Schools
As a relatively family-friendly neighbourhood, Regent Park children have access to numerous academic facilities from public schools to French Immersion and alternative schools.
The local Regent Park schools include:
Regent Park
The Regent Park of today still contains a large portion of Toronto Community Housing. However, its facelift has brought high-end developments to the neighbourhood, attracting a new demographic and creating a community vibe that is both diverse and sought-after in Downtown Toronto.
Arguably the City’s Most Ambitious Redevelopment: Regent Park
From the 1930s to 1950s, Regent Park was known primarily as a Toronto slum. The area was primarily focused on low-income housing and gained an unsavoury local reputation. However, a brand-new 15-year redevelopment plan is currently in process, turning what was once a neighbourhood to avoid into one of the most vibrant, trendy, and desirable Toronto neighbourhoods around.
The Properties
Although many of the properties in Regent Park are still owned by TCH, Regent Park is also home to many new developments. New condos and townhomes with large windows, bright interiors, and spacious floorplans can be found mostly on the west side of the neighbourhood. A good portion of the homes in Regent Park are rentals, however, the price points here continue to rise as redevelopment continues and the area becomes more desirable for young urbanites.
The Neighbours
Several decades ago, Regent Park was mostly known for having a large population of immigrants and low-income families. As the years went on and the area became more developed, Regent Park opened up for well-to-do residents and trendy urban professionals who want to live and work in the downtown core. Regent Park is also ideal for families, as there are numerous schools nearby. In fact, a large portion of the neighbourhood are families and young professionals who may hope to start a family soon.
Neighbourhood Location
Regent Park: A Neighbourhood to Watch
With its ambitious 15-year development plan well on its way, Regent Park is quickly becoming one of the top neighbourhoods in Toronto to watch. As new developments and businesses come to the area, we can surely see Regent Park becoming a go-to destination for trendy urbanites and families looking to capture the Downtown Lifestyle.
The Amenities
- Schools
- Transportation
- Safety
- Outdoor Recreation
- Entertainment
Transportation
Situated close to other Toronto neighbourhoods like Cabbagetown and the Financial District, Regent Park is a walkable community with great access to public transport. The Don Valley Parkway is quite close as well, providing added convenience for drivers.
The nearest public transit stops are:
Safety
With its past reputation as a low-income neighbourhood, Regent Park is not often featured on the list of Toronto’s “Safest” neighbourhoods. However, the continued redevelopment is doing a great job providing rehab to the neighbourhood’s overall image. The community is full of excellent community resources such as the Regent Park Community Centre which includes services such as a health centre, childcare facility, and employment centre, and more.
The nearest safety facilities include:
Outdoor Recreation
Regent Park has access to numerous urban facilities to improve access and encourage residents to partake in recreational activities. In addition to the Regent Park Community Centre, there are aquatic centres, outdoor pools, splash pads, and more. The area is also within walking distance of numerous smaller parks, dog parks, playgrounds, and ice skating rinks.
Local parks and green spaces include:
Entertainment
As the area continues to grow through its 15-year redevelopment plan, it’s expected that Regent Park will become a bigger destination for arts and entertainment. You can already see some of the growth happening today, and it’s only expected to get better.
Dining
Along Gerrard and Parliament, you will find local Regent Park restaurants and cafes. These establishments range from quick bites, chain restaurants, trendy cafes, and eateries. Local restaurants like Paintbox Bistro offer both community-minded and delicious fare while local favourites like Jerk Paradise and King Place Restaurant provide great takeout for the area.
Regent Park Community Centre
The new Regent Park Community Centre is a bright gem and the central hub of the neighbourhood. The facilities here are designed to support the community and provide excellent resources and activities for everyone in the area. Connected to Nelson Mandela High School, the facility features childcare resources, an employment centre, a rooftop garden, a teaching kitchen, meeting rooms, games rooms, and more.
Shopping
Although not known as a shopping destination compared to other downtown Toronto neighborhoods, Regent Park does have its fair share of shops and amenities. Grocery stores, speciality bakeries, flower shops, art galleries, and more are just a few examples of lifestyle shops you can find in the area. However, if you’re looking for a more significant shopping experience, you can head over to the nearby Queen Street.
Sports
With so many community resources available, finding activities in Regent Park is easy. Whether you’re enjoying the amenities of the Regent Park Athletic Grounds such as the various fields, basketball courts, gyms, and fitness rooms or you prefer to take advantage of the area’s numerous rinks and outdoor pools, there’s always something to do to stay active. The brand-new Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre is also worth checking out. With high-tech amenities and features such as a lap pool, therapy pool, and leisure pool, there’s something for everyone. Bring the kids and check out the Tarzan rope and water slide for added fun!
