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Hi Neighbour!


I hope you and your loved ones can enjoy the last glimmers of summer as many families prepare for the Back To School season that awaits us on the other side. Here are some great opportunities you can participate in and/or contribute to in the coming fall season. 

MEL LASTMAN SQUARE EVENTS

THIS WEEKEND, Aug. 30- Sept. 2   TU Jazz Festival - Mel Lastman Square

Sept. 6-8

Taste of North York - Mel Lastman Square

Sun. Sept. 15 Kurdish Heritage Festival
  Sat. Sept. 21, 7am-12pm RBC Race for Kids Supporting Sunnybrook Youth Mental Health - Mel Lastman Square

Sun. Sept. 22


City Lights Graffiti Jam
Sat. Sept. 28   Radio Controlled Model Boating by Metro Marine Modellers  
 

October 4-6


Diwalicious  
  Oct. 19-20 North York Diwali Fest  
Sat. Nov. 30   NeighbourLink Christmas Market & Walking Parade w/ Yonge North York BIA Tree Lighting  


COUNCILLOR AND COMMUNITY EVENTS


Sun. Sept. 1, 4:30-6:30pm   Dog-Only Swim at Mitchell Field Outdoor Pool
Thurs. Sept. 5, 6-8pm Moore Park Meet Your Councillor Pop-Up
Sat. Sept. 7, 12-3pm   Repair Cafe @ North York Central Library
Sun. Sept. 8, 1:30-4:30pm  Willowdale Entrepreneurs Connect at North York Central Library
Thurs. Sept. 12, 6-8pm Participatory Budgeting Idea Collection, Willowdale West - Edithvale Community Centre
Sat. Sept. 14, 9am-12pm   Willowdale Community Bike Ride (to Downtown Toronto)
  Sun. Sept. 15, 9-11am Terry Fox Run - Rose Garden at Gibson Park  
  Tue. Sept. 17, 7-8:30pm 4696 Yonge St. Community Consultation (Virtual)  
  Wed. Sept. 18, 6-8pm   Participatory Budgeting Idea Collection, Newtonbrook West - Goulding Community Centre
  Sept. 19-21   Common Ground Dance Festival at Lee Lifeson Park
  Sun. Sept. 22, 10am-1pm Silverview Park Community Brunch Potluck and Consultation  
Tues. Sept. 24, 6:30-8:30pm    ReNew Sheppard Secondary Plan Open House (presenting preferred option of draft Secondary Plan) - Evangelical Presbyterian Church - 10 Thomas Clark Way
Mon. Sept. 30, 4-6pm    Willowdale Youth Council - 5231 Yonge St. Suite 200
 

Sat. Oct. 5, 1:30-4:15pm


  Willowdale Climate Action Roundtable followed by Willowdale Climate & Health Forum


Tough Choices

This past week my daughter had a class community building event that was scheduled at the same time as a meeting I had proposed to be held between the Toronto Police Service Board and the TPSB Anti Racism Advisory Panel (ARAP) of which I am now Chair (we will soon begin a search for a new Co-Chair to replace Nadine Spencer who was removed from the board).


Board staff assured me that I could miss this team-building meal. However, I felt such an important gathering needed intentional facilitation to bring people’s perspectives and ideas to the table. A few months ago I moved a motion to operationalize how ARAP advises the Toronto Police Service Board as I have not seen any such structure since taking on the role of Chair. 


It was a tough decision, but I knew in my gut I would have to sacrifice connecting with fellow parents of my daughter’s classmates. 


The meeting between the board and ARAP was very fruitful from a relationship-building perspective and from a process-defining perspective. Here are the action steps that will follow:


  • Board staff will send out minutes of ARAP meetings to TPS board member 

  • ARAP will review its mandate and work together to choose priorities and formulate a work plan. This will be done in a separate meeting from regular ARAP meetings

  • ARAP members will report back to the board following each ARAP meeting giving the opportunity to provide feedback on emerging issues

  • ARAP will host a Community Strategic Plan Consultation to support the Board’s efforts to create a Strategic Plan that will be released next year


The worst thing that can happen is having an advisory panel that does not feel empowered to advise. I hope this clarified direction that solidified through a collaborative discussion will help us avoid this trajectory. 


Although I feel sad I missed something important to my daughter and family, I feel this meeting was important for the future difference that ARAP can make. My special sauce is bringing people together for good and I knew this special sauce was needed for this pivotal meeting. I know in my gut I made the right decision, but it isn’t without some mom guilt. I share this with you, not for sympathy, but to provide an honest snapshot of ‘Life as a Councillor’ while living ‘Life as a Mom’.


This Sunday

We're thrilled to announce our first-ever Dog-Only Swim at Mitchell Field Outdoor Pool! Come by on Sunday, September 1st, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM for a fun and refreshing time with your furry friends! 


Please note that proof of rabies vaccination is required. For further information please CLICK HERE.


Next Week

We look forward to the launch of the fall season. Whether or not you have children returning to school, it is often a chance to recalibrate your schedule and consider the new season upon us. To that end, I hope you will make time to participate in the many opportunities we have planned to connect and to share feedback. From Participatory Budgeting to the launch of our second round of Spaghetti Town Halls - there will be ample opportunities for your voice to be heard.


Have a wonderful long weekend - and maybe we’ll see you at the TU Jazzfest at Mel Lastman Square or the CNE!


Warmest Regards,

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Councillor Lily Cheng

Ward 18 Willowdale / Councillor_Cheng@toronto.ca / 416-392-0210

COUNCILLOR UPDATES

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DOG-ONLY SWIM AT MITCHELL FIELD OUTDOOR POOL


We're thrilled to announce our first-ever Dog-Only Swim at Mitchell Field Outdoor Pool! Come by on Sunday, September 1st, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM for a fun and refreshing time with your furry friends! 


Please note that proof of rabies vaccination is required. For further information please CLICK HERE.

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MOORE PARK PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING POP UP


Join us at Moore Park on Thursday, September 5, from 6 pm to 8 pm to learn about Willowdale Participatory Budgeting!


Meet your councillor, share your concerns, and propose ideas to improve your neighbourhood using $500K in funds through Participatory Budgeting (PB). Learn more at https://www.lilycheng.ca/pb


Your voice matters- Let's shape the future of Willowdale together! We look forward to seeing you there!

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INAUGURAL WILLOWDALE ENTREPRENEUR NETWORKING EVENT


Join us for our inaugural networking event in collaboration with Club Win, a local Iranian Entrepreneur Network, on Sunday, September 8th, from 1:30 to 4:30 PM at North York Central Library. This event is designed to bring together like-minded small business owners to connect, support each other’s ventures, and explore how the Toronto Public Library can offer resources to help entrepreneurs thrive.


We recognize the challenges of establishing a business, especially in a new country. Our local library offers valuable services to entrepreneurs that many may not be aware of, and this event aims to highlight these resources and supports.

 

Learn from a Business, Science & Technology Librarian about the resources and services available at Toronto Public Library (TPL) that support small business owners and entrepreneurs! North York Central Library branch (NYCL) is one of two research and reference branches with a diverse collection of circulating and reference material and expert library staff. Featured at NYCL are specialized services such as the Entrepreneurs Suite,Virtual Interview Room and the Digital Innovation Hub. Library customers also have access to individual and group study spaces, as well as small business programs and specialized business resources. Join us for a presentation to learn more!


Light refreshments will be provided by GTA Party PlatterVanilla Sweet Art and LeaL Bakery all from Willowdale. We look forward to seeing you there!

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PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING IDEA COLLECTION: WILLOWDALE WEST


Calling all Willowdale West residents! We want to hear from you!


How would you allocate $500K of City funds for capital improvements in our neighbourhood? Join us and share your dream ideas that could become a reality! Help shape the future of our community by championing your idea.


When: Thursday, September 12, 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Where: Edithvale Community Centre, 131 Finch Ave, M2N 2H8, North York

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WILLOWDALE COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE


Join us for a Willowdale Community Bike Ride Downtown! There will be rest stops along the way with marshals available to assist those who have never taken on this challenge. Pick up some food at the Evergreen Brickworks market or pack your own picnic to enjoy at the end of the ride at Sherbourne Common Park. BikeShare is providing a limited number of FREE Bike Rentals! 


The bikes will be returned at the end of the ride and participants can transit back to Willowdale. Riders are also welcome to use their own bikes! Please choose the appropriate ticket based on whether or not you need to borrow a bike.


Come with your families and join in a fun recreational bike ride!  Riding your bikes downtown is a fun option - as we ride along the Don trail.


When: Saturday, Sept 14, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Where: Start at Avondale Park, end at Sherbourne Common Park

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PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING IDEA COLLECTION: 

NEWTONBROOK WEST


Calling all Newtonbrook West residents! We want to hear from you!


How would you allocate $500K of City funds for capital improvements in our neighbourhood? Join us and share your dream ideas that could become a reality! Help shape the future of our community by championing your idea.


When: Wednesday, September 18, 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Where: Goulding Community Centre, 45 Goulding Ave, M2M 1K8, North York

CITY OF TORONTO UPDATES

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SILVERVIEW PARK IMPROVEMENTS UPDATE


We're thrilled to announce that Silverview Park is set for significant enhancements. Last year, with the support of Parks, Forestry & Recreation, our office hosted a brunch potluck at the park, where we gathered ideas directly from residents. Based on the feedback collected during Community Engagement Phase 1, the project team has developed two design options for the park's revitalization.

We invite you to review these design options and share your thoughts by participating in our online survey by September 8, 2024. The survey is available in English, Farsi (Persian), and Korean. Your input is essential in shaping the future of Silverview Park!

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CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: 6150 YONGE STREET


CLICK HERE to view the construction notice from Toronto Hydro. The boundaries for the project include a section of Pleasant Avenue. Work is expected to begin September 2024.

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DOUGLAS SNOW AQUATIC CENTRE: SCHEDULE CHANGE


Starting Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre will introduce a new pool schedule, incorporating both 50-metre and 25-metre formats.


Due to challenges with the bulkhead used to transition between formats, which has led to potential damage and safety concerns, the new schedule aims to minimize bulkhead movement and enhance safety.


This adjustment, developed with input from local aquatic clubs and schools, may also allow for additional programs. Updates have been communicated to patrons through posted signs, handouts, and an online “Service Alert,” with the new schedule available above.


Click Here for the Schedule!

COMMUNITY UPDATES

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T.U. JAZZ FEST AT MEL LASTMAN SQUARE


Canada’s biggest jazz festival for emerging artists, T.U. Jazz Fest, is celebrating its 10th annual festival at Mel Lastman Square on Labor Day Weekend!


A vital professional showcase for emerging musicians, the festival features two performance stages and a line-up that includes a feature performance by Juno-Award winner Kellylee Evans and Grammy Award nominee Karl Silveira alongside established and emerging jazz performers.


Enjoy over 40 local food and market vendors at the World East Market available all weekend long. A masterclass featuring one of the most in-demand professional jazz musicians, Kellylee Evans is also available at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the North York Centre Library Auditorium.


This FREE family festival runs from August 30th to September 2nd, 2024 at Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street, North York

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KAINAN NA GRAND OPENING WEEKEND


Kainan Na is excited to announce the grand opening of their new location at Food Hall TO, 5210 Yonge Street!


Join the celebration on August 30th to September 1st from 10am to 8pm


Experience a fantastic mix of food, music, and fun! 


Kainan Na will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10am to 8pm following the grand opening. 

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ALLIANCE FRANCAISE OPEN HOUSE


We are pleased to share the upcoming Alliance Française Open House at

47 Sheppard Ave E 5th floor, Toronto, ON M2N 5N1 on September 4th and 5th, 2024.


Take this opportunity to assess your French skills for free, learn about the programs, and find the right course for you.


Explore the campus and enjoy a $1 French book sale.


North York Campus: September 4 from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM and September 5 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM

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TASTE OF NORTH YORK IS BACK!


NeighbourLink North York presents the 2nd Taste of North York Community & Food Festival, September 6-8 at Mel Lastman Square!


Celebrate North York’s vibrant cultures, diverse cuisines, and community connections with delicious food vendors, live music, art, dancing, kid's activities, and NeighbourLink’s Meet & Eat! Net proceeds support NeighbourLink's food bank and community care programs.


The Meet & Eat located at the Reflection Pond at Mel Lastman Square includes:

· A patio to enjoy food and meet neighbours all weekend long - join us September 6 at 7pm for a community meal with special entertainment

· A Community Fair of local charities, organizations, clubs, and artisans on September 7th & 8th

· Family activities including art, juggling workshops, aerial hammocks, lego-building, caricatures, instrument petting zoos, and robotics


Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item to help fill a 32 Division police cruiser and support NeighbourLink’s food bank!


Taste of North York

September 6-8, 2024

Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St.

Fri (6pm-10pm), Sat (12pm-10pm), Sun (12pm-8pm)


Join in the fun of building a more connected community together!

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APPLY TO VOLUNTEER AT TASTE OF NORTH YORK


NeighbourLink North York is seeking volunteers for their community and food festival Taste of North York! It will take place from Fri, Sept 6 to Sun, Sept 8 at Mel Lastman Square.


There will be an open-air food and drink festival with 50+ food vendors, a full weekend of live performances, and a patio to meet and eat with fellow neighbours!


On Sat, Sept 8, there will also be 20+ charities, as well as an opportunity to meet your local councillor and learn more about your neighbourhood!


Refreshments and volunteer hours will be provided to volunteers.


Volunteer Roles include:

· Set-up volunteer

· Greeter at Neighbourlink Tent

· Greeter at Meet and Eat Patio

· Stage Support

· Volunteer Driver

· All Day Event General Volunteer

· Afternoon Event General Volunteer

· Evening Event General Volunteer

· Tear Down/Clean Up


CLICK HERE to sign up for any of the volunteer shifts you are interested in!


You are also welcome to contact the volunteer coordinator, Lily Su, directly with any questions, concerns, or ideas you may have. You can email her at lily.su@neighbourlink.org or call her at 416-221-8283 ext 6.

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REPAIR CAFE IS COMING TO WILLOWDALE!


We’re thrilled to announce that, thanks to the support and advocacy of our Willowdale Climate Action Roundtable members, Repair Café is coming to North York Library on September 7th!


Repair Café Toronto is a grassroots, volunteer-driven group that organizes events where neighbours help neighbors learn how to repair. Have a broken household item? Don’t toss it! Bring your small appliances, computers, electronics, clothing, jewelry, books, and more, and experts will show you how to fix it—for free!


When: Saturday, September 7, 12:00PM - 3:00PM

Where: North York Central Library, 2nd Floor Auditorium

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BREAKING BARRIERS: THE POWER OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS


Join author Rie Muranaka 村中李衣 and illustrator Eriko Ishikawa 石川えりこ as they introduce their award winning picture book “Kokun” (Nodding), chosen as Outstanding for the IBBY Collection for Young People with Disabilities. Based on their work in Japan, the authors will describe how they have used picture books to spark discussion about visible and invisible barriers.

 

Lecture will be in Japanese with an English translator. There will be a Q&A afterwards.

 

Register online by Sunday, Sep 15!


When: Wednesday, Sep 18 - 6:30-8 pm

Where: North York Central Library, Room 1

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BCNA: BACHATA DANCE SESSIONS


The Bayview Cummer Neighbourhood Association is kicking off its Bachata dance sessions again on Tuesday, September 24 at 7:30 PM, with 19 sessions at St. Agnes Catholic School’s gym. Join in on a fun evening of dance, exercise, and community, where you can relax and enjoy the company of friends and neighbours. 


No dance experience or partner is required.


The schedule runs until December 17, 2024 and will resume on January 7, 2025, until February 11, 2025. For the full schedule, visit https://bayviewcummer.ca/upcoming-events/


Any updates will be shared in our WhatsApp Bachata Chat group, so join us to stay informed. To participate, you’ll need to be a BCNA member (or an associate member if you’re outside the area). The fee for the rest of the year is just $10 for a household.


To RSVP, people may send their signup requests to mycommunity@bayviewcummer.ca and include the subject line "Attention: Natasha Mansouri for Bachata Lessons" to be put on the list!

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NORTH YORK DIWALI FEST


Over the past few years we have seen an increase in Indian neighbours in our community. As such, I was excited to see the great success of last year’s North York Diwali Fest. This year I am pleased to be co-hosting the event which will span two days on October 19–20 at Mel Lastman Square. We want this event to give visibility and build connectivity to the growing Indian community in Willowdale. 


If you are interested in joining the planning committee or in being a vendor please email events@northyorkdiwali.com or reach out at 437-258-3065. Additionally, community members can join the Facebook group "Indians in Willowdale"- www.bit.ly/indiansinwillowdale or the WhatsApp Group for the Willowdale Indian Community www.chat.whatsapp.com/De5LjwA2BC62gdk9MkqTlq.

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