We're keen to understand the issues that most animate this community, to help broaden our reporting ideas — but we cannot do it without you.

Meet us at the library for a neighbourhood discussion about the gaps in news coverage that you want to see us fill for Willowdale.

Just like that, it now seems like we are in summer. Of course, the temperatures have been steadily rising so that I have abandoned wearing a light sweatshirt in the mornings and evenings, carrying a shawl in my bag instead for those interiors where the AC is cranked up to frigid temperatures. The farmer’s markets are back at Mel Lastman Square on Thursdays, bringing local produce and treats to our doorstep. The square also has a busy calendar through June, each weekend full of fun activities, food and music.

The FIFA world cup kicks off today, with matches between Mexico and South Africa and South Korea and Czechia. Whether you call it soccer or football, the beautiful game will bring fans together at many locations. My plan is to avoid the downtown core during this time, although I might consider visiting Little Italy or one of those British pubs in the Financial District purely for nostalgia vibes.

There’s clearly a large following for the sport in our own community, often within walking distance. Every weekend, when I pass by McKee Public School, I see local leagues in action, with players young and old practicing the dribbling skills on the field. The other day, passing by Earl Haig Secondary School, I noticed a trio of young men running soccer drills. 

I am looking forward to hanging out with loyal fans and bandwagoners like myself. If there are places where you enjoy a group watch, I am all ears – although I imagine that the match between South Korea and Czechia at 10 pm this Thursday will be especially popular in our neighbourhood. I am also looking forward to more details about the Soccer City Celebrations at Mel Lastman Square on June 20th. 

Outdoor pools opening are another summer marker for me. When going to the Mitchell Field Community Centre for a gym session last week, I noticed that the pool had been cleaned and filled with water. I understand staff will be testing the filtration systems and water chemistry before all outdoor pools officially open across the city, slated for June 20. The squeals of delight as young children wade into pools and splashpads and the sight of families trudging back with towels and floaties always make me smile.

My colleague Rachel Chen and I are also counting down the days to our next editorial meeting. As I mentioned in my last newsletter, our survey suggests that the topics of development, density, neighbourhood change, housing affordability and cost of living are most important to you right now.

We are keen to discuss how these topics are affecting your day-to-day lives. Along with fellow reporter Vicky Sanderson, we have already identified grocery stores as a potential subject to explore, as well as the North York Secondary Plan and school resourcing for a growing community. We’ve heard back from some of you about your interest in attending, and have booked a room at North York Central Library accordingly for June 18.

If you are unable to attend our meeting in person, we welcome suggestions via email.

And if you have not already, also check out our website. We have been uploading stories, ranging from print, audio and video, and will update the website with new stories as we get to them. We would love to hear your feedback on the stories we have covered so far, and anything that is relevant to you as residents of this community.

Repair Cafe Willowdale offers free, volunteer-led repair of everyday items such as clothes, small appliances, bicycles and more.

In case you missed it: Catch up and read Aparita’s May newsletter

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The Willowdale Wire