My Nephew Ra was shot to death in Regent Park. Shot in the back by a 19 year old punk... :-( , about 5 years ago now. He was a Father and an only son to my sibling. He was 35... Regent Park is a dangerous place at night
I lived from teenager to young adult on River through the '70s and early '80s. Walked those streets every hour of the day and night. Never once felt threatened or unsafe. It was easy (mind your own business and don't look for trouble) maybe not so easy for those not from the neighbourhood. I always felt like most of the problems came from outside. If anything happened within blocks of Regent Park the media labeled it a Regent Park problem. I still have friends who never did more than drive past the neighbourhood and tell me how dangerous it is and always was.
By definition you are correct regarding ghetto's and also bring in Rosedale and FH. The difference is socio economics. "Ghetto" has always assumed a derogatory connotation and Regent Park earned it.