News from Ward 18 Archives - John FilionJohn Filion

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 …

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 …

Next Steps to Addressing Vacant Homes

Post Date February 26, 2020

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category News from City Hall, News from Ward 18, News from Ward 23

After generating much discussion, action on a Vacant Homes Tax was not ultimately part of this year’s budget cycle. This will, however, be something Council takes a close look at over the coming months.

Over a relatively short number of years, the issue of housing affordability in Toronto has grown from concerning to crisis level. Real estate prices have escalated so quickly, both for home ownership as well as for rentals, a whole generation is finding itself priced out of the market. Rental vacancy rates are …

Councillors Unify On 2020 Budget (But Important Questions Remain)

Post Date February 20, 2020

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category News from City Hall, News from Ward 18

Toronto City Council unanimously adopted its 2020 tax-supported operating and capital budget on Wednesday. Council came together in an unusual way to balance the City’s priorities and keep costs down for residents while investing in critical infrastructure projects.

Council approved a 2% property tax increase for residential properties and a 1% percent increase for commercial properties. As per provincial legislation, there will be no increase for multi-residential or apartment buildings. Additionally, the current City Building Levy will increase to 1.5%, bringing 2020 property taxes, along with …

Potential Building Code Service Changes Could Put Public At Risk

Post Date February 6, 2020

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Author Catherine LeBlanc Miller

Category Development Issues, News from City Hall, News from Ward 18, News from Ward 23

In the pursuit of reducing red tape and speeding up development, the Provincial Government has recently proposed changes to how the Building Code is enforced in Ontario.

Part of a discussion paper circulated by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, a central change would create a new ‘Certified Professionals Program’ allowing developers to hire private architects and engineers to perform inspections currently carried out by City of Toronto’s Building department.

John, along with the majority of Council, was immediately alarmed by this proposal. Having critical safety …

Moving Forward On Transit Partnership

Post Date February 6, 2020

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category News from City Hall, News from Ward 18, News from Ward 23, Transportation & Transit

As the City of Toronto and Province of Ontario continue to move forward on a partnership ensuring high-speed transit expansion, John continues to watch negotiations carefully.

Last spring, a deal was reached between the City and Province on a $30 billion transit expansion plan that would see extensions of subway Line 1 to Richmond Hill, Line 2 to Scarborough Centre and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT to Pearson Airport; along with the creation of an ‘Ontario Line’ between the Ontario Science Centre and Ontario Place that would …

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 …

Vision Of A Main Street On Yonge Still Strong

Post Date January 20, 2020

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category City Hall Debates, News from Ward 18, News from Ward 23

Image: Community Outreach staff member Jesse James speaks to a group of business leaders during the BIA Brunch Meeting this past October.

Yonge Street is in desperate need of a makeover. But more than a just new layer of asphalt and concrete, our main street needs a new way of thinking — one that makes it more functional for our growing community and the many uses demanded of our public space.

Residents in Willowdale want their stretch of Yonge to be a safe place to …

Win For Families At Yonge Sheppard Centre

Post Date January 20, 2020

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Author Catherine LeBlanc Miller

Category Development Issues, News from Ward 18, News from Ward 23

Image: Catherine LeBlanc-Miller (pictured) stands alongside one of three child care playgrounds at the redeveloped Yonge Sheppard Centre.

If you’re the parent, or caregiver of a young child, chances are good you’ve shared the struggle of finding high-quality, affordable child care. In Willowdale, our population growth has created long wait lists, challenging young families looking for a supportive and welcoming space for their little ones.

Throughout his career, John has taken a creative approach to establishing new child care spaces, leveraging surplus school space and development revenue …

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 Residents Weigh In On Road Safety

Post Date January 2, 2020

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Author Ian Hwang

Category Local Events, News from Ward 18

Road safety is an issue John takes very seriously, leading to our office working actively with the City and community members to enact traffic measures that will make Willowdale a safer community for everyone.

Over the past year, City Council and the Transportation Services department have added to the list of safety measures under the City’s Vision Zero road safety program. These have included laying the groundwork for introducing Photo Radar (which will launch in early 2020), doubling the number of Red Light Cameras in the …

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 …