A community leader.
A neighbour.
A voice for Willowdale.
Planning for a Growing Willowdale
As one of Toronto's fastest-growing communities, Willowdale faces both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. Throughout her term, Lily has fought relentlessly for growth to be matched by the infrastructure, community spaces, parks, schools, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and local services residents need to thrive.
Giving Residents a Stronger Voice
Believing that residents should have a meaningful voice in shaping their neighbourhood, Lily introduced Participatory Budgeting and the Willowdale Action Hub, creating new ways for people to share ideas, influence decisions, and help guide local investments. She has also made community engagement a hallmark of her office through regular Spaghetti Town Halls, neighbourhood consultations, leadership gatherings, Willowdale Youth Council, and ongoing conversations with residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations.
Building a Safer, Connected Community
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Lily is equally passionate about building a community where people feel connected and supported. She has worked to strengthen neighbourhood safety, improve parks and public spaces, celebrate Willowdale's rich cultural diversity, support families and local businesses, and create opportunities for neighbours to connect through community events and partnerships.​
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.
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​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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Because a strong community is built by the people who care about it.