We recently launched an interactive map to assist residents, visitors and workers of our area with discovering our vibrant neighbourhood. The interactive map located on our website allows users to navigate the Willowdale BIA with ease.

The map features underground pathways with entrances connected to Sheppard-Yonge, North York Centre, and Finch subway stations. Member businesses, residents and tourists can pre plan their route to their preferred local attractions, parks, and artworks. They can also take alternative routes to get to their favourite restaurants, services and entertainment establishments. Reach several office/commercial buildings and shopping centres within minutes. Preview the map to determine the closest parking options or where the nearest public washroom is located. We invite you to try our new interactive map experience while you shop, eat and play in our district.

Visit our website at yongenorthyork.com/map

This project is funded by the City of Toronto’s Main Street Innovation Fund, as part of Government of Canada support through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with a collage workshop focusing on the theme of leftover food using discarded materials from everyday life.

Emerging historian Jingshu Yao from Heritage Toronto will present “Leftover Ingredients”, featuring artist Zhu Dandan.

In traditional Chinese Culture, fish (鱼, Yu) is a dish typically eaten during celebrations. It is a homophone of surplus, leftovers (余, Yu). In a modern context where sustainability has become essential, the concept of leftover needs a new interpretation.

Location: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Room 101

The workshop will begin with a presentation on Heritage Toronto’s North York Recipes for Healing project.

Then participants will use waste and surplus materials to create a collage that represents their story about leftover food. Potential materials range from old newspapers, magazines, and gift wrappers to fabrics, plastics, dried leaves and flowers.

Registration is encouraged.

 Asian Heritage Celebration will feature over 60 Asian owned businesses, on-stage live performances, and so much more!

🗓️Saturday May 10, 12pm to 9pm
📍Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge Street, North York) Outdoors
💥Live performances of local Asian talent!
✌️ Over 50+ vendors (Food, Dessert, Jewelry, Vintage Clothing, Artisan goods

For More Information, please visit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIJ2al0S-Se/?img_index=1

Room 1

Tea has been a popular choice of drink for centuries, with no shortage of variations to choose from. This program will briefly introduce the discovery of tea and how it has spread across the world and to Canada. It will then delve into the unique origin, history and characteristics of three distinct Chinese Green Teas. A free tea tasting of a variety of teas, including green tea, will also be provided.

This program is presented by Lilian Xia, President of the Canada Tea Institute.

Canada Tea Institute (CTI) is a not-for-profit organization that engages in the cultural, educational and economic development of tea. The Institute is comprised of tea professionals and enthusiasts.

RSVP is required

Learn about the history and traditions behind Henna art with Hina Yasir! Kids will get a chance to practice Henna and also have it applied. For kids ages 6-12.

Registration starts Monday, April 28 at 9 am. Register in-branch or online.

If you or your child lives with a disability, and requires an accessibility accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Accessibility Services by email, accessibleservices@tpl.ca, or voicemail, 416-393-7099, to make a request. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance.

RSVP:https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/henna-workshop-tickets-1307064197199?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Delve into the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923, exploring the reasons behind its enactment by the Canadian government, and examining its impact on Chinese men residing in Canada, as well as the families they were forced to leave behind in China. Engage in discussion on the lasting effects of this historical event on Chinese families.

The program will feature a multimedia presentation exploring the impact of 24 years of separation caused by the Chinese Exclusion Act on Chinese families.

The presentation will be delivered by Gordon Cheong, Professor of Media Arts at the University of Guelph-Humber and founder/administrator of the Facebook group “Canadians with Hoisanese / Taishanese Roots”.

RSVP:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-canadas-chinese-exclusion-act-of-1923-affected-chinese-families-tickets-1322151674249?aff=oddtdtcreator

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with Traditional Chinese Paper Cutting! Presented by artist Xiqin Li, join us for a demonstration and guided workshop of the ancient Chinese art form of paper cutting. Learn the history of the art of paper cutting, basic techniques and interpretations of certain designs.

All materials are provided.

Registration is required. Space is limited.

Registration begins on Saturday, April 26 at 9 AM.

Please call 416-395-5672 or visit the reference desk on the first floor to register or for more information.

Join Gordon Lam, Koby Song-Nichols, and Chiyi Tam for a deep dive into the rich history and cultural significance of Chinese desserts. This discussion will explore the evolution of Chinese sweets in Toronto, from traditional to modern favourites.

Audience Q & A to follow.

Ticket registration for this event is required: Free tickets for this event are available to book via Eventbrite.

Yangqin is a Chinese dulcimer with 144 strings and a unique history of migration. Pingxin Xu, the first to hold a master’s degree in Yangqin performance in China, will be performing a repertoire of traditional and modern music from China, as well as popular tunes from around the world.

Pingxin will also talk about the background of each number of music presented. Combining breathtaking technique with refined musicianship, this concert is educational, entertaining, and musically inspirational!

No registration required. Drop-in. All ages are welcome. For more information, please call 416-395-5639.

We recently launched an interactive map to assist residents, visitors and workers of our area with discovering our vibrant neighbourhood. The interactive map located on our website allows users to navigate the Willowdale BIA with ease.

The map features underground pathways with entrances connected to Sheppard-Yonge, North York Centre, and Finch subway stations. Member businesses, residents and tourists can pre plan their route to their preferred local attractions, parks, and artworks. They can also take alternative routes to get to their favourite restaurants, services and entertainment establishments. Reach several office/commercial buildings and shopping centres within minutes. Preview the map to determine the closest parking options or where the nearest public washroom is located. We invite you to try our new interactive map experience while you shop, eat and play in our district.

Visit our website at yongenorthyork.com/map

This project is funded by the City of Toronto’s Main Street Innovation Fund, as part of Government of Canada support through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

Neighbours everywhere are invited to join us for the third Taste of North York, a three-day Community & Food festival celebrating everything that makes North York such a special place to live!

Celebrate our community’s diverse cultures including Korean, Chinese, Persian, Ukrainian, Latin-American, Indian and more!

The festival featured even more delicious food, live entertainment, artisans, fun activities by local businesses and representation from dozens of local organizations!

For more information, please contact: https://www.neighbourlink.org/taste

Get ready to turn up the heat this summer at the Island Eats Food & Travel Show — a tropical celebration of bold flavors, rhythmic beats, and unforgettable island vibes!

For two sizzling days, Mel Lastman Square will transform into a vibrant island oasis, where foodies, adventurers, and culture lovers come together to taste the tropics and plan their next escape. Sample mouthwatering Caribbean dishes, sip on fruity cocktails and beer at our “Breeze and Brews” Beer Garden, and dive into an explosion of flavors that’ll transport your tastebuds straight to paradise.

 What to Expect:

Delicious eats from top island-inspired chefs & vendors

Travel showcases & island getaway inspo from Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago.

Live music, DJs & cultural performances – think steelpan music, Carnival characters and stilt walkers!

Interactive cooking demos & giveaways

Family-friendly fun in the sun!

Whether you’re dreaming of your next beach vacation or just hungry for some good vibes and great eats, Island Eats is your passport to paradise — no boarding pass required.

For more information, please visit:https://www.islandfest.ca/

We recently launched an interactive map to assist residents, visitors and workers of our area with discovering our vibrant neighbourhood. The interactive map located on our website allows users to navigate the Willowdale BIA with ease.

The map features underground pathways with entrances connected to Sheppard-Yonge, North York Centre, and Finch subway stations. Member businesses, residents and tourists can pre plan their route to their preferred local attractions, parks, and artworks. They can also take alternative routes to get to their favourite restaurants, services and entertainment establishments. Reach several office/commercial buildings and shopping centres within minutes. Preview the map to determine the closest parking options or where the nearest public washroom is located. We invite you to try our new interactive map experience while you shop, eat and play in our district.

Visit our website at yongenorthyork.com/map

This project is funded by the City of Toronto’s Main Street Innovation Fund, as part of Government of Canada support through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.