Category: Local Events

Canada 150 Celebrations

Post Date June 28, 2017

Comments Comments Closed

Category Local Events

As our community prepares to join Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday on July 1, some information for residents interested in joining the celebration. Mel Lastman Square will play host to one of several citywide celebrations this year. Music will be playing on the mainstage between 2 and 11 PM with outstanding musicians including The Jerry Cans, Shauit, The Lytics and Busty and the Bass. If you’re planning to attend, be on the lookout for other activities and performances in the Orchard, at the Pond and in the Gazebo too. Fireworks will …

York Cemetery Opens Victoria Cross Memorial – June 25

Post Date June 20, 2017

Comments Comments Closed

Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Local Events, Park Improvements

Update (June 20, 2017):

Many thanks to the Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries who have donated approximately 13 acres of ravine land to the City at the western end of York Cemetery. This land is adjacent to Bathurst Park, Burnett Woods and the Hinder Property in the West Don River Valley. We are continuing to talk with residents about future use of the property, which will remain in its natural state, once the City releases its Ravines strategy later this year.

Making this land public is part …

Mel Lastman Sq Movie – The Salesman – May 26

Post Date May 17, 2017

Comments Comments Closed

Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Local Events, News from Ward 23

MAY 26 Update:

Movie Night is On! Forecast for showtime (8:45 PM) is partly cloudy skies and 16 degrees C. Bring a blanket to stay warm or a cushion to sit on.

MAY 17 Post:

Join John and Member of Parliament for Willowdale, Ali Ehsassi for a free outdoor film screening in the heart of our community, the amphitheater in Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge)

Bring a blanket and curl up under the stars for The Salesman winner in the Best Foreign Language Film category of this year’s Academy Awards. This film screened outdoors …

Re-imagining Yonge Street (UPDATED)

Post Date May 12, 2017

Comments Comments Closed

Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category City Hall Debates, Development Issues, Local Events, News from City Hall, News from Ward 23

Update (May 12, 2017)

Re-Imagining Yonge, the revitalization of Yonge Street between Finch and Sheppard Avenues took a big step forward this week after staff recommendations were adopted by the City’s Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWIC). The staff recommendations for the project, resulting from the public consultation process and Environmental Assessment conducted in 2016, include a full reconstruction of the Yonge roadway, widening of sidewalks for pedestrian use and outdoor patios and cafes, substantial improvements to trees, plantings and street furniture, inclusion of cycling facilities – including grade …

Ward 23 2017 Community Environment Day – May 12

Post Date May 1, 2017

Comments Comments Closed

Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Local Events, News from Ward 23

John hosts his annual Community Environment Day at Earl Haig Secondary School (100 Princess Avenue) on Saturday, May 13, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Environment Days are focused on creative ways to reuse old items, recycle properly, and learn about waste diversion initiatives. It is also a space where people are encouraged to donate the items that they might otherwise throw away, specifically any school supplies or non-perishable food items. You may pick up new kitchen compost containers ($5 ea) and drop off old technology, batteries, and household hazardous waste to ensure a …

2017 Clean Toronto Together – April 21-23

Post Date February 26, 2017

Comments Comments Closed

Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Local Events, News from City Hall, Park Improvements

With warmer weather coming (or already here) it’s time for some spring cleaning. Gather your friends, neighbours, co-workers and classmates to clean a park, laneway or any other space that needs your help. Friday, April 21 is the Corporate & School 20-Minute Makeover, and Saturday April 22 and Sunday April 23 are the Community Cleanup Days. Registration begins on March 1st. Learn more, register your event and find out when and where to get your free GLAD® garbage and recycling bags at livegreentoronto.ca or call …

North York Budget Consultations – January 9

Post Date January 5, 2017

Comments Comments Closed

Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category City Hall Debates, Local Events, News from City Hall

The City’s tax-supported budget process launched on December 6, 2016 and will go to council on February 15 and 16. Toronto’s rate-supported budgets were approved by City Council on December 15.

City Council’s Budget Subcommittee meets at the North York Civic Centre Council Chamber on Monday, January 9 (3 – 6 PM) to hear deputations from the public wishing to share their views. Councillors Campbell, Di Ciano and Nunziata will be the members of the Committee attending.

To register as a speaker, call 416-392-4666 or email buc@toronto.ca. …

City Finances & “Revenue Tools” – Consultation December 7.

Post Date December 2, 2016

Comments Comments Closed

Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category City Hall Debates, Local Events, News from City Hall, News from Ward 23

The City of Toronto needs to take a hard look at how it collects revenue, both to maintain and improve services and to finance major projects including public transit, affordable housing and other infrastructure needs. While finding spending efficiencies is an important part of this equation, capital priorities cannot continue to be funded almost exclusively from the property tax base. John strongly supports the City’s active exploration of additional revenue tools that would more fairly spread the tax burden. He also opposes the idea of selling off …

Lee Lifeson Art Park Opening – September 17

Post Date September 14, 2016

Comments Comments Closed

Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Local Events, News from Ward 23, Park Improvements, Toronto Mayor

In recent years we have had the great fortune of opening a new park virtually annually in Willowdale. 2016 is particularly special as our community’s new Lee Lifeson Art Park – located between Princess and Hillcrest Avenues at Gladys Allison Place – will be not only celebrate the arts in our community and beyond, but will honour two hugely successful artists with local origins.

The initiative to create an art park, and to name it after Willowdale natives Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, originated with John in …

City Consulting on Web Tools

Post Date September 12, 2016

Comments Comments Closed

Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Local Events, News from City Hall, Toronto Mayor

The City of Toronto is working on the design, development and implementation of a new toronto.ca website that is citizen-centric and service-focused, with a new look and feel. As part of this project, a number of sessions are being organized looking for feedback on key web design elements.

The City will team with Ipsos Reid to host a Citizenlab – an in-person survey and focus group event – at the North York Civic Centre on Wednesday, September 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Several spaces are still available …

RBC Race for the Kids (Lane Restrictions)

Post Date September 10, 2016

Comments Comments Closed

Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Local Events, News from Ward 23, Transportation & Transit

The RBC Race for the Kids event returns to Willowdale this Saturday, September 17. Over the past three years, RBC Race for the Kids Toronto has rallied over 19,880 participants and raised over $5.1 million benefiting youth with mental health issues through Sunnybrook’s Family Navigation Project.

For beginners or seasoned runner alike, participants choose the distance that works for them and receive support every step of the way. Best of all, racers are helping youth with mental health issues to find the specialized care they need.

All routes start and finish at Mel …

Toronto Ward Boundary Review (UPDATED)

Post Date September 7, 2016

Comments Comments Closed

Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Local Events, News from City Hall, News from Ward 23

Update (Sept. 2016):

The City continues to tinker with ward boundary recommendations to resolve the current imbalance in Toronto ward populations. Our Ward 23 now holds more than double the residents of others in the city.

Council’s Executive Committee rejected the recommendation of its third-party consultant in May asking for a new proposal consistent with the current 44-ward system, or aligning where possible, with federal and provincial boundaries.

Another public consultation event has been planned in our community forMonday, September 19 at the North York Civic Centre from …