Living up to the Promise of Regent Park Revitalization: Implementing the Regent Park Social Development Plan - by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Ana Bailão

The Social Development Plan was initially approved with 75 recommendations aimed at strengthening social inclusion and cohesion. In response to Regent Park moving from a low-income to mixed-income community, the plan aims to address community needs, from employment concerns, access to community facilities, to improving program/service delivery. Recommendations were grouped into four strategic focus areas: Safety, Employment and Economic Opportunities, Community Building and Communications. In 2017, a decade after the Social Development Plan was approved, a refreshment process began. As the Social Development Plan was designed to be a living document, recommendations are meant to address the current and emerging community concerns. The Social Development Plan refreshment process is near completion with a number of changes that have already been implemented. Changes include a clearer governance and accountability structure with regards to the Social Development Plan Stakeholders Table and the Social Development Plan Coordinator. The contract funding for the Social Development Plan Coordinator ends July 2019. This position is absolutely central and integral to ensuring consistent and dedicated oversight of the plan. The Social Development Plan has been supported through a collaborative effort between community members, Toronto Community Housing, agencies working in and around Regent Park, the Daniels Corporation, and City staff. Most recently, in response to the growing need for funding support for the Social Development Plan, United Way announced a three-year plan to build a $1-million Social Impact Investment Fund to drive locally led and locally invested projects in Regent Park. The Daniels Corporation have already committed $250,000 to the fund. Community revitalizations are not just about bricks and mortar. There requires an equal commitment on both the development of new buildings and community development initiatives. As the Regent Park Revitalization is entering the last few phases, Phases 4 and 5, there is an opportunity to ensure the necessary supports and resources are in place. Toronto Community Housing Corporation projects the estimated cost for the final two phases, Phase 4 and 5, to be a total of $349.0M. To date, the Social Development Plan has not been costed. Despite deep community efforts, there remains a gap in resources to operationalize the plan. In order to achieve the City of Toronto's objective of promoting and strengthening community development as outlined in the Regent Park Social Development Plan and Toronto Strong Neighbourhood Strategy 2020, an opportunity emerges to provide the necessary supports and resources for the Social Development Plan in the final few phases in the Regent Park Revitalization.

2. City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to consider the feasibility of extending the full-time Social Development Plan Coordinator position and contract for the duration of Phase 4 and 5 of the Regent Park Revitalization and to report back to the June 26, 2019 meeting of the Economic and Community Development Committee.