John Filion

Tips for a Safe & Healthy Summer

Post Date June 23, 2019

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Category Local Events

With the arrival of warmer temperatures, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa is offering up some tips to enjoy summer in a safe and active way during the scorching weather.

Beat the heat

Check on vulnerable groups and loved ones that are at risk, including isolated adults and seniors, people with chronic illnesses, and infants and young children.
Ensure that elderly people, children or pets are not left unattended in a car. Make “look before you leave” a routine whenever you get out of the …

Multiculturalism Day & Canada Day Events in Mel Lastman Square

Post Date June 21, 2019

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Author Selina Chignall

Category Local Events, Uncategorized

Celebrate Multiculturalism Day (June 30) and Canada Day (July 1) in Mel Lastman Square!

Multiculturalism Day will showcase the contributions of multicultural artists and communities to Canadian society through a dynamic program of contemporary music, dance and spoken word.

Admission is free!

The celebration is presented in collaboration with community partners North York Arts, Uma Nota, Small World Music, and RISE.

Mel Lastman Square Program – Multiculturalism Day (June 30)

Joining the lineup for Multiculturalism Day is the Juno Award-winning Okavango African Orchestra, featuring a cast of 9 accomplished African-born …

Cultura Announces 2019 Line-up for July

Post Date June 12, 2019

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Local Events, News from Ward 23

What will you find on July’s Friday nights in Mel Lastman Square? You just never know until you’re there! Willowdale’s own “community festival” presented by John Filion and North York Arts returns for another power packed season.

Each week you’ll find family activities, colourful characters, incredible music and more as the Square comes alive for audiences of all ages from 6 to 8 PM. Grab a bite with one of our international street food vendors, featuring Gogi Korean BBQ, Forno 450 pizza, Jerk Brothers, Espeto Brazil, Naansense and …

Movie in the Square – RESCHEDULED TO JUNE 21

Post Date June 11, 2019

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Local Events, News from Ward 23

Updated (June 11, 2019):

Due to the conflict with Game 6 of the NBA Finals and the tremendous support for the Toronto Raptors as they pursue their first championship, we have rescheduled our June Movie in the Square (details below) to Friday, June 21. Please join us at dusk (approximately 9 PM) for this event celebrating the rich culture of the Willowdale community.

Original Post (May 27, 2019):

Join John and MP for Willowdale Ali Ehsassi for a special presentation of Song of God – a new documentary …

Parks & Recreation Improvements

Post Date June 10, 2019

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category News from Ward 23, Park Improvements

Local parks and recreation spaces are a critical part of creating complete communities. To better serve our growing community, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to expand these public spaces.

This year, John continues working towards new and accessible playground equipment being installed at local parks with projects in Kempford Park and Empress Tot Lot. Last year, we updated numerous parks, including Hendon and Sheppard East Parks.

After many years of construction, the Edithvale Park expansion is also nearing completion. The completed park will include outdoor …

Bike Safety & Family Fun Day – June 15

Post Date June 9, 2019

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Local Events, Transportation & Transit

Summer is here which means its the perfect season to get out on your bike and go for a ride. But are you ready for the season? Join John for Willowdale’s inaugural Bike Safety & Family Fun Day at Bayview Arena (3230 Bayview Avenue) on Saturday, June 15, 2019 from 1 – 4 PM.

We’re ushering in the summer season with free bike tune-ups (first-come first-served) to make sure you’re ready for your summer ride, along with free ice cream and family activities including a cycling …

The Future of Sheppard West & Bogert Apartments

Post Date June 7, 2019

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Development Issues, News from Ward 23

The Lansing neighbourhoods (west of Yonge, on either side of Sheppard) continue to face extreme development pressure, with two major battles being decided by a provincially-appointed board.

Recently, a five-week hearing dealt with development along both sides of Sheppard, west of Yonge. Two years ago, the City had adopted a plan for Sheppard West which restricted development to the main street and limited heights to five and six storeys in most locations. But a group of land speculators appealed the city’s plan and presented one of …

Premier to Open the Floodgates on Development (updated)

Post Date June 6, 2019

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

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

Updated (June 6, 2019):

This week, Bill 108 passed third reading at Queen’s Park and received Royal Assent. It is now law in Ontario. There remain many concerns about the passing of this bill, and conflicting information circulating about its overall impact. Last week, we did some fact checking on the Province’s claims.

In many cases, details about the actual impact to development charges and community benefits have yet to be released by the Province. That means its not too late to contact our MPP and share …

Road Safety: Vision Zero 2.0

Post Date June 4, 2019

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category News from City Hall, Transportation & Transit

The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan was enacted in 2017 as part of an international movement to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on local streets. John’s office continues to collaborate with City Transportation staff to advance road safety measures in Willowdale.

Over the past year, we have been able to greatly enhance the Watch Your Speed Program which piloted in Willowdale in 2014 at John’s initiative. School Safety Zones, including these boards, have been permanently established at Cameron PS, Hollywood PS, Willowdale MS/Churchill PS and …

Helping with Property Standards

Post Date June 3, 2019

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Development Issues, News from City Hall

With great weather comes great responsibility to maintain outdoor spaces. Properties should be clean and free of waste and debris, with long grass and weeds not exceeding 8 inches in length. Unfortunately, the City does not always have the resources to enforce proactively and can use your help.

If you notice a property in your neighbourhood that has become unsightly, you can contact 311 311@toronto.ca or our office at Councillor_filion@toronto.ca.

After the problem is reported, Municipal Licensing & Standards (ML&S) will issue an advisory notice. If the …

Fact Checking our MPP on Bill 108

Post Date May 31, 2019

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

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

Willowdale MPP Stan Cho has released a “fact sheet” on Bill 108. But who’s checking the facts? Virtually every point on the page was either incorrect, misleading or unsupportable by information on the public record. Here are our top 10 most glaring concerns:

Claim: “Lengthy unpredictable approval processes and high costs have slowed down the building of new housing and rentals leading to a supply-demand imbalance.”

Reality: Toronto has had more development than any other city in North America. Since 2002, 226,000 new homes have been built …

Arts in the Parks Season Launch – June 7

Post Date May 17, 2019

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category Local Events, News from Ward 23, Park Improvements

An initiative of the Toronto Arts Foundation which John helped to launch in 2015, Arts in the Parks brings free, family-friendly arts events and activities to a park near you. Think theatre performances, dance classes, workshops, movies, festivals and more, right in your backyard!

All ages are welcome to join us on Friday, June 7 from 12 – 3 PM at Lee Lifeson Art Park (223 Gladys Allison Place) for a free afternoon of performances, workshops and fun as we kick off the summer season of Arts in …