Willowdale Spring Update 2024
A MESSAGE FROM STAN
Dear Neighbour,
Happy Spring! With the milder weather finally here, I hope you are able to get outside and explore all Willowdale has to offer.
Whether its walking along Yonge Street window shopping or popping into one of our many world class restaurants, or just hanging out at a local park or community centre, Willowdale has countless options and opportunities to enjoy your local neighbourhood.
Last year in Willowdale, as your MPP I secured an increase in funding for North York General Hospital, oversaw another school expansion at Hollywood Public School, helped plan for the construction of a new St. Antoine Daniel Catholic School, and worked with the City of Toronto to proceed with building the Yonge/401 ramp.
Construction of the replacement school at St. Antoine Daniel on Finch Avenue West is about to take place, with a ceremonial groundbreaking scheduled soon. All of us can agree that more upgraded and new school spaces for Willowdale is both welcome and needed.
I hope you will find this newsletter helpful, with information on transit, schools, and other local issues. Wishing you all the best in 2024!
Stan Cho,
MPP Willowdale
ONE FARE FOR TRANSIT
One Fare is here! As of February 26, local transit riders transferring from the TTC to connecting transit systems across the GTA, including GO and York Region Transit, only have to pay one fare per trip! By allowing riders to transfer for free between the TTC and connecting systems, we’re saving people hundreds, in some cases up to $1,600 each year. Those are real savings for students, seniors, and families, right at a time when they need it the most.
When I was Associate Minister of Transportation, eliminating multiple fares for transit riders was a top priority. Our government has been laser-focused on making your commute more convenient and affordable. Whether it’s launching our One Fare program, introducing more ways to pay for transit, or investing $70.5 billion to build the critical transit infrastructure necessary to support our region’s growing population.
HOLLYWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL – EXPANSION!
It’s no secret: Willowdale is a growing community, and it is growing fast because Willowdale is one of the best places to live in Ontario. However, population growth presents challenges and one of those issues is overcrowding in our schools.
To tackle this problem, last year our government announced an investment of $15.5 million for an expansion at Hollywood Public School. This means 190 new school spaces (classrooms, day care spaces and a new gym) for Willowdale families. This is part of our government’s commitment to provide $14 billion for school construction in Ontario.
NEW! GO TRANSIT STOP IN WILLOWDALE
Many of you may have noticed that the Pearson Airport GO bus no longer stops at the Northwest corner of Yonge and Sheppard. The route has changed so you now can board the #94 GO Transit bus on the Northwest corner of Yonge and Poyntz Avenue, one block south of Sheppard. Remember, thanks to the efforts of Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, you can now pay for your trip with your PRESTO, credit or debit card. Times and fares can be found on the GO Transit website.
SUBWAYS, SUBWAYS, SUBWAYS!
Willowdale has the unique, albeit somewhat unfortunate distinction of being the only place in Ontario to have two subway lines “dead end” within its borders.
This is about to change. Over the coming years we will be extending the Yonge subway eight kilometres north to Highway 7 in Richmond Hill with a station at Steeles Avenue and 4 additional stops located in York Region.
And do not forget there is also the Scarborough Subway Extension and the Ontario Line, both lines are currently being built. Over 22 kilometres of subway lines along with 18 new stations providing additional capacity and much needed relief on our crowded subways.
It is important to note that for every dollar the government spends on roads, three dollars are spent by the government on public transit.
Line 4 Sheppard Subway Extension
We continue to advance planning work on the Line 4 Sheppard East Extension that will connect the existing Don Mills Station with the future Scarborough Subway Extension with potential connections to GO Transit and the TTC network.
Additionally, there are plans to explore a western connection extension of the Sheppard Subway to Sheppard West station at Allen Road. Stay tuned for further details.
NEW KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM
The government has introduced back-to-basics learning through clear and direct instruction in reading, writing and math for kindergarten students for the 2024- 2025 school year. Combined with hands-on and play-based learning, this new curriculum will ensure students entering Grade 1 have the foundational skills in literacy and math and intellectual growth that will help set them up for long-term success.
YONGE STREET/HIGHWAY 401 RAMP UPDATE
I was pleased to get a commitment from the government to fund up to 50% of the cost of an Environmental Assessment (the first stage in a project this size) to build a ramp from southbound on Yonge Street to the eastbound 401. This overdue ramp will go a long way to reduce traffic congestion and get Willowdale commuters to and from their destinations quicker.
But that is not all, building an onramp to the eastbound 401 will do nothing for you if it just moves traffic congestion. That is why the government recently announced the widening the eastbound collector lanes of highway 401 for 10.5 kilometres between Avenue Road and Warden Avenue. Construction is now underway on this exciting project!
Now that the province has committed its share of funding for the first stage of the Yonge/401 project, it is up to the city to conduct the Environmental Assessment, which is reportedly scheduled to begin this spring. I look forward to working with the City of Toronto, which is a partner, to make the Yonge/401 ramp a reality!
MAMMOGRAMS FOR WOMEN UNDER 50
Great news for women’s health! Starting this fall, we are lowering the eligibility age for publicly funded self-referral mammograms from 50 years old to 40. That will result in 130,000 more mammograms being performed every year.
Take Note: Pharmacists are now able to offer prescriptions (at not cost) for:
Acid reflux, Cold sores, Dermatitis, Hay fever, Hemorrhoids, skin infections, Insect bites and hives, Menstrual cramps, Oral thrush, Pink eye, Sprains and strains, Tick bites, and Urinary tract infections and more!
RENEW YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE AND HEALTH CARD AT STAPLES
The government is making it easier and more convenient to access government services such as applying for or renewing health cards and driver’s licences. You can renew on-line or in person at either ServiceOntario centres in Willowdale, including the office at 47 Sheppard Avenue East or at ServiceOntario kiosks located within specific Staples stores.
These new centres will provide extended operating hours when compared to the privately-operated ServiceOntario sites they are replacing. They have ample parking and are located with easy access to public transit and retail services for convenience.
