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Keep an eye on your mailbox!
Our 2024 Fall Printed Newsletter is on its way to every household in Willowdale this week! My team and I have worked hard to make sure all Willowdale residents are up to date on the latest updates, successes, and challenges within our community.
Toronto Pollinator Grant Applications are open and the deadline to apply for up to $5K is Monday, Oct. 21. An information session is being held virtually on Oct. 10 from 6-7:30pm. Click Here to sign up for the Info Session. Click Here for details on the grant. Any resident, association, faith group or charity can apply!
Inspired by Nuit Blanche While we advocate for the city to bring a part of Nuit Blanche back to Willowdale, we are ever grateful to the Willowdale Arts Collective for working with the Ontario Historical Society in partnership with the S'mad (Sustainable market art + design) platform. They have an artisan market, art exhibit available all weekend and Saturday will be full of amazing programming from 12pm-midnight! Here is their schedule for Saturday:
All Hours: Art Exhibition and museum store artisan market 12:00pm - 1:00pm: Indigenous smudging ceremony and drumming circle by Four Colours Drum Circle 1:00pm - 5:00pm: Teachings & books from the Custodians of the Medicine Wheel Garden, (Heart Lake Brampton TRCA, Cidalia and Steven WinterHawk) 6:00pm - 6:30pm: Cellist, Anupa Perara & Percussionist, Chamil Janith 6:45pm - 7:15pm: Yoga class by Shilpa Mathew (bring your own mat) 7:30pm - 8:30pm: Life drawing class instructed by Martha Johnson & Vera Kabo Tse 9:00pm - midnight: Films by RIBA member Mohammed Khizr Studio & Video art from France, USA and Canada
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Councillor & Community - Upcoming Events
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TONIGHT UNTIL SUNDAY! Fri, Oct. 4-Sun. Oct. 6
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TOMORROW! Sat. Oct. 5, 1:30-4:15pm
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Thu. Oct. 10, 6:00-7:30pm
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Tue, Oct. 15, 4:00-7pm
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Gwendolen Park Pizza Playdate and Park Consultation Pop-Up
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Tue, Oct. 15, 7:00-9pm
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PF&R Public Engagement Session Registration and Booking Transformation Project at North York Civic Centre
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Thu. Oct. 17, 5:30-9pm | Newtonbrook East Spaghetti Town Hall- Brebeuf College with Brebeuf Senior Concert Band | |
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City of Toronto Budget Consultation
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Mon. Oct. 28, 7:00-8:30pm
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2810-2816 Bayview Ave Development Consultation
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Tue. Oct 29, 5:30-9pm
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Willowdale West Spaghetti Town Hall- St. Edwards Church
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Oct 29-30, 11am-4:30pm
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Engage Fest!- North York Central Library
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Wed. Nov. 6, 5:30-9pm
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Willowdale East Spaghetti Town Hall- Willowdale Baptist Church
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Thu. Nov. 7
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Willowdale TTC Consultation | |
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Willowdale Leadership Symposium- North York Civic Centre
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Mel Lastman Square - Upcoming Events |
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Budget 2025 Work on the City of Toronto Budget for 2025 is well underway. Share your input on what should be prioritized in the City of Toronto's 2025 Budget. More services? More or less policing budget? More or less funding for TTC? This is your chance to have a say! Your voice will impact property taxes for next year!
CLICK HERE to join a Budget 2025 Consultation at North York Memorial Hall on Sat, Oct 19, 12 - 2:00 PM. CLICK HERE to fill out the survey. CLICK HERE to see other dates/times for consultations including two virtual options. Let’s make sure we have strong representation from Willowdale! As we approach October 7 We know there will be many heavy hearts as October 7 approaches with thoughts of the terrible violence of 1200 lives lost that day and the 97 hostages still unaccounted for who are still dearly missed by their loved ones and community. Unfortunately, violence begets violence and we are watching the multiplication of loss of life and deep trauma in the Middle East unfold in frightening and devastating ways since the Hamas attack. It is estimated that 43,000 people have been killed in Gaza and 24,000 children have lost one or both parents due to the war. All of this is too horrific for any human being to digest. Many community members have loved ones in the Middle East and live with daily anxiety in light of the recent escalation. Collectively we must pray for peace and do our best to foster peace within our own community. I know many are concerned about safety in Toronto with emotions high about all that has happened. Here is an excerpt from Chief of Police Myron Demkiw’s statement this past week: “In the coming weeks, there will be an increased presence of both plainclothes and uniformed officers, Public Order Sections, Mounted Units, and Police Liaison teams. Marked police vehicles will be patrolling some communities with static red and blue lights on their rooftop bars to enhance visibility.
In addition, three mobile command posts will be stationed in Jewish neighborhoods: one at Bathurst and Glencairn, another at Bathurst and Sheppard, and a third at Bathurst and Finch. Additionally, a fourth mobile command post will be deployed to various mosques across the city. The public is familiar with our large command vehicles. Now you will also see three smaller versions that have been developed to help us be more accessible to our communities.
The Toronto Police Service will be a visible and reassuring presence for as long as necessary. We are working closely with our municipal, provincial, and federal partners, as well as our intelligence services, to monitor potential threats and respond to any situation that may arise.”
Thoughts of Gratitude
As we consider the many conflicts around the world, along with the devastation caused by floods and hurricanes, let us be grateful, hold onto the ones we love, and do what we can to improve our corner of the world. My predecessor used to share a song in his regular email updates. Here is a song that reflects the struggles of our world: Fragile by Sting.
AND, if you want to join us in building a stronger community, please consider joining EngageFest!, a 2-day conference on October 29 and 30. We will be participating at NY Central Library alongside 500 social innovators! Click Here for details and registration.
Warm 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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WILLOWDALE CLIMATE ACTION ROUNDTABLE
Join us for the Willowdale Climate Action Roundtable on Saturday, Oct 5, 2024 at the auditorium of the North York Central Library.
We invite all Willowdale climate activists to participate in our fourth roundtable event. This gathering will be divided into two sections, and we encourage you to participate in both:
Part 1: Community Engagement - from 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm Connect with your neighbours who share a passion for our planet Share ideas and propose actionable steps for our community Contribute to the development of a Cummer Station Advocacy Action Plan
Part 2: Willowdale Climate and Health Forum - from 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm Presented by Seniors for Climate Action Now, ClimateFast, and the Green Neighbours Network, this free session will offer valuable tips on how to support your health—and a healthy community—in a changing climate.
Featured Speakers Include Representatives From: Mili Roy, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment Keith Brooks, Environmental Defence Canada Michelle Hjort, Energy Neighbour How-Sen Chong, Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA)
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SPAGHETTI TOWN HALLS ARE BACK!
We are excited to announce the return of our Spaghetti Town Hall Series, covering Newtonbrook East, Willowdale West and Willowdale East!
If you live in one of these neighbourhoods, we invite you to join us for a free delicious spaghetti dinner while meeting with neighbours. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect and collaborate on ways to make our neighbourhood even better. Don’t miss out on this fun and informative evening.
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ENGAGE FEST
Join community members in person to share a virtual learning
experience held by Tamarack bringing together 500 changemakers and social
innovators where we will learn about: - Building authentic connections
- Igniting motivation to sustain collaboration
- Creative approaches to addressing social
inequities and challenges
- Supporting deepening connections, fostering
inclusion, and shifting power
When: October 29 and 30, 2024 Where: North York Central Library, Room 2/3 (Oct 29th) and Room 101 (Oct 30th)
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PFR - NEW REGISTRATION AND BOOKING
SYSTEM
Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PFR), along with Technology
Services, and Economic Development and Culture (EDC), is replacing its
registration and booking system this year. The new system is anticipated to
launch later this fall, in preparation for winter registration in December. In
addition to recreation program registration, clients will have the ability to
buy memberships and make online bookings.
User testing will begin throughout October, followed by
public engagement sessions, briefings with City Councillors, and other public
outreach efforts.
Public engagement sessions will be hosted between October 7
and October 17 in all four community council areas to provide information about
the new system and consult residents on registration supports, and technology.
• Tuesday, October 15, from 7 to 9 p.m., North York Civic
Centre
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PollinateTO GRANTS
PollinateTO Grant applications are now open until October 21, 2024. Register for an upcoming online Information Session.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led projects that: -Create a new pollinator garden or rain garden -Expand or enhance an existing garden by adding native pollinator-friendly plants -Convert a lawn area, boulevard or hard surface to a pollinator garden -PollinateTO supports projects that: -Directly result in the creation of pollinator habitat in Toronto -Are visible to the community -Include an educational component to inform others about pollinator stewardship -Involve the community in some way
All Toronto neighbourhoods are eligible. Priority will be given to projects located in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs).
Since 2019, PollinateTO has: -Supported over 190 community-led projects, with 52 projects located in Neighbourhood --Improvement Areas and Emerging Neighbourhoods and 82 projects on school grounds -Helped create 500 gardens resulting in an estimated 25,500 m² of pollinator habitat -PollinateTO advances the principles and priorities of the City’s Pollinator Protection Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy.
Next PollinateTO Grants Information Session: October 10, 2024 – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Learn about eligibility, past projects and the application process through attending an online Information Session webinar. Click Here to Register!
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MY TTC E-SERVICES
Register with My TTC e-Services and you can receive
convenient and important service alerts or other communications by email.
E-alerts are real-time email notices that will keep you informed. Additional
TTC email communications are available if you wish to receive news releases or
media advisories. E-alerts will keep
you informed of all major subway, bus, and streetcar service disruptions.
Elevator outage and back-in-service alerts are also available.
Register now to get all the benefits!
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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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MAMMOTHON AT NORTH YORK GENERAL HOSPITAL
North York General Hospital is participating in Mammothon - a breast screening marathon!
-Aged 50 to 74? -Overdue for or have never had a mammogram? -No history of breast cancer?
Walk in or book an appointment on October 5 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM. No referral needed. |
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LANSING UNITED CHURCH'S NEARLY NEW SHOP
The Lansing United Church's Nearly New Shop is opening again on Saturday, October 5, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. From gently used clothes to toys, to even instruments- there's something for everyone!
Please keep in mind that there is limited on-site parking but ample free parking on the side streets, such as Bogert Avenue, mind the street parking signs and arrows. |
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ST. THEODORE OF CANTERBURY CHURCH CLOTHING SWAP
St. Theodore of Canterbury Church is hosting a Clothing Swap! Bring items (in good condition) from your own closet that you don't want or need anymore, and refresh your wardrobe with new-to-you pieces at no cost. You're also welcome just to donate, or just to 'shop'.
When: Saturday, October 5, 10:30 AM Where: St. Theodore of Canterbury Church, 111 Cactus Ave, North York, M2R 2V1 |
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NUIT BLANCHE 2024
Join in on a magical day transforming from daytime events to evening at John Mckenzie House for the main event of Nuit Blanche Offsite in Willowdale near the Yonge & Sheppard area!
Get ready for a night filled with art, music, and creativity under the stars. This in-person event will showcase local talents and bring the community together for a night to remember. Don't miss out on this unique experience at one of the city's most historic locations at the home of the Ontario Historic Society.
When: Sat, Oct 5, 2024 12:00 PM - 11:59 PM Where: John Mckenzie House, 34 Parkview Avenue Toronto, ON M2N 3Y2 |
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THANKSGIVING ART AUCTION
Last month, eight accomplished artists took to Mel Lastman
Square to create one-of-a-kind graffiti art. They can be yours to own with
NeighbourLink North York's Thanksgiving Art Auction happening now! Funds raised
will support the charity's Thanksgiving Pop Up on Friday, October 11, where
they will distribute fresh turkeys, chickens, produce, pies and more to 140+
families experiencing food insecurity.
Visit www.neighbourlink.org/thanksgiving
to check out the completed art pieces and make your bid!
It’s a win-win! You can own one of these incredible works of art
all while supporting the most vulnerable in our community! There are eight
pieces up for auction that are 3'x8’. Each piece begins at $75 which is enough
to provide a Thanksgiving package to one family - and a total steal for these
one-of-a-kind pieces from a well established artist.
The Auction closes Friday, October 11 at 5:00PM.
Email sebastian@neighbourlink.org
with any questions!
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NORTH YORK YOUTH DROP-IN
The North York Youth Drop-In is a positive space for youth new to Canada to build connections, make friends, and access leadership opportunities.
Join in on Drop-In Hours from September 16 - December 19 for youth settlement support, volunteer opportunities, counselling, workshops, and more!
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THANKSGIVING FOOD BANK POP UP
NeighbourLink North York's monthly Food Hub launched 3 years ago with a Thanksgiving Pop Up! They had 75 households that signed up and at first had no turkeys. By the day of the food bank, it felt like it was raining turkeys with 90 of them to distribute thanks to individual neighbours and community partners! It was a true Willowdale Turkey Miracle!
Now the Food Hub supports 140+ families a month! This year's Thanksgiving Pop-Up is October 11th! NeighbourLink has a few short weeks to raise $6500!
Please consider making a contribution so that they can provide turkeys, chickens, pies and other Thanksgiving staples to families in Willowdale! $50 will support a Willowdale family!
Donate today by visiting www.neighbourlink.org/thanksgiving
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THE LETTERS: POSTMARK PREJUDICE IN BLACK AND WHITE
The North
York Historical Society welcomes Sheila White to present her book, The
Letters: Postmark Prejudice in Black and White.
Based on
the true romance story of her East Coast parents’ trailblazing interracial
marriage in Toronto and the torrent of letters written to the author’s white
mother, trying to dissuade her from marrying a Black man, the novel gives life
to these letters, saved for posterity, and expose the pervasive bigotry of the
late 1940s.
When: Wednesday October 16, 2024
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Room
#1
This
program is co-sponsored by the North York Historical Society and the Society
and Recreation department of the North York Central Library. The
North York Historical Society is an active group of community members
passionate about preserving and promoting North York history.
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NORTH YORK ARTS PRESENTS: THE ANIMATION PROJECT
Explore the fascinating
world of animation through an engaging and dynamic round of workshops for North
York residents over the age of 55. Discover the art of storytelling, the basics
of animation, and create your own animated short over 3 modules running from
October 22nd – November 23rd (Cohort 2).
Learn more and register HERE!
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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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SILK ROAD CANVAS
Calling All Artists, Musicians and Art Lovers in Willowdale!
Join the organizers of Silk Road Canvas – a unique and
inspiring event at Lansing United Church on November 9th. This is a special
opportunity for artists to weave their cultural heritage into the vibrant
tapestry of Willowdale. Our community reflects the rich diversity of the Silk Road,
and through this event, you are invited to contribute your artistic voice to
this shared canvas. Don't miss the chance to be part of something meaningful.
Click the link below to share how you’d like to participate
and benefit from this exciting opportunity!
https://arcadiart.ca/silk-road-canvas-vendor-list/ |
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