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Hi Neighbour!
Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking at the Wrapped in Courage flag-raising event hosted by Aura Freedom and Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke at City Hall as part of the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses’ campaign to highlight the epidemic of intimate partner violence. I joined Mayor Chow and the Honourable Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women's Social and Economic Opportunity of Ontario, to celebrate the ongoing work of non-profit organizations, the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario, and to challenge ourselves and Torontonians that so much more must be done to eliminate violence against women. Associate Minister Williams announced that funding recipients of the province’s recent $100 million Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)/Gender Based Violence (GBV) grant program will soon be made public. I spoke about the efforts I continue to make at the Toronto Police Service Board and within the City, including upcoming 311 IPV training and a new City interdivisional IPV/GBV working group. The alarm that was raised around car thefts last year led to a 20% reduction in year-to-date car thefts. We must fight together to raise a similar level of urgency to eradicate intimate partner violence. There were 15,210 IPV occurrences from January to October 2024. That is approximately 50 occurrences per day - which does not include those who did not have the courage to call for help. We cannot allow this epidemic to continue. The trauma of intimate partner violence impacts women and children leading to poorer health and mental health outcomes that can leave generational impacts. Earlier this week, I spoke at the City’s National Housing Day Panel event – Taking Action on Housing for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence at the YWCA. The featured panelists from the Indigenous and non-profit sector called on all orders of government to address these intersecting challenges of violence against women and housing that often keeps women in abusive living situations. We learned from a survey of 500 women and gender diverse people experiencing homelessness across Canada, that 75% identified as survivors of gender-based violence–a significant correlation that must be addressed at its root causes. 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (around the world!) This Monday, the United Nations and many countries, including Canada, begin 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence from Nov 25-Dec 10. I have attended two events this week to help launch these days of activism. The Government of Canada has an online toolkit to help you get involved. The Ontario Wrapped In Courage campaign has social media graphics to download and share. Let’s spread the word, raise the alarm bells and fight to eradicate Gender-Based Violence!
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GET READY FOR HOLIDAY FUN AROUND 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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Upcoming Holiday Events in Willowdale
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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. Want more parks and recreation centres in Willowdale? Help shape the future of Toronto's recreation spaces and parks! The City is seeking input from community members to guide growth and investment in recreation facilities and parks across the city. Take the online survey by Clicking Here. The deadline is Dec.18. Click Here to learn more about the plan. Bishop Park: Click Here to take the survey. Share your thoughts on what an improved and expanded Bishop Park could look like! The survey closes on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Wedgewood Park: Click Here to take the survey. The City of Toronto is improving the playground in Wedgewood Park North York! Help design the new playground by sharing your thoughts on the play equipment in this short survey. Click Here to learn more about the project. Maxome/Bishop Traffic: Click Here to take the survey. In response to recent concerns that have risen 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.
Strategic Parking Framework: Click Here to take the survey. The City of Toronto is developing a strategic framework for managing motor vehicle public parking, both on-street and in parking lots. The survey closes on November 26, 2024. Yonge North York Public Realm Master Plan: Click Here to take the survey. The Yonge North York BIA (Business Improvement Area) is preparing a public realm master plan for its district along the Yonge corridor between Hwy 401 and Finch Station. The ideas and strategies that are presented in the draft public realm plan can be found here. It is recommended to review these materials before completing this 5 minute survey. Participate for a chance to win one of three $50 gift cards to a Member restaurant or cafe of your choice within the boundaries of Yonge North York BIA. The survey closes on November 26, 2024. Have a wonderful weekend. Perhaps I will see some of you at the Hindu Heritage Month celebration at Earl Haig later today!
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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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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LANE CLOSURE AT YONGE AND GREENFIELD
Please be advised that there will be a lane closure along Yonge Street at Greenfield on November 23rd, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for HVAC hoisting operations. Expect possible delays and plan your route accordingly.
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CITY OF TORONTO GARDEN CONTEST - WILLOWDALE WINNER!
Congratulations to the winner of the High Density category in this year’s City of Toronto Garden Contest, 5 Kenneth Ave! We’re so proud to have such a beautiful community garden right here in Willowdale.
THANK YOU to the team of dedicated local volunteers for helping to make our neighborhood even more vibrant and green! Let's continue to celebrate the beauty of our community together!
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TEMPORARY AND OCCASIONAL LIQUOR APPLICATION MAP
The City of Toronto’s Liquor Licensing website now has a map of temporary and occasional liquor licence endorsements and/or approvals.
This webpage will help Members of Council, residents, business improvement areas, residents’ associations, businesses, and other governmental stakeholders view applications that are endorsed as municipally significant by the City of Toronto for liquor licensing purposes.
Interested parties can search by location, name of establishment or address, and filter the map by ward, year of application, and/or application type.
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STRATEGIC PARKING FRAMEWORK
The City of Toronto is developing a strategic framework for managing motor vehicle public parking, both on-street and in parking lots.
Good public parking management practices are critical to achieving important city-building goals, such as increasing housing supply, tackling climate change, affordability, and the efficient movement of people and goods. Too much parking, parking in the wrong places and poor parking management contribute to higher levels of traffic congestion, reduced transit reliability, safety hazards, inefficient use of land and lost opportunities for other City building uses such as housing and parks. Effective public parking management contributes to a livable city. The City-Wide Strategic Parking Framework features a comprehensive list of recommended policies and actions, and includes ideas such as: - Converting underused parking lots into housing and parks
- Creating new systems to track and optimize parking management (i.e. supply and demand)
- Providing mobile apps for improved driver convenience (e.g. wayfinding to help locate available spaces)
- Installing more charging infrastructure for electric vehicles
- Using smart cameras and sensor technology for consistent parking enforcement
- Supporting the growth of carsharing and vehicle-for-hire
- Prioritizing main street curb space for transit, cycling, pedestrians, and deliveries
- Setting parking prices that are fair and align with City objectives
These ideas were created in consultation with parking experts, providers, and users, as well as many business improvement areas (BIAs). The framework makes full use of the City’s tools for change: - Data and technology
- Partnerships and collaboration
- Pricing, regulation and enforcement
- Land use management
- Communication and engagement
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LONG TERM WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
The City is updating the Long-term Waste Management Strategy approved by City Council
in 2016, for the next implementation period of 2026 to 2036. The first consultation phase is
scheduled from November 18 to December 20, 2024, where we are seeking feedback on
how we have done so far on implementing the 2016 Waste Strategy and ideas to further
reduce and divert waste from landfill. Stay informed on ways to get involved, including a
public survey, an in-person drop-in event and virtual public meetings, by subscribing to the
Long-term Waste Management Strategy email list and visiting the web page.
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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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PFR REGISTRATION AND BOOKING SYSTEM
ACTIVENet has officially been launched to members of the public, who are encouraged to create accounts in the new system so they are ready for Winter registration, which begins December 3 and 4. PFR will be providing all seniors (aged 60+) the ability to register for Older Adult programs, in advance of the regular registration days. For the winter session, this means that all Older Adult Programs (for persons aged 60+), can be registered for, by seniors, beginning Tuesday, November 26 at 10 a.m. in person at any recreation or seniors’ centre, online and over the phone.
All other programs will be open for registration at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3 and Wednesday, December 4. Seniors wishing to take adult programs (those designed for persons 18+) will have the opportunity to register for these activities as part of the regular registration period.
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CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE - 311 - TORONTO AT YOUR SERVICE
The City of Toronto is conducting the 311 Awareness and Usage Survey to gather feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors regarding their familiarity with the 311 Toronto service. The survey aims to understand the current 311 Service accuracy and clarity of our customer communication. Improving communication within the system will ensure that 311 Customer Service Representatives and our digital channels provide accurate information, ultimately enhancing the overall customer experience.
The survey will be live from November 4th to December 4th, 2024. Please take a moment to provide your feedback and help the City improve 311 services.
Please visit the city webpage for more information.
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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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CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND BAKE SALE
The Catholic Women's League is hosting a Christmas Craft and Bake Sale on Nov 23, 2024 at St. Edward The Confessor Church. This event will feature a delicious variety of homemade baked goods, Christmas cards, holiday décor, and more. Perfect for family and friends as we enter the holiday season!
When: Nov 23, 2024, 10:00 AM- 3:30 PM Where: St. Edward The Confessor Church, 75 Churchill Ave.
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YONGE NORTH YORK BIA PUBLIC REALM MASTER PLAN SURVEY
Share your Feedback on the Proposed Public Realm for the Yonge North York Business Improvement Area!
The Yonge North York BIA developed a draft public realm plan. As a member of the community, your feedback and insight into the future of the area is incredibly valuable. Questions will focus on things like your thoughts on proposed design, streetscape, and public space improvements and opportunities.
Submit the survey for a chance to win one of three $50 gift cards to a restaurant or cafe of your choice within the boundaries of the Yonge North York BIA. The survey will only take five minutes to complete and can be submitted until November 26.
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WE LOVE WILLOWDALE CHRISTMAS MARKET
NeighbourLink North York's 4th We Love Willowdale Christmas Market
is Saturday, November 30th at Mel Lastman Square!
The Artisan
Market will take place from 2-8pm and the Festive
Tree Lighting, Presented by the Yonge North York BIA, will take place at 6:30pm.
At the market you’ll find:
- 50+ artisan vendors and small businesses
- Live Entertainment & Community Sing-a-Long
- Food Trucks (including Beaver Tails)
- Hot Chocolate
- Family Photo Booth ️
- Kids Activities from Sunnyside Up Camp
- Santa and Mrs Claus
- Cram A Cruiser Food Drive - bring a non-perishable food
item!
You're encouraged to RSVP each attendee from your group for the market. General
RSVP (13+) is a suggested $5 donation! You can also donate in person at the
event! Funds raised through donations from the public go directly to supporting
our neighbours this holiday season through NeighbourLink's food bank, senior,
youth and newcomer programs!
You can learn more about the market and RSVP at www.neighbourlink.org/christmas |
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AVONDALE WALK AND TALK
Do you live in Avondale, and want to meet new people and get to know your neighbours in a healthy, authentic way? Join the Avondale Walk and Talk, hosted by the Avondale Social Events Committee! Join us for a casual fun walk around Avondale and Glendora Park on Saturday, November 30th at 10 am. Interested? Please RSVP by filling out the waiver form: https://bit.ly/avondalewalkntalk Please see Poster for more details & information. |
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LANSING UNITED'S ADVENT MESSY CHURCH
Lansing United Church is hosting an Advent Messy Church on November 30th from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM!
Messy Church is an informal and fun way to remember the Christmas story, be creative, live into the season, and enjoy some pizza with your community!
All ages are welcome.
Please RSVP by calling 416-221-1722 or emailing lansingunited@lansingchurch.com.
To learn more, please contact Rev. Brad Inglis at 416-268-7592 or minister@lansingchurch.com. |
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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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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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