April 16, 2026
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I hope you’re having a great start to spring and were able to enjoy Easter and Passover with your loved ones.
Moving into the warmer weather, I’m pleased to share several updates on planning, infrastructure, and development initiatives across York Centre and within the DUKE Heights BIA.
After a shaky start, the Line 6 Finch West LRT is now running much more smoothly. This 11-kilometre light rail line is a vital east–west connection, running from Keele Street and Finch Avenue West to Humber College. It launched in the winter and ran into several issues due to extreme cold. However, performance has improved significantly in recent weeks, and service is becoming more reliable. We’re hopeful that further upgrades—like priority signalling—will be in place by the summer to keep things moving efficiently and deliver the level of service riders expect.
Toronto Water has announced an upcoming watermain cleaning and relining project in parts of the DUKE Heights area, affecting Rimrock Road, Lodestar Road, Sheppard Avenue West, Steeprock Drive, and Chesswood Drive. I raised serious concerns about this project at the Infrastructure and Environment Committee for a couple of reasons: first, we just completed repaving and major improvements on Chesswood Drive in 2023, and I don’t want to see that work undone; second, any lane reductions on Sheppard Avenue West could lead to significant congestion, especially during concert nights at Rogers Stadium. I’m continuing to work closely with City staff to ensure this necessary infrastructure work moves forward with as little disruption to residents, businesses, and traffic as possible.
Significant planning work continues to move forward across several districts. In the Downsview West District, the second submission of the District Plan, Rezoning, and Subdivision Plan was made in December 2025, followed by a Community Open House on March 3 to gather input and feedback from residents. At the same time, a feasibility study is underway to assess the redevelopment potential of the Depot site and help guide future planning decisions.
In the Wilson District, the District Plan, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision were submitted in mid-March. The proposal envisions a complete community with major amenities, including a 1.2-hectare Major Park, 0.43-hectare Local Park, 0.54-hectare Green Spine, a District Heart, a K–8 school, a public library, three daycare facilities, and additional community service space.
There’s a lot of movement of development applications in the Downsview lands. Progress continues on Arbo Phase 1, with City execution pending. Site preparation is underway, including tree protection fencing, vegetation removal along Sugar Maple Way, and the removal of old roads, powerlines, and infrastructure. Work is scheduled during the dormant season to protect wildlife, with an ecologist team monitoring the site.
In the Taxiway West / Hangar District, Phase 1 of the planning framework has been approved by Council, and work is advancing on detailed design and future public park planning.
Finally, Block 2 at 50 Wilson Heights (Greenwin) remains under construction, with proposal refinements underway to ensure zoning compliance while maintaining the planned retail component.
I also want to highlight the S.O.S. – Save Our Shops campaign regarding the residential development proposal at 75 Billy Bishop Way. This community-led effort aims to protect the small businesses and retail spaces that serve residents in the area. The petition has already gathered over 1,000 signatures, demonstrating strong community support. Residents who have not yet participated are encouraged to add their voice. The link to sign the petition can be found on all my social media accounts.
As always, my team and I remain available to assist with City services, concerns, and any local matters that require attention.
Sincerely,
James Pasternak
Toronto City Councillor
Ward 6 – York Centre
