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Hi Neighbour!
DATE CHANGED! GET READY FOR THE WILLOWDALE SKATE PARTY AT MEL LASTMAN SQUARE ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 12TH! The time has come for our 3rd Annual Willowdale Skate Party at Mel Lastman Square. Join us for a wonderful time of experiencing community on and off the rink on Sunday, January 12th, 2025! Stay tuned for more information!
ReNew Sheppard Consultation Further to information shared in Lily’s Weekly Update, a community consultation to discuss the addition of retail and parkland has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, at Goulding Community Centre Gym. Click Here to RSVP.
NEW! Christian Heritage Month Invitation Join faith leaders of different denominations and community members for the Inaugural Christian Heritage Month Celebration at Toronto City Hall on Friday, December 13, 6:30-8:30pm. Co-hosted by Councillors Nick Mantas, Vincent Crisanti and myself. Join us for an evening of songs - including Christmas Carols, prayer and fellowship. Light refreshments will be served. Click Here to RSVP. Seating is limited.
TONIGHT & THIS WEEKEND! HOLIDAY FAIR IN THE SQUARE AT MEL LASTMAN SQUARE! Get ready for festive fun at Mel Lastman Square starting tonight, Dec 6 to Dec 23! This year’s fair has it all: The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan is HERE THIS WEEKEND! Kick off the holiday season in style as the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan joins us for the opening weekend of Holiday Fair in the Square at Mel Lastman Square, Dec 6–8! 📸 Pose with Santa 🥤 Personalize your own Coca-Cola holiday can with your own photo! ✨ Sip free Coca-Cola and soak up the holiday magic
That’s not all! The Holiday Fair also features: 🎄 A festive artisan market for unique holiday shopping 🔥 Cozy up at the Fireside Lounge with warm holiday drinks 🍴 Delicious treats and food vendors
Don’t miss this perfect way to start the holidays. FREE ENTRY – We can’t wait to see you there! 🎁❄️
Special Highlights: Dec 6–8: Kick off the season with the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan, featuring Santa visits, personalized holiday Coke cans, and free Coca-Cola! Upcoming Weekends: Don’t miss the LEGO Brickmas Pop-Up, bringing creativity and holiday magic for all ages! Hours: Tuesday to Thursday – 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Friday to Saturday – 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm Sunday - 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm The Coca-Cola Caravan will start Friday at
6:00 PM till Sunday 10:00 PM
FREE ENTRY – Join us and experience the magic this holiday season!
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Upcoming Holiday Events in Willowdale
Are you looking for festive fun in Willowdale this holiday season? Whether you’re in the mood for Christmas markets, holiday drives, bake sales, tree lightings, or a “Messy” Church service, there’s something special for everyone to enjoy!
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Other Upcoming Community Events |
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REMINDER! Please take some action I hope you can find a window this weekend and provide some feedback to ensure Willowdale voices are represented in the City’s many decisions on policy and investment.
ACT NOW! Bishop Park: Click Here to take the survey. Share your thoughts on what an improved and expanded Bishop Park could look like! The survey closes on Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Want more parks and recreation centres in Willowdale? Help shape the future of Toronto's recreation spaces and parks! The City is seeking input from community members to guide growth and investment in recreation facilities and parks across the city. Take the online survey by Clicking Here. The deadline is Dec.18. Click Here to learn more about the plan.
Wedgewood Park: Click Here to take the survey. The City of Toronto is improving the playground in Wedgewood Park North York! Help design the new playground by sharing your thoughts on the play equipment in this short survey. Click Here to learn more about the project. The deadline has been extended to December 20th!
Maxome/Bishop Traffic: Click Here to take the survey. In response to recent concerns that have arisen around Maxome Ave, this survey is collecting feedback on 3 change proposals along Maxome Ave: Traffic Calming (e.g. Speed Humps) installation on Maxome Ave, from Finch Ave E to Steeles Ave E. Removal of Left Turn Prohibition from Bishop Ave onto Maxome Ave and Right Turn Prohibition from Maxome Ave to Bishop Ave. Removal of North-South Travel Prohibition on Steeles Ave E & Maxome Ave.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Hope to see some of you at the Holiday Fair in the Square.
Warmest regards, |
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Click On The Links Below or Scroll Down To Learn More About:
~ COUNCILLOR UPDATES
~ CITY OF TORONTO UPDATES ~ COMMUNITY UPDATES |
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FALL COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR!
Get ready for an autumn of excitement in Willowdale! Looking for fun for the season? Look no further! We've got all the hottest events lined up for you this autumn. From markets to parades, there's something for everyone. Print out our flyer to stay in the loop with all the can't-miss events happening in Willowdale this season!
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BISHOP PARK SURVEY
Bishop Park is being improved! Take the family-friendly online survey by Sunday, December 08, to share your feedback and preferences. If you have kids at home, we encourage you to take the survey together. |
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AUTOMATED SPEED ENFORCEMENT UPDATE
Below is a list of locations in Willowdale that will receive an Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) camera in Q1 2025 as part of the ASE program expansion: Beecroft Rd. Near Lorraine Dr. Hilda Ave. Near Crossen Dr. Doris Ave. Near Elmwood Ave. Drewry Ave. Near Fairchild Ave. (planned for a permanent site)
In addition to the new locations above, below is a list of locations where ASE is currently operating: Senlac Rd. South of Horsham Ave. Spring Garden Ave. West of Bayview Ave. Maxome Ave. South of Gustav Cres.
More information on the expansion of the ASE program across the City of Toronto is available in this staff report. |
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SHEPPARD-YONGE STATION: INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS WORK CONTINUES UNTIL SUMMER 2025
The TTC continues to work on the infrastructure at
Sheppard-Yonge Station. Several sections of the bus loop and customer platform
have been rehabilitated to date. Duct bank construction along Harlandale Avenue
continues. Due to unforeseen site conditions, additional time is required to
complete all work safely inside the bus loop and on Harlandale Avenue.
Additional details regarding the infrastructure
improvements at Sheppard-Yonge Station can be found at ttc.ca/projects. |
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UPGRADES TO TTC EMERGENCY SERVICE BUILDINGS
As part of the TTC’s commitment to modernization, the diesel generator at 2 Church Avenue, M2N 7K7, will be replaced with a natural gas generator.
The Emergency Service Building generators provide power to the ventilation system, tunnel lights, and the pathway to the exits in the event of an emergency.
Construction work will start January 5th and is scheduled to be completed in Q2 2025.
Work Area: The work will take place within TTC’s emergency exit property.
Access: Vehicular and pedestrian access will not be impacted.
Work hours: Construction activity will take place between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Some noise is expected during construction.
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NEIGHBOURHOOD CLIMATE ACTION CHAMPIONS
As a Neighbourhood Climate Action Champion you’ll lead the way in creating a greener, more sustainable Toronto. Connect with your community, spearhead climate initiatives and inspire change where you live. Apply today!
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GOULDING COMMUNITY CENTRE STATE-OF-GOODS REPAIRS UPDATE
The project is generally completed for the Construction Phase, including work on the interior rooms, washrooms, change-rooms, mechanical and electrical systems.
Phase 1 construction at the community centre areas are completed, including improvements at the multipurpose rooms, classrooms, dance room, gym floors and gym changerooms, front main entrance (including new art murals), mechanical units and BAS connections.
Phase 2 construction at the outdoor pool areas are completed, including change room renovations and a new outdoor pool deck shade structure. The outdoor pool season opened as scheduled. Added fencing repairs was arranged but will be completed well before the next season.
Phase 3 construction at the ice arena areas and change rooms were generally completed by September 2024 allowing the ice rink programming to proceed as scheduled. 2 added benches were added at changerooms 1 and 2 and a warranty replacement part is arranged at change room 1.
The Parks Capital Projects team will continue to coordinate any required site access to achieve the project scope, and provide our office with monthly updates as the project progresses.
Project updates can be found on the project webpage: Goulding Community Centre Improvements – City of Toronto
Click Here and Here for the benches installed in Changerooms 1 and 2.
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SCHOOL HEALTH GRANT FOR YOUTH
Are you aged 16 to 19 and enrolled in secondary or post-secondary school? Are you looking to make a positive difference in your school? Do you have a passion for healthy living?
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is offering time limited micro-grants of $1,000 to youth like yourself to develop youth-driven projects that encourage and promote youth healthy living in a school-setting. Micro-grants will be awarded to fund eligible projects on a first-come, first-served basis.
Members of official language minority communities are encouraged to apply to this grant.
Eligible applications will be approved on a first-come first-served basis until funds are fully expended, or until December 20, 2024, 11:59 AM.
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STRATEGIC PARKING FRAMEWORK
The City of Toronto is developing a strategic framework for managing motor vehicle public parking, both on-street and in parking lots.
Good public parking management practices are critical to achieving important city-building goals, such as increasing housing supply, tackling climate change, affordability, and the efficient movement of people and goods. Too much parking, parking in the wrong places and poor parking management contribute to higher levels of traffic congestion, reduced transit reliability, safety hazards, inefficient use of land and lost opportunities for other City building uses such as housing and parks. Effective public parking management contributes to a livable city. The City-Wide Strategic Parking Framework features a comprehensive list of recommended policies and actions, and includes ideas such as: - Converting underused parking lots into housing and parks
- Creating new systems to track and optimize parking management (i.e. supply and demand)
- Providing mobile apps for improved driver convenience (e.g. wayfinding to help locate available spaces)
- Installing more charging infrastructure for electric vehicles
- Using smart cameras and sensor technology for consistent parking enforcement
- Supporting the growth of carsharing and vehicle-for-hire
- Prioritizing main street curb space for transit, cycling, pedestrians, and deliveries
- Setting parking prices that are fair and align with City objectives
These ideas were created in consultation with parking experts, providers, and users, as well as many business improvement areas (BIAs). The framework makes full use of the City’s tools for change: - Data and technology
- Partnerships and collaboration
- Pricing, regulation and enforcement
- Land use management
- Communication and engagement
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LONG TERM WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
The City is updating the Long-term Waste Management Strategy approved by City Council
in 2016, for the next implementation period of 2026 to 2036. The first consultation phase is
scheduled from November 18 to December 20, 2024, where we are seeking feedback on
how we have done so far on implementing the 2016 Waste Strategy and ideas to further
reduce and divert waste from landfill. Stay informed on ways to get involved, including a
public survey, an in-person drop-in event and virtual public meetings, by subscribing to the
Long-term Waste Management Strategy email list and visiting the web page.
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CITY OF TORONTO WARMING CENTRES
Warming Centres are part of the City’s Winter Services Plan for people experiencing homelessness. The City activates Warming Centres when temperatures reach minus five degrees Celsius and/or when Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a winter weather event warning.
Warming Centres are pet-friendly and focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside. Facilities provide: - Resting spaces
- Meals
- Access to washroom facilities
- Referrals to emergency shelter
Individuals do not need to contact Central Intake to access a Warming Centre. Walk-ins are welcome. If someone arrives at a Warming Centre and it is at capacity, the City will assist with transportation to another Warming Centre, if space is available.
Generally, Warming Centres open at 5 p.m. on the day that locations are activated. Once open, Warming Centres remain open 24 hours a day until it is determined that locations will close. Once a Warming Centre closes to new admissions, staff work to refer individuals who remain onsite to alternate spaces in the shelter system.
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VACANT HOME TAX DECLARATION 2024 - 2025
On November 1, the Vacant Home Tax (VHT) declaration period opened for residential property owners.
Beginning on November 1st, homeowners are now able to declare the 2024 occupancy status of their property in three ways: If you experience trouble when trying to submit your declaration of occupancy status, you can call 311 or send an email to our office with details of your issue and the following information: Property owner’s full name Property owner’s phone number Property address (including postal code) Assessment roll number Details of the issue or problem
Q: What qualifies as a “vacant” home? A: A house or condo is considered vacant if it is not the owner's principal/main residence or the principal residence of someone they permit to live there, or if it was not occupied by tenants for more than six months during the calendar year. A property may qualify for an exemption from the Vacant Home Tax if certain conditions apply. If the property is the owner’s main residence (where they reside and conduct their daily affairs, receive mail, pay bills, etc.) it can remain unoccupied and would not be considered vacant. Q: What are the exemptions to the Vacant Home Tax? A: Vacant Home Tax exemptions include properties that meet the following criteria: Property undergoing major repairs or renovations Legal transfer of ownership occurred within the taxation year Owner(s) is/are in an extended, long-term care facility (can be claimed for two consecutive years) Registered owner passed away in the taxation year or the two previous taxation years (can be claimed for three consecutive years) Property is required as a secondary residence by the owner or their spouse for full-time employment purposes Property is required as a secondary residence by the owner, their spouse or dependent for medical treatment in Toronto Property cannot be occupied due to court order Property was newly constructed and never occupied or sold and was actively listed for sale during the taxation year (can be claimed for two consecutive years)
Q: How can homeowners who need to make their declaration in another language get help? A: Homeowners who need assistance making their declaration can call 311 which offers service in more than 180 languages. Q: What support is available for seniors or those with limited computer access? A: Homeowners who do not have easy access to a computer can declare the occupancy status of their property by calling 311. Or they can make a declaration at a Tax and Utility counter at Toronto City Hall or a civic centre. Homeowners can also have a family member or friend complete the online declaration for them.
In addition, the City is offering dedicated in-person assistance to submit a VHT declaration at drop-in sessions on select dates.
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HOLIDAY FAIR IN THE SQUARE AT MEL LASTMAN SQUARE
Holiday Fair in the Square is Back! Get ready for festive fun at Mel Lastman Square from Dec 6 to Dec 23!
This year’s fair has it all: - A magical holiday market with artisan treasures
- Delicious food vendors and cozy holiday drinks
- A Fireside Lounge to keep you warm
- Santa’s Village
Special Highlights: - Dec 6–8: Kick off the season with the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan, featuring Santa visits, personalized holiday Coke cans, and free Coca-Cola!
- Upcoming Weekends: Don’t miss the LEGO Brickmas Pop-Up, bringing creativity and holiday magic for all ages!
FREE ENTRY! Join us and experience the magic this holiday season!
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CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the rink at Nathan Phillips Square with a special skating party presented by Desjardins Financial Group!
Enjoy free skate rentals courtesy of the presenting sponsor.
4 to 5 p.m. Public skating with DJ Kourosh Dehghani 5:30 to 5:55 p.m. Team Trinity Skating Showcase featuring: 6 to 6:30 p.m. Meet-and-Greet on ice with Gabrielle Daleman and skaters from TMU Skating Club 6 to 7 p.m. Public skating with DJ Kourosh Dehghani
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THANK YOU TO THE DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS IN OUR COMMUNITY!
Thank you Ed Skira, Garry Lam, and volunteers of the Edithvale Ice Rink for spending last Saturday morning setting up the boards. Hoping this season brings us great winter weather as we need consistent -3C and below weather to maintain an outdoor rink.
The team is always happy to have community members join in on the fun, so please reach out to edithvalerink@gmail.com for more info. It’s always a fun time out at the rink! |
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PERSONALIZED CAREER ACCELERATOR INFO SESSION
Are you an internationally-trained professional looking to launch your career in Ontario? Join an upcoming FREE virtual information session to learn how WoodGreen's Personalised Career Accelerator program (formerly known as Mentoring Pathways to Employment) can support you! This program is funded by IRCC.
To be eligible for the program, the participant's status has to be permanent resident or convention refugee.
This program offers: - Job-ready workshops designed to fine-tune your job search skills to maximise your competitiveness
- Individualised one-to-one employment counselling provided by a WoodGreen job coach
- Mentoring matching that connects you to people in your industry for industry-specific insights and networking opportunities
- Exclusive access to employers and industry-specific events
- Settlement counselling to connect you with resources, support, and opportunities to meet other people
Information sessions are offered every Tuesday at 11 am.
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WINTER CHARITY DRIVE
As the holiday season approaches, the warm-hearted community of Willowdale is thinking of those who may be facing challenges this time of year. One of our caring residents, Elle Mollaei, has initiated a Christmas Drive, and what better way to contribute than by donating winter clothing for all ages. Join us on December 10th to make a difference in our neighborhood by giving the gift of warmth to those in need.
When: Tuesday, December 10, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Where: Lansing United Church, 49 Bogert Ave., M2N 1K4 |
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A CUMMER CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND CAROL SING
Join the North York Concert Band & Cummer Avenue United Church Choir for an unforgettable evening of beautiful music and uplifting singing! Enjoy live performances, great company, and delicious refreshments.
A freewill offering will be accepted. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars now!
When: Thursday, December 12, 7:30PM Where: Cummer Avenue United Church, 53 Cummer Ave., North York
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FREE PHOTO WITH SANTA
Visit Goulding Community Centre on December 14 from 12PM - 2PM for a FREE Santa
Photo Event hosted
by local real estate agents Pegah Dorodi and Sam Fatapour. This festive event
is a way of giving back to the Newtonbrook West community this holiday
season. Bring your family and capture memorable moments with Santa! Don't miss out on a great event!
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ARTISAN HOLIDAY MARKET
Back
by popular demand, Willowdale's own "one of a kind" artisan market
brings together local and regional makers so you can discover unique, one of a
kind gifts for those you love!
Celebrate the season on the grounds of
historic John Mckenzie House. A perfect venue to discover a wide range of gifts
sure to delight: gift cards, paintings & prints, coffee, chocolate,
wearables and more. A relaxing and magical shopping experience like no other!
Eat, Drink and Be Merry!
When: Saturday, December 14, 10AM - 4PM and Sunday, December 15, 12PM - 5PM Where: John Mckenzie Historic House, 34 Parkview Ave., North York
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KINDRED SPIRITS ORCHESTRA: NEW YEAR'S GALA
Celebrate the New Year in style! Join
internationally renowned bass-baritone Geo Chobanov, soprano Alexa Frankian,
and the Kindred Spirits Orchestra under the baton of maestro Kristian Alexander
for a world-class gala featuring overtures, arias and duets from operas by
Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, Rossini, Gounod, Tchaikovsky, and more.
When: Saturday, December 28, 8:00PM Where: Meridian Arts Centre, George Weston Recital Hall, 5040 Yonge St.
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LIVE LOUNGE AT THE NOVOTEL NORTH YORK
Discover
North Toronto’s newest indoor live music venue, Live
Lounge at Novotel! Located in the heart of Willowdale, just off
Yonge Street. Experience great music, and good vibes, in the company of friends
at our chill venue located at the Novotel,
3 Park Home Ave.
Unwind and enjoy some fantastic
performances by talented musicians while enjoying a variety of food & drink
from the Trio Restaurant and Bar. Whether you're a music enthusiast or just
looking for a fun night out, this event is perfect for everyone. Don't miss out
on this opportunity to experience live music in a relaxed and inviting
atmosphere.
Willowdale Arts Collective has
partnered with T.U. Jazz Fest to bring live performances from
emerging musicians and award-winning artists.
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NORTH YORK COMMUNITY RESOURCES BOOKLET
The North York Community Resources Booklet is now available! This comprehensive guide provides essential information on local services, programs, and support in our community. Whether you're looking for health resources, legal aid services, or housing supports, you’ll find everything you need in one place.
Click Here for the English version.
Click Here for the Farsi version.
Click Here for the Chinese version.
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