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Hi Neighbour!
Yalda Mobarak! Yalda is an Iranian winter solstice celebration held at the end of autumn and on the year's longest night. Yalda symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of the sun. Wishing everyone a joyous and festive Yalda night! SAVE THE DATE! Sun., Jan. 12, 1-4pm: Willowdale Skate Party Kick off the new year with neighbours at Mel Lastman Square featuring local figure skating performances by Upper Canada and local figure skating star Miyu Aoshima. All are welcome to enjoy FREE Hot Chocolate! Special thanks to Yonge North York BIA for sponsoring a DJ to help us celebrate the new year with a party vibe! Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to NeighbourLink North York OR purchasing a $5 cup noodles to support their incredible community work. This event is co-hosted with our MP Ali Ehsassi. Sat., Jan. 18, 10:30am-12pm: Willowdale Our City Budget Virtual Town Hall Grab a coffee and join me and Althea Hutchinson, Executive Director of Financial Planning, for an online discussion to learn about the City’s Budget for 2025. ENDING THIS MONDAY! 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! Check out even more exciting happenings at the Holiday Fair in the Square:
TONIGHT! "Ice Magic" Skating Show This Saturday, Dec 21, is the last Ice Magic Skating Show of the Holiday Fair in the Square! Don't miss this magical performance at 7:00 PM at Mel Lastman Square. Watch talented skaters bring their passion to the ice with whimsical moves that will leave you mesmerized.
It's your final chance to experience this enchanting show—bring your family, grab a festive treat, and enjoy the performance under the twinkling lights of the Holiday Fair.
Holiday Maze opens at 4:00 PM every day - Explore the one-of-a-kind Holiday Maze at the Holiday Fair in the Square! Only a few days left to capture magical photos surrounded by dazzling twinkling lights. Before entering the maze, consider making a donation to support Epilepsy Toronto.
Don’t miss out—make the most of your festive experience before they close on Dec 23 at 7:00 PM!
Puppet Performances 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM Don’t miss out on 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— Click Here for more information.
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! Looking for a special gift? Consider giving tickets to the Kindred Spirits Orchestra: New Year’s Gala happening on Saturday, December 28 at 8pm happening at the Meridien Arts Centre beside Mel Lastman Square. Celebrate the New Year in style! Give yourself and your loved ones the priceless gift of music. During the Festive season, it's a cherished tradition to present classical music concerts that blend lively spirit with nostalgic warmth. Join special guest, internationally renowned bass-baritone Geo Chobanov, a celebrated Bulgarian opera singer. Alongside him is the abundantly talented Canadian soprano Alexa Frankian. They will perform with the award-winning Kindred Spirits Orchestra under the inspiring leadership of maestro Kristian Alexander. Together, they bring to life a one-of-a-kind, world-class New Year's Gala with stirring overtures, arias, and duets from beloved operatic masterpieces by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, Rossini, Gounod, Tchaikovsky, and more. Experience the magic of a season filled with love, hope, and new beginnings!
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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. 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.
We are Hiring Team Willowdale is seeking someone passionate about the community to be our next Constituency Representative! Residing in Willowdale and speaking and writing fluently in Mandarin are assets. Click Here for more information. We are sad to be losing Saham Abdi as our Policy and Planning Representative but excited for the new opportunities ahead of her. We also thank Atefeh Javadian for taking on the new role of Policy and Planning Representative. Office Holidays Please note that my office will be closed for the holidays beginning on December 23. My team and I will respond to messages when we return to the office on January 6, 2025. 311 is available 24/7 by telephone for essential service inquiries and requests. You can dial 3-1-1 on your phone or use the 311 Online Portal. If you need help connecting to social services or community-based crisis response, call 211. If you are experiencing an emergency that requires police, fire, or EMS, please call 911. Have a wonderful weekend! You might see me frantically shopping for presents 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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2025 WILLOWDALE SKATE PARTY
Kick off the new year with neighbours at the 3rd Annual Willowdale Skate Party at Mel Lastman Square on Sunday, Jan. 12, 1-4pm featuring local figure skating performances from Upper Canada and local figure skating star Miyu Aoshima!
All are welcome to enjoy FREE Hot Chocolate! Special thanks to Yonge North York BIA for sponsoring a DJ to help us bring the party vibe! Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to NeighbourLink North York OR purchasing a $5 cup noodles to support their incredible community work. This event is co-hosted with our MP Ali Ehsassi. |
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WILLOWDALE OUR CITY BUDGET VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
Join us for a virtual meeting on January 18, 2025, for an exclusive opportunity for Willowdalers to learn about the City Budget and where we are heading as a city financially. Althea Hutchinson, Executive Director Financial Planning Division is joining us as well. This is our money and our city. I hope you will join me in this important informational session!
Registered attendees will be emailed a Zoom link the week of the event.
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AMENITY CLOSURE AT MITCHELL FIELD COMMUNITY CENTRE
Due to loose wood paneling on the gymnasium ceiling, the gymnasium and walking track at Mitchel Field Community Centre will be closed until further notice. The team is currently working with contractors and technical services to address the issue, with repairs expected to be completed by Sunday.
The LiveApp has been updated with this information, and signage has been posted on-site to inform visitors. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.
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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.
CLICK HERE FOR THE CITY OF TORONTO WINTER SAFETY LEAFLET! |
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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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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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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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32 DIVISION WISHES YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!
A message from Sean Cosgrove, Acting Inspector:
As the year
draws to a close, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a
safe and happy holiday season. May this festive time be filled with joy, peace,
and good health.
Stay
Safe and Informed
Safer
Communities is our priority. Please visit our website for important resources
on community safety:
Stay
Connected for the Upcoming Community Safety Townhall hosted by Councillor Cheng
The Toronto
Police Service, 32 Division team is looking forward to attending the upcoming
Community Safety Townhall, where we will discuss important safety topics and
answer your questions. Please stay connected with Councillor Cheng and her
staff for more details, including the date, time, and location.
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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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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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CHRISTMAS DROP-IN AT ST. GEORGE ON YONGE
Celebrate the holiday season at St. George on Yonge! On Saturday, December 28, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, everyone is invited to a festive Christmas drop-in at 5350 Yonge Street. Enjoy coffee, snacks, and the warmth of the season with others in the community. All are welcome to come and spread some Christmas cheer!
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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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EVA'S SATELLITE COMMUNITY LIAISON COMMITTEEE APPLICATION
Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth (Eva’s)
will be reopening its shelter for youth experiencing homelessness at 25
Canterbury Place in the first quarter of 2025. Known as Eva’s Satellite, the
site closed in 2021 to undergo much-needed state-of-good repair work.
Once open, the site will provide overnight
accommodation, critical services and supports to help youth experiencing
homelessness achieve stability and move toward permanent housing.
The City is committed to engaging with the
community to support the program’s success.
A Community
Liaison Committee (CLC) is being established. This will be a proactive,
problem-solving community group that responds to issues of concern, identifies
ways to understand and communicate issues of homelessness, and creates
opportunities for the shelter to engage with the community in a positive way.
CLC members will be representatives of the local community (e.g., condo boards,
resident associations, businesses or local community organizations) who meet
regularly with staff from Eva’s, the City of Toronto and the Engagement Team to
share information, ask questions, and work together to problem solve community
concerns.
As an active member of the community, we invite
you to apply to join the CLC, or to pass this invitation along to someone who
may be interested. Please
visit this link to access the online application form.
https://forms.gle/K7tEGe7uZFAKEcBu6
The deadline to apply is Friday January 10,
2025
The engagement team will connect with all
applicants by email and/or phone the week of January 20, 2025 to
notify them of the outcome of the selection process. CLC meetings will take
place monthly on Zoom, on the second Thursday evening of each month at
6:30 to 8 pm. The first meeting will take place Thursday February
13, 2025 at 6:30 to 8 pm.
If you have any questions please contact the
engagement team at canterburyplace25@gmail.com. For
more information please see the project website at Toronto.ca/25canterbury
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FARANAK IMPACT INC. LAUNCH EVENT
Faranak Impact Inc. has officially launched and their dedicated team would love to celebrate this milestone with you! To mark this special occasion, they are hosting a heartfelt event for the deaf community across Canada, and you are warmly invited to join.
Register here: https://www.faranakimpact.com/event-faranak
• Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 2:30 -4:00 pm • Location: North York Central Library ( TPL) Meeting Room 1 - 5120 Yonge St, North York, ON - M2N 5N9
This event is open to all members of the deaf community, including professionals, parents, and individuals who are hard of hearing. Your presence will be truly valued if you have insights to share, advice to offer, or wish to connect with others.
An engaging speaker will also be featured who will be sharing valuable perspectives and ASL translation will be available to ensure everyone can fully participate.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something meaningful, and Faranak Impact Inc. would be thrilled to have you join them as they come together to celebrate and grow their community.
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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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