Regent Park Safety Network Meeting Focuses on Traffic Safety, Community Concerns, & Updates

The Regent Park Safety Network, one of the four working groups of the Regent Park Social Development Plan Network, met in May to discuss a wide range of safety issues affecting the neighbourhood, with traffic safety dominating much of the conversation.
The meeting opened with a discussion about traffic safety following the recent fatal collision at Parliament Street and Gerrard Street East involving a concrete truck and a pedestrian. Residents described the incident as a painful reminder of the risks pedestrians face in a neighbourhood experiencing ongoing construction and population growth.
Participants raised concerns about construction vehicle operations, blind spots, and whether sufficient safeguards exist to protect residents navigating busy intersections and active construction zones. Calls were made for stronger safety measures, including side guards on commercial vehicles and improved traffic management around construction sites.
Attention then turned to Oak Street, where residents reported vehicles speeding through the area to avoid congestion on Parliament Street. Concerns were heightened by the anticipated arrival of thousands of new residents into nearby residential developments. Community members cited near misses involving pedestrians and wheelchair users, particularly near playground areas, and emphasized the need for additional traffic-calming measures.
The intersection of River Street and Oak Street was also identified as a problem area requiring increased enforcement.
In response, Toronto Police Service representatives committed to increasing visible patrols and traffic enforcement in both locations. Residents were reminded that speed bumps approved through a previous City motion remain in the transportation implementation queue and are expected to be installed throughout Regent Park, including sections of Oak Street.
Police also provided updates on recent incidents in the neighbourhood. Members were informed of an ongoing investigation into a shooting near a boarded-up building on Sackville Street, noting that no injuries had been reported.
The conversation expanded to include fireworks-related incidents over the Victoria Day long weekend. Police reported concerns involving youth firing fireworks at one another and said they are continuing education efforts with families while targeting retailers believed to be selling fireworks illegally.
Updates were also shared on ongoing partnerships between Toronto Police and Nelson Mandela Park Public School aimed at strengthening community relationships and youth engagement.
Later in the meeting, residents revisited the longstanding issue of pigeon feeding in the neighbourhood. Frustration was expressed over years of complaints and mitigation efforts with limited results. Police clarified that pigeon feeding is not a criminal offence and that enforcement falls under municipal bylaw authority. Residents were encouraged to document incidents and submit reports through 311 to assist bylaw officers.
The meeting concluded with a reminder about the upcoming Neighbourhood Community Officer meeting at the Regent Park Community Centre, where residents would have the opportunity to review local crime statistics, raise concerns directly with police, and continue conversations about improving safety across the community.
Throughout the meeting, residents repeatedly emphasized the importance of proactive responses, collaboration between agencies, and continued opportunities for community input as Regent Park continues to grow and evolve.

#toronto #regentpark #socialdevelopment #civicengagement #communitysafety #tps #tchc
To translate this video into another language:
* Click CC at the bottom right
* Click the gear icon to its right
* Click Subtitles/CC
* Click Auto-translate / Select the language you want

Follow us on Twitter ► https://www.twitter.com/regentparkfocus
Like us on Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/regentparktv
Like us on Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/regentparkfocus
FOCUS Media Arts Centre ► https://www.focusmediaarts.ca

Видео Regent Park Safety Network Meeting Focuses on Traffic Safety, Community Concerns, & Updates канала Regent Park TV