Photos of Regent Park
Photos by Laurie Haughton
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Old Social Housing Buildings
These apartment blocks were built in the late 1940s and early 1950s during the first redevelopment of Regent Park. Although the current Revitalization started in 2006, residents in these buildings are still waiting sixteen years later for new homes. Note the chimney in the background, part of the district energy system that heated the original redevelopment via steam pipes. District energy for the revitalized Regent Park is located under 252 Sackville Street and now heats the neighbourhood via underground water pipes.
Construction
Construction has been ongoing since 2006, creating lots of disruption, dust, and noise. Small boys find it fascinating - and I must confess that I do too.
The Centre of Community - Our Big Park!
The Big Park is located right in the centre of the neighbourhood, on the north side of Dundas Street. In these photos, you can see the children's play area along the north border of the park. The bake oven, where the Friends of Regent Park team produces delicious pizzas, cinnamon buns, and butter tarts, is located on the west side of the park. To the east, you can see the amazing Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre. Its many windows have been fitted with blinds so that for "Women Only" swims, immigrant women in our neighbourhood can have the necessary privacy to learn to swim for the very first time.
Community through Sports
Sports provide significant ways to connect in a neighbourhood. These photos show our sports field in the south-east corner of the neighbourhood, Nelson Mandel School's basketball court, with the Regent Park Community Centre in the background, and of course, our Aquatic Centre.
Other Places to Connect to Neighbours
Daniels Spectrum, on Dundas Street opposite the Big Park, houses numerous arts organizations as well as a 425-seat theatre. Recently, the lobby has been transformed into a "living room" where residents can meet for casual connections.
Numerous community gardens also offer ways for residents to get to know each other. The gardens in the photo are on land loaned for this purpose by St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church.
I meet many of my neighbours in our local grocery store at the corner of Dundas and Parliament Streets. In response to the ethnic diversity of the neighbourhood, Freshco stocks a fascinating range of international foods.
The Regent Park Community Centre, located along Shuter Street, is attached to Nelson Mandela School, making it easy for children to attend after-school activites.
Community-building through Art and History
For this mural at 180 Sackville Street, the artist worked with a neighbourhood committee to co-design its elements. Also, large portraits of residents line the steps into the Big Park. And the Peace Garden, started by Elsaida Douglas as a memorial to Regent Park sons lost to violence, was retained during revitalization and moved to its current location at 40 Oak Street.
The view of downtown Toronto from my window.
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