Earlier this year, I had the privilege of producing photographs for a book by Mitchell Cohen, CEO of The Daniels Corporation, who led the transformation of Regent Park in Toronto.
Originally designed in the 1940s with narrow roads and footpaths to encourage community, Regent Park instead eventually became disconnected from the city and developed a reputation as one of Toronto’s more marginalized and unsafe areas.
In 2005, The Daniels Corporation partnered with Toronto Community Housing to revitalize the neighbourhood, introducing new facilities, affordable housing and home ownership opportunities.
Today, Regent Park is a vibrant, diverse community with rental and condominium buildings, townhouses, commercial spaces and public parks. It stands as a model for urban renewal, fostering connection and growth.
I’m proud that eight of my photos were selected for Mr. Cohen’s book, Rhythms of Change, which documents the remarkable redevelopment of Regent Park and its global impact on urban planning.
This gallery features other photos I captured while working on this project.
Rhythms of Change will be available in stores on November 12.
October 1, 2024
A man strolls among one of the remaining original housing units along the north end of Regent Park after a snowfall.
Local volunteers organize community events throughout the year for residents, including a skate day at the hockey rink facility.
Parliament Street and Dundas Street East - one of the main intersections of Regent Park.
The redevelopment includes integrating many pieces of public art in the neighbourhood.
Residents have left one of the original apartment buildings along Gerrard Street East, making way for demolition.
Reflections from a Regent Park condo building casts light on storefronts along Parliament Street.
A strong sense of community permeates through the neighbourhood - many residents and business owners have called this their home for decades.
A practice swim at the new Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre, named after the late city councillor who represented the area and championed the revitalization project.
New recreational spaces and amenities are important features of the redevelopment.
Green spaces and public common areas are features many residents enjoy.
Local businesses reflect the diverse population of Regent Park.
One of the new mixed housing buildings taking shape on the northeast corner of Regent Park.
Dundas Street East is the main artery that runs through Regent Park. The street now accommodates not only cars, but bikes, transit and pedestrian in a seamless, integrated fashion.
