CITY COUNCILLOR
LILY CHENG
WILLOWDALE WARD 18

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

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

As Willowdale continues to grow, many families are finding it increasingly challenging to access affordable, high-quality childcare and after-school care. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, grandparent, or caregiver, your experience matters — and we want to hear from you. The Childcare & After-School Care Access Survey is designed to gather local insight into how families in Willowdale are securing care, the challenges they face with availability and cost, and whether current

Visitor parking is an everyday reality for thousands of people who live in condos and apartment buildings across Willowdale. It affects whether residents can host family and friends, accommodate caregivers, receive deliveries, and manage daily life without putting undue pressure on neighbourhood streets. To ensure that visitor parking policy keeps pace with rapid growth and changing needs, our office is gathering local insights through the Willowdale Visitor Parking Survey .

I'm happy to share an upgrade is coming to Willowdale's electricity system ! Toronto Hydro is rebuilding the electrical distribution system to improve the reliability of your electrical service. This rebuild includes upgrading overhead electrical cables and replacing hydro poles on City-owned property. The boundaries for the project include Steeles Avenue East (North), Lillian Street (East), Centre Avenue (South), and Dumont Street (West). The work is expected to begin next m

Many of you have reached out to my office regarding missed recycling pickups since the transition of recycling responsibilities from the City of Toronto to Circular Materials on January 1, 2026. I completely understand your frustration - especially after the holiday season when recycling tends to pile up. Just to be clear, recycling is no longer a service provided by the City of Toronto; it is now operated by Circular Materials , as mandated by the province. For those who nee