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John’s Update (April 6)

Post Date April 7, 2020

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Author John Filion

Category COVID-19 Updates, News from City Hall

Dear Neighbours,

As all of us struggle to find ways to safely get groceries to our homes, many of our neighbours have an extra worry: they can’t afford enough food to feed their families. Just as the economic situation worsens, two of the three food banks serving Willowdale have closed their doors, at least temporarily.

All levels of government are working with several organizations to help keep food banks open.

In Toronto, the Mayor today announced several new city initiatives:

Food Delivery for Some Seniors
The City is partnering with Red Cross …

John’s Update (April 3)

Post Date April 3, 2020

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Author John Filion

Category COVID-19 Updates

Well….if any of us weren’t already alarmed enough to change our behaviour, COVID-19 projected death totals released by the Province today should change that. As a best case — that is, if we all do what’s required to keep ourselves and others safe — the number of projected deaths in Ontario ranges from 3,000 to 15,000 deaths. A worst case, if we don’t do what we need to, is many times worse than that.

Perhaps the most important takeaway from today’s announcement is that thousands of lives depend on us following some …

COVID-19 Update (March 30)

Post Date March 31, 2020

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Author John Filion

Category COVID-19 Updates, News from Ward 23

Dear Neighbours,

It’s been another day of sad news — the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continues to mount — together with some bits of good news in the form of increased support for individuals and businesses by governments at all levels.

Thanks to the vast majority of you who are doing all you can to keep us all well by strictly observing physical distancing rules: stay home if possible and, if you must go out, keep at least two metres away from others. Wash your …

COVID-19 Update

Post Date March 19, 2020

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Author John Filion

Category News from Ward 18, News from Ward 23

Like all of you, my team and I are working daily to keep up with the impacts that COVID-19 is having on our country, city and local community. As the situation continues to change daily, we have been adapting to the latest circumstances.

If you have questions about best practices relating to COVID-19, I encourage you to visit www.toronto.ca/covid19 for the latest news and best information.

Following the advice of the Medical Officer of Health, we are doing our part to protect the community by serving Willowdale …

New Service Opening for Refugees

Post Date November 7, 2019

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Author John Filion

Category News from Ward 18

The City of Toronto has announced plans to open 5800 Yonge Street as a temporary housing centre for refugees.

Although the City started preparing this site for use as refugee housing, there were no firm plans to open it as such until the middle of October 2019. As soon as I was aware of these plans, I worked with city staff to schedule a community information session, a notice to be delivered by mail to locals living near the residence, and an email notice from my …

Proclaiming Bad News

Post Date October 8, 2019

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Author John Filion

Category Development Issues

When Provincial politicians go out of their way to help their developer friends, they do it as quietly as possible.

So it’s not surprising that you didn’t hear anything about Bill 108 being proclaimed into law September 3, complete with a clause that allows just about any developer to decide if they want their good fortune applied retroactively. And who wouldn’t want to have their appeal of a Toronto planning decision heard under a set of rules which basically takes back the city’s ability to control …

Planning Rules Upheld For Sheppard West

Post Date September 15, 2019

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Author John Filion

Category Development Issues

Dear Residents,

We received a rare bit of good news from a provincial appeal body this week when the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly known as the Ontario Municipal Board) upheld City planning rules that limit the size and location of development in the Lansing and West Lansing areas.

The City’s rules restrict building heights on Sheppard to five or six stories in most locations and limit development to properties fronting onto the main street. This plan, initiated by me and supported by area residents, was opposed by …

Neighbourhood Zoning – “The Missing Middle”

Post Date August 8, 2019

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Author John Filion

Category City Hall Debates, Development Issues

Toronto’s housing stock is made up mostly of single homes and highrises – with a relatively small amount of townhouses, duplexes and four-storey walk-ups.

Recently, housing advocates have begun calling for planning changes in areas such as Willowdale, where they believe this “missing middle” should be allowed alongside single homes on neighbourhood streets.

This would be a major departure from rules that exist now, and a reversal of a city promise to residents not that long ago when the city adopted a new Official Plan. Accept high …