You will also start receiving the Star's free morning newsletter Willowdale 2025 federal election live results. Browse live results for all 343 ridings 197 of 197 polls are reporting as of 4:21 p.m. Follow our full coverage of the 2025 federal election 197 of 197 polls are reporting as of 4:21 p.m. Follow our full coverage of the 2025 federal election is projected to be re-elected in Willowdale Ehsassi has 25,487 of 47,688 votes (53.45%) is in second place with 20,915 votes (43.86%) and Christy Kheirallah Ehsassi has represented the riding since 2015 14,676 voters cast ballots at advance polls Looking for another riding? Here are the full results for the 2025 federal election. The Liberals have 169 races called in their favour They have 8,535,128 votes and 43.69 per cent of the popular vote The Conservatives have 144 races called in their favour They have 8,059,938 votes and 41.26 per cent of the popular vote The Bloc Québécois have 22 races called in their favour They have 1,232,095 votes and 6.31 per cent of the popular vote The New Democrats have seven races called in their favour They have 1,231,198 votes and 6.3 per cent of the popular vote The Greens have one race called in their favour They have 243,471 votes and 1.25 per cent of the popular vote There were three independents and four vacancies in the 338-seat Commons the Commons has grown by five ridings starting with this election This article was automatically generated using data provided by Canadian Press and will update as riding results become available Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account LocalNewsMan rushed to hospital after stabbing in North York’s Willowdale area, suspect at-largeBy Codi WilsonOpens in new window and Joanna LavoieOpens in new windowPublished: May 01, 2025 at 9:05AM EDT Twitter feed ©2025 BellMedia All Rights Reserved VideoWillowdale community comes together for ‘move-a-thon’The move-a-thon aims to get community members of all ages moving, whether it’s walking or running, during the outdoor event. Lily Cheng and Mayor Olivia Chow are joined by Lorraine Baillie who is a community liaison for the project They said social service agency WoodGreen will be running and overseeing the homes the city finally started construction on 59 rent-geared-to-income units at 185 Cummer Ave Workers unloaded one of the 59 modular housing units being built at 185 Cummer Ave The 59 rent-geared-to-income homes at 185 Cummer Ave A long-anticipated modular housing project in Willowdale is at last under construction after years of costly delays and local controversy The nearly 60 rent-geared-to-income homes at 185 Cummer Ave. which are meant for seniors escaping homelessness or leaving shelters “It’s an important day because seniors will have a place they can call home,” said Mayor Olivia Chow at the housing site “A shelter is basically a roof over your head The three-storey building will house private studios The building will include a shared laundry space will oversee the new homes and their on-site supports personal support workers and maintenance staff the city started construction on 59 rent-geared-to-income units at 185 Cummer Ave for seniors and older adults exiting homelessness The city announced the Cummer project in 2021, along with four other rapid housing projects across Toronto While the others got built and tenants have been moving in for the past couple of years Willowdale’s remained untouched — until a few weeks ago and across the street from Willowdale Heights a recently developed residential neighbourhood with multimillion-dollar homes local MPP Stan Cho asked the housing minister to not issue the site’s ministerial zoning order which bypasses local rules to fast-track development despite all the other projects getting one the Cummer plan became a wedge issue in the 2022 municipal election she said she wanted a different location or a reduction in the number of tenants suggesting the area could see significant crime A supportive housing development on Cummer Avenue remains unbuilt after more than three years while a similar project in East York has been The units ended up sitting unused in a warehouse or outside for years The Star revealed last year the delays escalated the project’s costs by $22 million bringing the total price to more than $36 million the city’s departing housing director the project won’t see another price increase According to confidential city documents recently made public $861,480 of those costs were the result of some of the modular units needing to be inspected and refurbished after being stored outside It also cost $4.8 million to store and transport the units while the project dragged on in the zoning approval process Construction costs are shared by the city and federal governments the city was on the hook for these additional “I think we’ve landed on the best possible outcome that it will be older adults who are housed here,” Cheng said Thursday “Something that is a complement to the campus of services that already exist here.” When asked why she resisted the project for so long Cheng said local seniors had “a lot” of concerns There is no 24-hour security here,” Cheng continued She added that “news” from implementing other shelter and modular housing sites in the city made local seniors worry about safety “It is unfortunate there’s been these cost escalations but building trust is very important with the community,” Cheng said According to city spokesperson Christy Abraham there have been no security incidents over the past couple of years at any of the other modular housing sites at 11 Macey Ave. “The city is not aware of any specific incidents related to community safety at modular housing developments,” Abraham said noting the city works with communities and experts to integrate these new tenants within neighbourhoods said they will have around-the-clock staffing for on-site health and lifestyle support services “Always enough staff on-site to keep everyone inside safe as well as externally,” Babcock said a member of volunteer watch group HousingNowTO was critical Thursday of the lengthy delay for the Cummer project “It’s kind of a temple to political and provincial cowardice on affordable housing projects.” He said it doesn’t matter if governments set housing targets and create programs if they don’t move quickly enough “And if you don’t stand up to the folks in the McMansions across the street who are protesting against housing for less fortunate people in their neighbourhoods then we end up in this situation,” Richardson continued He noted if the municipality wants to meet its target of 18,000 affordable supportive housing units like the Cummer site, “the city would have to build one of these … every week for the next (six) years.” Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. Someone in the Toronto area is holding a winning lottery ticket worth $25 million. Ontario lottery officials say a winning ticket bearing the numbers 2, 8, 9, 16, 27, 37, 38 with the bonus number 30 from Friday’s draw was sold in Willowdale. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation says this is the second big jackpot won in Ontario this year. A $60 million LOTTO Max jackpot was won on January 21 by a ticket holder in Etobicoke. A winning Encore ticket from Friday’s draw bearing the number 5187090 worth $100,000 was sold on OLG.ca. A Canadian man arrested on vacation has been proven innocent. Melissa Nakhavoly with why he is still being held in the Dominican Republic. Warmer temperatures but showers are expected on-and-off for the next few days. Meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai has your seven-day forecast. Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls on Prime Minister Mark Carney to prioritize a list of projects including the proposed Highway 401 tunnel. The family of Soleiman Faqiri, a mentally ill man who was killed in an Ontario prison, is calling out the provincial government over the lack of correctional reform Now New and Improved! Watch CityNews, listen to NewsRadio Toronto live anytime and get up-to-the-minute breaking-news alerts, traffic, weather and video from CityNews Toronto anywhere you are – across all Android and iOS devices. The former Liberal candidate for Willowdale is making a comeback for the next (possibly early) election in the hopes of unseating PC incumbent STAN CHO Saguil wound up roughly 2,000 votes behind Cho — putting the riding close to target-seat territory for the PCs The race is heating up: Cho was officially re-nominated as the candidate this week (full candidate list) About 40 folks showed up to the local legion (Cho’s new baby CHARLOTTE took the night off) then a few went downstairs to the bar for drinks and Korean food Cho also held a town hall last night and is planning a “super canvas” this weekend is gearing up with a $500-a-head fundraiser next week he’s a lawyer who works in TD Bank’s anti-corruption department and previously chaired the board of The 519 Saguil tells me what he’s doing differently this time that time he fought JAGMEET SINGH (literally) and more Why did you throw your hat back into the ring “I believe that this government has really shown that they’re not here for Ontarians They’re here for their pals and friends — and it’s only gotten worse over the last two years since the election it’s my way of contributing to what I think Ontario needs — which is a change in how our government focuses on the needs of people that are vulnerable They’re just tired of a government that doesn’t heed the feedback that they’re getting about what matters most.” it translated into something more powerful which is deepening connections with the community We’re saying to them: we’re not just going to go away because we didn’t get the job done last time we’re better prepared and we’re ready to go.” Share What’s different for you this time around? “As a first-time candidate, obviously you learn a lot about the process itself. We’ve learned, as a party as well, to reach out to our communities and volunteers and find out what they’re looking for in our platform, and our policy offerings going forward will be based on those exercises. We’ve obviously united under a new leader, too.” What gives you the edge as a candidate? “With my background in both the private sector and not-for-profit sector, my experience as a lawyer, as a business executive, as a governance leader and community advocate, I think there’s many things that I could really help out with, and that’s one of the reasons I’m putting myself forward as someone who can help steer the ship going forward.” Message Sabrina NanjiHAPPENING TODAY 9 a.m.: Liberal STEPHANIE BOWMAN is in the Media Studio to tease her forthcoming private member’s bill aimed at protecting tenants 10 a.m.: Liberal Leader BONNIE CROMBIE is up next to reveal a “previously hidden report on DOUG FORD’s family doctor crisis.” Spoiler alert: “over 3 million people are at risk of losing their doctor,” Crombie says 11 a.m.: Energy Minister STEPHEN LECCE is up in Toronto (Updated) 1 p.m.: Labour Minister DAVID PICCINI continues his announcement streak in Toronto Incoming: Labour-related legislation is expected to hit the Clerk’s table any day now (more on that in a moment) FUNDRAISING WATCH — 5:30 p.m.: Another day, another big-ticket PC fundraiser without a ministerial lineup, suggesting DOUG FORD might show. Invite…6 p.m.: VIC FEDELI and local rep DAISY WAI are hosting business leaders in Richmond Hill for $1,000 a head Mystery bill incoming: House Leader STEVE CLARK teased another bill that’s headed for the Clerk’s table just after 3 p.m First up on today’s docket: Natural Resources Minister GRAYDON SMITH will kick off second-reading debate on his Bill 228 That’s expected to continue in the afternoon sitting PC SHEREF SABAWY will move second reading on his private member’s Bill 215 to proclaim every September Ukrainian Heritage Month Killed: NDP Leader MARIT STILES’s Oppo Day motion calling on the government to crack down on cash-for-access did not survive the PC majority (Ayes 29…Nays 63) Off to committee: PC DAISY WAI’s PMB to establish a Retiree Experience Awareness Day will go under the microscope at Social Policy after clearing second reading on a voice vote Bill 186 — PC backbencher MATT RAE’s move to protect farming businesses’ “agritourism” ventures by clearing them of liability could be tweaked during clause-by-clause consideration 1 p.m.: Amid an explosive debate on intimate partner violence Justice Policy continues its study and will hear from a bunch of front-benchers: Health Minister SYLVIA JONES Indigenous Affairs Minister GREG RICKFORD and Social Services Minister MICHAEL PARSA Also from the civil service side: JACQUELINE CURETON associate deputy minister of the Community Services division Early birds can check out Small Ownership Landlords Ontario’s morning reception in the Dining Room The Salvation Army is hosting a lunchtime reception in Room 228 followed by the Good Roads association in the evening Also in the Dining Room tonight: Life Sciences Ontario — TRADE WARS: Premier DOUG FORD continues to lean into the DONALD TRUMP talk (which gives him political cover to trigger a snap vote on this side of the border) The latest: Ford held an impromptu scrum at Queen’s Park Tuesday — complete with a U.S flag backdrop — to push back against Trump’s threat to levy 25 per-cent-tariffs on Canada “It’s like a family member stabbing you right in the heart,” he said warning that Canada would have “no choice” but to retaliate The province is also launching a multimillion-dollar “stronger together” advertising campaign in key states highlighting the trade relationship with Canada And the first ministers will get that virtual call they wanted with Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU tonight at 5 p.m The PCs and Liberals are also going at it on social media. More on Ford’s fighting words via the Star — WAXING POETIC: Meet Ontario’s next poet laureate: MATTHEW-RAY JONES Jones is the second provincial laureate — the position was created by a private member’s bill from ex-NDPer PERCY HATFIELD — WORKING FOR WORKERS 6.0: Labour Minister DAVID PICCINI’s latest legislative teaser: “A job-protected leave of 16 weeks for people who adopt children or have kids through surrogacy…Piccini says the new leave which would align with upcoming federal changes to create Employment Insurance benefits for adoption Details from CP: “It is also set to include a 27-week long-term illness leave for employees who can’t work due to a serious medical condition such as cancer multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease…also expand a requirement for properly fitting personal protective equipment for women in the construction sector to include all sectors.” — WHAT TORIES ARE READING: Come for The Logic’s Kevin Carmichael’s in-depth interview with Finance Minister PETER BETHLENFALVY (“There’s still some Bay Street in” him)…stay for his comparison of Ontario’s $200 rebate and Ottawa’s $250 cheque: “There’s a difference between the two plans…The Ontario government decided to blow money out the door from a position of fiscal strength while [CHRYSTIA] Freeland has struggled to stay within her self-imposed deficit and debt guardrails Without spending cuts to offset their copycat helicopter drop [JUSTIN] TRUDEAU and Freeland risk looking desperate.” — WE HAVE LIFTOFF: “The provincial government has announced that excavation of the launch shaft that will be the starting point to tunnel for the Ontario Line subway has officially begun at Exhibition Station.” CityNews reports — YAKABUSKI’S OUT: Turns out it was more than just a rumour — veteran PC JOHN YAKABUSKI already made it official that he won’t seek another term in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke — COMING FOR CROMBIE: New Democrats are having a field day with incoming Liberal candidate ANDREW KANIA in Brampton West, who has a Conservative past. “So continues the Liberals’ lurch to the right,” charged former NDP comms staffer JASON WAGAR First in Observer — In Finance Minister PETER BETHLENFALVY’s office NAVREET HUNDAL is now handling the role of MPP liaison in addition to being director of stakeholder relations caucus affairs and regional communications Hundal is taking over from BENJAMIN MUBIRU who is moving over to Public and Business Service Delivery Minister TODD McCARTHY’s team as policy adviser Q+A \u2014 PAUL SAGUIL is ready for a rematch Saguil wound up roughly 2,000 votes behind Cho \u2014 putting the riding close to target-seat territory for the PCs The race is heating up: Cho was officially re-nominated as the candidate this week (full candidate list) About 40 folks showed up to the local legion (Cho\u2019s new baby CHARLOTTE took the night off) Cho also held a town hall last night and is planning a \u201Csuper canvas\u201D this weekend he\u2019s a lawyer who works in TD Bank\u2019s anti-corruption department and previously chaired the board of The 519 Saguil tells me what he\u2019s doing differently this time \u201CI believe that this government has really shown that they\u2019re not here for Ontarians They\u2019re here for their pals and friends \u2014 and it\u2019s only gotten worse over the last two years since the election it\u2019s my way of contributing to what I think Ontario needs \u2014 which is a change in how our government focuses on the needs of people that are vulnerable They\u2019re just tired of a government that doesn\u2019t heed the feedback that they\u2019re getting about what matters most.\u201D \u201CIt was a really tough lesson in 2022 We\u2019re saying to them: we\u2019re not just going to go away because we didn\u2019t get the job done last time we\u2019re going to make sure that this time we\u2019re better prepared and we\u2019re ready to go.\u201D Share What\u2019s different for you this time around? \u201CAs a first-time candidate, obviously you learn a lot about the process itself. We\u2019ve learned, as a party as well, to reach out to our communities and volunteers and find out what they\u2019re looking for in our platform, and our policy offerings going forward will be based on those exercises. We\u2019ve obviously united under a new leader, too.\u201D What gives you the edge as a candidate? \u201CWith my background in both the private sector and not-for-profit sector, my experience as a lawyer, as a business executive, as a governance leader and community advocate, I think there\u2019s many things that I could really help out with, and that\u2019s one of the reasons I\u2019m putting myself forward as someone who can help steer the ship going forward.\u201D 9 a.m.: Liberal STEPHANIE BOWMAN is in the Media Studio to tease her forthcoming private member\u2019s bill aimed at protecting tenants to reveal a \u201Cpreviously hidden report on DOUG FORD\u2019s family doctor crisis.\u201D Spoiler alert: \u201Cover 3 million people are at risk of losing their doctor,\u201D Crombie says Incoming: Labour-related legislation is expected to hit the Clerk\u2019s table any day now (more on that in a moment) FUNDRAISING WATCH \u2014 5:30 p.m.: Another day, another big-ticket PC fundraiser without a ministerial lineup, suggesting DOUG FORD might show. Invite\u20266 p.m.: VIC FEDELI and local rep DAISY WAI are hosting business leaders in Richmond Hill for $1,000 a head Mystery bill incoming: House Leader STEVE CLARK teased another bill that\u2019s headed for the Clerk\u2019s table just after 3 p.m First up on today\u2019s docket: Natural Resources Minister GRAYDON SMITH will kick off second-reading debate on his Bill 228 That\u2019s expected to continue in the afternoon sitting PC SHEREF SABAWY will move second reading on his private member\u2019s Bill 215 Killed: NDP Leader MARIT STILES\u2019s Oppo Day motion calling on the government to crack down on cash-for-access did not survive the PC majority (Ayes 29\u2026Nays 63) Off to committee: PC DAISY WAI\u2019s PMB to establish a Retiree Experience Awareness Day will go under the microscope at Social Policy after clearing second reading on a voice vote Bill 186 \u2014 PC backbencher MATT RAE\u2019s move to protect farming businesses\u2019 \u201Cagritourism\u201D ventures by clearing them of liability 1 p.m.: Amid an explosive debate on intimate partner violence Subscribe now Early birds can check out Small Ownership Landlords Ontario\u2019s morning reception in the Dining Room \u2014 TRADE WARS: Premier DOUG FORD continues to lean into the DONALD TRUMP talk (which gives him political cover to trigger a snap vote on this side of the border) The latest: Ford held an impromptu scrum at Queen\u2019s Park Tuesday \u2014 complete with a U.S flag backdrop \u2014 to push back against Trump\u2019s threat to levy 25 per-cent-tariffs on Canada \u201CIt\u2019s like a family member stabbing you right in the heart,\u201D he said warning that Canada would have \u201Cno choice\u201D but to retaliate The province is also launching a multimillion-dollar \u201Cstronger together\u201D advertising campaign in key states highlighting the trade relationship with Canada The PCs and Liberals are also going at it on social media. More on Ford\u2019s fighting words via the Star \u2014 WAXING POETIC: Meet Ontario\u2019s next poet laureate: MATTHEW-RAY JONES Jones is the second provincial laureate \u2014 the position was created by a private member\u2019s bill from ex-NDPer PERCY HATFIELD \u2014 WORKING FOR WORKERS 6.0: Labour Minister DAVID PICCINI\u2019s latest legislative teaser: \u201CA job-protected leave of 16 weeks for people who adopt children or have kids through surrogacy\u2026Piccini says the new leave will be part of new labour legislation.\u201D Details from CP: \u201CIt is also set to include a 27-week long-term illness leave for employees who can\u2019t work due to a serious medical condition such as cancer multiple sclerosis or Crohn\u2019s disease\u2026also expand a requirement for properly fitting personal protective equipment for women in the construction sector to include all sectors.\u201D \u2014 WHAT TORIES ARE READING: Come for The Logic\u2019s Kevin Carmichael\u2019s in-depth interview with Finance Minister PETER BETHLENFALVY (\u201CThere\u2019s still some Bay Street in\u201D him)\u2026stay for his comparison of Ontario\u2019s $200 rebate and Ottawa\u2019s $250 cheque: \u201CThere\u2019s a difference between the two plans\u2026The Ontario government decided to blow money out the door from a position of fiscal strength [JUSTIN] TRUDEAU and Freeland risk looking desperate.\u201D \u2014 WE HAVE LIFTOFF: \u201CThe provincial government has announced that excavation of the launch shaft that will be the starting point to tunnel for the Ontario Line subway has officially begun at Exhibition Station.\u201D CityNews reports \u2014 YAKABUSKI\u2019S OUT: Turns out it was more than just a rumour \u2014 veteran PC JOHN YAKABUSKI already made it official that he won\u2019t seek another term in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke \u2014 COMING FOR CROMBIE: New Democrats are having a field day with incoming Liberal candidate ANDREW KANIA in Brampton West, who has a Conservative past. \u201CSo continues the Liberals\u2019 lurch to the right,\u201D charged former NDP comms staffer JASON WAGAR First in Observer \u2014 In Finance Minister PETER BETHLENFALVY\u2019s office caucus affairs and regional communications.  who is moving over to Public and Business Service Delivery Minister TODD McCARTHY\u2019s team as policy adviser TorontoNewsWoman seriously injured in shooting in WillowdaleBy Bryann AguilarOpens in new windowPublished: November 16, 2024 at 3:36PM EST they said they located a woman suffering from gunshot wounds 'People in the area need to use caution' since the suspect is still at large Toronto police said after a woman was shot on Saturday in the Ellerslie Avenue and Diagonal Road area “People in the area need to use caution” since the suspect is still at large A woman was transported to hospital with serious injuries on Saturday after a daytime shooting in Willowdale Toronto police say they responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Ellerslie Avenue and Diagonal Road — west of Yonge Street south of Finch Avenue West — at just after 3 p.m When officers arrived they found a woman suffering from gunshot wounds Paramedics confirmed her injuries were serious but non-life-threatening Police say the suspect fled the scene on foot and that they did not yet have a description Police told the Star that “people in the area need to use caution” since the suspect is at large There are road closures and a police presence in the area Police added that the K9 unit was at the scene along with “many police resources trying to locate the suspect.” Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willowdale Asset Management formerly the corporate division of Empire Communities today announces its official launch as a diversified real estate asset manager overseeing seven distinct businesses across the industry Willowdale’s legacy dates to its founding in 1993 growing from a single-project homebuilding company into a dynamic vertically integrated real estate asset manager with nearly $5 billion in assets under management across North America Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience Article contentAs the parent company to seven leading businesses — Empire Communities Precedent Land Company (formerly Empire Continental Land) and ERTH360 — Willowdale’s expertise and operations cover diverse areas within real estate By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. “Willowdale Asset Management’s launch marks a significant step forward in our evolution enabling us to position all of our businesses for continued growth,” says Co-CEO Daniel Guizzetti we will be able to provide centralized strategic oversight and support while allowing each of our businesses to execute their business plans,” adds Co-CEO Andrew Guizzetti Established in 1993, Willowdale Asset Management – the former corporate division of Empire Communities – has grown from a single-project homebuilding company into a diversified real estate asset manager with a vast portfolio of projects and companies. With close to $5.0B in assets under management, Willowdale’s experience and operating expertise spans home building, land acquisition and development, rental, development financing solutions, brokerage services, and wellness real estate. transmission or republication strictly prohibited This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy You can manage saved articles in your account 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willowdale Asset Management is pleased to announce that three of its portfolio companies—ERTH360 and Empire Communities—have been recognized for their excellence at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) The Nationals Awards The Nationals has celebrated outstanding achievements in the homebuilding industry recognizing companies and individuals who demonstrate innovation As the industry’s most prestigious awards program and professionals shaping the future of residential real estate ERTH360 took home Gold for the Global Innovation Home of the Year with its Discovery Home highlighting the company’s leadership in cutting-edge design This award reflects ERTH360’s commitment to developing healthier indoor living environments that enhance occupant well-being while integrating sustainable building materials and best-in-class construction practices TFN Realty was also awarded Gold for Best Sales Team recognizing its outstanding sales performance and strategic leadership in pre-construction TFN Realty has consistently delivered results that strengthen builder partnerships and drive success in competitive markets one of North America’s largest privately-held homebuilders “These achievements reinforce the depth of expertise and executional excellence across Willowdale’s portfolio companies,” says Daniel and Andrew Guizzetti “We take pride in having industry leaders within our portfolio who consistently push the boundaries of innovation and performance in the real estate sector.” and Empire Communities is a testament to Willowdale’s commitment to investing in companies that drive meaningful impact within the industry Willowdale Asset Management—the former corporate division of Empire Communities—has grown from a single-project homebuilding company into a diversified real estate asset manager with a vast portfolio of projects and companies With close to $5.0B in assets under management Willowdale’s experience and operating expertise spans home building For more information about Willowdale Asset Management, visit willowdaleasset.com ERTH360 offers innovative solutions for homebuilders emphasizing the design of healthier indoor living environments that enhance occupant health and well-being while prioritizing sustainable building practices the company has implemented advanced construction techniques grounded in Building Biology significantly improving indoor air quality with its flagship product This cutting-edge solution utilizes advanced filtration and ventilation enabling homes to meet the ASHRAE Standard 241 for indoor air quality—the first in North America to achieve this standard As ERTH360 expands its health-focused offerings across select communities it sets a new benchmark in residential construction For more information about ERTH360, visit erth360.com TFN Realty is a leading real estate brokerage based in Vaughan specializing in pre-construction and resale sales TFN Realty is the exclusive sales partner for Empire Communities in Canada For more information about TFN Realty, visit tfnrealty.com Empire Communities is a fully vertically-integrated homebuilder involved in all aspects of the homebuilding and sales process Celebrating over 30 years as one of North America’s largest privately held homebuilders Empire builds and develops in over 100 intown and suburban communities across Toronto targeting primarily entry-level and move-up buyers with attainable product offerings Empire has built over 36,000 new homes and condos Empire currently has a strategic land position representing more than 27,000 potential future homesites in the planning For more information about Empire Communities, visit empirecommunities.com Sign in Join now, it's FREE! A house fire that caused extensive damage to a Willowdale Street home is under investigation on Monday for a fire in the 0-100 block of Willowdale Street said the department's public education officer Aaron Gravelle in an email on Tuesday a huge column of black smoke could be seen rising above the scene Firefighters arrived on scene to find a fire in a detached garage behind the home as well as flames on the second floor and roof of the nearby home "Crews were able to contain and extinguish the fire There were no injuries to report," said Gravelle Fire crews were able to extinguish the bulk of the fire by about 7:15 p.m SooToday will provide more information when it becomes available and the information within may be out of date Toronto police are asking for the public’s help finding a missing man last seen in North York’s Willowdale area more than a month ago Kobua Numfor was last seen near Yonge Street and Finch Avenue at approximately 4 p.m Kobua Numfor - Toronto Police Service photos The 34-year-old man is described by police as 5’4” with a thin to medium build navy blue beanie and black and/or brown shoes with white soles Police are concerned for his safety, and asking anyone with information about his location to contact 32 Division at 416-808-3200. Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 222tips.com or 416-222-TIPS (8477) Councillor David Shiner at a council meeting earlier this year - Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star file photo David Shiner has told his community that he won't be running for Toronto council in 2018 David Shiner has told his community that he won’t be running for Toronto council in 2018 In a community newsletter distributed in July I will continue to be your councillor until the new term begins in December.” the long-serving North York councillor would not say whether he would register to run for the Willowdale seat in the smaller council that Ontario Premier Doug Ford is preparing to impose midstream “I have decided not to run based on the 47-member ward,” said Shiner on July 30 “The 25-member ward is interesting — I was around in the former City of North York and had to deal with Mel Lastman and when amalgamation came around it was quite exciting to get involved in work with the regional and local level and now there’s another option on the table .. I think we can be more efficient with 25 members That is still something I would like to consider but at this point in time I nave decided not to run.” Shiner has served on Toronto and the former North York council for the past 27 years during which time he has chaired various committees including budget committee and most recently the city’s planning and growth management committee and has always represented the eastern and northern portions of Willowdale He has also made a practice of filing his nomination papers very near the deadline for municipal elections Shiner’s name was not on the list at all Premier Doug Ford announced that he would be redrawing ward boundaries to reduce Toronto council from 47 wards to just 25 and in the course of doing so re-open nominations for city councillors until Sept The two wards closest to his current ward would be Ward 29 and 30 Shiner said that he always considers very carefully whether to run and this time he felt that it was time to go “With everything that’s gone on out there it’s been an extremely busy term and I thought I did a great job for my community,” he said I think there will be some good candidates coming forward that we did not have the last time around I expect that there will be some good residents putting their names forward for a 25-member council.” Shiner said that he had no particular plans for his retirement from municipal politics And he said that he has given “no consideration” to endorsements that he would oppose another incumbent or well-known councillor moving into his ward because it was vacant “I don’t think it would be right for someone in another riding where they didn’t want a fight to step into this one because it was open,” said Shiner “I think they’ll get a real surprise from the voters.” is a reporter and columnist for Metroland Media Toronto He is also an author of speculative fiction His most recent book is VOLK: A Novel of Radiant Abomination A local neighbourhood group is concerned about an approved plan to construct a 42-storey tower in their area raising a long list of fears about the new development in an open letter shared earlier this month The group, which calls itself "Concerned Residents of Willowdale," has various concerns about the planned tower at 2810–2816 Bayview Avenue they claim that the construction of this new tower will put them at risk of a rare type of cancer and even the potential for excavation of the adjacent site to collapse their homes sharing concerns about the City's approval of the plan "right behind single-family homes." The proposal site occupies a major street steps from a key intersection though residents of single-family homes to the rear are fighting back and sets a dangerous precedent for all Toronto neighbourhoods near transit," reads the email The group shared a letter in which they raised a number of health and environmental concerns regarding the excavation phase of the approved project.  the group states that "Deep excavation and construction for this tower will release airborne silica dust to [the] surrounding neighborhood Silica dust is well-established cause of lung cancer and incurable lung diseases such as silicosis." The group argues that "While construction workers are legally protected by safety protocols including wearing a half-mask particulate respirator with N- or P-series filters and a NIOSH APF=10 rating when working within 25 metres of silica dust sources residents have no comparable safeguards." construction workers are afforded more protection than bystanders like spraying material with water during excavation and working behind netting or tarps are typically employed to prevent the spread of dust If the risk reached levels where there was evidence of health impacts to neighbours there would undoubtedly be insurance implications along with several documented cases of Toronto excavations contributing to silicosis in neighbouring homes and businesses the group argues that Toronto's Dust By-law 1088-2018 [8] "does not regulate more hazardous large commercial construction projects like this one," and calls the project "a serious public health risk." the letter cites a report prepared by radiation oncologist Dr Michael Tjong that notes the dangers of silicosis from construction and calls for greater municipal oversight into projects built in close proximity to residential homes But while this cancer threat is framed as clear and present provincial figures suggest that the disease is extremely rare even in people with direct exposure workplace exposure to crystalline silica leads to approximately 200 diagnosed cases of lung cancer each year in Ontario.  the Canada Job Bank notes that there were 596,000 people working in Ontario's construction industry in 2023 or about 7.5 per cent of Ontario's total workforce at that time There is indeed evidence suggesting construction workers are at a much higher risk of silicosis than other professions due to sustained long-term exposure but there is no substantial research or evidence that one could point to to argue higher rates of the disease in people living in the vicinity of a short-term excavation Another concern raised by the resident group in their letter is the fear that the deep excavation required for the development's underground parking component would undermine surrounding homes residents write that "The proposed tower includes three levels of underground parking requiring excavation of at least 10 metres deep especially immediately adjacent to the property line poses a serious risk of undermining the structural integrity of neighboring homes." The group posits that "The stability of older low-rise foundations can be compromised by soil shifting potentially resulting in cracked foundations or even long-term structural failure." While all of this is true in certain circumstances deep excavations extending to property lines are commonplace in Toronto Houses suddenly collapsing due to proximity to these excavations is not an issue you hear about in the news at least not to the degree being suggested here Modern excavation operations — especially those built to lot lines — are not in the business of getting sued to oblivion and stringent precautions are taken to ensure that these exact concerns do not come to fruition So I can't sit here and tell you with 100 per cent certainty that these claims are overblown fearmongering.  I'm also not here to throw the term NIMBY around but what I can say is that the group's almost 1,800-word report is entirely devoid of any specific local examples of these fears coming to light and makes no mention of Toronto's ongoing housing crisis or demand for new homes close to transit stations it does dedicate a whole section of 120 words to "Unsafe Traffic Volume onto Narrow Local Streets," and another 136-word section decrying "Loss of Privacy." 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Empire Continental Land the former land division of Empire Communities has officially rebranded as Precedent Land Company a standalone entity under the newly established Willowdale Asset Management Article contentWith a proven track record spanning over 4,000 acres of land developed and sold Precedent Land Company has shaped over 40 thriving communities across three regions — Ontario The rebrand reflects a forward-looking vision that combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to enhancing land through thoughtful investment and purposeful design we are driven by imagination and the pursuit of bringing land to life,” says Mark Tutton Chief Operating Officer of Precedent Land Company “We take a thoughtful approach to land use reinvesting in its potential to create sustainable neighbourhoods that not only enrich the lives of homeowners but also improve the land itself preserving and elevating its unique qualities for generations to come.” and improving raw or vacant land to unlock its potential for residential This commitment is guided by the belief that each project should contribute to a better future delivering both immediate and enduring value for investors and communities alike The establishment of Precedent Land Company under Willowdale Asset Management also signals a broader strategy of growth and diversification This move enables Precedent to expand its reach and deepen its impact further aligning with Willowdale’s mission to lead in value-driven asset management The city announced the construction of a 59-unit supportive housing building on Cummer Avenue in 2021 Across Cummer Avenue from the proposed supportive housing site is a new development of 14 multimillion-dollar homes Toronto city councillor Brad Bradford outside the Cedarvale Avenue housing site in East York Bradford recalls having to fight fear-mongering among the community before the housing was built supports the construction of modular housing on an adjacent lot a tenant representative at Willowdale Manor while a similar project in East York has been providing much-needed homes James Brown gestures at the swath of grass and trees in front of his building and says the view is nice — but long-delayed apartments for people escaping homelessness would be better a Toronto Community Housing Corporation site on Cummer Avenue that’s been at the centre of a years-long battle over plans to build a 59-unit lowrise modular housing facility on the neighbouring green space Protecting “vulnerable seniors” like him has been a rallying cry for those who have blocked the new modular housing project — at city hall “I have done work with homeless people and people with addiction problems,” says Brown who has lived in Willowdale Manor for a dozen years The disinformation about the people who would be living here — it was so incredible The city announced the Cummer rapid housing project in early 2021 along with a similar project for Cedarvale Avenue in East York its components mouldering in an undisclosed warehouse outside the city provincial interference and poor community outreach by the city Supportive modular housing is one of the city’s responses to Toronto’s housing affordability and homeless crisis affordable studio apartments with on-site health and lifestyle supports Residents can use them as a stepping stone to other homes Construction costs for the five projects announced since 2020 are shared by the city and federal governments The Ontario government pays operating costs Four of these sites in neighbourhoods across Toronto now give people a gateway from homelessness “It was scary” sleeping outside says the 64-year-old whose surname the Star is withholding over concerns about stigma “I got raped a couple of times — it’s bound to happen when you’re sleeping on the street like that But I finally got my place and I couldn’t be happier I’ll never be homeless again.” Outside the attractive wood-clad building with grass borders Brad Bradford recalls his fight against misinformation while addressing community concerns over the introduction of 59 people escaping homelessness to a family street on a former parking lot — across from an elementary school and Stan Wadlow Park and near East York Acres TCHC seniors home When it was announced in early 2021, the plan was protested by local residents, including one who proclaimed the parking lot to be “the heart, the hub of a community.” But after intense community outreach by politicians and city staff and fast-tracked zoning approved by the province Cedarvale got built and homeless people got homes asked how many complaints he fields from neighbours about the residents The main community concern — the loss of some on-street parking — has been addressed with extra supports for low-income Torontonians a 75-year-old tenant rep in the TCHC building explains his fight against the Cummer project will “cause problems for (Willowdale Manor) tenants with the alcohol this kind of bulls—-,” he says and “100 per cent” they will trigger an increase in burglaries and robberies “These people are going to join together and start making problems for this building.” amplified by others during community protests Suleimani waves his hand around the building’s common room and adds other concerns They might want to use his building’s garbage facilities The new residents might themselves be victimized by crime “We don’t know these people — who can say 100 per cent nothing happens from them?” he says Brown believes groups against the supportive housing project used misinformation to weaponize the fears of his neighbours He brandishes Voices of Willowdale pamphlets decrying the loss of a park but notes the TCHC-owned green space near his building has never been a park and that the proposed facility won’t use all of it When asked what he thinks is the root of the opposition, he points across Cummer to Willowdale Heights, a recently completed development of 14 imposing homes. One, boasting more than 4,300 square feet of living space, is listed for $3,328,800 The builder, Richmond Hill-based LiVante Developments, argued in a submission to the city opposing the plan that adding the modular housing would make the site across the street too dense and “create a negative and unprecedented condition and context which would undermine the stable geographic neighbourhood character.” LiVante Developments did not respond to numerous requests for comment for this story Suleimani says that a man identifying himself as a manager for the developer spoke to him during the lobbying campaign against the new project He said the man raised concerns about the potential impact of the new facility on the value of homes across the street “You can look by your eyes,” Suleimani says “to build a building here for low-income people Frustrated proponents of the project note that Willowdale is represented by Progressive Conservative MPP Stan Cho and that Doug Ford’s government agreed to ministerial zoning orders (MZO) which bypass local planning rules to fast-track development for all the supportive projects — except Willowdale Cho in 2021 asked then-housing minister Steve Clark to not issue the MZO The city then held a fifth community meeting but launched the slower regular rezoning process after receiving no provincial response “With all of the other modular housing projects the province agreed to use their legal tools to help us move them through quickly because people need homes,” says Coun “Stan Cho got in the way and that’s cost the city a truckload of money — it’s cost a lot of people decent homes.” declined the Star’s interview request An aide emailed a statement that did not address several submitted questions including what evidence says supportive housing puts “vulnerable seniors” at risk “are directly impacted by the city of Toronto’s lack of community consultation and proper planning concerning this federal and municipal project,” said Cho’s statement it is my job to represent the voices of my constituents.”  Saying that he has offered “alternative solutions to ensure the project moves ahead,” Cho added that homeless people need support but their potential homes need “adequate planning and community support to be successful.” The city’s 2022 zoning approval was appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal by the Bayview Cummer Neighbourhood Association and LiVante with Voices of Willowdale granted participant status After a three-day hearing focused on Willowdale Manor residents, the OLT rejected their objections including lost green space and parking availability saying the project “represents good planning and is in the public interest.” Undeterred, opponents then asked an Ontario court to overturn that decision, but it refused The Star has learned that Voices of Willowdale will be back in court Nov 20 with a new bid to quash the OLT decision a retired city councillor who represented Willowdale when the Cummer site was announced says Cho should not have quickly taken the opponents’ side But he says city staff share some of the blame for not giving councillors advance warning of the selected site and for not having enough answers for surprised residents That created an information vacuum for opponents to fill Filion says he secured city housing boss Abi Bond’s agreement that residents of the Cummer site would be older people and disabled people but he couldn’t get that message past all the noise “Staff created this big opening for groups like Voices of Willowdale to go in and say He also faced opposition to the Cedarvale project from a hastily formed group that flooded social media with warnings But with an MZO in place to prevent endless appeals he was able to combat the misinformation “by spending a lot of time standing in the park talking to parents having those one-on-one conversations — and frankly being yelled at a lot.” In Willowdale, the Bayview Cummer Neighbourhood Association (BCNA) initially expressed strong concerns, but didn’t flat-out oppose the site. After local resident Nathan Gomes was elected president, the group applauded Cho for blocking the MZO and urged residents to sign petitions Later it joined the appeal of the OLT decision where a lawyer argued noting he is no longer association president A request for comment from the neighbourhood association elicited this emailed response: “The BCNA was not against the development but we asked that the units be zoned for unhoused seniors (as a consideration for the 600 vulnerable seniors already living nearby) After several failed attempts (both political and legal) the BCNA has withdrawn from the issue effective January 2024.” president of TLN Media Group and a leader of Voices of Willowdale who lives one street north of the proposed site did not respond to multiple Star requests for comment Filion says some politicians seized upon the Cummer plan as a wedge issue “I underestimated the politics of the situation because I overestimated the integrity of some of the politicians and political candidates,” he said noting that Willowdale has welcomed many facilities for homeless people In 2022, Daniel Lee, a former federal Conservative candidate, ran for the Willowdale seat on city council opposing the plan, but lost to Lily Cheng, who during the campaign said she wanted a different location or reduction in the number of very low-income tenants suggesting Cummer could see significant crime a former Filion aide who advocated for the Cummer project Cheng tried and failed by a 2-18 vote to get city council to move the project to a new site citing such concerns as seniors’ loss of green space Cheng says she is working collaboratively with the city’s housing secretariat and nursing home Cummer Lodge “for a smooth implementation of the supportive housing project at 175 Cummer one that takes into account the surrounding community who shares the space and ensures they too are supported throughout the journey.” Margarite says that the seniors in Willowdale have nothing to fear from people like her and her neighbours “They have their home now and they’re not looking for a place to live or for food because they’ve got all that here — that (need) is where crime usually starts,” she says The Cedarvale site has harm-reduction services but anyone who uses drugs does so in their apartment Residents accustomed to flicking away cigarette butts outside stopped after being told by other residents to use the ashtrays and help keep the site clean “We’re good neighbours.” An investigation into a recent house fire on Willowdale Street in the city's east end has concluded fire prevention officer with the Sault Ste said Friday there was significant damage to the detached garage and home along with the camper trailer parked in the driveway "Our Fire Prevention Officer has declared that fire 'undetermined' after completing his investigation," said Gravelle It was determined through the investigation that the fire started in the garage on Monday for the fire in the 0-100 block of Willowdale Street Fire crews were able to extinguish the bulk of the fire by about 7:15 p.m. No injuries were reported This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page TorontoNewsTwo people injured in apparent road rage incident, shooting in TorontoBy Phil TsekourasOpens in new windowPublished: October 07, 2024 at 11:50AM EDT 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ERTH360 has been awarded Gold for the Global Innovation Home of the Year at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) The Nationals awards Recognized as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the homebuilding industry The Nationals celebrates companies and individuals who demonstrate innovation Article contentAmong the evening’s highlights a collaboration between ERTH360 and Empire Communities stood out as a pioneering model in sustainable and wellness-focused home design With over 50 design and material enhancements inspired by building biology principles and biophilic design the Discovery Home sets a new benchmark for indoor environmental quality Key features that distinguish the Discovery Home include: The home continues to serve as a living lab and construction techniques to advance future sustainable homebuilding practices “The ERTH360 Discovery Home was designed to demonstrate how we can enhance indoor living environments in a production setting Empire’s collaboration and commitment to addressing challenges and advancing sustainable practices has been commendable,” said Andrew Guido “Empire has proven to be an invaluable partner in our mission to improve home construction standards.” co-CEOs of Willowdale Asset Management—the parent company of Empire Communities and ERTH360—also emphasized their support for the initiative: “Investing in the ERTH360 Discovery Home aligned perfectly with our vision for the future of homebuilding By providing the resources and platform to challenge conventional construction methods we’re not just building homes; we’re pioneering a new standard for healthy The success of the ERTH360 Discovery Home marks a significant milestone in the advancement of healthier and more sustainable living environments the ERTH360 Discovery Home is more than just a residence—it is a transformative model for the future of home design This award-winning project demonstrates what’s possible when innovation setting a new standard for residential construction across North America Read current news from our community And Take Further Notice that at the said meeting the Council shall hear in person or by their Counsel Solicitor or Agent any person who claims that his or her land would be prejudicially affected by the by-law and who applies to be heard If you have any questions about the subject property please do not hesitate to contact Realty Services at 705-324-9411 extension 2116 or by e-mail: realtyservices@kawarthalakes.ca Persons interested in making deputations on this matter are requested to notify the Deputy Clerk at 705-324-9411 extension 1266 or by e-mail to clerks@kawarthalakes.ca by noon on the 30th day of August 2024 © 2017 - 2023 Kawartha Lakes P.O. Box 9000, 26 Francis Street Lindsay, ON, K9V 5R8 Telephone: 705-324-9411 Toll free at 1-888-822-2225After-hours emergencies: 1-877-885-7337Email Us With the support of the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario TorontoInvestigation underway after vehicle ‘shot at’ in North York, say Toronto policeBy Joanna LavoieOpens in new windowPublished: February 25, 2025 at 9:14PM EST Police are investigating after a vehicle was “shot at” in Willowdale on Tuesday night. The incident happened near Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue East in North York. Toronto police said they were called to that area shortly after 8 p.m. Police say they do not have any suspect information. The intersection of Yonge and Sheppard is currently closed due to the investigation and motorists are being asked to use alternate routes. Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto at 416-808-2222 or Crime Stoppers anonymously. Toronto emergency services officials say a person has died after two separate house fires in North York Saturday morning Firefighters were called to a home on Carney Road just north of Finch Avenue West and east of Senlac Road A Toronto Fire Services spokesperson told CityNews firefighters found part of the home ablaze after they arrived After crews went into the home to conduct a search the spokesperson said firefighters found someone inside The person was brought outside and firefighters performed first aid until paramedics arrived A spokesperson for Toronto Paramedic Services said the person died at the scene Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire a short time later There were no other reports of injuries or anyone inside Toronto Fire Services crews were called to a home on Finch Avenue East near Willowdale Avenue an hour earlier for reports of a house fire The department’s spokesperson said firefighters went inside to search for occupants but no one was found They said the fire was extinguished soon after and added the blaze was confined to the property Toronto police officers closed part of Finch Avenue East in response to the fire When asked for further information about the house fires a Toronto Police Service referred CityNews to the Office of the Fire Marshal as the agency was called to investigate the cause and the circumstances There was no immediate indication the two fires were connected FIRE: UPDATEFinch Av West + Grantbrook St– The person who was pulled from the fire was pronounced deceased at the scene^lb FIRE: UPDATEFinch Av East + Willowdale Av – W/B Finch is now open– E/B Finch is still blocked^lb A Canadian man arrested on vacation has been proven innocent Melissa Nakhavoly with why he is still being held in the Dominican Republic Warmer temperatures but showers are expected on-and-off for the next few days Meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai has your seven-day forecast Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls on Prime Minister Mark Carney to prioritize a list of projects including the proposed Highway 401 tunnel a mentally ill man who was killed in an Ontario prison is calling out the provincial government over the lack of correctional reform listen to NewsRadio Toronto live anytime and get up-to-the-minute breaking-news alerts weather and video from CityNews Toronto anywhere you are – across all Android and iOS devices TorontoCheck your tickets: Winning $25M Lotto Max ticket sold in TorontoBy Alex ArsenychOpens in new windowPublished: February 01 so Lotto Max players in the province might want to check their tickets The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) said the jackpot-winning ticket from Friday’s draw was sold in the Willowdale area in North York. Players have one year to claim any prizes the money is returned to the general prize pool OLG says there is one winning Encore prize that was sold online This is the second major Lotto Max prize won in Ontario this year, as a $60-million ticket was sold to someone in Etobicoke in January. “In 2024, there were a record-breaking 11 jackpot wins in Ontario, totalling $525 million in Lotto Max jackpot prizing,” the OLG said in a news release issued Saturday. The next Lotto Max draw, worth an estimated $10 million, will take place on Tuesday. The OLG said Lotto Max players have won a total of $8.9 billion since 2009, which includes 111 jackpot wins and 937 Maxmillions prizes. Jazz Fest are thrilled to co-host a series of live music performances designed to enrich North Toronto-the Yonge North York community Jazz Fest are bringing together Canada’s brightest emerging musicians and award-winning artists for a unique winter series that will light up Willowdale with soul-stirring music and togetherness The Live Lounge series is the only ongoing weekly live music event hosted at an indoor venue in Yonge North York showcasing the remarkable talent of local artists in North Toronto Jazz Fest are fostering a supportive platform where musicians can connect with new audiences and contribute to the district’s growing cultural landscape This initiative not only elevates the profiles of individual artists but also strengthens Willowdale’s standing as a hub for arts and culture “Live Lounge is more than just a music event; it’s a testament to the creativity that thrives in our local community,” says Stephen Boyle President of the Willowdale Central Ratepayers Association (WCRA) “We’re proud to provide a space where artists can share their craft with an audience that appreciates and supports local music.” North York is getting the live music scene it deserves—even in winter This new weekly indoor music series is a huge milestone for our community," says David Lee Executive Director of the Emerging Artists Association "We’ve crafted Live Lounge to be accessible and filled with the energy North York music lovers have been waiting for Whether you’re planning a date night or just craving a memorable night out Live Lounge promises to hit the right note." Guests at Live Lounge will enjoy the Trio Restaurant’s special menu expertly crafted to complement the smooth vibes and dynamic performances Tickets are available through the Willowdale Central Ratepayers Association (WCRA) website and Eventbrite with links guiding music lovers directly to a memorable evening of live music Live Lounge at Novotel North York offers a memorable experience for everyone and community spirit to the North Toronto & Willowdale area this winter season Join us every Thursday at Novotel Toronto North York for an evening dedicated to live music and enriching Willowdale’s vibrant arts scene For tickets and event details, visit https://www.willowdalecentral.org/live-lounge an initiative of the Willowdale Central Ratepayers Association (WCRA) is dedicated to enriching the lives of Willowdale residents through diverse arts and cultural programs Their mission is to animate public spaces around the North York Civic Centre by supporting both professional and up-and-coming artists across various disciplines They provide artists with access to affordable spaces and opportunities to engage with new audiences they also offer youth relevant industry experience and networking opportunities with professional artists By fostering community involvement and volunteerism the Willowdale Arts Collective aims to deliver low-cost or free public events that celebrate and enhance Toronto’s vibrant arts scene presented by the Emerging Artists Association (EAA) is Canada’s premier jazz festival dedicated to showcasing and supporting emerging artists the festival provides a platform for musicians under 45 particularly those from equity-deserving groups and connect with audiences and industry professionals By promoting the diverse and evolving landscape of contemporary jazz Jazz Fest enriches the cultural fabric of the community and fosters the next generation of Canadian jazz talent The Yonge North York Business Improvement Area (BIA) is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of business owners and operators from the Yonge North York area Our primary mission is to strengthen the local economy within our community fostering growth and sustainability for businesses in the BIA The Board serves as an essential link between local businesses and government advocating for business interests and influencing policy decisions that impact the BIA boundaries Through strategic initiatives and collaboration the Yonge North York BIA is dedicated to enhancing the business environment and contributing to the vibrant character of our community VideoWoman seriously injured in shooting in WillowdaleEmergency crews were called just after 3 p.m. in the area of Ellerslie Avenue and Diagonal Road, east of Bathurst Street, for a shooting. Several Lotto Max Maxmillions tickets worth $1 million were sold in various communities in Ontario for the Aug There are some happy folks waking up this morning holding million-dollar tickets in their hands There wasn’t a big winner for last night’s Lotto Max jackpot which means the $70 million prize is still up for grabs But there are some happy folks waking up this morning winning Lotto Max Maxmillions tickets — worth $1 million each — were sold in Richmond Hill Oakville and Prince Edward/Hastings County Someone who bought a ticket online at olg.ca also won $1 million in the Maxmillions draw And there were other lottery winners who can claim a good chunk of change with their tickets: The next opportunity to win the $70-million Lotto Max jackpot comes on Friday, plus an estimated 42 Maxmillions prizes. Visit a participating retailer, or purchase online at olg.ca The City of Toronto can now move ahead with building supportive housing in Willowdale after residents who fought against the project were overruled The narrow swath of green space on Cummer Avenue east of Yonge Street became a flashpoint in the debate over where to build housing for Toronto’s unhoused Neighbours raised concerns to the Ontario Land Tribunal about City Council’s decision to permit dozens of modular homes next to a public housing facility for seniors the tribunal dismissed the appeal saying the city’s proposal “represents good planning and is in the public interest.” “I think people are very disturbed and very concerned,” said Eric Gillespie the lawyer who represented the Bayview Cummer Neighbourhood Association “It’s not a case of having any opposition to the people coming it’s just trying to respect the real fundamental needs of a vulnerable population – the seniors in Toronto.” The three-storey complex planned for 175 Cummer would include up to 60 units of deeply affordable housing and on-site supports on the front lawn of Willowdale Manor Advocates point to the new million-dollar homes across the street from the proposed development and believe this was all a case of “not in my backyard.” “The seniors here at Willowdale were used as props by the people who were against this project,” said Mark Richardson a volunteer with the advocacy group HousingNowTO “For me there’s an opportunity to better serve the seniors that are already here rather than just plopping something down that’s independent,” she tells CityNews At the heart of the project is a housing crisis and those in support say there needs to be some understanding “There were two sites that were announced on exactly the same day for modular housing and rapid housing back in 2021 People moved into one of those sites down in East York this time last year Right now we’re still looking at an empty field,” said Richardson The City is now working to restart construction on the site and in the coming weeks will begin looking at potential providers to operate the building once complete TorontoMan shot in North York parking garage has died, say policeBy Joanna LavoieOpens in new windowPublished: October 28 A 31-year-old man died in hospital over the weekend after being found critically injured in an underground parking garage in North York late last week near Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue West Toronto police said they were called to that area around noon that day for reports of a shooting Life-saving measures were performed and the victim was taken to a trauma centre who has now been identified by police as 31-year-old Devon Bumble He is the city’s 73rd murder victim of the year Jeff Bassingthwaite said police do not have suspect information at this time but noted that there’s no threat to public safety He added that investigators have not established a motive for the shooting With files from CP24’s Codi Wilson and Bryann Aguilar 30-year-old man in life-threatening condition after daylight shooting in North YorkADVERTISEMENT \"our\") of the service provided by this web site (\"Service\") are not responsible for any user-generated content and accounts Content submitted express the views of their author only This Service is only available to users who are at least {age} years old you represent that you are this age or older or otherwise make available to the Service (\"Content\") may be reviewed by staff members All Content you submit or upload may be sent to third-party verification services (including Do not submit any Content that you consider to be private or confidential You agree to not use the Service to submit or link to any Content which is defamatory You are entirely responsible for the content of We may remove or modify any Content submitted at any time Requests for Content to be removed or modified will be undertaken only at our discretion We may terminate your access to all or any part of the Service at any time or re-publish your Content in connection with the Service These terms may be changed at any time without notice If you do not agree with these terms, please do not register or use the Service. 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In this shot by UrbanToronto Forum contributor noggnogg In the foreground, work is going on at 4800 Yonge Street at Sheppard part of the North York City Centre skyline Two other skylines pop into view on either side of the Emerald Park Condos tower; to the left it's Midtown at Yonge and Eglinton the CN Tower signals the distant Downtown Toronto skyline Looking south to new construction at Yonge and Sheppard in North York image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor noggnogg Want to see your work featured as Daily Photo? You can post in the City Photos & Videos section of the UrbanToronto Forum, or submit your images to our UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page.  that tracks projects from initial application Anna Gorka is the Green party candidate in Willowdale PAST POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Public school council “avert the climate-caused health crisis with an accelerated green-job transition for Canada and fair taxation Forty years of work to close and clean fossil fuel operations alongside two clean electricity corridors will keep employment high A Green just-transition task force maps this process best.” Join the thousands of Torontonians who’ve signed up for our free newsletter and get award-winning local journalism delivered to your inbox and the Don River and Bathurst Street to the west Willowdale is home to over 118,800 residents with an average age of 38.5 Willowdale is one of the most diverse wards in the city—67 percent of residents identify as visible minorities Outgoing councillor John Filion has served on city council since 1997 There are four candidates running for the seat vacated by Fillion who has been endorsed by both Filion and Mayor John Tory Lily Cheng, the executive director of NeighbourLink North York a Christian community development organization and founder of the North York Moms Facebook group The matrix below provides a head-to-head comparison of where council candidates stand The Local combed through city council records to review all the decisions made over the last four years and identified a dozen votes that are the most telling on key issues: homelessness We then sent the challengers a survey asking them how they would have voted on those same 12 motions Only O’Brien Fehr responded to The Local’s survey request A controversial supportive housing project on Cummer Avenue has become a point of contention between the three lead candidates hoping to lead Ward 18 Ongoing coverage of Toronto’s 2022 municipal election hyper-local coverage of competitive ward races across the city and a Candidate Tracker tool to keep you informed this fall We don’t elect people to oversee any other specific public service The Toronto Police take three times longer than they should to get to the most urgent emergencies Why a $1.1 billion force doesn’t come when you need them Cost-cutting measures will push thousands of paratransit users onto the TTC with disabled and elderly riders forced into gruelling bus and subway trips The numbers don’t lie: this city’s incumbency advantage is the worst in North America Cheng elaborated on her stance: “I’ve been tracking another site and it appears to me that every 2 to 3 days there is a police visit There is a private resident who is tracking all these police visits There is a tremendous amount of instability that comes from housing so many complex people together I feel like modular supportive housing would be far better if it was mixed: mixed income There is a saying that ‘hurt people hurt people,’ and if you put 59 people who are complex and hurting it will negatively affect the people who are trying to get better in that housing and that is why I’m not in support of it.” and the installation of automated speed enforcement cameras on arterial roads He says he will end the ActiveTO Complete Street pilot He also expresses a commitment to keep taxes low and citing the $1.5 million value of the average Willowdale home proposes raising the threshold for the seniors’ property tax relief program so that more Willowdale seniors can qualify He wants to transfer the responsibility of funding the Fair Pass transit discount program to the provincial government and the development and operation of local shelter space for refugees to the federal government Information about this candidate could not be found at time of publication advocating for reimbursement and increased funding from the provincial government to make up for the “massive deficit” incurred as a result of the board having to allocate so much of its funds to keep students safe against COVID-19 While there is limited information online regarding Pancer’s professional background and campaign, he previously ran in the 2018 municipal elections for Ward 8 (Eglinton and Lawrence) where he finished 9th at 134 votes Pancer claimed he had a naturopathic cure for cancer and that he was running to share this information with the public and improve STEM-related curricula by including realistic case studies for problem solving such as those regarding climate change and green energy larger building for the expanded student population An issue Dufour Séguin said people have been advocating for since the 1990’s the council invoked charter rights by arguing the Francophone school was not being resourced adequately and therefore access to education was not equal to those in Anglophone schools award-winning journalism thanks to the generous support of readers you're contributing to a new kind of journalism—in-depth from corners of Toronto too often overlooked Join the thousands of Torontonians who've signed up for our free newsletter and get award-winning local journalism delivered to your inbox non-profit journalism from corners of Toronto too often overlooked Peter Kim’s restaurant Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu is among the businesses in the newly formed Willowdale BIA George Kakaletris is co-owner of Union Social Eatery on Yonge Street in Willowdale Owner Hyunjoo Chae holds her signature dish a business owner in Willowdale and vice-chair of the newly formed Willowdale BIA Peter Kim says sales at his Korean restaurant were down 70 to 80 per cent in 2020 compared to the previous year adding if things continue “like that” he may be forced to close in less than a year who has owned Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu at 5445 Yonge St hopes the newly formed Willowdale Business Improvement Area (BIA) will help turn things around because it’s like the bridge between government and the small business owner.” Kim suggested the BIA would also enable more information-sharing among local businesses and hopes the new organization will attract more customers to the area includes about 1,800 businesses along and adjacent to Yonge between Highway 401 and Bishop Avenue The effort to form the BIA began in late 2019 though there had been unsuccessful attempts earlier “There’s a high concentration of small and large commercial businesses compacted in one strip of Yonge Street and no BIA was in place to unite the business community,” said Willowdale BIA vice-chair Jeff Oulahen “I thought it was a great opportunity to connect all these people and form connections with these businesses and try to really do something for the businesses and the community.” Jeff Oulahen is vice-chair of the newly formed Willowdale BIA a steering committee comprised of local business leaders reached out to local business owners to inform them of the benefits of a BIA the city needs to conduct a poll of area businesses to determine support said 147 of the 202 ballots received by the city in October were in favour of forming the BIA Willowdale BIA’s board of directors was approved by the North York Community Council on March 1 and the BIA’s million-dollar budget was approved by Toronto council at its April meeting Oulahen said the city collects the fee for the BIA through an approximately 0.034 per cent levy (for 2021) on assessed property value on properties within the BIA’s boundaries He stressed “it’s one of the lowest” BIA levies in Toronto “Our goals are to create an identity for the community organize and promote events and festivals and co-ordinate streetscape improvements to enhance the neighbourhood.” Oulahen said the BIA is also “working aggressively” on bringing the city-run CaféTO program to Willowdale noting about 50 local restaurants have applied to put cafés in the curb lane of Yonge MeNami owner Hyunjoo Chae holds her signature dish said businesses are “struggling a lot” as a result of the pandemic … We have to help small business owners get over the situation of the pandemic,” she said noting CaféTO will help local “small food business owners increase their revenue during the summer.” co-owner of the Union Social Eatery restaurant on Yonge said he’s hopeful the BIA will help businesses like his by promoting Willowdale as a great place for shopping you’re so fixated on your own operations and making sure things are going well in your business that it’s nice to have a group that’s looking to create demand for the community at whole.” Kakaletris said he also hopes the BIA will provide local businesses with a stronger voice in dealing with the city “My hope would be (that) with a collective voice we’ll be able to work with the government a little bit better to have certain needs met for us.” Local businesses that haven’t yet registered with the BIA are asked to do so via its website at willowdalebia.com He has been covering the crime beat since 2002 and has a passion for giving a voice to those affected by tragedy and looking at societal issues that may have contributed to it who is positioning herself as progressive in Ward 18 which organized vigils after the April van attack on Yonge St says he can work well with Premier Doug Ford whom Moini describes as “a great friend to me for many years.” Councillor John Filion was set to leave politics after more than three decades but changed his mind when Premier Doug Ford’s government slashed the size of Toronto council Candidate Saman Tabasinejad wants to revise a proposal to remake a stretch of Yonge St Her ideas include eliminating a landscaped median so the number of vehicle lanes can be adjusted during the day to accommodate rush-hour traffic Eight candidates are running in Ward 18 Willowdale The Star identified several “Wards to Watch” in a 47-ward election. Now that new legislation has made it a 25-ward election, we have determined all of the wards are worth watching. This is one in a series of articles. The election is Oct Not so long ago city councillor John Filion announced his retirement and urged people to vote for Lily Cheng in what was then a 47-ward election A few chaotic months later they are fighting each other “I am a mom, a woman and a minority — that perspective is not represented on council,” Cheng says in an interview at Yonge St which is suffering strains from hyperdevelopment rivalling that in the city core Cheng is positioning herself as progressive while pledging to build a “connected community” of condo dwellers with local “champions” personally checking on neighbours while sharing news and information through digital networks “I envision a summer in Willowdale rampant with street parties and garage sales where neighbours meet neighbours,” says Cheng, who started the North York Moms group and another called We Love Willowdale that organized vigils after the April van attack on Yonge St Candidates cite issues including: condo development without accompanying services or infrastructure; desperate need for a subway relief line to make space on oft-packed Yonge line trains; pedestrian and cyclist safety; and a controversial plan for bike lanes on a stretch of Yonge NEW WARDS. BIG STORIES. Get the scoop on how Toronto’s 25 new wards impact you. Subscribe to the Star. Filion says voters are not hungry for a fresh face in the new district that includes parts of his current Ward 23 and neighbouring Ward 24 now represented by retiring councillor David Shiner Filion was set to leave politics after more than three decades but changed his mind when Premier Doug Ford’s government slashed the size of Toronto council makes it possible a candidate with close ties to land speculators would get into city hall 401 to the south and Don River and Bathurst St There are 118,801 people with an average age of 41 The average household size is 2.4 people with a median household income of $61,653 The percentage of visible minorities is 66 per cent MPP Stan Cho (PC) and MP Ali Ehsassi (Liberal) What you need to know about Toronto’s 25 new wards More development means more money, thanks to Section 37. Is it an unfair perk for downtown or compensation for endless construction? Advance polls for Toronto’s election are open. Here’s what you need to know “In a strange way people at the door almost like me more this time because they thought I wasn’t running again and they weren’t going to have me any more,” he says adding Willowdale voters are worried about “political chaos and instability” over the Ford’s four-year term “They’re saying we need somebody at council with experience to deal with the chaos and they’re angry, conservatives included, at (council cutting) Bill 5 and the premier’s threat to use the notwithstanding clause,” says Filion who wrote a 2015 book about Ford and his late brother Rob Sam Moini, who became a prominent voice of the taxi industry during protests over city efforts to legalize such ride-hailing services has a different message for voters: elect him and he can work well with Ford to benefit the community “The premier has been a great friend to me for many years, he believes in Willowdale and he gave a great speech at my campaign launch. He comes here and he’s like a rock star,” says Moini stressing a collaborative approach that lets him work with people of all political stripes “Sometimes I feel like Doug Ford is misrepresented — he’s a soft He’s very loyal and he believes in this city,” says Moini who vows to fight “overdevelopment,” keep property taxes low and try to get the Sheppard subway line extended east and west Some fear Ford will heed calls to extend the Yonge subway line north into the 905 region before the relief line is built That raises the spectre of Willowdale residents some of whom already travel north to Finch to get a seat on a southbound train When it comes to vehicle traffic on Yonge, Filion is a minority, according to Star interviews, in fully backing the Transform Yonge plan, now on hold improve pedestrian crossings and replace two vehicle lanes with protected bike lanes Candidates including Moini, Sonny Cho who sought the federal Liberal nomination in Willowdale in 2014, and former councillor Norm Gardner who’s attempting a comeback want bike lanes put on nearby residential Beecroft Rd. Cheng wants to try vehicle lane reductions as a pilot project and “let the data decide” if the change should be permanent “Listening to people at the door I have come to realize that a large percentage of people in Willowdale are not ready for such a drastic change,” and more consultation is needed Saman Tabasinejad who ran unsuccessfully for the NDP in the Ontario election and whose council run is endorsed by the Toronto and York Region Labour Council says she would try to get both bike lanes put on Yonge’s west side to ensure buses can safely turn right on Finch She also wants to eliminate a landscaped median so the number of vehicle lanes can be adjusted during the day to accommodate rush-hour traffic David Mousavi a lawyer who finished second to Filion in 2014 and now says Willowdale now needs “strong leadership and action,” is also critical of Transform Yonge saying “the TTC has raised valid concerns about it’s impact on (bus) public transit,” that need to be studied His platform includes greater transparency around “Section 37” funds developers pay to the city in exchange for extra building height or density and transferring some of the money to the Toronto District School Board to expand classroom spaces Danny DeSantis a successful entrepreneur and community volunteer whose platform includes fighting for a better access ramp to Highway 401 and building underground PATH-style pedestrian tunnels has scored endorsements from local politicians that initially included one from Liberal MPP Michael Coteau But Coteau rescinded his endorsement after DeSantis tweeted a Ford Fest photo of himself posing with Faith Goldy a white nationalist among 35 people running for mayor of Toronto DeSantis says he rejects all racism and only knew that Goldy is a mayoral hopeful as “people person” he believes “sometimes you have to beat people up with kindness and maybe that way you’ll change their ideologies.” Ward 18 is among the city’s most ethnically diverse with 67 per cent visible minorities compared to 51 per cent for all of Toronto Already have an account? Log in here Dalton firefighters extinguished the flames prior to the county firefighters' arrival They then handed it over to the county's crews for investigation The Dalton Fire Department and Whitfield County Fire Department responded to an abandoned structure fire on Willowdale Road Tuesday afternoon they confirmed there was nobody inside the structure Whitfield County Fire responded with one engine Relative humidities of 25% or less can be expected for four or more hours Wednesday afternoon and evening with winds coming from NNW at 5 to 10 miles per hour The National Weather Service issued a burn warning on Wednesday 26 for Whitfield County and several neighboring Georgia counties Email notifications are only sent once a day Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device The Canadian Press has called the race in Willowdale for Stan Cho of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario Cho has represented the electoral district since 2018 Cho (PC) was declared the winner with 44.44 per cent of 13,906 ballots counted as of 10:22 p.m Paul Saguil (Liberal) was in second with 37.29 per cent of votes and Hal David Berman (NDP) was in third with 10.92 per cent Hal David Berman: 1,519 votes (10.92 per cent) Monica Henriques: 523 votes (3.76 per cent) Lilya Eklishaeva: 47 votes (0.34 per cent) Charles Roddy Sutherland: 31 votes (0.22 per cent) Birinder Singh Ahluwalia: 25 votes (0.18 per cent) the Canadian Press is projecting the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario has won a majority government The party has won or is leading in nine of 124 electoral districts The Ontario New Democratic Party has won or is leading in 29 electoral districts The Liberal Party of Ontario has won or is leading in nine electoral districts The Green Party of Ontario has won or is leading in one electoral district Other candidates have won or are leading in one electoral district 1,082 vote-by-mail packages had been issued to registered voters in the riding There are a total of 78,370 eligible voters in Willowdale 126,135 vote-by-mail packages were sent out a city council candidate for Ward 18 Willowdale talks with resident Fiorino De Angelis while campaigning O’Brien Fehr says housing is the ward’s biggest concern running for city councillor in Ward 18 Willowdale says the Cummer Avenue supportive housing plan is part of a larger problem “We’ve become a very disconnected and disengaged community,” she says also hoping to succeed John Filion as councillor in Ward 18 Willowdale says if elected he will try to get the Cummer project moved to another site.“We should listen to the neighbourhood,” he says In the race to replace John Filion as Willowdale city councillor Willowdale is ground zero for the Toronto election debate over how to help people escape homelessness how to ensure young residents aren’t priced out of the city and how to ease pressures from relentless condo construction “In this ward, the biggest concern comes back to housing in one form or another,” says Markus O’Brien Fehr, among candidates battling to succeed retiring Coun. John Filion as Willowdale’s voice at city hall after the Oct A swath of treed green space on Cummer Avenue east of Yonge Street seems an unlikely flashpoint pitting residents and city council candidates against each other in what could be the city’s most competitive city council race With Filion’s backing, city council approved 175 Cummer as the site for a three-storey complex with “59 new permanent supportive homes for older adults and seniors who are experiencing Those who choose to pay rent and make it their permanent home will have access to staff on-site who can “connect residents to a range of supports provided by the building’s experienced non-profit housing operator.” A city request for Premier Doug Ford’s housing-focused government to fast-track site approvals failed amid opposition from PC MPP Stan Cho and some residents including some in an adjacent Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) building Filion’s chief of staff for the past decade acknowledges taking heat at some doorsteps over his full support for the Cummer site as it goes through the regular rezoning process that will include challenges from opponents “These vulnerable people need somewhere safe to live and city staff determined this is the best site,” he says adding he understands fears over community safety anger at the loss of green space and community demands for more consultation to listen to concerns and ensure this project succeeds as best it can because it will be a beacon that other neighbourhoods will point to.” A man answering O’Brien Fehr’s knock emerges from a luxury house and tells him while waving in the direction of the Cummer site: “This is a nice street out working on his own well-appointed home He says he heard them all during a fight to get approvals for another affordable housing complex on Cummer that opened in 2007 “The ratepayers’ group made the same arguments: ‘It’s going to ruin the neighbourhood it won’t be safe to walk the street’ — all BS,” the church group member says “We’ve had some difficult clients but we managed that Lily Cheng, who lost to Filion in the 2018 election and is hoping to win this time sees city council’s Cummer decision as part of a bigger problem “We’ve become a very disconnected and disengaged community,” she says they hope that the government has their best interest but they’re not sure that really is happening,” She’s the executive director of NeighbourLink North York (she’s not taking a salary while she runs), a non-profit that supports people living in poverty and who lack resources. She is also founder of the popular North York Moms Facebook group She says 59 “complex” people in one place is too many She cites fears from seniors about living next to people who might have mental illness or addiction issues Cheng points to warnings by former mayor John Sewell against housing too many very low-income people together and suggests Cummer could see significant crime like that she believes is linked to a supportive housing site on Macey Avenue in Scarborough robbery — these are intense things,” she says As evidence she shows screenshots forwarded by a resident who says they are logs of police calls to the vicinity housing development director for the charitable organization that operates the building on Macey rejects Cheng’s assertion that an unusual number of violent crime calls are linked to the residents exiting homelessness “We don’t believe any unusual occurrences or issues have occurred recently that would trigger a frequent police presence,” Harris said in an email “We also don’t think their presence is higher than the other buildings in the community.” Most calls or police presence are “due to 911 EMS emergency calls The staff has built the resources and knowledge to de-escalate situations Calling 911 for non-medical emergencies continues to be the last option,” Harris wrote executive director of the city’s housing secretariat residents of modular supportive homes do not pose a greater risk to community safety than other community members “We do not anticipate any increased community safety issues in the neighbourhood as a result of the new residents who will live at 175 Cummer Ave or other modular housing projects,” Bond said Daniel Lee a pharmacist and former federal Conservative candidate whose candidacy is endorsed by Ward 6 Coun to try to get the project moved to another site arguing the city has not been forthcoming with its list of rejected sites that he wants to examine also registered as a candidate in Willowdale It seems unlikely any new Willowdale councillor could Council has approved it and Mayor John Tory who is seeking re-election and has endorsed O’Brien Fehr’s candidacy is forcefully arguing for the need for such projects across Toronto In either Cheng or O’Brien Fehr, Tory would gain an ally in his support for council legalizing and regulating rooming houses citywide The proposal was punted to next term amid opposition from councillors including Filion Lee’s campaign did not respond to a request for his position on that issue They all say they would try to improve city services that haven’t kept up with the dizzying condo development likely only to increase as the Ontario government prioritizes housing construction around transit corridors Accommodating growth could be tougher next council term under a new provincial system that could cut developer payments by 40 per cent It’s unclear what’s hitting the right note with residents in a civic vote that seems like a referendum on housing some people are not engaged in politics while others are fed up with it 2022: This article has been updated to clarify that Lily Cheng is the executive director of NeighbourLink North York a non-profit that supports people living in poverty and who lack resources 2022: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Markus O’Brien Fehr’s name