CITY COUNCILLOR
LILY CHENG
WILLOWDALE WARD 18

The Mayor’s Budget passed at our Special City Council meeting with very few amendments. You can CLICK HERE to read more about the local and city-wide investments included this year, but I want to highlight a few new wins that happened this month that directly benefit Willowdale. The Mayor provided: $35,000 to address the shortfall facing the Yonge North York BIA in organizing our long-standing Canada Day celebration at Mel Lastman Square . This support ensures the event ca

During our budget meeting, news began trickling in about a school shooting in British Columbia. As I listened to interviews with residents of Tumbler Ridge on the radio, I was transported back to our own tragedy, the shock, the grief, and the heavy days that followed as we learned more about the victim and the perpetrator. In those moments, you remember how fragile life can feel, and how much a community matters. We Love Willowdale is a movement that was born out of the Yon

On February 21, Ukrainians in North York (UINY) will hold a special gathering to mark the 4th anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a moment that carries deep sorrow, strength, and resilience for so many in our community. Since the very beginning of the war, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside UINY founder Helen Shumilova , including co-hosting welcome tea gatherings for Ukrainians newly arrived in our city. From those first moments of uncertainty, Helen

My team and I recently visited the 12 Holmes Avenue warming centre in response to concerns raised by community members. During the visit, we reiterated to staff and security that no one is to be turned away from the warming centre, regardless of capacity. Shelter staff acknowledged that, while they have not turned anyone away, there may have been a lapse due to the regular changeover in security staff hired by the operator. They have committed to ensuring that security staff

This February, for the first time, the City of Toronto officially proclaimed Chinese Heritage Month , aligning with the Province of Ontario and the Toronto District School Board ! This recognition honours a community whose contributions are foundational to our city’s past, present, and future.  Chinese communities have been part of Toronto’s story since the 1870s, shaping neighbourhoods, building businesses, enriching arts, culture, and cuisine, and contributing through advo

February marks Black History Month, a time to honour the enduring contributions of Black communities to Toronto, to Canada, and to our shared human story. Black history is deeply woven into the fabric of our city through culture, creativity, leadership, and the ongoing work toward justice and equality. This month is not only about celebration, but also about listening, learning, and recommitting to building a city rooted in fairness, opportunity, and belonging. The City of To

This month, I joined nearly 150,000 people  in Toronto to protest the regime currently in power in Iran. When I arrived at North York Centre station , the subway was packed, so full that people had to wait for the next train. It was moving to see so many community members passionate about standing in solidarity regardless of the cold temperatures.   Despite the size of the crowd, the afternoon unfolded calmly and with dignity. I’m grateful to Toronto Police for their presence

Mayor Chow released her proposed 2026 City Budget on February 1, 2026. You can review the budget Here .  The Mayor’s budget outlines how much the City plans to spend and how it plans to pay for those costs, including revenues from property taxes and user fees. City Council may propose amendments to the Mayor’s budget, but Council does not vote to formally adopt the budget or a “budget as amended.” Any changes to spending or revenues, including property taxes, must be proposed

This week’s City Council meeting was unusually short — we wrapped up before sunset! That happened for two reasons: No member motions were allowed, and with the new year and the budget process underway, not all committees have met yet, resulting in a lighter agenda. Even so, there were two key issues I want to highlight for you. 1.  A Future with Very Little Visitor Parking Recent provincial legislation has removed the City’s ability to require visitor or accessible parking i

We are piloting a new Share Your Policy Ideas  page on the Willowdale Action Hub. Do you have a policy idea you’d like the City to consider? This is a space to share ideas that could improve Willowdale or Toronto more broadly. Proposals that receive 50 community upvotes  within 120 days will be shared with City staff for research and feasibility review. What can be considered? ✔️ Policy or planning ideas with community-wide impact ✔️ Neighbourhood or city-wide improvements ✔