Willowdale Monthly Newsletter August 2025
August 27, 2025
Dear Willowdale Friends,
Well, it’s officially September–the kids are back in class, the days are getting shorter and soon the leaves will start to change into vibrant colours; it’s officially the end of another great Ontario summer. But fret not—Fall is a beautiful season across the province and I hope you are able to take some time to appreciate it by getting out and taking in all its glory! As Ontario’s Tourism Minister, I truly believe and live by our motto that Ontario is “Yours to Discover”!
Fall also marks the launch of TIFF50! Showcasing the best of international cinema for 50 years, there is something everyone will be able to enjoy! Whether you are a film buff or just want the chance to see a movie star, I encourage you to check out some of this year’s lineups. The festival runs from September 4 – 14 on King Street West.
Here in Willowdale it has been a busy season! This past month, I helped celebrate Convenience Store week by visiting the Circle K at Yonge and Finch. Over the last year, our government has modernized alcohol sales and provided more choice for consumers by allowing convenience stores to sell wine, beer, cider and ready-to drink alcohol.
I also had the chance to connect with my heritage here at home with the Toronto Korean Festival–the largest Korean Festival in Canada! The festival showcases Korean culture with K-Pop bands, traditional drum performances, singing, dancing and of course, delicious Korean food. It was great to see so many neighbours and constituents with over 100,000 people coming out to the festival over three days.
I also attended the Emerging Artists Association (formerly the TU Jazz Fest) at Mel Lastman Square to see first-hand how the association is creating opportunities for budding jazz musicians to network, showcase and hone their talents.
Recent Government Initiatives
Expanding Schools in Willowdale
Great news! Students returning to school at McKee Public School will do so with 69 new spaces at their school. Our government is committed to expanding school spaces in Willowdale with new school spaces (day cares, classrooms, libraries, etc.) coming to Hollywood PS, St. Antoine Daniel CS in addition to the newly completed addition at McKee PS.
McKee is just one of 41 new and expanded schools we opened this fall across the province to ensure your children can study with all the resources they need at schools in their community and close to home.
Ontario Secured Historic Levels of Foreign Direct Investment in 2024
I am proud to report that amid the unprecedented economic uncertainty, our government embarked on trade missions with 15 countries with a goal to showcase Ontario as a stable reliable partner. The result? 409 companies invested over $39 billion across the province, creating 24,700 new jobs. Companies from across the world are choosing Ontario because we have everything they need to succeed. As Premier Ford has said from day one, Ontario is open for business!
Ontario Investing $2 Million to Help Young Entrepreneurs Start and Grow Their Business
Are you between 18 – 30 and aspire to own your own business? Futurpreneur Canada, an Ontario-based national, not-for-profit organization will provide loans of up to $75,000, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners. Check out the link to learn more.
Ontario Investing $70 Million to Protect Workers Affected by U.S. Tariffs
Our government is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario workers by investing $70 million in training and employment services for those affected by U.S. tariffs and policies. This funding includes Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres, which builds on and enhances existing ministry-supported action centres. We are also providing enhancements to Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) to help more job seekers quickly train and upskill for in-demand, good-paying careers. Together, these supports will help workers secure better jobs with bigger paycheques and become part of a strong and resilient Ontario workforce.
