Dear Neighbour ! This past week was an intense two days at council with passionate discussions. While many frontline workers and physicians have told us 24/7 warming centres are needed, council voted not to implement this suggestion. I voted in favour of the warming centres and was disappointed with the outcome. Homelessness remains the most difficult issue we are dealing with as a city. It is a complex issue that requires all three levels of government to work with a coordinated plan to ensure best outcomes. In the absence of that, we are left as a city to fill in a gap with limited resources. I moved a motion that was unanimously passed that we host a roundtable of frontline workers, service providers and those with lived experience together to identify gaps and opportunities towards making a plan for next winter. The city is currently in lease negotiations at two alternative sites within Willowdale to transfer our warming centre in order to resume regular programming at Mitchell Field. We will share details and work with the community once we have more details. Lastly, I hope you will join us for the upcoming Community Safety Town Hall. 32 Division is putting together a presentation for us to give us a snapshot of what is happening in our neighbourhood and how we can work together to build a safer community. We see a lot of registrants for online attendance. I would like to encourage people to come in person - as an opportunity to connect with other neighbours! Upcoming Events: Sat, Feb 11, 3pm - 5:30pm @ John McKenzie Historic House - Neighbourhood Networking Event. Hosted by Willowdale Central Ratepayers Association (WCRA). Wed, Feb 15, 6:30pm - 8:30pm @ Room 1, North York Central Library - Author Susan Goldenberg speaking on her new book Deadly Triangle. Hosted by North York Historical Society Fri, Feb 17, 2pm - 3pm @ Room 101, North York Central Library - Black History Month: Make Your Own Drum! Hosted by Toronto Public Library. Sat, Feb 18, 11am - 3pm @ 10 Senlac Rd. - Mid-Winter Wrap Market. Hosted by CHARTwell LANSING Retirement Residence. Sat, Feb 18, 1:30pm - 3pm @ North York Central Library - Crossroads Mural at Finch TTC Station: Share Your Ideas! Sat, Feb 18, 2pm - 3pm @ Auditorium, North York Central Library - Black History Month: Tales by Moonlight. Hosted by Toronto Public Library. Tue, Feb 21, 2pm - 4pm & Thu, Feb 23, 6pm - 8pm @ Online (Zoom) - Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods: Multiplex Consultation Events. Hosted by the City Planning department of the City of Toronto. Mon, Feb 27, 7pm @ Willowdale Pentecostal Church / Zoom - Willowdale Community Safety Town Hall. Hosted by Councillor Lily Cheng. Sun, Mar 26, 3pm @ Meridian Arts Centre - Gimeno Conducts Beethoven 5. Performed by Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
UPCOMING Community Development Consultations (virtual): UPCOMING Construction Stay Tuned: A Community Liaison Committee for the shelter at 5800 Yonge Street will be announced at the upcoming Safety Town Hall. Roadwork on Hendon Ave. just west of Yonge Street relating to preparations for the future extension of the subway has been delayed and is expected to begin in the coming month. We will update everyone once we have details.
Warmest regards, Lily Cheng Toronto City Councillor Ward 18 Willowdale Councillor_Cheng@toronto.ca 416-392-0210 |
|
|
Scroll down to find out more about: COUNCILLOR UPDATES CITY OF TORONTO UPDATES COMMUNITY EVENTS ACROSS WILLOWDALE |
|
|
An uplifting start to City Council this week with a tribute to the Grey Cup 2022 Champions with my fellow councillors. |
|
|
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION - 19 POYNTZ AVENUE Location: Online Wed, Feb 15, 2023 - 6:30pm - 8pm The Applicants propose to demolish the existing single detached home and redevelop the site with a 3 storey plus 1 level of basement (11.43 metres) residential apartment building. The proposed building will contain 8 dwelling units, a total Gross Floor Area (GFA) of approximately 832.4 sq. m. There are no parking spots and no loading spaces proposed as part of the development application. For more information about 19 Poyntz Avenue, please view the City’s website at: www.Toronto.ca/19PoyntzAve. Click Here to attend meeting: http://bit.ly/3Xq4gJM |
|
|
COMMUNITY SAFETY TOWN HALL Location: Willowdale Pentecostal Church / Zoom Mon, Feb 27, 2023 - 7pm - 9:30pm We are convening a meeting as many community members have approached our office with safety concerns. 32 Division police and staff from the Willowdale Welcome Centre (5800 Yonge St.) will be in attendance to address community safety concerns, as well as provide suggestions on how we can improve community safety. We will also be sharing details on the establishment of a Community Liaison Committee for the shelter at 5800 Yonge St.
RSVP Here: https://willowdalesafety.eventbrite.ca |
|
|
Pothole Repair Blitz Sat, Feb 11, 2023 - 6am - 6pm Weather permitting, The City of Toronto will launch its first pothole repair blitz this Saturday to keep Toronto’s expressways, major roads and neighbourhood streets in a state of good repair. City crews will work a 12-hour shift to repair as many potholes as possible. |
|
|
Toronto Hydro Overhead Civil & Electrical Upgrade: Finch - Grantbrook Toronto Hydro is upgrading the electrical distribution system in Willowdale to improve the reliability of our electrical service. This includes upgrading overhead electrical cables and replacing hydro poles on city-owned property near our lot. Expected Timeline: Mar 2023 – Jun 2023 Project Area: The project area includes sections of Finch Avenue West and Ancona Street. (See the picture above) For more information, please visit www.lilycheng.ca/post/toronto-hydro-overhead-civil-electrical-upgrade-finch-grantbrook. |
|
|
Watermain Replacement and Local Road Resurfacing The City of Toronto plans to replace the watermain and the City-owned portion of substandard water services on Ellerslie Avenue from Bathurst Street to Stafford Road. The City of Toronto is also planning to resurface Ellerslie Avenue from Senlac Road to Bathurst Street. Expected Timeline: March 2023 – November 2023
For more information, please visit: https://www.lilycheng.ca/post/watermain-replacement-and-local-road-resurfacing-on-ellerslie-avenue |
|
|
Crossroads Mural at Finch TTC Station - Share Your Ideas! Location: North York Central Library Sat, Feb 18, 1:30pm - 3pm
Crossroads is a site-specific community-engaged mural project led by Artist Kseniya Tsoy in partnership with STEPS, exploring the unique cultural tapestry of Willowdale as a meeting place of global perspectives and cultural lineages while honouring the Indigenous lands we gather on today.
Share your ideas and co-create Crossroads - an exciting legacy mural project to animate Finch TTC Station in North York’s Willowdale Community!
RSVP Here: http://bit.ly/3WOeCTw |
|
|
MITCHELL FIELD UPDATE - Warming Centre & Programming Mitchell Field Community Centre will continue to be used as a warming centre during extreme cold weather events to ensure our neighbours experiencing homelessness have a warm place to go.
When the warming centre is not operational, Mitchell Field Community Centre is open Monday to Friday, 8am - 9pm and 8am - 8pm on weekends. The indoor track is free and the weight room is open to those who purchase a membership. The Winter 2023 programming includes: basketball, badminton, volleyball, soccer, floor hockey, pickleball, and open gym with caregiver drop-in programs.
For more information about programming and the centre, please call the front desk at 416-395-0265 or visit Mitchell Field Community Centre for up-to-date alerts and schedules. Brochures are available at the front desk with program dates and times. They encourage our neighbourhood to visit the website or call ahead before attending programs in case of a schedule change to avoid disappointment. They are offering CampTO programming during March Break and Summer. March Break Camp registration is open and Summer Camp Registration is on Feb 11, 2023. They are continuing to expand their programming for Spring 2023.
The City of Toronto also offers a recreation fee subsidy to help residents access recreation programs. More information and applications can be found here: Welcome Policy Application. Paper applications are also available at the centre.
|
|
|
Request a Congratulatory Scroll from Our Office Would you like to have a congratulatory scroll sent from our office to a Willowdale resident celebrating a significant birthday, anniversary, or other special event? Submit a request for a congratulatory scroll from our office. For more information, please visit: https://www.lilycheng.ca/request-a-congratulatory-scroll |
|
|
COMMUNITY CULTURAL GROUP CHATS Our office launches neighbourhood networks on WeChat and KakaoTalk for our Chinese and Korean communities. Join us and connect with your neighbours!
Stay tuned, our Telegram network is coming soon! |
|
|
COMMUNITY ROUND TABLE OPPORTUNITIES I’m creating a Poverty Alleviation Roundtable and Climate Change Round table. If you would like to take part and share in the shaping of these initiatives in Willowdale, please sign up on my website www.lilycheng.ca. These round tables will commence in the next month or two and we’ll have more details soon. |
|
|
VACANT HOME TAX DECLARATION DEADLINE EXTENDED! The City of Toronto has extended the deadline for Vacant Home Tax Declaration to February 28. CLICK HERE to submit your Vacant Home Tax Declaration of Occupancy Status. Homeowners are encouraged to make a declaration of their property’s occupancy status as soon as possible to avoid any penalties. Reminder notices will be mailed out the week of February 13 to property owners who have not yet submitted a declaration. If you require extra help to submit your declaration, please contact us (Councillor_Cheng@toronto.ca / 416-392-0210). |
|
|
CampTO Starting this Saturday, Feb 11, at 7 am, caregivers and parents can register their kids for summer CampTO programs. The City provides a variety of camp types for children and youth ages four to 16, including traditional day camp experiences, active games, dance, drama, nature-based activities and more. Adapted and inclusive programs for participants with disabilities and those needing additional support are also available. New to this summer's diverse roster of camps is CampTO Explore, a traditional day camp with the enhanced experience of either an excursion to a popular Toronto attraction, special guest or event. The quickest and easiest way to register for CampTO is online. Sessions run from July 4 to September 1. Explore programs: www.toronto.ca/Camps |
|
|
FREE TAX CLINICS IN WILLOWDALE Community organizations host free tax clinics where volunteers file tax returns for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation. There are free in-person and virtual tax clinics across Willowdale. Learn more: http://bit.ly/3xgi8fb |
|
|
NORTH YORK CENTRAL LIBRARY - CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT FEB PROGRAM CALENDAR |
|
|
Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods: Multiplex (including Rooming House) Consultations The Multiplex study is part of the Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods initiative which aims to bring more types of housing to Toronto’s low-rise neighbourhoods. This study proposes to permit multiplexes in all areas designated Neighbourhoods in Toronto’s Official Plan. Please join staff from City Planning at one of two identical consultation events. To register, please visit one of the links below: Tue, Feb 21, 2pm – 4pm Thu, Feb 23 6pm – 8pm |
|
|
COMMUNITY EVENTS ACROSS WILLOWDALE |
|
|
The Burn Location: Gibson House Museum Feb 9 to 15 Wed to Sun, 11 am to 4 pm Heal and cleanse through the restorative power of rising heat, ash, smoke and water of The Burn, an interactive installation inspired by the universally sacred elements of fire and water. Installation available in the front parlour room of Gibson House Museum. Accessible from Park Home Avenue. |
|
|
Thursdays Yoga Workshops Location: Gibson House Museum Thursdays, 11am - 12pm from Jan 19, 2023 to Mar 30, 2023 Swing by Gibson House Museum on Thursdays to experience the healing powers of yoga. Letting Go & Flow Yoga takes place Thursdays at 11am from Jan 19, 2023 to Mar 30, 2023 (excluding Mar 16, 2023). Led by Jigna Fadia of Earth Seedings Yoga. No registration required – this is a free, drop-in program part of The Burn. For more details, please visit Exhibits & Events – City of Toronto. |
|
|
Neighbourhood Networking Event Hosted by: Willowdale Central Ratepayers Association (WCRA) Location: John McKenzie Historic House Sat, Feb 11, 2023 - 3pm - 5:30pm The WCRA recognizes that the pandemic has taken a toll on us, and the need for community support has never been greater. The WCRA is keenly aware of the challenges that community groups face in terms of volunteer support and the current state of apathy across the city. Members of the WCRA have made a choice, they choose to "do good for our community." They have seen the power in acts of kindness, and the mental health benefits that come from volunteering. They have also seen the good that comes from constructive discussion and engagement with others. Join WCRA and your neighbours for this community networking event. You and/or members of your association/community group are invited to attend. RSVP Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/neighbourhood-networking-event-tickets-514117217437 |
|
|
Author Susan Goldenberg speaking on her new book Deadly Triangle Organized by North York Historical Society Location: Room 1, North York Central Library Wed, Feb 15, 6:30pm - 8:30pm Susan Goldenberg is a director and membership chair of the North York Historical Society which preserves North York’s heritage. The author of nine books, her latest being ‘Deadly Triangle: The Famous Architect, His Wife, Their Chauffeur, and Murder Most Foul’, she has won both a Canadian Author’s Award and a Canadian Business Press Editors’ Award. |
|
|
Willowdale Random Acts of Kindness Day Fri, Feb 17 Join 'We Love Willowdale' in spreading kindness across Willowdale! Take the kindness pledge at www.welovewillowdale.ca and show your commitment to creating a more positive community by putting up a poster in your window. Let's work together to make Willowdale the kindest neighbourhood in Canada! |
|
|
Celebrate Black History Month with North York Central Library. Make Your Own Drum! Location: Room 101, North York Central Library Fri, Feb 17, 2pm - 3pm Make and decorate your drum and learn about African musical traditions. Register today in-branch or by calling 416-395-5630. For more information: http://bit.ly/3kYVpl1 Tales by Moonlight Location: Auditorium, North York Central Library Sat, Feb 18, 2pm - 3pm The whole family can sing and dance along while listening to traditional African folktales. Djembe drums will be provided for the first 80 participants, but everyone is welcome to bring their own drums, rattles, tambourines, and bells from home. For children ages 4 - 13 and their family members. Drop-in. For accessibility request and more information: http://bit.ly/40oEzMn |
|
|
Mid-Winter Wrap Market Presented by Scarborough and Courtyard Farmers' Markets Location: 10 Senlac Rd. (Chartwell Lansing) Sat, Feb 18, 11am - 3pm Chartwell Lansing continues to get out into the community and seek to bring markets to underserved populations. The market is open to on-site residents, families, and the local community! Come by to savour delicious samosas! Pick up hand crafted artisanal health essentials, honey, salsa, and preservative free local maple syrup to get you through the last of the winter! |
|
|
Gimeno Conducts Beethoven 5 Performed by Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) Location: George Weston Recital Hall at Meridian Arts Centre Sun, Mar 26, 2023 - 3pm Experience the most famous four notes in music when your Toronto Symphony Orchestra performs Beethoven’s timeless and immortal Fifth Symphony, plus intrepid Canadian cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras reveals the brooding, introspective beauty of Schumann’s concerto in his debut with the TSO. It’s wonderful to have the TSO coming to our neighbourhood to perform! Buy Tickets Here: https://my.tso.ca/2784/2785 |
|
|
If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to sign up for future newsletters, you can do so at www.lilycheng.ca |
|
|
Building a Connected Community in Willowdale. |
|
|
|
|
