A year of steady progress for Emery Village
Councillor Anthony Perruzza reflects on community, construction, and confidence in the year ahead
By Sean Delaney, Publisher, Emery Village Voice
As the year winds down, it’s a good moment to pause and take stock of what has been accomplished in Emery Village and across Ward 7. For Councillor Anthony Perruzza, this past year was less about headlines and more about seeing long-promised projects finally move forward — a reminder that persistence in municipal politics still matters.
One of the most meaningful milestones was the long-awaited start of construction on the new community centre at Weston and Sheppard. The project will replace a facility that has served the area for nearly half a century, and its progress represents years of behind-the-scenes work.
“It took a long time to get there,” Perruzza said, noting the many hurdles that had to be cleared along the way. “But we finally reached the stage where the shovels are in the ground. The facilities are under construction, and opening day is now clearly in sight.”
While large projects capture attention, Perruzza is quick to point out that much of his office’s work happens quietly — answering calls, resolving issues, and pushing files forward through a system that doesn’t always move quickly. With the community centre now in the hands of contractors, the role shifts to oversight, regular updates, and making sure the project stays on track.
Beyond Emery Village itself, the past year also delivered several major recreational investments across the ward. Fountainhead Park is set to receive a new hockey rink and skating trail, while two of the City’s FIFA legacy mini soccer pitches will be built locally — one at Amesbury Park and another at Grandravine, next to the community centre.
Community safety remained a key focus throughout the year. Perruzza sits on the Mayor’s Youth Safety Task Force and has concentrated much of his effort on strengthening relationships between the City, school boards, and neighbourhoods. After a challenging start to the year that included serious incidents on Jane Street, coordinated work with Toronto Police Service helped stabilize the situation.
Residents may also notice changes in community policing moving forward. Additional officers and neighbourhood units have been requested for areas where concerns have been raised, with Perruzza stressing the importance of reporting issues so resources can be properly allocated.
As the city looks ahead, Perruzza expressed cautious optimism about everyday services that affect residents directly — including snow removal, which has long been a concern in the area.
At the same time, Perruzza acknowledged the broader pressures facing residents and businesses, from rising food costs to housing affordability and ongoing economic uncertainty.
As the year comes to a close, Perruzza had a message of thanks for the community he represents.
“This is an amazing ward. I live here, I love it here, and I wouldn’t live anywhere else.”
That sense of pride and connection continues to shape Perruzza’s approach to the work ahead — one rooted in steady progress, local relationships, and a belief that communities like Emery Village move forward best when people stay engaged.