John Filion

New Service Opening for Refugees

Post Date November 7, 2019

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Author John Filion

The City of Toronto has announced plans to open 5800 Yonge Street as a temporary housing centre for refugees.

Although the City started preparing this site for use as refugee housing, there were no firm plans to open it as such until the middle of October 2019. As soon as I was aware of these plans, I worked with city staff to schedule a community information session, a notice to be delivered by mail to locals living near the residence, and an email notice from my …

Transit Deal: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Post Date October 29, 2019

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category News from City Hall, Transportation & Transit

This week, Toronto City Council endorsed a deal with Metrolinx and the Province of Ontario that will create some stability after a turbulent year in which the Province had announced plans to seize all high-speed transit assets in the city. The deal allows all parties to move forward productively, but comes with details both good and bad.

Here’s a look at some of the key details.

The Good

The Province has backed down from a plan to seize the City’s transit network. As transit and city planning are …

TTC to Stop Selling Tickets, Tokens, and Passes By The End of November

Post Date October 24, 2019

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Author Ian Hwang

Category Transportation & Transit

The TTC will stop selling tickets, tokens and passes (GTA Weekly and the Day Pass) to customers next month.

On November 30, the public will no longer be able to purchase these items at collector booths. Customers will be able to pick-up tickets, tokens and passes at some third-party retailers.

TTC customers will be able to use previously purchased tickets, tokens and passes. While the GTA Weekly Pass can only be used until December 1, the TTC has not slated a date as to when it will …

Proclaiming Bad News

Post Date October 8, 2019

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Author John Filion

Category Development Issues

When Provincial politicians go out of their way to help their developer friends, they do it as quietly as possible.

So it’s not surprising that you didn’t hear anything about Bill 108 being proclaimed into law September 3, complete with a clause that allows just about any developer to decide if they want their good fortune applied retroactively. And who wouldn’t want to have their appeal of a Toronto planning decision heard under a set of rules which basically takes back the city’s ability to control …

Improving Protection For Our Trees

Post Date October 7, 2019

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Author Brian Liberty

Category News from City Hall, Park Improvements

Trees are a critically important part of our community. They beautify our neighbourhoods, clean the air, offer shade from the sweltering heat during the summer, and help keep sewers from being overwhelmed during a storm. The City of Toronto has committed to increasing its tree canopy to 40% coverage. Despite this good news, many trees are being lost throughout the construction process.

Over the past several years, John has worked with Toronto Urban Forestry staff to improve the speed of inspections and tree protection to ensure …

Toronto Declares Climate Emergency

Post Date October 2, 2019

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Author Markus O'Brien-Fehr

Category News from City Hall

Climate scientists widely agree that the world must rapidly reduce carbon emissions over the next 10 years to reduce dangerous effects on our collective health, infrastructure and economy.

This week Toronto City Council unanimously voted to declare a Climate Emergency, joining hundreds of governments around the world and cities across Canada seeking to ensure that Toronto does its part.

Council had previously introduced a climate action strategy in 2017 titled TransformTO. It seeks to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into Toronto by focusing on more efficient …

Willowdale Youth Council

Post Date October 1, 2019

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Author Jesse James

Category News from Ward 18

Willowdale Youth Council (WYC), a program created by John, is a unique opportunity for youth aged 13-19 who live in Ward 18. Members of the WYC get the opportunity to learn about their local community, discuss city-wide issues with John, and connect with other youth leaders.

Through monthly meetings and collaboration with John’s staff, the WYC will have a chance to discover what goes on in a City Councillor’s office, and voice their opinions about issues and concerns in Willowdale.

The first WYC meeting took place in …

Tree Planting in Willowdale

Post Date October 1, 2019

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Author Brian Liberty

Category Park Improvements

Over the next few weeks, the City of Toronto will be planting trees in numerous parks within Ward 18 to increase the area’s forestry canopy.

John is also always looking for groups of residents that wish to advocate in their area for more City tree plantings. In the past, several Willowdale neighbourhoods have canvassed their streets to determine areas for new trees. Where a site is deemed by Forestry to be appropriate – taking into account the location and soil quality – residents can then choose …

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 …

Abbotsford Park Re-Opening

Post Date September 17, 2019

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Author Brian Liberty

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, …

Applying to Toronto’s Crossing Guard Program

Post Date September 17, 2019

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Author Ian Hwang

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 …