CITY COUNCILLOR
LILY CHENG
WILLOWDALE WARD 18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 23, 2026 TORONTO – Today marks eight years since the Toronto van attack, a day that remains one of the most difficult in Willowdale’s history and one our community will never forget. While April 23, 2018 brought immense loss and grief, it also revealed the compassion, courage, and generosity of the people who call Willowdale home. In the years since, the community has grown stronger and more connected, grounded in care for one another. “Eight years

The newly renovated Teen Zone at North York Central Library officially reopened! I had the opportunity to cut the ribbon with the Mayor alongside a large group of energized teens. They were very excited and we should be excited that we have this amazing space that provides free healthy snacks, video games and free craft activities. Teens call this their safe third space. How great it is that after school there are teens in Willowdale that rush to our library! Reopened just i

This week, I requested a briefing on the rollout of the Smart Signal program for 2026. I was happy to learn the Willowdale area will see a major share of the City of Toronto’s Smart Traffic Signal rollout, with about 25 intersections targeted, fully half of the city’s planned 50 new installations for 2026. That means Willowdale alone will receive 50% of all new smart signals, a significant concentration compared to the roughly 200 smart signals already deployed citywide by th

On April 8, I hosted a Community Leaders Dinner at North York Civic Centre, bringing together local leaders, residents, and Mayor Olivia Chow for an evening of meaningful discussion on the future of Willowdale. Mayor Chow shared updates on key city priorities, including improvements to emergency response times, ongoing investments in transit and infrastructure, and efforts to strengthen Toronto’s financial position through a new fiscal framework. She also highlighted programs

Last year, I attended the Smart City Summit in Taipei, where I learned about the work of the Circular Economy Foundation, founded by Charles Huang. I was inspired by his knowledge and enthusiasm, learning a great deal as he made a presentation to me and the councillors who were part of my delegation. All of us left knowing a great deal more about the concepts behind a circular economy and ideas for implementation. As Toronto moves forward with its 10-Year Circular Economy Roa

It was great to welcome approximately 30 condominium property managers and board members to an engaging and interactive luncheon. The discussion provided a valuable opportunity to discuss key local concerns, ongoing initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration in Willowdale’s growing high-rise community. I am grateful to the Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club for allowing us to use their space for this productive event. Condo property managers who did not receive an invitation

It was a bittersweet meeting as we gathered as the Yonge Street Tragedy Memorial Steering Committee last week to discuss the next phase of work on the long-term memorial. This group of amazing community members played a pivotal role in caring for our community after the tragedy and has stayed engaged over the years. Many of us have continued to deepen our work in the service of Willowdale, inspired by the way the community came together after such a difficult moment. I was gl

The federal government has renewed and expanded funding for Toronto’s youth crime prevention efforts, committing $157.5 million over the next three years through the Building Safer Communities Fund just as previous funding to our City’s efforts was set to expire. Announced by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree alongside Mayor Olivia Chow in Scarborough, the investment supports programs that address the root causes of youth violence by connecting at-risk youth and fami

On March 16, North York Central Library re-opened its newly renovated Teen Zone after a year-long closure, just in time for March Break. Beautifully refreshed with new flooring, shelving, and furniture, the modernized space offers clean sightlines and integrates well with the building’s architecture. It houses the branch’s teen collection and includes a teen programming area, a gaming room, a new Learning Centre, a customer service desk, printing services and a study area. F

I am deeply disturbed by reports that two synagogues in North York and Thornhill were shot this past weekend. I am grateful no one was hurt, and my thoughts are with the congregations and families affected. Coming just days after the targeting of Saliwan Boxing Gym and Temple Emanu-El, these cowardly acts are clearly meant to spread fear. My office has been in ongoing discussions with the Toronto Police Service, members of the Jewish community, fellow councillors, and faith l

Last week, my office co-hosted the 7th Climate Action Roundtable in collaboration with Climate Neighbours North York . We had an incredible discussion on 5 key themes: Smart Commuting and Active Transportation Reducing Waste and Plastics Community and Corporate Accountability (“Bring Your Own Ideas”) Improving Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency Growing Food and Pollinator Gardens Supporting Bike Lanes and Safe Cycling Thank you to all the fantastic organizations that jo

Something historic happened in Willowdale this past weekend. I was pleased to sit down with The Honourable Ali Ehsassi and The Honourable Stan Cho to talk about how we align our efforts to support both the pressures of today and the growth of tomorrow in our neighbourhood. All three of us are part of large systems where we each have to fight for our ward for attention and resources. Working together will provide more opportunities to be strategic and align our efforts to achi

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