Lily Cheng

Lily Cheng is the Councillor for Ward 18 Willowdale, taking office on November 15, 2022. A Willowdale resident for over a dozen years, Lily is a passionate, visionary leader in the community. Her journey as a community organizer began 9 years ago with the founding of North York Moms, a thriving community on Facebook of over 11,000 moms.

Lily has tirelessly worked for Willowdale for many years including spearheading the Willowdale Covid Response Network to support the community through the pandemic.

Lily has a track record of identifying problems in Willowdale and taking action. Her advocacy led to the establishment of a much-needed walkable Yonge and Sheppard EarlyOn Child and Family Centre. She has also established programs and support for challenges often overlooked by the government including seniors accessing grocery shopping support during the pandemic and food insecurity experienced by families. During the pandemic, she addressed social isolation by expanding Willowdale Neighbours Connect, an active online community she started for the neighbourhood that has helped many feel a deeper sense of belonging in Willowdale.

Lily's greatest strength is described as being able to inspire connectivity and participation in Willowdale for the greater good and building the infrastructure necessary to make things happen.