Yonge St. Construction Notice

Post Date September 20, 2019
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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

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Abbotsford Park Re-Opening

Abbotsford Park Re-Opening
Post Date September 17, 2019
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Category Park Improvements

This fall, we’re excited to open a new and improved Abbotsford Park in the West Willowdale community.

Parkland contribution from recent development allowed the City to acquire a new lot on Ellerslie Avenue in 2018. This space not only expands the park, but creates a new pedestrian path connecting Abbotsford Road to Ellerslie.

In consultation with the West Willowdale Neighbourhood Association and surrounding community, the City has also upgraded the park itself adding new playground equipment, pathways, lighting and landscaping to enhance this great community space.

Join John, …

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Applying to Toronto’s Crossing Guard Program

Applying to Toronto’s Crossing Guard Program
Post Date September 17, 2019
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Category Transportation & Transit

Crossing guards play a vital role in supporting the well-being and safety of children.

If you would like to apply to a new school crossing guard location, please fill out the form here.

The following steps must be taken to have your crossing guard application processed:

The form must be completed and signed off or endorsed by the School Principal and John
An email from the School Principal and John’s office must be sent to SchoolCrossingGuard@toronto.ca to confirm that the requester has reached out to both School Principal and …

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Planning Rules Upheld For Sheppard West

Post Date September 15, 2019
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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 …

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RBC Race for the Kids (Lane Restrictions)

Post Date September 13, 2019
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Category News from Ward 18

Willowdale residents will want to be aware of road closures this Saturday (Sept. 14) due to RBC’s annual Race for the Kids in support of youth mental health at Sunnybrook.

Beecroft Road will be fully closed from Park Home Avenue to North York Boulevard on Saturday, September 14 from 4:30 to 10:30 AM to accommodate the race formation area.

A series of full, partial and rolling closures to accommodate the race route will impact parts of Yonge Street, Bathurst Street, Finch Avenue and Talbot Road.

For a list of all …

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City of Toronto Seeks Input From Toronto’s Neighbourhood Associations

City of Toronto Seeks Input From Toronto’s Neighbourhood Associations
Post Date September 13, 2019
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Category News from City Hall, Uncategorized

The City of Toronto wants to explore the relationships between neighbourhood associations, and their relationships with City Council, and how they participate in local and city-wide decision-making.

If you’re a member or coordinator of a neighbourhood or resident network, association or group, the City invites you to attend an upcoming consultation as part of City Council’s Special Committee on Governance.

Neighbourhood associations are invited to:

Provide input via an online survey at toronto.ca/TOgovernance
Drop in to talk with City Staff on these dates:

North York Civic Centre – Main floor, …

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Navigating Issues Related to Party Houses

Navigating Issues Related to Party Houses
Post Date August 26, 2019
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Category News from Ward 18

In recent months, we have seen a rise in short-term rental properties being used for events and parties in Willowdale.

Issues related to noise, garbage left on the property, and illegally parked vehicles are just some of the complaints that we have received.

Last year, the City proposed regulations to end Airbnb from listing entire homes for use. However, the room sharing service appealed those rules to the Ontario Municipal Board, now called the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).

John met with various divisions (ML&S, Toronto Building, Fire …

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Neighbourhood Zoning – “The Missing Middle”

Post Date August 8, 2019
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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 …

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Basketball Court Upgrades at Willowtree

Basketball Court Upgrades at Willowtree
Post Date July 26, 2019
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Category Development Issues

At the July meeting of City Council, John passed a motion in support of the upgrades of the basketball court at 415 Willowdale Avenue, an affordable housing complex known as Willowtree.

John’s motion directed half of the required funding to assist Toronto Community Housing (TCH)  with the other half being provided by TCH.

These funds will be used to increase the size of the court, upgrade the poles and nets, provide new benches and fencing and make the site more accessible. Construction on the court is slated …

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Crossing Signal Updates

Crossing Signal Updates
Post Date July 26, 2019
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Category Transportation & Transit

Crossing signals play an important role in road safety as they provide a safe walking environment for pedestrians in hectic traffic areas.

John’s office continues to support initiatives to promote road safety. It has been a top priority for John as Willowdale experiences a surge in population growth and a construction boom.

Traffic Control Signals at Avondale Ave. and Bales Ave./Harrison Garden Blvd.

A number of residents have contacted John’s office to express concern about pedestrian safety at the intersection of Avondale Ave. and Bales Ave./Harrison Garden Blvd., …

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Profile: Parkview Neighbourhood Garden

Profile: Parkview Neighbourhood Garden
Post Date July 26, 2019
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Category Local Events, Uncategorized

Parkview Neighbourhood Garden is celebrating its 10th anniversary this September.

The volunteer-run and operated community garden, located at 34 Parkview Ave., was first conceptualized in 2008 through a community meeting, where the decision was made to lay the foundation for the soon-to-be neighbourhood garden in the vacant city lot next to the historic John McKenzie House, home to the Ontario Historical Society. John supported the garden from the start and was integral to the garden’s expansion in 2014.

The success of Parkview Neighbourhood Garden hasn’t been without …

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Tips for a Safe & Healthy Summer

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 …

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