Willowdale Condo Leaders’ Luncheon

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 are encouraged to contact my office at councillor_cheng@toronto.ca to be added to the condo leaders email list and stay informed about future gatherings. 

 Key Challenges Identified by Condo Leaders

• Ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with density

• Managing traffic congestion, noise, and safety in high-growth areas

• Strengthening condo governance, financial planning, and resident engagement

• Improving access to mental health and community services

• Community safety and responses to hate incidents

• Securing funding for building retrofits and long-term sustainability

• Lack of resident engagement and lack of understanding amongst condo owners of the challenges of sustainability and costs of operating a building.

Opportunities & Next Steps

• Enhance communication through town halls, digital platforms, and shared networks

• Advocate for better coordination and funding from other levels of government

• Expand EV infrastructure and traffic flow improvements

• Foster collaboration across buildings to share resources and best practices

• Promote greener, more efficient buildings while reducing costs

• Stronger social engagement through a social committee could strengthen overall tenant engagement in decision making and volunteering.

Mayor Chow’s Remarks

The Mayor was able to attend our discussion with condo leaders. She outlined several key priorities, including public safety and enforcement—such as efforts to address illegal e-bikes and mopeds alongside increased police funding and targeted safety programs. She also highlighted the success of youth engagement initiatives, noting that expanded library-based Teen Zones have contributed to a decline in youth violence. On infrastructure and traffic, she spoke about improved coordination of construction projects and the use of AI-driven traffic signals to reduce gridlock, as well as ongoing pothole repairs following a harsh winter. Additional priorities included enhanced mental health supports, with over 200 frontline workers available across the city and 211 serving as a key access point for non-emergency assistance.

In response to key concerns raised, Mayor Chow proposed exploring: 

1. incentives for developers to include family-sized units as well as community and green infrastructure in new developments, and  

2. expanded energy efficiency programs, such as retrofit funding, audits, heat pump incentives, and rebates, to better support condominium buildings.

Sustainability & Condo Support

The Toronto Environmental Alliance highlighted practical steps to support greener, more sustainable high-rise living. Waste reduction strategies have already helped some buildings significantly lower costs, while retrofit programs, such as heat pumps and geothermal systems, remain essential but underfunded. They emphasized that simple initiatives, including improved recycling systems and stronger resident engagement, can make a meaningful impact, reducing garbage and therefore waste removal costs. Ongoing advocacy efforts are also focused on protecting Toronto’s Green Standard and securing increased funding to support building upgrades.

Looking Ahead

Participants emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue, clearer communication, and coordinated planning to ensure Willowdale remains a safe, livable, and sustainable community as it continues to grow.

We are planning on co-hosting a webinar for Condo owners in our ward to help equip more residents to help with the governance of their buildings.