Regent Park Social Development Plan
Structure • Funding • Working Groups • Governance • Culture • Meetings
Past SDP Meeting
Regent Park Social Development Plan Faces Funding Uncertainty in 2026 City Budget
The Planning Committee of the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) met on January 22, 2026, to address funding concerns and internal governance matters as the neighbourhood continues to undergo large-scale physical redevelopment.
The meeting opened with a discussion of an email from City of Toronto staff member Zenia Wadhwani, sent in response to questions raised by Planning Committee member Walied Khogali Ali during a recent City Town Hall meeting on the 2026 municipal budget. The email indicated that the City’s proposed 2026 budget does not include funding for Regent Park SDP projects, marking a significant shift from previous years when $500,000 was allocated annually to SDP initiatives over a five-year period. Committee members reflected on what the absence of City funding could mean for Regent Park residents, particularly as many families continue to face affordability pressures and increased demand for social supports. Members emphasized that while physical redevelopment continues across the neighbourhood, social development needs are also growing and require sustained investment to ensure residents benefit from revitalization.
In response, a draft letter advocating for continued City funding for the Regent Park SDP was prepared by Walied Khogali Ali and shared with the committee for review and feedback. Members discussed the importance of clearly communicating the SDP’s role in supporting community well-being, social cohesion, and equitable outcomes. A revised version of the letter will be brought back to the Planning Committee at its next meeting for approval before being submitted to the City.
Following the advocacy discussion, the committee turned its attention to a proposal to create funding subcommittees. These subcommittees would focus on identifying alternative funding sources beyond municipal allocations, with the goal of strengthening the long-term sustainability of the SDP while keeping programs aligned with community priorities and values.
The final agenda items focused on internal processes and member engagement. Committee members discussed changing the date of the planned SDP orientation session for new and existing members to support accessibility and participation. Members also reviewed a proposal to implement the Shaping Culture policy, which outlines procedures for mediating conflicts and addressing complaints within the SDP, with the aim of fostering an environment of care, respect, and accountability.
Together, these discussions reflect the Planning Committee’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, advocate for sustainable funding, and ensure that social development remains central to Regent Park’s ongoing transformation. As the neighbourhood continues to change, committee members emphasized that investment in social infrastructure is essential to building an inclusive, connected, and resilient community.