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Hi Neighbour!
Since the announcement of the new shelter's location at 68 Sheppard Avenue West, we have received many emails voicing concerns. We are taking note of all the concerns we are seeing both in our email inbox and on social media. Although we are not able to reply individually at this time, we will ensure these concerns are shared with City Staff and addressed at the upcoming meeting on Dec 17th. In speaking with some councillor colleagues whose communities will also receive a new shelter, the worries and anxiety are similar across the different wards. I invite everyone with concerns or questions to Lansing United Church NEXT TUESDAY, December 17, 6:30-8:30 pm. There will be a brief presentation at 7 pm followed by time for residents to chat directly with staff. You can also email: 68sheppard@gmail.com.
THIS WEEKEND! ARTISAN HOLIDAY MARKET AT JOHN MCKENZIE HOUSE! Back by popular demand, Willowdale's Holiday 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 the 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!
When: Saturday, December 14, 10AM - 4PM and Sunday, December 15, 12PM - 5PM Where: John Mckenzie Historic House, 34 Parkview Ave., North York
STARTING TONIGHT! LEGO® BRICKMAS AT HOLIDAY FAIR IN THE SQUARE! Get ready to step into a magical LEGO® winter wonderland at the LEGO® Brickmas Pop-Up Experience! Dates: ▪️Dec 13–15 ▪️Dec 19–23
Check out even more exciting happenings at the Holiday Fair in the Square:
"Ice Magic" Skating Show Description: Every Saturday at 7:00 PM during the Holiday Fair, enjoy an enchanting Ice Magic Skating Show performed by a talented group of passionate skaters from Toronto!
Holiday Maze opens at 4:00 PM every day Description: Step into the Holiday Maze, a larger-than-life, human-sized adventure at this year’s Holiday Fair in the Square from December 6–23, 2024. Perfect for family outings, festive date nights, or unforgettable photo opportunities.
Puppet Performances 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM Description: Join us for puppet performances that will delight audiences of all ages, blending whimsy, creativity, and the joy of the holiday spirit. They have come to invite you to the Puppet Festival, coming March 11–16, 2025— more information @cranecreationstheatreco.
Bring your family and friends to Holiday Fair in the Square at Mel Lastman Square and make unforgettable holiday memories. Click Here to learn more!
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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. 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.
Next Week is Toronto City Council Here are items you may want to have a look at: Click Here to read the full agenda. Hope everyone is keeping warm! Have a wonderful weekend. 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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YORK MILLS TO ST. CLAIR STATIONS: FULL WEEKEND CLOSURE
There will be no subway service between
York Mills and St Clair stations on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December
15 due to planned track work.
TTC Staff will be available on site to assist
customers. Shuttle buses will operate. Lawrence Station will be closed.
All other subway stations will remain open for customers to purchase PRESTO
fares, tickets and connect to surface routes. Regular service will resume
Monday, December 16 by 6 a.m.
Extra Wheel Trans buses will operate
between York Mills and St Clair stations for any customer requiring assistance.
To confirm the status of elevators and
escalators throughout the system, customers can contact the TTC lift line at:
416-539-5438 (LIFT) for real time information on the status of elevators.
Follow @ttcnotices
on X and check the Live Service Alerts on ttc.ca for up to date service
information and to help plan your trip.
Find the full list of all upcoming planned subway
closures here.
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SHEPPARD YONGE STATION WALKWAY CLOSURE
Starting Monday, December 16, 2024, until
construction in the bus bay at Sheppard-Yonge Station is completed, the
temporary pathway from Sheppard Avenue to the station will be closed.
Customers
can use the accessible entrance located at Sheppard Avenue and Yonge Street via
the Yonge and Sheppard Centre. All other entrances (except the Harlandale
entrance) will remain open for customers.
New signage will be installed over the
weekend reflect this change. Next week, TTC customer service staff will also be
on-site to assist customers with wayfinding. For customers traveling on buses
requiring an accessible connection to Sheppard-Yonge Station, announcements
will be made advising customers to remain on board until reaching an accessible
stop on the east side of the Yonge/Sheppard intersection.
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CLEARING SNOW AND ICE FROM TORONTO'S ROADS AND SIDEWALKS
Toronto’s 14,700 km of road lanes, 7,900 km of sidewalks and 486 lane-km of cycle tracks (including separated bike lanes, on-road bike lanes and multi-use trails) is cleared by a fleet of approximately 1,400 pieces of snow clearing equipment.
24-hour patrols continuously check road conditions and staff monitor weather forecasts and pavement temperature. Even before the snow starts to fall, crews swing into action and work continuously until the storm is over. Click Here to learn more.
Click Here to visit the map to find out what roads and sidewalks near you were recently salted and plowed and where the vehicles are now. |
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CASWELL PARK UPDATE
We’re thrilled to announce that the improvements to Caswell Park are now complete! This is a wonderful upgrade to the local park, and we are sure residents will enjoy both the added and improved amenities. We sincerely appreciate the valuable feedback and ideas shared by residents throughout this process. We look forward to celebrating the park’s transformation with an opening ceremony once the weather warms up. |
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WEDGEWOOD PARK NORTH YORK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
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!
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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 by December 23!
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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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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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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!
FREE POP UP LIVE MUSIC! Saturday from 1-3pm featuring Random Acts - Come up for this upbeat, festive concert which is sure to put you in the holiday mood!
Feeling like a more mellow show?.. come by Sunday from 1-3pm to hear Chad Wenzel and his acoustic performance.
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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KOLIADA 2024: UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS CAROLING
DESNA Ukrainian Dance Company & School is offering KOLIADA (Ukrainian Caroling) in all areas of the city
this year.
It is always super special and makes
any dinner very memorable. Desna team comes to houses and apartments.
If you are hosting a dinner or
visiting another family for dinner, please consider inviting (signing up in the
link below) Desna carolers to make the night unforgettable.
Sign up and Help to share with
others so Desna can bring this beautiful Ukrainian tradition to more families
in GTA .
DATES: Dec. 24, 25, 26 plus Jan. 4,
5, 6 & 7th.
All donations over $20 get a tax
receipt. Book today!
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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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UKRAINIANS IN NORTH YORK
Ukrainians in North York Community Organization brings together the local Ukrainian community to share language, culture, and traditions, while offering support to newcomers who have fled the war in Ukraine.
The organization hosts a variety of activities, including: - A Facebook group for updates and connections: Ukrainians in North York
- Q&A Zoom calls for meeting and sharing resources: NeighbourLink Q&A
- Bi-monthly in-person socials
- Ukrainian language classes in partnership with the TDSB
- Ukrainian dance classes in collaboration with DESNA Ukrainian Dance School and Company: DESNA Website
For more information, check out their flyer and stay updated through their Facebook group. |
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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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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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