RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 88 (July 19th to July 27th) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Gabriel Meissner, Thunder Cloud and Jabin Haque, we present news that impacts Toronto's Regent Park and the surrounding areas.

In this episode, we present the following news:

0:00 Intro;

01:08 Honoring the Legacy of Alice Ye, Beloved Regent Park Advocate;
11:49 Regent Park Demands Road Safety After Fatal Crosswalk Crash;
17:22 Man Injured After Police Shooting in Cabbagetown;
18:21 Residents Rally Against Sherbourne St. Development;
22:39 Affordable Housing Opens for Unhoused Indigenous Men in Toronto;
24:06 Remembering Louis March: A Champion for Gun Violence Prevention and Community Empowerment;
25:26 Events and Jobs in the community.

This week’s lead story:

Regent Park Demands Road Safety After Fatal Crosswalk Accident

By Fred Alvarado Fred is a community journalist with FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

Regent Park residents are demanding enhanced road safety following a tragic accident at the Queen and Sackville intersection that claimed the life of Bilkis Khanam and her unborn child on the evening of July 18th. The accident, which occurred when Khanam was struck by a vehicle while using the pedestrian crosswalk, has deeply shaken the community, prompting a large turnout for a funeral prayer near the site of the crash.

Councillor Chris Moise expressed profound condolences for Khanam's family, stating, "Bilkis's death is a devastating loss, and it underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures at our city’s intersections." Moise is leading an initiative to expedite the installation of a full traffic signal at Queen and Sackville, a move he will present as an emergency motion at the next City Council meeting. He also aims to enhance safety at all pedestrian crossings on streetcar routes, prioritizing these upgrades to prevent future tragedies.

In addition to Moise’s efforts, community leaders like Sureya Ibrahim and organizer Walied Khogali Ali are calling for broader safety reforms, including reduced speed limits and improved signage. "We have to do a better job with signage around the Queen Street and Sackville intersection and across the neighbourhood," Ali emphasized, reflecting on past incidents and the need for a proactive approach to road safety.

As Regent Park mourns, the collective call for action highlights a shared commitment to safeguarding the community and preventing further loss.