Regent Park swimming pool, and the local group Access to Recreation fights to make sure that the children local to the area can have priority to use it, as there is competition from all over the city for lessons and swim times at the new and modern facility.

The revitalization of the area has a lot of lessons for sustainable neighbourhoods, and fair and equitable urban planning.

The Toronto Archives are a great resource for pictures of the old Regent Park.

The post Old Photographs from the Regent Park neighbourhood appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

I recently chatted with Nidhi Khanna who is the Managing Director at Daniels Spectrum in Toronto about the program.

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Why is it called The Journey Studio?

The Journey Studio grew out of the success of The Journey, a spirited musical based on the story of the Regent Park revitalization project that has engaged many young artists from the area in the many years it has been in production. The Journey Studio workshop started in 2016 as a way to give even more young artists the opportunity to work with the senior artists involved in this show and to tell their own stories around this central theme. The Journey Studio was offered as a two-week program during the rehearsal phase of the show. Participants co-created an original mini musical through script writing, choreography and musical composition.

Does Daniels Spectrum host any other arts incubator programs?

Daniels Spectrum also hosts and runs the annual Ada Slaight Youth Arts Mentorship Program, a five- month program focused on youth arts mentorship and building participants’ artistic craft while learning from special guest speakers and working with established artists as mentors.

Do people who try out for the incubator have a lot of experience in the fields? What is the normal level of experience for participants?

The Journey Studio is geared towards emerging artists and helping them grow their craft through practical experience and professional guidance. The level of experience can vary from little to no experience to some formal training. The attitude and interest of the participants in learning from the experience and working alongside professional artists is key.

Can anyone try out or is this only for residents of the Regent Park neighbourhood?

The Journey Studio is open to young emerging artists in dance, theatre, and music who are interested in a professional training program, with a majority of participants from Regent Park. The program is an opportunity for Regent Park’s talent to learn how to be in a professional theatre context and to access mentorship from more established Regent Park artists like Trevlyn Kay and Britta Badour – local stars of The Journey musical. There is no fee to participate, but there is an audition process.

What roles do these participants have in the production of The Journey?

The Journey Studio participants had the opportunity to join the cast in the 2016 musical production of The Journey. Participant Stacy Darko joined the principal cast in the role of Ms. Morgan, and Itzel Velazquez Martin joined the cast ensemble.

When will both The Journey Studio and The Journey production be held in 2017?

We are finalizing our 2017/2018 programming and look forward to sharing the details soon.

How have you worked with Daniels Spectrum to run this program?

Artscape—the operator of the Daniels Spectrum facility—has a mandate to offer to the Regent Park community and beyond artistic programming that fosters learning and provides access for participation. In a neighbourhood that faces significant economic, social and cultural barriers, The Journey Studio is an inspired way to connect underserved, at-risk Regent Park and area youth with high-quality arts programming, educational workshops and mentorships.

Anything else we should know about?

The Journey Studio 2016 was sponsored by The Daniels Corporation. Artscape also recognizes the support of all the sponsors of The Journey musical production including Presenting Sponsor Innocon, Learning Sponsor The Daniels Corporation and Community Sponsor RBC.

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If you are interested in getting involed with The Journey Studio or another program at Danils Spectrum, visit the Daniels Spectrum website for more info.

The post The Journey Studio Acts as an Arts Incubator in Regent Park appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

“Shown here in the foreground are two of Toronto artist Dan Bergeron’s twelve laminate glass portraits entitled “Faces of Regent Park”, located at the entry plaza. In the background are Daniel’s Spectrum (the cultural hub of Regent Park) as well as Paintbox condominium with it’s roofline lights displaying the primary colours of the spectrum. Shot at blue hour.”

Randy Hoffman sent us this great shot from downtown Toronto for today’s daily photo. Check out more of his work on his page.

To submit your photos to be featured on our website, visit our 500px group.

The post Randy Hoffman – Faces of the Spectrum appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The field will also provide a way for local youth to join sports programs after school. The organization 3to6team is a group of local ambassadors supporting MLSE Foundation in raising funds for youth recreational programs in Regent Park. Their fundraising will provide after school sports programs for youth in the neighbourhood. One of their main fundraising events is the the Regent Park gala event,  being held on May 5th at the Capitol Theatre featuring Maestro Fresh-Wes and other musical guests.

I chatted with Tristan Blackwood who grew up in Regent Park and whose experience with after school programming and sports were a part of his routine that led him to getting a scholarship to a US college and a career playing basketball in Europe. Blackwood began playing ball at Lord Dufferin Public School in the 4th grade. After school, he would frequent North Regent Community Centre where he was able to play basketball, as well as video games, with friends in a safe and supervised environment. In high school, Blackwood played basketball for Eastern Commerce before attending Central Connecticut State University.

What was a normal weekday or weekend like for you as a youth?

TB: During the school year I was at school and then would go to the community centre after school to either play basketball or video games. On the weekends, I would be hanging out in the community with my friends. During the summers I was playing on the Regent Park Baseball and Basketball teams.

What did the added structure of the after school programs provide for you?

TB: The after school programs provided me with a space where I could explore, and be myself. I was active in sports, and the staff did a good job at providing different activities to keep the youth active.

You have had some great coaches at both Eastern Commerce and at College. What is something you have taken from them that has helped you achieve your goals?

TB: First, I would like to say that I was fortunate to have coaches that cared and wanted the best out of the players. The thing that I have learned from them is to work hard because nothing is handed to you. I came from a background where I didn’t have much, so in order to reach my goals, I would have to work hard for it.

What do you think about the new revitalization project and the Regent Park Athletic Grounds?

TB: I think the new project is going well so far. A lot has changed; people moving out and people moving in. I think in the end when everything is finished, Regent Park will be beautiful.

In what ways will you be involved with the new programs and the 3to6Team?

TB: What I want to do is help or give guidance to the youth – who are the new faces of Regent Park – to achieve their goals. Most of the youth I know are also into basketball, so my involvement will be appreciated and will maybe motivate the youth to strive. As for my involvement with the 3TO6TEAM, I will help out in any way to bring the youth in Regent Park to as many recreational programs as possible, so they have the opportunity to be active throughout the year.

Tell us a bit about your time at college and what that experience was like.

TB: My first year in college was an adjustment for me because I was used to being close to home and around my family. I was in a whole different country alone, with my brother living two hours away. This new experience was tough, but I got through it by working hard and making a lot of friends. Throughout my four years I managed to graduate with a Marketing degree and achieve several awards. If I had the chance to go back to college and to relive that experience I would.

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Drew Abbott is the founder and co-chair of the 3to6team who fundraises for the after school programs and I got to chat with him about the fundraising involved and how these projects get funded, and by who.

In what way is MLSE involved in the Regent Park Revitalization Project, the new sports facilities there and the running of sports programs?

DA: After considerable consultation with the community, there was a realization that access to recreation space was limited. As a result, with the assistance of the MLSE Foundation, Toronto Community Housing and Daniels have re-designed the space to include formal sports fields. MLSE Foundation will invest more than $2 million for the revitalization of an existing hockey rink, the creation of a basketball court, soccer and cricket pitch and running track. MLSE Foundation will also invest and facilitate the Regent Park Granting Consortium (RPAG Grants) which is a group of individuals, corporations and fundraising bodies who are committed to sustainable community development.

DA: These partners have been instrumental in the opening of the Regent Park Athletic Grounds and are interested in continuing to build the capacity of organizations and individuals already doing great work in the Regent Park community. MLSE Foundation’s goal is to support sustainable programming that help to grow participation in sport, and use of the Regent Park Athletic Grounds. This year, MLSE Foundation will be dispersing up to $250,000 in grants to programs operating in Regent Park and surrounding communities.

Who staffs the grounds and the 3-6 programs?

DA: While the focus of the Regent Park Athletic Grounds will be for children and youth, the grounds will be open to residents of all ages. The City of Toronto will manage the facility and be heavily involved in the programming of the space. Their skilled staff will manage the permitted and open use times in consultation with residents. And, interest of the residents will drive programming.

In what ways do you receive funding and by who?

DA: The Regent Park capital investment was funded in partnership with the following organizations: Toronto Community Housing, Daniels Corporation, City of Toronto, Kelly Silverstein Memorial Group, Hockey Canada, Under Armour, Canadian Tire Jumpstart. Ongoing programming investments have also been made by: 3TO6 Team, Kelly Silverstein Memorial Group, Sentry Investments.

DA: 3TO6TEAM’s upcoming Regent Park Gala on May 5 is our group’s most important fundraising event of the year. This is our third year and we expect close to 500 attendees who will all be there to support after school athletic programming in Regent Park. We really hope to bring attendees an amazing evening to celebrate their support, and we try to make the experience better each time: this year we have Maestro Fresh Wes back for a special appearance, a rock violinist performing, an amazing DJ, an auction and a raffle. It’s a great evening! If anyone can’t make it to the event, they can make a smaller donation at regentparkgala.com.

How many youth in the area will have priority access to the programs? How much space is there?

DA: There are over 2,800 youth in Regent Park, and they will all have access to the athletic grounds, which include an NBA-sized basketball court, a turf soccer pitch which accommodates cricket, and an ice rink and fieldhouse that was completed in January 2015.

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To keep up to date with the sports programming at the new Regent Park Athletic Grounds, visit the facebook page for 3to6team.

The post Regent Park Athletic Grounds Opening Soon appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Dixon Hall is a multi-service agency located in Toronto’s downtown Eastside that offers a wide range of supportive programs and services for the diverse communities it represents. They promote good jobs, good health, safe shelter, vibrant cultures and a strong community, primarily for residents of Regent Park, Moss Park, West Donlands, East Bayfront and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Since the revitalization project has begun in the Regent Park neighbourhood, many of Dixon Hall’s services were affected, including the Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Service’s (DHNS) youth programs. The DHNS youth programs were demolished in the area which left many at risk youth without the support they count on to stay active and participating in constructive programming. In order to restore the programs, a new Regent Park Youth Centre will have to be constructed in the area. Youth will be provided a space where they can come together and play sports, create music, cook, play games and do their homework.

The City of Toronto, Toronto Community Housing and the Daniels Corporation have already committed valuable support for the new Regent Park Youth Centre. Three million dollars must be raised to make it a reality. As of now, almost $1 million has been raised. The fundraising began in late November with a kickoff event hosted by members of the DHNS and The Honourable Bob Rae.

The best way for our readers to help is with contributions through the Dixon Hall website: www.dixonhall.org – click on the Donate button and select New Youth Centre Campaign.

If you would like to get involved please contact Bill Hallett at: bill.hallett@dixonhall.org; or call Diane Chin, our Campaign Coordinator, at 416-956-4949, ext. 216.

Learn more about Dixon Hall, their history, and the programs they run through an article we did on them. They are a valuable asset to our communities and to our city.

The post Help Construct a New Regent Park Youth Centre appeared first on Toronto Guardian.