Month: March 2020

March 31, 2020 

Dear Neighbours, 

Please see the following update regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) from the City of Toronto: 

Cancellation of mass events through to June 30 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the City of Toronto will cancel all mass participation events through to June 30. This includes City-led major mass participation events, festivals, conferences and cultural programs, as well as all City permits for major mass participation events organized by external groups at civic centres and squares, parks, public spaces, City-operated museums and cultural centres. This decision was made in consultation with major event organizers and supports the directive that physical distancing is critical to stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The full news release here: https://bit.ly/2w8ljtu 

Childcare centres open today 

The City of Toronto opened four emergency licensed child centres today for the children of eligible, essential and critical service workers. As announced last week, Toronto is the first municipality to open emergency child care centres that will operate, as the need demands, on a 24 hours per day, seven days per week basis to support critical, frontline workers. As of this morning, approximately 487 families, representing more than 705 children, have applied. The full news release here: https://bit.ly/3dKuQIb 

Keep in mind: 

Do your part to stop the spread of COVID-19. Stay home as much as possible, if you need to go out remember to practice physical distancing and keep 2 m away from others, and wash your hands often. It is crucial that everyone cooperates. All outdoor recreational amenities have been closed including beaches, sports fields/courts, picnic areas, community and condominium parks. You may walk through green spaces that aren’t already closed, but please avoid groups. 

Please dispose of masks, gloves, wipes, tissues, sanitary napkins and personal hygiene products in the garbage. Remember to bag all garbage. Only put waste bins out for collection when full and do not put out any unnecessary waste. Read more https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/?accordion=garbage-recycling-and-organics

Are you a tenant looking for more information on housing and income support? Find a list of resources here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-social-support/?accordion=housing-support-for-tenants

Ontario Works monthly payments will be issued as usual by direct bank deposit, reloadable payment card, or mail by April1. If you normally pick up your monthly Ontario Works payment at an office or need a new replacement card, remember to practice physical distancing. Office hours and locations have been updated. More information at: toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/

Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311. You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best,

Paul

March 30, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

As the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, please see the following information and resources regarding our community.

Please click here for the updated list of food banks in Ward 24.

Unfortunately the food bank at 202 Markham Road was forced to close due to the size of the location. Agincourt Community Services continues to update their website with changes to services.

Scarborough Good Neighbours Drop-In at 193 Markham Road continues to serve the area on Fridays. Please remember to call ahead to book to ensure they are properly stocked. For those interested in volunteering, food banks are always looking for volunteers, so please feel free to save and share this information.

Physical distancing at City parks

Parks are only open for walking, cycling and running. Amenities in parks or congregating in groups is not permitted. Starting today, March 30, City staff together with the Toronto Police Service are prioritizing the patrol of hot spot parks. While education is the first line of enforcement, there are fines, which range between $750 to a maximum of $5,000. City staff are re-installing signage, locks and caution tape at parks where these have been removed. Additionally, the City’s Parks Ambassadors have begun a downtown hot spot education blitz and electronic portable signs will display messages near some busy parks. More information is available on the City’s website.

Physical distancing and self-isolation at home

There are provincial and federal mechanisms in place related to gathering of people or self-isolation:

• On March 28, 2020, the Ontario government issued a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people, effective immediately.
• On March 25, 2020, the federal government announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. They should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days. Following this Order is mandatory.

Toronto Police Service FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Toronto Police Service’s website has responses to Frequently Asked Questions relating to COVID-19 concerns. Check out their website if you have any questions about police services, protecting yourself, and more.

Canada’s Economic Response Plan

The Federal Government’s Economic Response Plan lists a number of economic supports for businesses and individuals. Read more about ithere.

This information was shared by M.P. Hon. John McKay’s Community Update. To sign up for his updates, or if you have any questions regarding the below federal programs, please contact his office by phone at 416-283-1226 or by email at John.McKay.c1@parl.gc.ca.

EI Support 

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) 

·         The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide $2,000 per month to workers impacted by COVID-19 for up to 4 months.

·         The CERB benefit will be paid every 4 weeks and will be available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020

·         The benefit will be accessible through a secure web portal starting in on April 6th. Applicants will also be able to apply via an automated telephone line or via a toll-free number.

Regular EI Program 

·         Canadians who are already receiving EI regular and sickness benefits as of today would continue to receive their benefits and should not apply for the CERB benefit.

·         Learn more about eligibility and apply here

Support for Seniors 

·         reducing the required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020

·         Learn more about this benefit here 

Support for Families

·         Increasing the Canada Child Benefit by an extra $300 per child for 2019-20

o    This benefit will be delivered as part of the scheduled CCB payment in May and current recipients do not need to re-apply to receive this.

·         Increasing the Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment one time in early May for low- and modest-income families.

o    The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples and current recipients do not need to re-apply to receive this.

·         The new filing due date for 2019 tax returns for individuals is June 1, 2020.  

o    Learn more about this extension here

·         Canadian banks have committed to work with their customers on a case-by-case basis to find solutions to help them manage hardships caused by COVID-19. Please contact your financial institution if you are experiencing financial hardship.

o    Learn more about mortgage support here

·         Effective March 30, those with Canada Student Loans will have a 6 month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of those loans. No payment will be required and interest will not accrue during this time.

Support for Small Businesses

·         As previously announced, a 75 per cent wage subsidy for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, will be retroactive to March 15, 2020.

o    More details on eligibility criteria will start with the impact of COVID-19 on sales, and will be shared before the end of the month.

·         The maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program will be extended from 38 weeks to 76 weeks. The program is offered to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers.

o    Learn more and apply to this program here

·         The Canada Emergency Business Account – a new loan program, will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits that paid between $50,000 to $1 million in total payroll in 2019, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced.

o    Additional details on accessing this program will be available soon.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Checktoronto.ca/covid-19  for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul 

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours,

I wanted to provide you with a few reminders about garbage pick-up. In particular, I have been asked what people should do with used medical masks and gloves.

• Collection of garbage, Blue Bin (recycling), Green Bin (organics), and oversized and metal items is not impacted and will continue as scheduled.
• All personal hygiene/sanitary products, including tissues, wipes, masks and gloves should be disposed of in the garbage.
• Please ensure that all material placed in garbage bins is bagged, specifically cleaning products such as wipes, tissues/napkins and other sanitary/hygiene products.
• Bins should only be placed out for collection if they are full.
• Garbage Tags are still required for excess garbage/bag-only collection and can be bought online and mailed to your home.

Suspended Services

To ensure health and safety, support the continued functioning of Solid Waste Management Services’ operations and allow for physical distancing:

• Seasonal yard waste collection is suspended. Residents are asked to store yard waste on their property until the service resumes.
• Drop-Off Depots (Transfer Stations) are closed to the general public. Garbage, recycling, organics and yard waste from residents will not be accepted. Only those with an existing registered account can continue to bring material to Drop-off Depots (Transfer Stations). No new account requests will be processed at this time. Drop-Off Depots will not operate on Saturdays.
• Toxic Taxi services and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off are suspended. Hazardous waste should be safely stored until services resume.
• Bin deliveries and bin exchanges are suspended. Existing service requests will be completed once service resumes.
• All Community Environment Days scheduled in April have been cancelled.

If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to call my office at 416-396-7222 or by email councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca

May you stay safe and well.

All my Best,

Paul

March 27, 2020 

Dear Neighbours, 

Today, Premier Doug Ford addressed the province with an emergency alert warning to travellers returning to Ontario urging them to comply and self-isolate for 14 days and to not visit stores, family or friends. The Premier placed emphasis on the high risk of those travellers returning and to stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Additionally, the Ontario Government announced additional supports to businesses and workers to help get through this crisis. An allocation amount of $10 billion in tax deferrals to improve cashflow including:

• $6 billion in tax deferrals from a 5 month penalty-free period to make payments on majority of provincially administered taxes; 
• $1.9 billion in WSIB payment deferrals for up to 6 months; and 
• Deferring property taxes to school boards by 90 days

See more details in Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, accessed here: https://bit.ly/33NIvtm 

Additionally, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this morning that the government is to cover 75% of wages for qualifying businesses. This is an update to the original response measure of a small business subsidy to cover 10% of wages for qualifying businesses. 

The City of Toronto’s inviting business owners to complete a City survey to share how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting their business, and what information or supports they need. The survey can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/2JgHjFt 

The City of Toronto is urging Landlords and Condo Boards to adopt new health and safety measures to protect residents from COVID-19. Large residential buildings with a high number of units require new practice and a rigorous cleaning routine to prevent viral spread. The full news release can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/3dAHYQ3 

Earlier this week the Government of Canada announced the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which provides workers affected by COVID-19 crisis $2000 a month for up to four months. 

The CERB replaces two previously announced measures, the Emergency Care and Emergency Support Benefit, both of which were dependent on the Employment Insurance (EI) system and application. Find more details and how to qualify and apply for CERB here:https://bit.ly/2UfRDng 

For more COVID-19 response supports, please visit this website: https://bit.ly/2wxy1Ck 

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul 

Dear Ward 24 Residents,

Toronto has announced business owners are invited to complete this City survey to share how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting their business, and what information or supports they need. The survey being sent to more than 20,000 businesses and the Business Improvement Associations.

Link here:

https://s.cotsurvey.chkmkt.com/?e=192083&d=e&h=C10B481F4DB6030&l=en

All my Best,

Paul

March 26, 2020

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours, 

I’m writing today to give you a further update on the City’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

City staff in the Emergency Operations Centre and all essential and critical services are working around-the-clock to respond to this crisis to keep us safe. 

These are unprecedented times and I am continuing to receive multiple updates each day on the City’s response and I am committed to sharing this information with you through my social media channels and in email updates like this. I have included the latest important information from the City below. 

Right now, I can’t express enough how important it is to stay home, practise physical distancing, work from home where possible and only go out for essentials. These actions, which many of you are already doing, will help to protect you but also your family, friends and all those who work in essential services. 

Thank you for everything that you’re doing to help stop the spread and please continue to urge others to do the same.

Please see the following Key Messages for the day on COVID-19 updates from the City of Toronto:

Mayor John Tory announced today that business owners are invited to complete this City survey to share how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting their business, and what information or supports they and their employees need. The survey will also be sent to more than 20,000 businesses as well as Business Improvement Associations.

If you have a complaint about a business still operating, whether is it a non-essential business still running, or an essential business running without taking proper steps to protect its workers, please call (not email) 311. Please be patient and expect high call volumes. Complaints are logged and sent to a compliance team which will assign an officer to review and investigate.

The deadline to cancel the TTC’s 12 Month Pass plan and Autorenew for the TTC Monthly Pass have been extended until 11:59 p.m. on March 27, 2020. TTC will waive all cancellation fees, including any previous discounts received for the TTC Monthly Pass. Residents may still see a notification regarding cancellation fees on the PRESTO app or website, however, we ask that they please disregard this message. More information can be found here: https://bit.ly/2Ugq0uu

Please see today’s update by the KGO for information regarding resources and supports available in the community including information on:

·         New Financial Supports: What you need to know

·         Worker’s Rights During COVID-19: Free webinar TODAY

·         Financial Resources for Business Owners

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Checktoronto.ca/covid-19  for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul 

March 25, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

Please see the following today on COVID-19 updates from the City of Toronto 

As part of the City’s continuing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, all City-owned playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor exercise equipment and other parks amenities, as well as parking lots attached to its parks system, will be closed effective immediately. School playgrounds, fields and equipment will also be closed. Green spaces remain open for walking and jogging 

TCHC’s Our Client Care Centre received several reports yesterday from tenants who were called by someone claiming to a volunteers offering to deliver groceries to their homes, and then requesting their banking information. The following message has been shared with TCHC tenants.

FRAUD WARNING: 

Tenants: If you get a call from a “volunteer” offering to deliver groceries who then asks for your banking or credit card information, hang up. It’s a scam. If you’ve been the victim of fraud, report it to local police. Toronto Community Housing staff or first responders calling you during the COVID-19 emergency will never ask for your banking or credit information.

Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 

Today, Finance Minister Rod Phillips released Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update). 

The government’s action plan is a first step in its response to COVID-19 and includes $7 billion in additional resources for the health care system and direct support for people and jobs. It also will make available $10 billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other deferrals to improve their cash flow, protecting jobs and household budgets. Full news release can be accessed here:https://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2020/03/ontarios-action-plan-responding-to-covid-19.html 

TCHC Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) support and resources

Actions being implemented by Toronto Community Housing in response to the COVID-19 outbreak include details on: 

• Rent flexibility
• Outreach to tenants
• Food security 
• Social distancing measures and more. 

All information can be found on the TCHC Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) support and resources page, accessed here:https://www.torontohousing.ca/residents/community-services/Pages/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19-information.aspx

Keep in mind:

There is no need to panic-buy and stockpile. Being prepared for emergencies is good advice but purchasing in bulk jeopardizes the ability for vulnerable people to get food and health supplies and other essential supplies. 

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Checktoronto.ca/covid-19  for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul 

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours, 

I am continuously updating my social media platforms and my website with up to date information. Please visit and follow: 

·         Twitter: @Ainslie_Ward24

·         Facebook: @ward24scarboroughguildwood 

·         Instagram: @cllrainslie 

Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online atwww.toronto.ca. The City’s website has a tool that can translate pages into 51 different languages. 

If you need info on COVID-19, please visit the following websites:

City of Toronto www.toronto.ca/COVID-19

Province of Ontario https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

World Health Organization https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Official Global Travel Advisory can be found https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

If you can’t find any answers, please call my office at 416-396-7222 or you can also email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca

All my Best,

Paul

END OF DAY UPDATE

March 24, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

Please see the following Key Messages for the day on COVID-19 updates from the City of Toronto:

To further contain the spread of COVID-19, the Ontario Government announced they will order the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. This closure will be in effect for 14 days with the possibility of extending this order as the situation evolves. The Province released a full list of essential workplaces that are permitted to stay open. The City is assessing the impact this will have on City services and encourages residents to visit the City’s website for the most up to date information on affected services: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/

The City of Toronto has rapidly mobilized and implemented a plan in response to the risk COVID-19 presents to clients of the city’s network of shelters, respites, and drop-ins. The City has opened nine new facilities with more than 350 spaces to create further physical distancing for clients from shelters, 24-respites and 24-hour drop-ins. An additional facility is preparing to open with more space ready to be activated as needed. The City also has Canada’s first dedicated isolation site for people experiencing homelessness who are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) will be flexible and work with market rent and rent-geared-to-income (RGI) tenants whose employment income has been impacted by COVID-19. For rent-geared-to-income households, TCHC will recalculate rent based on employment income changes owing to job loss or layoff incurred because of COVID-19. For market rent tenants whose income has been reduced as a result of a job loss or layoff because of the COVID-19 response, TCHC will consider various case-specific options to assist them.
Now that people are doing more cleaning and disinfecting at home including disposable wipes, everyone is urged to not flush disposable wipes down the toilet. Pipes can easily become clogged by non-flushable items such as sanitizing wipes, baby wipes, and paper towels. These can damage your plumbing and cause blockages in City sewer pipes — which can lead to basement flooding. When sewer blockages occur, it takes City staff away from other critical services. Please protect Toronto’s sewer system. The only thing that should be flushed down a toilet is a limited amount of toilet paper. Throw used wipes in the garbage bin.

The City of Toronto will open licensed child care centres specifically to provide care for children of essential and critical service workers. Child care service will be available, at no cost, funded by the Province of Ontario, for children from infant to age 12, and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week in order to begin to address the unique demands of people who work shifts to keep the city safe and healthy. The centres will be spread across Toronto in existing City-run child care facilities and be operated and staffed by the City of Toronto licensed child care workers. This is the first time a service of this type has ever been offered by the City of Toronto. The City is working to quickly establish an online system to assess needs. The centres will then open as quickly as possible.

For the health and safety of our communities, please remember the importance of physical distancing and minimizing contact between people. The best way for Torontonians to help stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home except to get essential supplies, practice physical distancing when outside the home, and self-isolate following travel or illness.

Support The Scarborough Health Network….They Need Supplies!
The Scarborough Health Network is calling for donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) for its care teams and patients. If you or your business has PPE that could help, email: PPEdonations@shn.ca – Lets Help Our Heroes in the fight against COVID-19.

Ontario announced that the province will provide electricity relief to families, small businesses and farms during COVID-19. News Release here.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Check toronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca

All my Best,

Paul

March 24, 2020

Dear Ward 24 Residents,

Ontario announced today the province will lower hydro rates for at least six weeks to offset higher consumption as more people work from home or remain in self-isolation. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ontario-to-slash-hydro-rates-to-offset-costs-of-working-from-home/ #Hydro #Rates #Ward24 #TOPoli

All my Best,

Paul