RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 93 (September 6th to September 13th) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Jabin Haque, Gabriel Meissner, Thunder Cloud, Fred Alvarado and Kedar Ahmed we present news that impacts on Toronto's Regent Park and the surrounding areas.

 Fred Alvarado – Local Journalism Initiative

In this episode we present the following news:

0:00 Intro;
00:50 2024 Regent Park Social Development Grant Applications Are Now Open;
02:36 Scheduled Demolition for Regent Park's Phase 4 Nears Completion;
03:24 Rastafest Brings Reggae and Unity to Regent Park;
12:32 St. James Town Festival 2024: Greener and Safer;
26:41 Harm Reduction at Risk: The Impact of Supervised Site Closures in Regent Park;
42:09 Events and Jobs in the community.

This week’s lead story:
2024 Regent Park Social Development Grant Applications Open

The City of Toronto has opened the application process for the 2024 Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) grant, offering up to $100,000 in funding for community-driven projects in the Regent Park neighbourhood. Starting September 6th, grassroots groups, resident-led organizations, and non-profits can apply to support initiatives that promote safety, communication, employment, economic development, and community building.

Applicants are required to outline clear objectives and detailed activities that align with these focus areas. The review process will involve City staff and a diverse Social Development Plan Grant review panel, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives are considered. Successful projects will be implemented between December 2, 2024, and December 31, 2025.

To aid in the application process, two information sessions will be held: an online session via Webex on Tuesday, October 10, at 6 PM, and an in-person session at the Regent Park Community Centre on Tuesday, October 17, at 5:30 PM. These sessions will provide applicants with guidance on how to navigate the application process effectively.

For more information or assistance with the application, interested parties can contact Olanike Solomon at olanike.solomon@toronto.ca. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 29th, so applicants are encouraged to start preparing their proposals early to ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines. This grant offers a significant opportunity to enhance community engagement and development in Regent Park.