Selina Chignall, Author at John FilionJohn Filion

COVID-19 Update (April 1)

Post Date April 2, 2020

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Author Selina Chignall

Category COVID-19 Updates

Dear Neighbours,

As the COVID-19 crisis worsens, government actions to control public behaviour increases. Today, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa formalised several measures (see below) which were previously strongly recommended but not legally required. As of today, those who don’t comply will be subject to legal penalties.

Over the past two weeks, the number of cases in Toronto has increased by 500%. Urgent action is required to flatten that trajectory to avoid the tragic situations we see in other large cities. The difference …

Profile: Canadian Helen Keller Centre

Post Date March 10, 2020

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Author Selina Chignall

Category News from Ward 18, News from Ward 23

Story by Franco Cignelli, Marketing & Communications Specialist, Canadian Helen Keller Centre. This story first appeared on CHKC’s blog. To learn more about CHKC visit chkc.org.

Located in the Willowdale community is the Canadian Helen Keller Centre (CHKC). In operation since 1992, CHKC provides 16 affordable housing units on Willowdale Avenue known as the Rotary Cheshire Apartments (RCA). It also operates a fully accessible Training Centre on Empress Avenue where Canadians who are deafblind can learn life skills.

CHKC’s vision is to see a society where all …

Profile: Willowdale Group of Artists

Post Date January 27, 2020

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Author Selina Chignall

Category News from Ward 18, News from Ward 23

Story by Margie Wagner

Willowdale Group of Artists was founded in 1947 by 10 enthusiastic artists who loved to paint.

The objective of WGA is to bring together people who have a desire to draw and paint and to provide them with inspiration, opportunities for learning, and support. The diverse group of artists draw, paint and have classes in the afternoons, evenings and on weekends. Classes are held at different locations to fulfill differing needs.

Willowdale Group of Artists had its first annual show in February 1948. Two …

Notice: TTC Subway Emergency Simulation

Post Date January 9, 2020

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Author Selina Chignall

Category News from Ward 23, Transportation & Transit

On Sunday, January 12 from 4 AM to 7 AM, the TTC and Emergency Response Services will be conducting a Subway Emergency Simulation at Finch Station and the Emergency Subway Exit Building on Church Avenue south of Finch Station. Subway service from Finch Station will begin at 7:56 AM to Lawrence Station.

Starting at approximately 5:45 AM, 300 participants in passenger roles will begin to be evacuated from a train to a place of safety – the Church Avenue Emergency Exit. Activity during this simulation will …

Notice: Toronto Hydro Electrical Upgrade

Post Date January 6, 2020

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Author Selina Chignall

Category News from Ward 18, News from Ward 23

Toroto Hydro is improving the electricity system in Ward 18.

The project area includes Finch Avenue West (North), Senlac Road (East), Sheppard Avenue West (South) and Bathurst Road (West). Expect the work to begin February 2020.

Generally, work on this project will take place Monday to Friday, between 7 AM. and 7 PM. Weekend work may occur.

In order to complete the work in a safe manner, there will be road and sidewalk restrictions within the construction work area. In the event of any parking restrictions, advance notice …

Willowdale Outdoor Ice Rinks

Post Date December 31, 2019

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Author Selina Chignall

Category Local Events, News from Ward 18, News from Ward 23

Story by Stephen Boyle

Looking for something to do when the temperature drops and the snow starts to fly? Why not embrace the winter, get active and have some fun with the kids and your community neighbours. Dust off the skates and take to the ice whenever you want. Outdoor rinks are a great option for those of you looking to get together for a group skate or game of shinny (pick-up hockey).

You don’t pay for ice time and you don’t need to worry about a …

Metrolinx and TTC Holiday Service 2019

Post Date December 17, 2019

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Author Selina Chignall

Category Transportation & Transit

Metrolinx is offering early homebound service on Christmas and New Year’s Eve on GO Transit. Also, free late-night service on both GO and UP Express for New Year’s Eve.

Early Homebound Service:

Most GO train lines are running early homebound service on December 24th and 31st.

Some regular afternoon train trips have been replaced with earlier departures.
Check com/holidayservice for details.

Free NYE Late Night Service:

On New Year’s Eve, you can ride GO Transit after 7 PM for free, with extra late-night trains.

Simply board. Don’t tap or buy a ticket …

Winter Is Coming…To Toronto

Post Date November 27, 2019

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Author Selina Chignall

Category Transportation & Transit

Winter is coming…to Toronto.

With the snowy season just around the corner, the City of Toronto is prepping for the challenging season. The City allocates about $90 million a year to deliver Transportation Services winter maintenance program, which includes plowing and salting of roadways, bikeways and sidewalks, in addition to the snow removal and cleaning of windrows.

The delivery of the winter maintenance program every year requires about 1,500 personnel along with approximately 500 road plows, 300 sidewalk plows and 200 salt trucks.

Additionally, the new and improved …

Road Safety Town Hall Questions

Post Date November 19, 2019

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Author Selina Chignall

Category Transportation & Transit

Question 1

Are roads in your neighbourhood safe for pedestrians?

All local roads are safe
Local roads (residential) are not safe
Arterial roads are not safe
Both local and arterial roads, are not safe

Question 2

Should all students have sidewalks to travel on while walking to school?

Always B) Only on busy roads C) Not necessary

Question 3

Should the City of Toronto be encouraging more short distance trips to be taken on foot or by bicycle?

A) Yes B) No

Question 4

How should the City of Toronto Prioritize future Vision Zero safety initiatives?

Focus on …

Toronto Hydro Overhead Electrical Upgrade

Post Date November 18, 2019

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Author Selina Chignall

Category News from Ward 18

Please be advised that as a result of construction on Holmes Avenue, Toronto Hydro will be upgrading the overhead electrical cables and installing hydro poles on city-owned property. The project area includes sections of Holmes Avenue between Doris Avenue (East) and Yonge Street (West).

Generally, work on this project will take place Monday to Friday, between 7 AM-7 PM. Weekend work may occur. Work is expected to commence January 2020.

If you have any questions about the upcoming work, please contact Toronto Hydro Customer Operations Team, and …

City of Toronto Seeks Public Input on Climate Action and Priorities

Post Date September 30, 2019

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Author Selina Chignall

Category News from City Hall

The City of Toronto wants to hear from residents about their ideas on actions and priorities on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the City.

For Willowdale residents, there will be a public meeting held on Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 8:45 PM at North York Memorial Hall (Burgundy Room A), 5110 Yonge St.

You can register here to attend a meeting.

Public input will help inform the 2021 to 2023 plan for the City’s TransformTO climate action strategy. The plan will be presented to Council in …

Yonge St. Construction Notice

Post Date September 20, 2019

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Author Selina Chignall

Category Transportation & Transit

The City will be repairing the sidewalk and resurfacing sections of the road. The repairs will take place along Yonge Street, from the Highway 401 to Steeles Avenue West. Work may include the closure of individual lanes or entire sections of the road. Work will take place from 7 a.m. on September 30, 2019 to 7 p.m. on October 31, 2019, with work after hours and on weekends as required.

If you have questions about the upcoming work, please contact 311 and quote 19NY-106TU/111TR

Find more about …