Lily’s Deep Roots
in Willowdale
For more than a decade, Lily Cheng has been bringing people together to build a stronger, more connected Willowdale.
Long before she entered City Hall, Lily was already doing the work of building community.
She believes that the strongest neighbourhoods are not built by politicians alone. They are built by neighbours who look out for one another, volunteers who step up, and people who are willing to bring others together around a common purpose.
That belief has shaped everything Lily has done in Willowdale.
As Executive Director of NeighbourLink North York, Lily helped strengthen the community fabric of Willowdale built on the premise of 'neighbours helping neighbours.' Lily built a strong foundation for the organization that has proven that a community becomes stronger when people have opportunities to participate and help their neighbours.
When COVID-19 brought the community to a standstill, Lily helped mobilize the Willowdale COVID Response Network, bringing volunteers together to support seniors and vulnerable residents during lockdown.
When families were struggling with food insecurity, she co-founded the 415 Food Hub, a homegrown community food bank created by Willowdale residents to help their neighbours.
After the tragic van attack, Lily co-founded We Love Willowdale, creating a movement focused on healing, connection and community resilience at a time when many people were hurting and afraid.
And recognizing that community is also about staying connected in everyday life, Lily founded Willowdale Neighbours Connect and North York Moms, online communities that have grown into trusted spaces where thousands of residents share information, ask for help, support local businesses and look out for one another.
She also advocated for the Yonge-Sheppard EarlyON Child & Family Centre, helping bring more accessible early learning and family supports to local families.
These experiences shaped the way Lily leads today.
She listens before she acts. She brings people together. She builds partnerships. And she believes that government works best when residents are not simply consulted, but are given a meaningful role in shaping their community.
That approach has become the foundation of Lily's work as your City Councillor. Whether bringing residents together through community conversations, creating opportunities for local participation, advocating for neighbourhood improvements, or standing up for people who need a voice at City Hall,
Lily leads with the same principle that guided her long before she was elected:
A stronger Willowdale is built together.
In recognition of her contributions to the community, Lily was honoured with a Willowdale 150 Commemorative Medal for community service.
She is proud to call Willowdale home, and even prouder to have spent more than a decade working alongside the people who make this community what it is.
Because a strong community is built by the people who care about it.
Lily's
Deep Roots in
Willowdale
For more than a decade, Lily Cheng has been bringing people together to build a stronger, more connected Willowdale.
As Executive Director of NeighbourLink North York, Lily worked alongside residents, volunteers, and community partners to provide support and resources to neighbours who needed them most. She helped build connections across Willowdale, strengthening networks of care and volunteerism that continue to make the community stronger.
When the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges, Lily helped bring neighbours together. She co-founded the Willowdale COVID Response Network, mobilizing volunteers to support seniors and vulnerable residents during lockdown. She also co-founded the 415 Food Hub, Willowdale’s homegrown food bank, which continues to provide support to families facing food insecurity.
Following the Toronto van attack, Lily co-founded We Love Willowdale, creating a movement for healing, connection, and community resilience during a difficult time. She also founded Willowdale Neighbours Connect, a Facebook community that helped residents stay informed and connected, and North York Moms, which grew into a trusted support network serving 13,000+ families with resources, information, and connection.
As a parent and long-time Willowdale resident, Lily has always been passionate about building a community where families can thrive. She advocated for the opening of the Yonge-Sheppard EarlyON Child & Family Centre, helping increase local access to early learning and family supports.
In recognition of her contributions to Willowdale, Lily was honoured with a Willowdale 150 Commemorative Medal for community service.
Today, Lily continues to bring that same community-first approach to public service: listening to residents, bringing people together, and working collaboratively to build a Willowdale where everyone feels they belong.
Because a strong community is built by the people who care about it.