CITY COUNCILLOR
LILY CHENG
WILLOWDALE WARD 18

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

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

With the recent warm weather, snow operations teams are actively repairing potholes across Willowdale. A recent "pothole blitz” was conducted on Feb 28th throughout the city, and additional repair days will continue throughout the spring. So far this year, in our ward, 311 has received 283 service requests regarding pothole repairs, 260 have been completed, and currently 23 requests are in progress. Currently, the estimated time for repair upon submission of a service reques

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

After more than a year of study, consultation, and technical analysis, the North York at the Centre - Final Options and Directions Report was tabled at the Planning and Housing Committee on February 26. We are so grateful to the 22 residents who showed up, virtually and in person, to make deputations. Your voices matter, and it’s always key for staff to hear directly from those most impacted by the policies we pass. This Secondary Plan update will establish a new long-term

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

As Willowdale and the broader North York Centre continue to grow, the City is reviewing the Secondary Plan to guide how our neighbourhood evolves over the next decade. This review includes proposed direction for new housing, jobs, public spaces, transportation, parks, and community services to support up to 100,000 more residents . Your input is critical. We want to hear from Willowdale residents about what matters most in shaping the future of our community — from housing a

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

Metrolinx has shared several new construction notices related to early works for the Yonge North Subway Extension project near Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue. Residents and businesses in the area may notice upcoming activity, including: Installation of underground monitoring equipment at multiple locations along the corridor, including (1) Steeles Avenue & Yonge Street, and (2) Connaught Avenue, west of Yonge Installation of underground monitoring equipment on Connaught Aven

Over the weekend, a neighbour reached out to our office about the Lillian Park entrance off Whitman Street, which had been blocked by a snowbank following heavy plowing. With the historic snowfall we’ve experienced, small pathways like this can easily be missed, but this entrance is well-loved and heavily used by the community. The resident noticed someone taking the long way around, highlighting the importance of accessible paths for everyone. Thanks to their quick reporting

I'm happy to share an upgrade is coming to Willowdale's electricity system! Toronto Hydro is upgrading the electrical distribution system in our community to improve the reliability of our electrical service. This includes upgrading overhead electrical cables on City-owned property. The boundaries for this project include a section of Senlac Road between Park Home Ave (North) and Burnett Ave (South). The work is expected to begin next month, February until January 2027. The p

I'm happy to share that an upgrade is coming to Willowdale's electricity system! Toronto Hydro is upgrading the electrical distribution system in our community to improve the reliability of our electrical service. This includes upgrading overhead electrical cables and replacing hydro poles on City-owned property. The boundaries for this project include a section of Finch Ave between Duplex Ave (West) and just shy of Kenneth Ave (East). The work is expected to begin February u

Edithvale rink is up and running! The rink is open 24 hours a day for everyone to enjoy - just bring your own skates and gear. It’s a great spot for skating, figure skating, and hockey. The rink is also looking for new volunteers to help with flooding and snow clearing when needed. It’s a wonderful way to meet neighbours and a great opportunity for students who are looking to earn volunteer hours. If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to edithvalerink@gma