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As another beautiful September weekend arrives, I hope you will join me at some of the exciting events planned in Willowdale.
This weekend we were excited to hear of the Mid Autumn Festival HongKonger Market happening at 30 Drewery! Indulge in traditional mooncakes, enjoy live performances, and browse through a variety of stalls offering handmade crafts and delicious treats. Bring your friends and family along for a fun-filled day!
On Sunday, September 15, 3-10pm, come and experience the 16th Annual Kurdish Heritage Festival at Mel Lastman Square. Enjoy vibrant music, dance, delicious food and rich cultural traditions!
Take Note!: Those who are concerned about the future development at the ESSO station south of Yonge/Sheppard should join our virtual consultation this coming week (link to register below) |
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Participatory Budgeting Idea Collection Meeting for Willowdale West
Thank you to everyone who attended our Participatory Budgeting Idea Collection Meeting for Willowdale West on Sep. 12, 2024. It was heartwarming to see so many residents actively participating in direct democracy. We had a fantastic turnout of around 40 residents, each bringing their passion and creativity to the table. We brainstormed and shortlisted some amazing ideas including a community pantry, pollinator and veggie gardens, multi-sport court, art installations in parks, calisthenics equipment, improved lighting, and even a community rock snake initiative! We also identified Project Champions—residents who will collaborate closely with their community and our team to rally support and help bring their ideas to life.
Looking ahead, our Final In-Person Idea Collection Meeting for Newtonbrook West will take place on September 18th from 6pm to 8pm at the Goulding Community Centre. We’re excited to see great ideas from Newtonbrook residents as well. Hope to see you there!
During the PB Idea Collection Phase, we ensured that our constituents were given ample opportunities to submit their ideas and understand the concept of Participatory Budgeting, which is being introduced to Willowdalers for the first time. All ideas gathered—both online and through nearly a dozen in-person events, such as pop-ups at TTC stations, parks, farmers’ markets, community centres, public library and various community events across Willowdale—will be shortlisted based on community support and initial scan of feasibility. These will then be submitted to City divisions for detailed feasibility and costing.
Key Milestones October 29, 2024: The final date for online idea submission. November 15, 2024: The final count for likes on both in-person and online ideas presented on WillowdaleActionHub.ca April 2025: Final Voting
Learn more at Lilycheng.ca/pb, and be sure to join our community engagement portal at WillowdaleActionHub.ca (WAH). Check out the great ideas submitted so far under the Participatory Budgeting folder on WAH and show your support by liking your favourites!
Toronto Police Board The meeting began with remarks from the Chief honouring Constable Andrew Hong who died two years ago. He was only 48 years old and served our city for 22 years. He left behind his wife and 2 children. So far this year, 555 officers have been injured while performing their duties. This is a reminder of the great risk our officers take to serve our large and complex city.
Gun Violence Update This year, TPS has confiscated 509 crime guns, with 85 percent of them coming from the U.S. over the Labour Day weekend alone, our officers seized six illegal firearms during a weekend in which the city saw 11 shootings and three homicides. As a city, we have experienced 325 shooting events so far this year which have resulted in 33 deaths. TPS is working proactively to end gun violence and support youth with programs that reduce barriers and develop skills.
Project Foxxx, with support from the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario, saw our integrated Gun & Gang Task Force collaborate with York, Peel, and the OPP to dismantle a Toronto gang's drug and firearm trafficking network that spanned Ontario, Manitoba, and even reached Newfoundland and Labrador. Together with these policing partners, TPS executed 35 search warrants across Canada, from Manitoba to Newfoundland. This operation resulted in the seizure of 9 firearms, 4.7 kilograms of cocaine, 6 kilograms of methamphetamine, and $1.3 million in cash.
SIM Card Fraud
Project Disrupt, a sophisticated investigation into SIM swap fraud, resulted in 10 arrests and 108 charges, with losses exceeding one million dollars affecting individual victims, telecom companies, and financial institutions.
The Financial Crimes Unit, in collaboration with the Coordinated Cyber Centre, uncovered that criminals were hijacking cell phone accounts to access bank accounts by impersonating victims at cell phone stores. The investigation revealed that 1,500 cellular accounts were compromised across Canada. As a result, more than 400 fraudulent identification documents were seized. TPS worked closely with telecom companies, which have since introduced enhanced security measures to combat this type of fraud.
2025-2028 Strategic Plan Update The Toronto Police Service Board must create a Strategic Plan for Toronto Police Services (TPS) for 2025-2028. This plan will be critical to guiding budget and policy decisions for the board over the next few years. Unfortunately, consultation that has been done thus far has not resulted in a lot of feedback. I moved the following motion which passed successfully:
Direct the Executive Director to support Anti-Racism Advisory Panel (ARAP) and Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Panel (MHAAP) in convening strategic planning consultation(s) with community stakeholders as part of the Phase 2 engagement process.
I am also asking board staff to consider hosting town hall consultations in the different boroughs across the city. We know that community safety is a priority for all Torontonians. This strategic plan is too important to skip a thorough consultative process.
Multi-year Staffing Plan The other big item on the agenda was the multi year hiring plan. This is important for the budget process and stability of our police force. There were many deputants for this item, many of whom I suspect have been trained by Progress Toronto, a left-leaning nonprofit advocacy organization. I’m not sure their views reflect that of everyone in Toronto, but they have been adept at getting their perspective heard. The common word used by many of the deputants was “detasking,” that the police force should build ‘detasking the police’ into their multi-year hiring plan. The police say they have spent great effort in “civilianization” - moving uniform roles to civilian roles. The city is also expanding the Toronto Community Crisis Service which will reduce the load on police for certain mental health crisis calls.
Most people will agree that we need greater upstream investments to help the most vulnerable in our communities. However, given the importance of community safety - the critical question remains - how much of our city budget should policing take up?
Toronto Police Services presented 4 potential scenarios: Replacement Hires Only Service degradation. Need to reallocate 100-150 officers each year to address growth & critical gaps. Response times expected to increase. Service cuts imminent. New Positions: Sworn Officers - 0 new, Civilian – 0 new Cost: 2025: $15.6M 2025 – 2029: $46.8M
Maintain Current Cop to Population Ratio Continued pressure on response times – ‘net gain’ would need to be deployed to the frontline. Some reallocation may be needed for critical issues. New positions: Sworn Officers – 86/yr/avg Civ – 29/yr/avg Cost: 2025: $25M 2025 – 2029: $119M
Meet Current Provincial Training Allocation. This means maximizing the capacity of the Police College with full classes of recruits each of the 4 terms. Pressures could start to be addressed over 3 – 5 years. New positions: Sworn Officers – 164/yr/avg Civ – 55/yr/avg Cost: 2025: $29M 2025 – 2029: $183M
2010 Adjusted Service Levels. While City of Toronto population has grown, the policing capacity has decreased since 2010. They chose 2010 as a benchmark because this is when response times to Priority 1 emergencies were substantially better. Long-term adequate and effective service delivery could be achieved and maintained. New positions: Sworn Officers : 1300 – 1800 Civ: tbd Cost: tbd
Toronto Police Services staff continue to work with City of Toronto staff to work out what is possible amidst significant financial pressures. Click Here to see the full agenda including a more detailed presentation on the Multi-Year Hiring Plan.
Other parts of the agenda you may want to read: 9-1-1 Crisis Call Diversion Pilot Completion and Evaluation An Update on Building a Respectful Workplace Ombudsman Report: An Investigation into the Toronto Police Service’s Communications About its Vulnerable Persons Registry
I welcome your thoughts on this matter which will impact the city’s 2025 Budget and future property taxes.
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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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DEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION: 4696 YONGE STREET
Join us for a Virtual Community Consultation with City Planning on Tuesday, September 17 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM to discuss a new proposal for a 40-storey mixed-use building.
This project includes 35,311.1 square meters of residential space and 718.8 square meters of ground-floor retail along Yonge Street, totaling 36,029.9 square meters with a floor space index of 14.09.
Your input is valuable, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts!
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PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING IDEA COLLECTION: NEWTONBROOK WEST
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LAST CHANCE TO SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS! How Would You Spend $500K to Improve Willowdale? Your ideas can lead the way! Join us at the Willowdale Participatory Budgeting IDEA COLLECTION event and pitch your ideas for making our community even better using $500K in funds from sections 37 and 42. This is your chance to take part in direct democracy and leave your meaningful mark on Willowdale! After this step, City Staff will analyze the cost and feasibility of the top proposed ideas.
Don’t miss this chance to voice your ideas and help shape Willowdale’s future.
Learn more at Lilycheng.ca/pb
RSVP NOW at Lilycheng.ca/events When: Wednesday, September 18, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Where: Goulding Community Centre, 45 Goulding Ave, M2M 1K8, North York
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ANNDALE DRIVE STREET PARKING SURVEY
Do you live in Avondale, and close to Anndale Drive? We need your feedback on the Street Parking on the North side, between Tradewind Ave and Leon Dr! CLICK HERE to fill out our survey on Willowdale Action Hub by September 30th!
Councillor Cheng will collect the responses to determine if this change proposal will be brought to North York Community Council. CLICK HERE to stay tuned for updates to be posted on Willowdale Action Hub!
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UPCOMING SUBWAY CLOSURES AND EARLY CLOSURES
Line
1 (Yonge-University)–Sheppard West to St Clair West stations – full weekend closure –
Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2024
On Saturday, September 14 and Sunday,
September 15, 2024, there will be no subway service between Sheppard West and
St Clair West stations for planned track work. TTC Staff will be available on
site to assist customers. Shuttle buses will operate. All TTC stations will
remain open for customers to purchase PRESTO fares, tickets and connect to
surface routes. Regular service will resume Monday, September 16, by 6 a.m.
Sheppard West and St Clair West are both
accessible stations. Two Wheel-Trans vehicles will operate between the closure
boundary. If you need any assistance throughout your journey, please speak to
any TTC staff member for assistance. To confirm the status of elevators
throughout the system, you can contact the TTC lift line at: 416-539-5438 (LIFT)
for real time information on the status of elevators.
Line 1
(Yonge-University)–Sheppard-Yonge to St Clair stations – nightly early closures
starting at 11 p.m. – Monday, September 16 to Friday, September 20, 2024
Monday, September 16 to Friday, September
20, 2024, subway service will end early at 11 p.m. nightly between
Sheppard-Yonge and St Clair stations for planned track work. TTC Staff will be
available on site to assist customers. Shuttle buses will operate. All TTC
stations will remain open for customers to purchase PRESTO fares, tickets and
connect to surface routes. Regular service will resume each following morning
at approximately 6 a.m.
Sheppard-Yonge and St Clair are accessible
stations. Two Wheel-Trans vehicles will operate along Yonge Street between
Sheppard-Yonge and St Clair stations. If you need any assistance throughout
your journey, please speak to any TTC staff member for assistance. To confirm
the status of elevators throughout the system, please contact the TTC lift line
at: 416-539-5438 (LIFT) for real time information on the status of elevators.
Line
1 (Yonge-University)–Sheppard-Yonge to St Clair stations – single-day closure –
Saturday, September 21, 2024
On Saturday, September 21, 2024,
there will be no subway service between Sheppard-Yonge and St Clair stations
for planned track work. TTC Staff will be available on site to assist
customers. Shuttle buses will operate. All TTC stations will remain open for
customers to purchase PRESTO fares, tickets and connect to surface routes.
Regular service will resume Sunday, September 22, 2024 by 8 a.m.
Sheppard-Yonge and St Clair are accessible
stations. Two Wheel-Trans vehicles will operate along Yonge Street between
Sheppard-Yonge and St Clair stations. If you need any assistance throughout
your journey, please speak to any TTC staff member for assistance. To confirm
the status of elevators throughout the system, you can contact the TTC lift
line at: 416-539-5438 (LIFT) for real time information on the status of
elevators.
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WELCOME NEW 32 DIVISION OFFICERS!
We are pleased to welcome 32 Division’s newest additions! Welcome to the team, we look forward to having your assistance in serving our community! Together, we will continue to make a positive impact and achieve great things for our neighbourhood.
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LANE CLOSURES FOR ROAD WORK: FINCH AVENUE, SHEPPARD AVENUE, AND BAYVIEW AVE AT STEELES AVE
Finch Avenue and Dufferin Street: The contractor working on Finch Avenue was engaged in post-flood event mitigations and cleanup efforts, in addition to returning to the base project scope. Unfortunately, the severe flooding that occurred on July 16th has caused unexpected delays, significantly impacting their project schedule.
Contractor is actively working to reopen as many lanes as safely possible. However, there were ongoing tasks that required the necessary Traffic Control Plan (TCP) to be followed. These tasks included: Shaft and tunnel remediation Large trunk manhole (MH) delivery and installation Equipment mobilization and demobilization, including crane operations. Rehabilitation activities essential to the project’s progress
Sheppard Ave: Lane closure was implemented due to ongoing work where the asphalt was removed to make essential repairs to the concrete road base. At this stage, the contractor determined that it was not safe to reopen the lanes, as the road base was still under repair and required curing. Opening the lanes prematurely could have posed significant risks to both vehicles and pedestrians.
Once the concrete road base has been fully repaired and cured along the working area, the road was reopened. The contractor is working diligently to complete these repairs as quickly and safely as possible, minimizing the impact on traffic and the surrounding community.
Bayview and Steeles: The scope of the work required the right turn lanes to be continuously closed and it had been closed since early May, as there was extensive sewer, concrete and full electric signal replacement work in effect. A lane in each direction was accessible at all times and pedestrians were accommodated to cross safely. The intersection was ground and paved last weekend and as of now it is fully open.
Why Lane Closures Remain in Place:
In certain cases, lane closures remain in place even when active work is paused. This can occur due to several reasons: Safety Concerns: The area may have been prepared for work (e.g., asphalt grinding, excavation), making it unsafe for regular traffic until the road surface is fully cured and project is completed. Ongoing Equipment or Materials in Place: Equipment or materials necessary for the project might still be on-site, which could pose a hazard if the lane were reopened. Continuity and Efficiency: In some cases, reopening and then closing lanes repeatedly can cause more disruption and delays, rather than maintaining the closure until the work is fully completed.
Inclement Weather conditions: Snow/ice, heavy rains and flooding are all factors that can significantly have a negative impact on scheduled construction work.
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METROLINX CONSTRUCTION NOTICES
Please be informed of two Construction Notices for Metrolinx’s Yonge-North Subway Extension Investigation work: • Yonge St. and Drewry Ave: September 23 – October 14. Click Here for more information
• Yonge St. and Patricia Ave: September 23- Nov 1. Click Here for more information
Questions can be directed to YongeSubwayExt@metrolinx.com, or 416-202-7000.
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SAFETY ALERT: BUYER BEWARE
With the rise of private online sales and purchases, we would like to remind our residents that 32 Division offers two "Buy and Sell Exchange Zones" at their police station in order to help facilitate safer buying and selling. Don't get caught in a theft, fraud or robbery situation during your in-person exchange!
CLICK HERE for a full instructional video!
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NEW BIKE SHARE STATIONS IN WILLOWDALE
Heads up, Willowdale! Our neighbourhood has new Bike Share stations!
- Talbot Rd / Finch Hydro Corridor Trail - 15 docking points
- Willowdale Ave / Bishop Ave -19 docking points
- Yonge St / North York Blvd - 23 docking points
- Yonge St / Sheppard Ave E - 19 docking points
- Kempford Blvd / Yonge St - 19 docking points
- Empress Ave / Yonge St -19 docking points
It's wonderful to know this program is expanding throughout our neighbourhood!
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2024 CENSUS TEST
Statistics Canada is conducting a 2024 Census Test from September 3rd to October 13th to evaluate new and revised questions for the 2026 Census. This test, involving approximately 24,000 randomly selected households across all provinces, ensures high-quality data for effective planning in areas like employment, education, and public services.
Selected households will receive a letter with instructions to complete the questionnaire online or by phone. Participation is mandatory under the Statistics Act, and all responses are strictly confidential.
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ALBERT STANDING PARK UPDATE
Please note that the decorative fountain at Albert Standing Park is currently out of service due to an electrical fire that damaged the control panel. The City of Toronto electricians have assessed the situation and are gathering the necessary parts for repairs. While we don’t have a timeline for completion yet, we will provide updates as we move forward. Thank you for your understanding!
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ZONING BY-LAW PARKING REQUIREMENTS REVIEW: PUBLIC MEETINGS
New developments in Toronto are required to provide
automobile and bicycle parking based on standards in zoning by-laws. The City
of Toronto is currently reviewing the accessible parking and bicycle parking
standards in the city-wide Zoning By-law (569-2013), as a continuation of the
work reported to Planning and Housing Committee on December 15, 2021 (https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2021.PH29.3).
This review responds to an increasing demand for bicycle
parking, growing interest in the impact of parking supply on housing
affordability and travel behaviour, and the importance of providing appropriate
accessible parking spaces.
In November 2023, the City hosted a series of public
meetings and launched a survey to collect feedback on initial directions. Based
on the feedback collected from the meetings and surveys, a draft proposal was
developed for amending the zoning by-law standards of accessible parking and
bicycle parking.
Next month the City will be holding a series of online
meetings to present the draft proposal of updated accessible parking and
bicycle parking requirements as well as to report the preliminary findings on
the impacts of new auto parking-related standards. The consultations with
interested parties and the public will inform the final recommendations. Both
scheduled meetings on each of the two topics will cover the same content.
Please register for an upcoming public meeting:
Accessible Parking:
Tuesday, Sept 17 - 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
https://toronto.webex.com/weblink/register/r4b8cc1e5b5ebeea64a65a271afe589b6
Wednesday, Sept 18 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.:
https://toronto.webex.com/weblink/register/r04e2a8580edf29828076b6429d72aae8
Bicycle Parking:
Tuesday, Sept 17 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.:
https://toronto.webex.com/weblink/register/r4f0ed2daa183737a6fe154e4ceed8ca0
Wednesday, Sept 18- 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.:
https://toronto.webex.com/weblink/register/r26b75f1250e525375344474f41e62af5
Consultation materials will be added to the website prior
to the meetings.
Visit www.toronto.ca/parkingreview
to learn more or sign up for updates.
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UPDATE ON GOULDING COMMUNITY CENTRE: STATE-OF-GOOD REPAIR PROJECT
The project is near completion of 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.
Phase 3: Construction at the ice arena areas and change rooms were completed by September 2024, allowing the ice rink programming to proceed as scheduled. Work continues until early Sep 2024 at one remaining change room area, the ice rink referee change room, and maintenance office.
Project updates can be found on the project webpage: Goulding Community Centre Improvements – City of Toronto
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KURDISH HERITAGE FESTIVAL
THIS SUNDAY AT MEL LASTMAN SQUARE!
Experience the 16th Annual Kurdish Heritage Festival on September 15 from 3-10PM at Mel Lastman Square!
Enjoy a day of vibrant music, dance, delicious food, and rich cultural traditions. Don’t miss out on this exciting celebration!
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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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FALL NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANTING PROGRAM GIVEAWAY
A local Newtonbrook West resident is organizing a special giveaway as part of the Fall Neighbourhood Planting Program with the City of Toronto! On September 21, 2024, visit Regatta Crescent (Steeles and Bathurst) for a chance to receive up to 3 free trees from a selection of stunning species like Sugar Maple, Red Oak, White Spruce, and more.
Event Details: - Date: September 21, 2024
- Location: Regatta Crescent - Steeles and Bathurst (Exact time to be confirmed)
- Pre-Registration: Required to participate
- Selection: Choose up to 3 trees or shrubs
- Availability: First come, first served while supplies last
Additional Information: - Trees will be delivered on September 21st; pick-up time to be confirmed closer to the event.
- Grant staff will be available to assist and answer questions.
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GRAFFITI JAM AT MEL LASTMAN SQUARE
Experience Graffiti Jam on September 22 from 1-4PM at Mel Lastman Square! Watch live graffiti art, engage with talented artists, and help raise funds for the 415 Food Hub. Join us for a dynamic day of creativity and community support!
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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.
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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