CITY COUNCILLOR
LILY CHENG
WILLOWDALE WARD 18

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 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

Today, we capped off a multi-week Budget Committee journey  by presenting a set of recommendations to the Mayor, who will release her version of the Budget on February 1 . I am grateful to all Willowdale residents  who stayed engaged—from the initial consultation at Memorial Hall, to the Willowdale Youth Council information session with deputation training, to our Virtual Budget Town Hall (see photo below) and this week’s Budget Deputation Meetings, where we heard a wide rang

The City of Toronto is implementing new zoning changes that will allow more housing to be built near transit , following direction from the Province. These changes affect areas near 120 transit stations  across the city, including TTC subway stations, three of them in Willowdale. The goal is to make better use of land close to transit by allowing additional housing options while supporting complete, connected communities. In August 2025, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and