TORONTO – MARCH 1, 2010 – A group of Regent Park residents and local leaders joined RBC today in celebrating “financial firsts” for the community.  The event marked another important milestone in the Regent Park revitalization: the opening of the first financial institution, RBC’s new branch at the corner of Dundas and Parliament Streets.
A host of guests and dignitaries – including Councillor Pam McConnell, MPP Glen Murray and Bill Coleman from Regent Park’s Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie dance company – joined RBC, The Daniels Corporation and Toronto Community Housing in celebrating financial milestones in the neighbourhood.  Highlights included the first mortgage for a local family, the first branch employees hired from the community, and the first business and personal accounts opened at the new RBC branch.
RBC’s Regional President for the Greater Toronto Region, Jennifer Tory, said RBC is proud to be part of the historic redevelopment of Regent Park.
“When the opportunity came, RBC enthusiastically joined the redevelopment because we share the vision of the City and The Daniels Corporation for a vibrant and thriving city, and for the re-birth of this neighbourhood in the heart of downtown Toronto,” she said.  “Our presence on this corner and our wider support is an investment in the potential of this community and the people who call it home. Today’s branch opening isn’t a culmination; it’s just the beginning.”
“Today we are honoured to help celebrate the opening of the first financial institution in the new Regent Park,” said Martin Blake, Vice President of The Daniels Corporation, the developer and construction partner for the 69-acre revitalization. “It is gratifying that RBC shares in our vision for this community. This financial resource will add to the quality of life in Regent Park, and will contribute to integrating this neighbourhood with the broader community.”
“Revitalization is about so much more than housing and we know that we can’t do it alone. Partnerships are key to creating opportunities for tenants through revitalization.  We are proud to have strong partners in RBC and Daniels,” said John Fox, Acting Vice President, Development, Toronto Community Housing. “Our partners have embraced their role in providing opportunities for tenants through training, jobs and proving support for tenant-led businesses.”
 
For further information, please contact:
RBC – Melinda Henderson, Communications Manager: 416-974-5621 / melinda.henderson@rbc.com.
The Daniels Corporation – David Eisenstadt –The Communications Group: 416-696-9900 ext. 36 / deisenstadt@tcgpr.com.