It is a thrill to be writing my first column in Leaside Life as your new City Councillor for Ward 15 – Don Valley West. After serving six years as your local TDSB Trustee, including two as chair of the board, I was elected to City Hall on Nov. 4, 2024 and was sworn in a few days later – just in time to attend my first Council meeting the following week.
I’m deeply honoured to continue serving the residents of Don Valley West, who I know were well-represented by the former Councillor, Jaye Robinson. While she left big shoes to fill, I am pleased to report that Councillor Robinson’s staff have stayed on, providing our ward with excellent support and continuity. You will also notice a few new faces on our team in the coming months, as I staff up to manage all the work ahead!
Over the course of the campaign, I knocked on thousands of doors throughout Don Valley West. The message I heard from Leasiders was very clear: local voice matters. I was elected with a strong mandate because of my experience and deep knowledge of the ward.
While it’s a lot of work to set up a new office, my team and I have hit the ground running. Since my election just over one month ago (at the time of writing), a few of my first actions have included:
- -Spearheading an interdivisional meeting of senior City staff and Metrolinx to improve traffic signal coordination on Eglinton Avenue;
- -Pushing back against the proposed timeline for a private developer occupying a traffic lane on Erskine Avenue at North York Community Council;
- -Initiating a strategy to address traffic infiltration and congestion on Donlea Drive; and,
- -Advocating for policy changes to prevent developers from applying for additional density through the Committee of Adjustment after reaching a settlement at the Ontario Land Tribunal, as in the case of 1837-1845 Bayview Ave.
I have also been meeting with community groups and stakeholders throughout Leaside and the ward since my election and will be continuing to do so in the coming months. I am a strong believer in the importance of community engagement and collaboration.
Together, we can continue to build on the best parts of our neighbourhood – parks and green space, vibrant main streets, and community spirit – while also meeting the many difficult challenges facing our City, including unprecedented traffic congestion, the rising cost of living, and a growing capital infrastructure backlog. From local issues to major policy debates at City Hall, Don Valley West will be at the centre of my decision-making.
Finally, I encourage you to stay informed by SIGNING UP FOR MY E-NEWSLETTER! Going forward, my office will be sending out regular e-newsletters. Please send an email to to be added to our contact list.
by RACHEL CHERNOS LIN, Councillor, Ward 15, DVW
