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Hi Neighbour!


SEE YOU TONIGHT AT OUR PUMPKIN PARADES!

Bring your family, friends, and your best-carved pumpkins to light up the night at our community Pumpkin Parades at Lee Lifeson Park in collaboration with Sunnyside Up Camp, and Edithvale Park in partnership with Edithvale Yonge Community Association. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the season, admire creative jack-o'-lanterns, and enjoy an evening of fun with your neighbours.


The City provides organic disposal bins to help with post-event cleanup. Bins are collected and processed to create compost that can be used in City parks and gardens.


SEE YOU NEXT WEEK FOR OUR LAST SPAGHETTI TOWN HALL OF THE YEAR!

THANK YOU to everyone who joined us on October 29th for our Halloween-themed Spaghetti Town Hall in Willowdale West! We had a wonderful turnout and saw some amazing costumes - including a family that dressed up as spaghetti!


I hope to see you all at our LAST SPAGHETTI TOWN HALL THIS YEAR on November 6 at Willowdale Baptist Church! It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect and share a meal with your neighbours, all while learning important information about our community from City Staff! Click Here to RSVP NOW!


WILLOWDALE TTC CONSULTATION

Many people have ideas to share about how routes or safety can be improved in Willowdale. Please come out to our own TTC Consultation on Thursday, November 7, from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM at the North York Central Library Auditorium where your ideas and concerns can be heard directly by the TTC! Click Here to RSVP NOW!


VACANT HOME TAX DECLARATION 2024 - 2025

Do you own a house or condo in Toronto? If yes, then you need to let the City know if it was occupied or vacant by declaring its occupancy status every year. Even if you reside at your property. The Vacant Home Tax (VHT) program works to increase the availability and affordability of housing in our city. It does this by encouraging people who own homes that are kept empty to make these vacant properties available for rent or for sale, helping to make sure all homes are lived in.

 

You can make your 2024 declaration quickly and easily online at toronto.ca/VacantHomeTax. Or you can call 311 if you need assistance. You can also visit a Tax and Utility counter at City Hall or one of the civic centres to make your declaration. The City will be mailing more information about the VHT program to all residential property owners in November. The deadline to make a declaration for the 2024 calendar year is April 30, 2025. But don’t wait for the deadline, declare soon!


Have questions? Scroll down for Q&A.

Councillor & Community - Upcoming Events

TONIGHT! Fri. Nov. 1, 6pm-7:30pm  Pumpkin Parade

Co-hosted by Sunnyside Up Camp at Lee Lifeson Art Park. Please RSVP.

TONIGHT! Fri. Nov. 1, 6pm-8:30pm

Pumpkin Parade

At Edithvale Park

THIS WEEK! Tue. Nov. 5, 7pm-8:30pm   Community Info Session: 150-160 Cactus Ave Rental Replacement
THIS WEEK! Wed. Nov. 6, 5:30-9pm Willowdale East Spaghetti Town Hall - Willowdale Baptist Church
THIS WEEK! Thu. Nov. 7, 6:30-8pm  

Willowdale TTC Consultation 

Sat. Nov. 9, 11am-7pm Silk Road Canvas
Mon. Nov. 11, 6pm-8pm   Yonge North York BIA Public Consultation - Yonge Sheppard Centre (scroll down for more details)
  Every Thursday, starting Nov. 14, 7:30pm Live Lounge at the Novotel Hotel  
  Sat. Nov. 16, 9am-3pm Willowdale Leadership Symposium - North York Civic Centre  
  Sat. Nov. 16, 10am-3pm   Danish Fall Bazaar - Danish Lutheran Church & Culture Centre
Sat. Nov. 16, 12pm-3pm   Parkland & Recreation Facilities Strategies: Community Engagement  

Mon. Nov. 18, 7-8:30pm

 
  104-114 Finch Ave E Community Consultation
Thurs. Dec. 5, 6pm-9pm    Cameron Public School’s 2024 Holiday Market
  Tue. Dec 10, 4pm-7pm   Winter Charity Drive - Lansing United Church (see below for details)

Mel Lastman Square - Upcoming Events

Sat. Nov. 30   NeighbourLink Christmas Market & Walking Parade w/ Yonge North York BIA Tree Lighting. Click Here to sign up to be a vendor.
Dec. 6-23   Holiday Fair in the Square by Epilepsy Toronto
Dec. 25 Hanukkah - Light Up the Night
Jan. 11 ‘25 Willowdale Community Skate Party

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Don’t forget to set your clocks back THIS SUNDAY, November 3rd for the end of Daylight Savings Time. Hope everyone enjoys getting an extra hour of time!


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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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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GWENDOLEN PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS SURVEY


The City of Toronto is improving the playground in Gwendolen Park! Help design the new playground by sharing your thoughts on the play equipment in this short survey.

 

The redesigned playground will include:

  • Play equipment and a pathway connecting to the new playground area that comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). This means that people of varying abilities will be able to play at this playground. Learn more about how playgrounds are made accessible.
  • Playground equipment for ages 2 to 12.
  • Additional seating areas.

Your feedback will help us identify priorities for the playground design. If you have young park users in your home, we strongly encourage you to complete this survey together. 

 

If you prefer to respond to this survey by telephone or via a paper copy, or if you have other accessibility needs that we can help you with, please contact thevishka.kanishkan@toronto.ca.

 

The survey should take 10 minutes to complete and will close on November 1st, 11:59pm.


For more information about the project or to sign up for updates, visit toronto.ca/GwendolenPark.


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URGENT! INFORMATION SESSION: 150-160 CACTUS AVE. RENTAL REPLACEMENT


My office is convening an urgent meeting for residents to meet with the developers of 150-160 Cactus Ave to answer questions and bring more clarity to the impact of rental replacement.


This meeting is urgent because this matter is being brought to City Council on Nov 13th 2024.


When: Tuesday, November 5, 7:00 PM - 8:30

Where: 111 Cactus Ave., Main Floor


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WILLOWDALE EAST SPAGHETTI TOWN HALL


Join us on November 6 for our Willowdale East Spaghetti Town Hall! This event is a great chance for residents to enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner while engaging with our office and various City divisions.


Local representatives from the City will be present to share important updates about developments in Willowdale, and local service agencies will share valuable insights. We hope to see you there!


When: Nov 6, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Where: Willowdale Baptist Church, 15 Olive Ave, M2N 5S4


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WILLOWDALE TTC CONSULTATION


Join us on November 7, 2024, at the North York Central Library Auditorium from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM for a TTC consultation session! This is your opportunity to connect with TTC staff and share your ideas to help shape TTC’s Annual Service Plan. Whether it’s improving routes, enhancing safety, or making transit more accessible, your input matters. Let’s come together to shape a transit system that works for everyone!


Light refreshments will be served.


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104-114 FINCH AVE EAST DEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION


Join us for a virtual development consultation about the proposed 11-storey building at 104 to 114 Finch Ave E, featuring 184 residential units! 


When: Mon, Nov 18, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Where: Virtual (link will be provided shortly) 


This is a great opportunity to learn more and share your thoughts on the project. We hope to see you there!


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WILLOWDALE LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM


Join us on Saturday, November 16 at North York Civic Centre, Council Chambers for the Willowdale Leadership Symposium. This is a time for leaders across Willowdale to break out of our silos and learn more about each other towards building stronger pathways to collaboration.


The conference will run from 9am-3pm and will include:

  • Poverty Alleviation Roundtable - Meet some of the agencies working with the most vulnerable in Willowdale as we consider how we can strengthen our community support to build a better future.

  • Networking & Collaboration - As leaders in our neighbourhood, it is important for us to share the work we are doing and find ways our efforts can be amplified and multiplied through collaboration.

  • Peer Connection - Meet with others who are doing what you are doing be it, Parent Council, Condo Board, Culture Group, Neighbourhood Associations and more!

  • Facilities Master Plan Consultation - Give input on what facilities and amenities our community will need in the next 10 years.

  • Skills Building - Learn about tools and platforms that can help you strengthen your service to the community.

When: Nov 16, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Where: North York Civic Centre, Council Chamber, 5100 Yonge St.


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PARKLAND & RECREATION FACILITIES STRATEGIES: 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT


Toronto’s recreation facilities and parks offer communities spaces to play, connect, learn, exercise and celebrate. The Parkland Strategy and Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan (formerly the Facilities Master Plan) are 20-year plans that guide the growth and investment in these spaces across the city. Every five years, these plans are reviewed to ensure they continue to meet the changing needs and priorities of residents and reflect updates in population, policies and funding.


Stop by pop-up events to learn more about the plans and the community engagement process, and participate in discussions about the future of Toronto’s recreation spaces and parks.


When: Saturday, November 16, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Where: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge St.

CITY OF TORONTO UPDATES

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VACANT HOME TAX DECLARATION 2024 - 2025


On November 1, the Vacant Home Tax (VHT) declaration period opens for residential property owners.


Beginning on November 1st, homeowners will be able to declare the 2024 occupancy status of their property in three ways:

  • through the online declaration portal at toronto.ca/VacantHomeTax 

  • by calling 311

  • by visiting a Tax and Utility counter at City Hall or a civic centre. (North York Civic Centre - 5800 Yonge St)

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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TTC ANNOUNCES FINAL DAY TO USE OLD TTC TICKETS, TOKENS, AND DAY PASSES


The TTC has announced Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, as the final day that TTC tickets, tokens, and day passes, will be accepted on the transit system.


Starting Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, the TTC will only accept fares paid using a physical or digital PRESTO card, PRESTO Ticket, debit or credit card, including those stored in an Apple or Google Wallet. Cash payments will still be accepted in station fare boxes, and, on buses and streetcars. Customers can also use cash to purchase PRESTO cards and tickets from Fare Vending Machines in subway stations.


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TTC 2025 ANNUAL SERVICE PLAN SURVEY


The TTC needs your insights for the 2025 Annual Service Plan, focused on improving local and overnight routes, construction detours, and the Community Bus Network. 


Help shape the future of transit in Toronto by sharing your feedback through our survey: 2025 Annual Service Plan (ttc.ca) or request a hard copy at khly@thirdpartypublic.ca or 437-800-1882.

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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT INCENTIVES CONSULTATION


The City is reviewing its stormwater management programs that offer incentives to help property owners reduce basement flooding and stormwater runoff risks on their properties. 


Stormwater management involves managing rain and melted snow to prevent flooding and reduce negative impacts to water quality. Hard surfaces like pavement and concrete cause stormwater to run off properties, flow along streets and enter storm drains, eventually reaching local waterways or wastewater treatment facilities. 


Toronto’s hard surface areas combined with intense rainfall can lead to increased stormwater runoff entering the sewer system, raising the risk of basement flooding and putting additional pressure on public infrastructure. 


The City is consulting the public on opportunities for new and expanded stormwater management incentives for private properties. It aims to gather feedback on existing and potential grants, subsidies or rebates for installing green infrastructure like permeable surfaces, rain gardens or bioswales, and for actions that reduce flooding risks. 


Public consultation will take place from October 23 to November 5. The public is encouraged to participate in the consultation by completing an online survey or providing feedback through email or phone. 


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POTENTIAL METER TRANSMISSION UNIT (MTU) FAILURE 

AND WATER USAGE ESTIMATION


Please see the attached notice which will also have been mailed out to your home address in advance of your next water bill. This notice has been sent to all utility customers, even if their MTU is working. 

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NEW REGISTRATION AND BOOKING SYSTEM FOR 

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS


The City of Toronto is launching a new system for recreation and cultural activities registration, facility bookings and memberships. The current eFun system will be replaced with the new system in November 2024.

The new system will include:

  • An intuitive user interface with a modern look and feel

  • Activity planning tools, like options to add to wish list or a personal calendar

  • Improved online booking functionality

  • Ability to securely save your credit card to your account for faster checkout


Next Steps:

  • Save progressive instructional program levels for swimming, skating, etc.

  • Starting November 2024, Create your account before winter recreation registration in December

COMMUNITY UPDATES

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REDUCING THE RISK CONFERENCE


Hosted by the Abuse Awareness and Prevention Network, the Reducing the Risk conference will provide abuse awareness and prevention training from ministry experts, utilizing interactive and insightful sessions.


Date: November 2, 2024, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Location: Willowdale Baptist Church, 15 Olive Ave., M2N 4N4


Snacks and Lunch provided!


Free onsite parking for the first 50 registrants.

Limited parking onsite with paid parking available nearby.


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SILK ROAD CANVAS


Mark your calendar for November 9th and join Orkid Gallery and Provia Events for a vibrant celebration of cultures from the ancient Silk Road! 


This unique event at Lansing United Church brings together artists, musicians, and representatives from various countries to showcase the rich cultural exchange that connected nations for centuries. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a living tapestry of art, music, and tradition that once served as a vital artery for dialogue between cultures.

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YONGE NORTH YORK BIA PUBLIC CONSULTATION


You are invited to the Yonge North York BIA Open House!


This is your opportunity to learn about the progress on the BIA's public realm master plan. Share your feedback on the Proposed Public Realm Master Plan and ask any questions you may have. Details will be provided about the vision for our Business Improvement Area (BIA) and will showcase proposed design strategies and public realm Improvements. Your input is invaluable.  


Registration not required. Free Admission!


Agenda:

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Displays, Discuss and Free Family Friendly Collaborative Collaging Activity 

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Opening Remarks by Yonge North York BIA and Councillor Lily Cheng, Presentation and Q&A


When: Monday, November 11th, 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Where: Yonge Sheppard Centre, 4841 Yonge Street, Ground Floor Near the Entrance to Winners.

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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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NYSC ACTIVE LIVING FAIR


Join the North York Seniors Centre Active Living Fair!


This year’s theme is "A Journey to Wellness". Get ready for a day filled with:

  • Multicultural refreshments
  • Informative presentations
  • Prizes to be won
  • Many vendors to explore

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn, connect, and have fun! 


Date: November 19

Time: 10 AM - 2 PM

Admission: FREE!


Tell your friends and drop by for an unforgettable day of wellness!

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CAMERON PUBLIC SCHOOL'S 2024 HOLIDAY MARKET


You are invited to Cameron Public School's Holiday Market School Fundraiser! 


Join in on Thursday, December 5th, from 6:00-9:00 PM at Cameron P.S. for a fun-filled evening with activities the whole family can enjoy, and of course shopping with over 40 local vendors. Admission is $5.00 per person (children 10 and under are free). 


Come out and support our fabulous school, and vendors. Bring your friends and neighbors, and help spread the word! 


If you are a local business, and would like to provide an item or service as a donation for a door prize, please email Lisa at epsholidaymarket@gmail.com.

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WINTER CHARITY DRIVE


As the holiday season approaches, the warm-hearted community of Willowdale is thinking of those who may be facing challenges this time of year. One of our caring residents, Elle Mollaei, has initiated a Christmas Drive, and what better way to contribute than by donating winter clothing for all ages. 
Join us on December 10th to make a difference in our neighborhood by giving the gift of warmth to those in need.
When: Tuesday, December 10, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: Lansing United Church, 49 Bogert Ave., M2N 1K4

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