New phase of Regent Park project focused on youth

Rowers get some early-morning practice on the lakefront as dawn breaks over Toronto, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (The Canadian Press/Graeme Roy)

Text:

The Canadian Press
Published Wednesday, September 12, 2012 4:21PM EDT

TORONTO - Toronto Community Housing has launched the third phase of the Regent Park revitalization project, which will focus on the downtown community's youth.

The project includes new state-of-the-art sports facilities, about 550 replacement rental social housing units and more than 2,000 condominiums.

The proposed Regent Park Athletic Grounds will also include a new soccer field, a basketball court and an improved ice rink, which will be refurbished with funding from the Hockey Canada Foundation.

The sports facilities will be paid for through fundraising and the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Team Up Foundation.

MLSE President Tom Anselmi confirmed their involvement, saying sports opens doors for kids and creates social change in a community.

A new cultural centre and an aquatic centre are slated to open this fall, and a six-acre community park and community centre are currently under construction.