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Regent Park Employment Plan
Regent Park revitalization
In July 2003, City of Toronto Council approved plans for the revitalization of Regent Park.
The project includes ambitious plans for the physical transformation of the 69-acre community over the next 12 to 15 years.
This transformation will see approximately 2,100 rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units demolished and some 4,900 new units constructed, including 1,800 market units.
This physical renewal will see the introduction of diverse building types, as well as the creation of streets and large public spaces. The goal is to transform Regent Park into a mixed income, mixed-use community, integrated into the mainstream of city life.
In addition to these physical changes, successful revitalization will include reaching out to and investing in Regent Park residents. A key component of this is providing the employment services which are discussed in the Regent Park Employment Plan.
Read more about the revitalization of Regent Park.
The Regent Park Employment Plan
Employment and Social Services led the development of the Regent Park Employment Plan in consultation and partnership with Toronto Community Housing (TCHC), Social Development, Finance and Administration, Economic Development and a core group of Regent Park community agencies. The Employment Plan reflects a consensus among the community that a new approach to service delivery is needed as existing programs were not providing enough support for residents.
The Plan outlines concrete ways in which employment and training services will be expanded for individuals and employers.
For example, the future Employment and Enterprise Hub will offer access to services such as:
- Outreach services (including specific job supports for youth)
- Assistance from Career and Employment Information Specialists including career planning, referrals to community services and employment programs, and information on financial benefits
- A connection to jobs available through Regent Park revitalization, city-wide initiatives, and wider labour market opportunities
- Enterprise services to help individuals interested in self-employment
- Support for employers in screening and hiring local residents
- Links to City of Toronto employment initiatives including financial incentives for employers
- A residents’ resume and skills bank
- Help in developing customized training projects.
You can download the full Employment Plan in PDF format. 
| The Hub |
A long term goal of the Employment Plan involves a new approach to delivering services in Regent Park. An important component of this new approach, and a key initiative of the Plan, is the concept of an Employment and Enterprise Hub.
The Hub will provide a focal point for all employment and enterprise services within the neighbourhood. It will offer a broad range of employment services and community supports.
The Hub will act as a vital community access point, improve how services are delivered and connect people to these services.
To begin this work while the Hub is being developed, the Regent Park Employment Engagement Office has been established. |
Regent Park Employment Engagement Office
Employment and Social Services is working with community partners to implement many of the Regent Park Employment Plan’s recommendations including the development of a local Employment and Enterprise Hub.
While the Hub is being created, Employment and Social Services has established the Regent Park Employment Engagement Office at 415 Gerrard Street East, with staff offering Regent Park residents a range of services including career information, employment planning and access to financial help.
Residents, employers or agency representatives can go to the Regent Park Employment Engagement Office Monday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., or speak to staff by calling 416-981-4775.
"I am writing this letter to express my gratitude for the excellent client service I received from Regent Park Employment Engagement… [The] Employment Information Specialist gave me very valuable advice and helped me with my resume. She also prepared me for a job interview. She did so with a genuine and caring attitude.
I would recommend the service for anyone who is looking for a job and do not know where to start. I am happy to say that I have found the right job thanks to [the staff member’s] care and professionalism."
- a Regent Park resident |
You can also read about other employment initiatives at: ESS in Action.
Job opportunities
Residents of Regent Park are now able to see job postings online. These opportunities are available through local employers who have connected with the Regent Park Employment Engagement Office. Enter your password to access the information. If you do not have a password, contact the Regent Park Employment Engagement office at 416-981-4775 and a password will be issued to you.
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