RE-VISIT Home — U of T x Regent Park Focus

Hello! We are so excited to welcome you to our storyboard. We are a group of University of Toronto students and a Regent Park resident reflecting on ideas about placemaking, nostalgia and the power of stories to tie them both together. We have been thinking about this in the context of Regent Park, especially with the redevelopment quickly changing the landscape of the neighborhood.

We have created an exciting game about the neighborhood, and this map is from that board! Our game highlights many Regent Park classics, new and old. We wanted you to be able to tour the neighborhoods best and most cherished and walk down memory lane with our map in hand. Jump in and learn more about the landmarks!

DISCLAIMER: Due to the ongoing nature of the revitalization, we are compelled to note that this boardgame only encapsulates the 2024 version of the neighborhood. More changes to the landscape are expected.

Click Here to download the game

Fred Victor Housing

Fred Victor 40 Oak Outreach Pamphlet, Source: TDIN.ca

Fred Victor is an important community center in Regent Park, offering a range of programs and support services. Through the Regent Park Community Food Centre, it provides drop-in and community meal programs in partnership with Community Food Centers Canada. These include food skills workshops, community kitchen, and a community garden, alongside housing support and advocacy. The center also offers drop-in services such as showers, laundry facilities, and life skills workshops. With a focus on socially isolated, homeless, or low-income individuals, Fred Victor is a welcoming space for all, helping with housing, tenant-landlord relationships, and referrals to other community programs.

Stop the Violence Mural

OH NO this place doesn’t exist anymore!

“Right in the middle of Regent Park South, there was a mural that hit home for everyone who saw it: "Stop the Violence." It's a statement from the community against the many gun-related deaths in our community. The mural was a sign of the neighborhood's tough spirit and unity. People here have always pulled together when things became tough. It's not just asking for change, it's showing the resilience of Regent Park's residents, who believe in creating a community where the next generation can grow up without fear. This is what makes Regent Park stand out as a community that knows how to stand strong together, even when times get tough.”

Root Burger

OH NO this place doesn’t exist anymore!

Root Burger Sign above Cafe in Daniel Spectrum, Source: Facebook.com/VintageToronto

“Root & Burger has been the go-to eatery in Regent Park since the 1960s, between George’s Mini Market and Soap Opera Coin Laundry. No matter how old you were, Root Burger would always have one thing, tasty and affordable food. Root Burger to many residents was a welcoming space that felt like a second home. The restaurant was always full of life, a go-to spot for kids after school, and a place for sharing laughs and stories. What made it stand out was how it became an important part of Regent Park's identity, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who visited it long after it closed its doors. Now you can find the original Root Burger sign in the main floor of the Daniels Spectrum.”

Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre

Photograph of the Aquatic Centre, Source: ArchDaily.com

The Pam McConnell Aquatic Center is more than just a pool—it is a vibrant hub of activity and relaxation in the heart of the community. From the laughter of children learning to swim, seniors who have come to socialize, or adults who have come to unwind after long hours of the week, the Aquatic Center is where everyone dives into fun and fitness. The centre was among crowd favourites when we conducted interviews amongst residents, and they said the programming for children is what draws them in. The Aquatic Center has made a splash in the neighbourhood because the community can come together to stay active or cool off.

Sam’s Convenience

Google Maps screenshot of the Sam’s Food Store Facade

Sam's Convenience in Regent Park is not your typical corner store—it is a community lifeline. The store has been owned by Khuram Aftab since 2006, and it is more than just a place to shop. Khuram listens to his neighbors' needs, offering diverse cuisine, electronic repairs, and free food for those in need. It has appeared as the beloved neighborhood corner institution, decked with everything you could want in a quick run to the store. Khuram's passion for helping others makes Sam's more than just a store—it is a symbol of support and solidarity in Regent Park.

Daniels Spectrum

Photograph of the Daniel Spectrum Building, Source: NowPlayingToronto.com

The Daniels Spectrum building is a vibrant hub in Regent Park. It is bursting with creative energy because it houses RP’s artistic spaces, including galleries, studios, and performance venues. The Daniels building always has something going on, from art exhibitions, children’s programming, community group meetings, to dynamic live performances. The building is new but already essential among the residents. It brings the community together through the countless community organizations that have now moved into the building.

Bigfoot Park

OH NO this place doesn't exist anymore!

“Bigfoot Park was a place where kids from all over the community would play. The park's massive green foot slide was the highlight for every kid who visited. As soon as spring came around the splash pad would open, and kids would head there after school and during the weekends. It was where childhood memories were made, the kind that stuck with you for life. For many of us, Bigfoot Park was where we spent a lot of time and shared fond memories. A new park was built during the revitalization, but it came at the cost of tearing down a piece of many of our childhoods.”

Athletic Grounds

View of the Athletic Ground from the Southeast corner of the neighbourhood, Source: LiveInRegentPark.com

The new athletic grounds at Regent Park was another crowd favourite amongst the residents interviewed. The ground offers a dynamic space for sports, recreation, and social gatherings. The ground is well-manicured and is truly a state-of-the-art facility for athletes or those looking to be active despite their age or ability. The grounds stay in use throughout the seasons, from soccer matches and flag football tournaments, to drop-in outdoor rinks. Other than athletics, residents also use the space to sometimes enjoy picnics or soak up the sun.

Regent Park Community Centre

The Regent Park Community Centre marks an important landmark, where friendships can be forged among people of all ages, either over pick-up basketball games or pottery classes. From offering diverse after-school programs related to art, sports, or other general interests, to hosting lively community events, the community center can be counted as a home away from home. Whether you are learning a new skill, engaging in extracurricular activities, or meeting neighbors and friends at the lounge, the Regent Park Community Center is the place to be and where memories are made.

Nelson Mandela Park Public School

Nelson Mandela Park Public School in Regent Park is a beloved community institution where everyone grew up. Many neighborhood residents formed lifelong friendships and made unforgettable memories in its hallways and classrooms. There is a shared nostalgia that binds the residents together, from memories of classes to just hanging around in the playground. The school holds a special place in the hearts of many residents who grew up in RP. Fun fact: The namesake, Nelson Mandela, visited the school in 2001!