Month: April 2020

April 30, 2020 

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw!

Thank you to everyone who participated in last night’s Virtual Town Hall with myself, MP Hon. John McKay and MPP Mitzie Hunter. In case you missed the meeting, you may access the video on my Facebook page here, or if you are not a Facebook user you can access the video here. Plans to host future meetings are in process.     

Today, Toronto City Council held its first ever virtual meeting using online conferencing platforms. You can watch the meeting at this link.  

Yesterday, a Royal Canadian Air force helicopter deployed on Operation Reassurance went down in the Ionian Sea off the coast of Greece. Six members were onboard, one casualty was recovered and the mission to find the other five are still ongoing. My deepest condolences go out to family and friends of Sub-Lieutenant Abbigail Cowbrough as well as the brave crew onboard HMCS Fredericton. 

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto:  

Community Supports and Resources 

The Toronto District School Board is committed to the safety and well-being of our students and families, while continuing to support students learning at home in a variety of ways. To ensure access to information on essential services and supports, we have developed a list of external community-based resources that we hope can offer assistance during this period. 

For the most updated list, please visit the TDSB webpage for Community Supports and Resources. 

Update on Labour Negotiations 

The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) and the Government of Ontario have reached a tentative agreement with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) at both the teacher/occasional teacher and education worker central bargaining tables. OSSTF has indicated that the new contract will be put to a ratification vote in May. 

An agreement between the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), OPSBA and the Government of Ontario has also been reached. This agreement was ratified on April 28.  

For more information, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/labour. 

COVID-19 case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. The advice from Toronto’s public health officials has been clear and consistent: To stop the community spread of this deadly virus, we must reduce all contact with others as much as possible. Stay home, except for essential outings. 

Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24

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.

Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough

Essential Government Information for COVID -19

Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.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

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

Official Global Travel Advisory

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

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

Website: www.paulainslie.com

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

All my Best, 

Paul

April 27, 2020
Dear Neighbours,
I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw!
Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto:
CurbTO to re-allocate road space to support physical distancing and access essential businessesAlthough pedestrian traffic has dropped across the city as people follow to stay home, there are hot spots on some sidewalks in some areas where it is difficult to physically distance.
CurbTO is a common-sense approach to addressing sidewalk hot spots to help encourage physical distancing in areas where it is challenging to avoid the creation of lineups and to support increased demand for pickup and delivery services near essential businesses. Known sidewalk hotspots have been identified by Toronto Public Health, City of Toronto staff in Transportation Services, and Councillors, and more locations will be identified in a measured way based on evidence so that physical distancing can be achieved.
CurbTO aligns with the current directive from the Medical Officer of Health that the public should continue to stay home as much as possible and only go out for essential needs such as food and medicine. Businesses can apply and learn more about eligibility criteria and program guidelines for CurbTO at toronto.ca/covid19BusinessTO.
Help save lives by staying home- Promising signs public health measures are workingAs Toronto moves into week seven of this pandemic, officials are seeing promising signs that public health measures are working. Dr. de Villa stressed the need to continue to practise social distancing and only leave the house for essential reasons, noting restrictions will be eased sooner if people continue to heed public health advice.
As of this afternoon, there are 4,973 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. This includes 4,493 confirmed cases and 480 probable cases. There are 308 cases hospitalized, with 104 in intensive care units. We continue to see COVID-19 deaths: to date 297 people in Toronto have died from COVID-19. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. The advice from Toronto’s public health officials has been clear and consistent: To stop the community spread of this deadly virus, we must reduce all contact with others as much as possible. Stay home, except for essential outings.
COVID-19 Enforcement Team continues important work across the cityEnforcement of the City’s physical distancing bylaw and the Province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act orders is ongoing. Yesterday, the City received 40 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw and police officers issued three tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued since April 3 to 536. Bylaw and police officers have spoken to more than 11,500 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures. The City also received 46 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open. Since March 24, Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Public Health have issued 76 tickets and 159 notices to non-essential businesses. Residents can report non-compliance online though the City’s website.
What can you do in a park?At this time, the park is not meant to be a destination like it used to be. People can walk/run, get some exercise and then keep moving. While visiting a park, people must practise physical distancing. Under the City’s physical distancing bylaw, any two people who don’t live together, who fail to keep two metres of distance between them in a park or public square, can receive a $1,000 ticket. For more information visit the City’s website.
Guild Inn Landslides Clean-Up to BeginI would like to inform you that the Guild Inn Landslides Clean-Up was successfully completed as of last Friday. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority crews were onsite for clean-ups in early April.
Ontario Unveils Guiding Principles to Reopen the Province Today, the Ontario government released A Framework for Reopening our Province, which outlines the criteria Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will use to advise the government on the loosening of emergency measures, as well as guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces. The framework also provides details of an outreach strategy, led by the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee, to help inform the restart of the provincial economy. Full news release here.
Workers’ Mourning Day – National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace In honour of persons killed or injured in the workplace, all flags on official flagpoles at Toronto City Hall, East York Civic Centre, Etobicoke Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, and Metro Hall will be flown at half-mast on Tuesday April 28 to mark Worker’s Mourning Day – National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace.
Toronto Public Library Digital Card The Toronto Public Library has launched a new initiative where residents that do not have a library card can now access Overdrive, our largest collection of ebooks and audio books using the new instant digital card. These digital cards will expire September 1, 2020. This service available for individuals 13 years and older.For more information and to access the library digital services, please click on this link.
The List: Great Reads for Youth 2020 Great Reads for Youth 2020 is now available online with 100 title recommendations and 13 video reviews by our teen readers. This resource was created by the Youth Materials Selection Committee (YMSC). 92 of the 100 recommended titles are available digitally. The List: Great Reads for Youth 2020 magazine will be available at branches after we reopen. The magazine can be downloaded as a pdf from the link below. Have fun reading! List Website: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/teens/the-list.jsp
Excess Recycling Place excess recycling in a large clear bag beside your Blue Bin. Flatten excess cardboard, cut into small pieces and bundle with string or twine. More details here.

On my website www.paulainslie.com you can find a list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24: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.

Essential Government Information for COVID -19Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.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 Province of OntarioGovernment of CanadaWorld Health OrganizationOfficial Global Travel Advisory
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
I am continuously updating my social media platforms and my website with up to date information: Website: www.paulainslie.comYou can also reach me by: telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
All my Best,
Paul

April 26, 2020 

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw!

In celebration of Ramadan during the COVID-19 outbreak, Mosques may mark sundown each night by broadcasting the call to prayer over their speaker throughout the month of Ramadan (until May 23). 

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto:

Statement on notice of application regarding City emergency shelters

The City of Toronto is in possession of the notice of application with respect to its unprecedented, determined and expedited action to protect those experiencing homelessness in Toronto. Toronto’s Shelter, Support & Housing Administration has worked tirelessly with Toronto Public Health, other City divisions, provincial and federal governments, and the community non-profit sector to rapidly tailor solutions for the city’s most vulnerable. Nothing on this scale has ever been experienced by Toronto. The City of Toronto has declared an emergency for the first time in its history to respond to this pandemic and save lives. The City will respond to this notice of application through appropriate court channels. Read the statement on the City’s website.

City reminds residents of the importance of reducing contact with others

As of yesterday, there are 4,628 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. This includes 4,176 confirmed cases and 452 probable cases. There are 305 cases hospitalized, with 112 in intensive care units. We continue to see COVID-19 deaths: to date 253 people in Toronto have died from COVID-19. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Residents are reminded of the importance of reducing all contact with others as much as possible and staying home except for essential outings to help stop the community spread of the deadly virus.

Update on enforcement activity

Enforcement of the City’s physical distancing bylaw and the Province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act orders is ongoing. Yesterday, the City received 354 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw and police officers issued 18 tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued since April 3 to 505. Bylaw and police officers have spoken to more than 11,000 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures. The City also received 44 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open. Since March 24, Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Public Health have issued 71 tickets and 149 notices to non-essential businesses. Residents can report non-compliance online though the City’s website. 

Ontario Allows the Redeployment of Staff to Better Care for Vulnerable People During COVID-19 

On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is introducing new and amending some emergency orders under subsection 7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to better support Ontario’s long-term care homes and deafblind community. The orders would allow for the redeployment of staff to ensure they can work where they are needed most during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The government is also amending an emergency order to help ensure food security for some individuals and families during the pandemic. Full news release can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/352FhTs 

Property Tax Questions

My office has received questions regarding property tax due dates and clarification on extensions. After reaching out to staff, I have been advised that for property owners on the regular three-instalment payment plan, the April 1 property tax instalment due date would be extended to June 1, 2020. Customers will be advised in advance of any rescheduling of revised withdrawal due dates and amount following the 60-day grace period. The City is providing a grace period for payments and payment penalties for 60 days. For more information please visit this website. 

Keep in mind: 

COVID-19 is spread by contact with droplets, so it’s most important to wash your hands and avoid touching your face after touching surfaces to reduce the risk of infection.  There is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread by food or food packaging. Wiping down containers or packaging is not necessary. In general, you can lower your risk of infection by following safe food handling practices.

It is important to:

·         Wash your hands before and after handling groceries, take-out bags & containers

·         Clean and disinfect surfaces after handling groceries and packaging

·         Wash reusable shopping bags

·         Wash vegetables and fruit under cold running water

CFIA provides recommendations on the cleaning of reusable shopping bags on their website, here.  

Other tips for grocery shopping and food are available under “Food Safety” on the City’s website, here.

Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24

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.

Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough

Essential Government Information for COVID -19

Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.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

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

Official Global Travel Advisory

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

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

Website: www.paulainslie.com

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

All my Best, 

Paul

April 24, 2020 

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw!

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto:

City of Toronto begins targeted spring cleanup across the city

Targeted spring cleanup will be taking place across the city over the next few weeks.

Unfortunately, the annual Clean Toronto Together community cleanup campaign was cancelled due to COVID-19. The public can do their part to help keep Toronto clean and safe by properly disposing of items in available street bins and not littering. You can also report litter hot spots to 311. In light of the COVID-19 situation, the City does not want the public handling items that have been discarded on the ground in Toronto’s public spaces or organizing community cleanup events. If residents find personal protective equipment or other trash discarded on their property, they are advised to use gloves to pick it up and to discard it in the garbage, along with the gloves and then wash their hands.

Saad Rafi appointed to lead the Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild to begin planning post-COVID-19

Today, Mayor John Tory announced the start of Toronto’s Recovery and Rebuild Strategy including the establishment of an office led by Mr. Saad Rafi, with a public health strategy led by Dr. David Mowat. While the City’s priorities remain on reducing the spread of COVID-19, minimizing demand on the health care system, and ensuring the delivery of essential and critical City services, preparing Toronto for recovery and rebuild in the weeks and months to come must begin now. Decisions about timing of re-opening and relaxing current measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 have not been determined and will be guided by advice from public health officials. For more information, please read the news release.

Sing for Canada this Sunday

The Canada Together initiative is asking everyone to sing the anthem on Sunday at 12 p.m. Visit canadatogether.com/en for more information.

City urges residents to stay focused on stopping the spread of COVID-19

As of this morning, there are 4,480 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. Cases include 4,048 confirmed cases and 438 probable cases. There are 300 cases hospitalized, with 113 in intensive care units. We continue to see COVID-19 deaths; to date 238 people in Toronto have died from COVID-19. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. As the weekend approaches, residents are reminded of the importance of staying home and remaining focused on fighting COVID-19.

Update on enforcement activity

Enforcement of the City’s physical distancing bylaw and the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act orders is ongoing. Yesterday, the City received 483 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw and police officers issued five tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued since April 3 to 489. Bylaw and police officers have spoken to close to 11,000 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures. The City also received 39 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Since March 24, Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Public Health have issued 65 tickets and 141 notices to non-essential businesses.

How to Dispute a Ticket

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, new legislation and bylaws have been put in place which have not existed in the past. If you feel that you were wrongly ticketed, you have the option of requesting an early resolution meeting with a prosecutor and challenging it in court. You can do this by requesting early resolution meeting, or requesting a trial. For more information is available on the City’s website.

Eglinton GO Station 

At Eglinton GO Station, the overnight drilling work that was scheduled for Sunday, April 26 and Monday, April 27 is cancelled. Drilling work can be expected during the daytime next week, however this overnight work is canceled. The purpose of this work is to install groundwater monitoring wells to collect and monitor groundwater quality information needed for the planned Eglinton GO Station Accessibility Upgrades Project.

Visit this website for the latest GO Transit, UP Express and Metrolinx-related COVID-19 news updates. 

Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24

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.

Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough

Essential Government Information for COVID -19

Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.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

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

Official Global Travel Advisory

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

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

Website: www.paulainslie.com

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

All my Best, 

Paul

 

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw!

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto:

The Canadian Women’s Foundation “Violence at Home Signal for Help

The social isolation measures necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic are making it more difficult for those who are at risk of abuse or violence to safely reach out for help. “Signal for Help” is a simple one-handed sign someone can use on a video call. It can help a person silently show they need help and want someone to check in with them in a safe way. Details can be found here: https://canadianwomen.org/signal-for-help/ 

Resources to protect against COVID-19 Digital Scams can be accessed here:

Public Safety Alert, Hijacking of Virtual Meeting Spaces

Over the last several weeks, the Toronto Police Service has noted an increase in reported occurrences involving the hijacking of virtual meeting spaces.

Active investigations of meetings being interrupted by uninvited guests who share hate-related content or child sexual abuse material are underway.

For those organizing virtual meetings, the following steps are strongly recommended:
– if possible, do not make your meeting ID public,
– create a unique meeting ID for each session,
– require a meeting password that is known only by invited guests,
– preview meeting attendees in a virtual waiting room before having them join the session,
– if possible, only have the host stream video and do not allow file transfers during the meeting

More information can be found in the news release here:  

Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy “Zoo Food For Life” Fundraising Campaign Raises over $500,000 to help feed the animals 

The Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy launched it’s Zoo Food For Life fundraising campaign just one week ago. The campaign was launched to offset revenues lost from parking and admission due to the Toronto Zoo’s closure on March 14th, which normally goes towards supporting the nutrition needs of the more than 5000 animals. The response from the public was overwhelming. Donors have very generously given over $500,000 to the campaign, which is enough to cover six months of food costs. More details can be found here: https://www.wildlifeconservancy.ca/ 

City of Toronto beings targeting spring clean up across the city 

The City of Toronto will have a targeted spring cleanup taking place across the city over the next few weeks.

Spring cleanup activities include:

• Illegal dumping cleanup
• Boulevard and laneway cleaning
• Litter and debris removal in parks
• Fence-line litter clearing
• Street sweeping to clean up dirt and debris from Toronto’s streets.

Unfortunately, the annual Clean Toronto Together community cleanup campaign was cancelled due to COVID-19.

During the pandemic, the City has been working hard to keep public spaces clean and safe. Staff are out each day picking up litter, emptying street and park waste bins and sweeping streets. Full news release can be accessed here:  

Toronto Public Library has launched “38 Ways to Use the Library from Home”

Visit this website for more information: https://torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/digital-services/2020/03/38-ways-to-use-the-library-from-home.html.

Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24

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.

Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough

Essential Government Information for COVID -19

Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.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

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

Official Global Travel Advisory

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

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

Website: www.paulainslie.com

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

All my Best, 

Paul

April 23, 2020 

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw!

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto:

One month since State of Emergency declaration

Today marks one month since Mayor John Tory declared a State of Emergency in the City of Toronto following advice from Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health and the Office of Emergency Management. Over the past month, the City has acted and responded quickly to the pandemic, working together with other levels of government, agencies, corporations, businesses, and community organizations to ensure that the City is best positioned to stop the spread of COVID-19, while providing support to those who need it most. The Medical Officer of Health, Toronto Public Health and the City have taken a number of critical actions during this time. For more information, please read the news release.

Today is the start of Ramadan

As we begin the month of Ramadan, we would like to wish all who observe a healthy and blessed Ramadan. Please find creative ways to stay connected with family, friends and faith-based communities without visiting in person. Learn more on the City’s website.

Toronto Public Library has launching “38 Ways to Use the Library from Home”

https://torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/digital-services/2020/03/38-ways-to-use-the-library-from-home.html.

Bookmark www.tpl.ca and check in often.

Starting in May TPL will also begin to update their homepage www.tpl.ca with highlights of new and interesting things to read, watch, listen to, learn and do!

Tonight: Virtual Commemoration of the Yonge Street Tragedy

Tonight, community groups We Love Willowdale and the Willowdale Interfaith Coalition, will lead a virtual vigil to bring together the community, provide support for those impacted and offer a space for people to interact and leave messages. More information is on the City’s website. Earlier today, the City live streamed a statement by Mayor John Tory, in remembrance of the people who lost their lives, survivors and all those impacted by the tragedy.

Update on enforcement activity

Enforcement of the City’s physical distancing bylaw and the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act orders is ongoing. Yesterday, the City received 459 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw and police officers issued five tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued since April 3 to 477. Bylaw and police officers have spoken to more than 10,650 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures. The City also received 44 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Since March 24, Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Public Health have issued 64 tickets and 133 notices to non-essential businesses. As the weather warms, we’re urging residents to remain at home, leaving only for essential reasons. To continue stopping the community spread of this deadly virus, we must reduce all contact with others as much as possible.

City of Toronto media briefings

The City’s media briefings are available on theCity’s YouTube channel. 

Opportunity for High School Students via East Metro Youth Services 

East Metro Youth Services are calling on High School students interested in working on projects addressing community violence. This project will be hosted online on Thursdays at 2pm. For further information please contact Oleg at ovalin@stridestoronto.ca and visit www.emys.on.ca 

Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24

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.

Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough

Essential Government Information for COVID -19

Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.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

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

Official Global Travel Advisory

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

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

Website: www.paulainslie.com

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

All my Best, 

Paul

April 23, 2020 

Dear Neighbours, 

Ramadan Mubarak starts tonight after sunset, Ramadan marks a sacred time of the year for the Muslim community. Wishing the Muslim community a Happy Ramadan, may this Ramadan bring joy, happiness and wealth to you and your families. 

Normally an opportunity to spend time with family and faith-based communities, the City urges everyone to continue to follow provincial orders closing places of worship and limiting gatherings as well as the public health recommendations to remain at home, leaving only for essential reasons. The holidays are important spiritually and emotionally for many and to support this people are encouraged to connect with loved ones, friends, and vulnerable members of the community online or by phone. Residents should also check with their place of worship for information on online services and other innovative ways to connect while staying physically apart.

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw!

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto: 

Prime Minister announces new support for COVID-19 medical research and vaccine development 

Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced more than $1-billion in support of a national medical research strategy to fight COVID-19 that includes vaccine development, the production of treatments, and tracking of the virus. This new funding builds on the $275-million investment for coronavirus research and medical countermeasures announced in March. 

Separately, the Government of Canada is providing over $675,000 through the Stem Cell Network to support two new research projects that will generate critical information about cells in the airway and brain are affected by the virus and a clinical trial which will evaluate the safety of a potential cell therapy to reduce the impacts associated with COVID-19. Full news release can be accessed here:  

TTC reducing costs while maintaining service in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic 

The TTC today announced a number of cost-saving measures aimed at maintaining critically important transit service in the city. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an 85 % drop in monthly revenue — money that is essential to sustain operations. Included in the savings is a temporary staff reduction of approximately 1,200 employees over the coming months

Given these financial challenges, the following cost-saving measure are being implemented: 

• Significant reductions in expenditures including pausing all salary increases for non-unionized employees, reducing overtime across the organization, reviewing current vacancies and forgoing hiring all seasonal hires.
• Matching service capacity to system demand by temporarily laying off up to 1,000 transit operators, subject to negotiations with ATU Local 113, and 200 non-union staff positions will also be impacted.
• Delaying all non-essential capital projects in accordance with provincial guidelines.

Service will be maintained at roughly 70-80% of regular levels which is in line with current demand 

The TTC continues to work with the City of Toronto and transit agencies across Canada to ensure public transit is given proper consideration in any provincial and federal assistance program. Full news release can be accessed here:  

Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24

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.

Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough

Essential Government Information for COVID -19

Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.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

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

Official Global Travel Advisory

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

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

Website: www.paulainslie.com

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

All my Best, 

Paul

April 22, 2020 

Dear Neighbours, 

Today we are celebrating our beautiful planet and its 50th Earth Day! Let’s help keep our city clean and safe by not littering. Properly dispose of masks, gloves, tissues and any other litter in park and street litter bins. 

Ramadan Mubarak starts later this week, which marks a sacred time of the year for the Muslim community. Wishing the Muslim community a Happy Ramadan, may this Ramadan bring joy, happiness and wealth to you and your families. 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw!

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto: 

The City launches BusinessTO Support Centre to help support businesses during COVID-19 pandemic

Today, the City launched the BusinessTO Support Centre to provide virtual one-on-one support to Toronto businesses during this unprecedented time. 

BusinessTO Support Centre is now available for all sectors, including not-for-profit, creative/cultural, manufacturing, technology, retail, hospitality, tourism, main street businesses and consulting services. The centre will help businesses apply for government support programs, offer a weekly webinar series to provide information about available government programs and offer general business advice. Businesses can sign up to schedule a conversation with a business advisor by video or phone, and a business advisor will be in contact within 24 hours. The BusinessTO Support Centre is available at toronto.ca/covid19BusinessTO.

Today is Earth Day

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Typically, it’s a day where individuals and companies around the world take steps to clean up the environment, conserve energy and recycle. Although the activities we normally see taking place are not possible this year, you can still help the environment even without community clean-ups. Some ideas on safely celebrating Earth Day this year:

·         Turn off all electronic devices not being used to help reduce energy usage at home.

·         Experience nature by taking a walk, while maintaining physical distancing.

·         Reduce food waste by using up what’s already in your fridge.

·         Lower your thermostat by a degree.

Visit earthday.org, where they’ve taken Earth Day digital for the first time in their history. For more tips, check out Earth Day Canada’s 2020 campaign encouraging Canadians to take simple yet positive action for the environment as part of their daily lives.

High Park cherry blossoms going virtual during park closure

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Toronto will make the High Park cherry blossoms available online during the upcoming park closure. The blossoms typically last between four and 10 days, depending on weather, with peak bloom period typically from late April to early May. This year, High Park will be closed during the pre-bloom and peak bloom period of the cherry blossom trees, as maintaining proper physical distancing will not be possible. The City will offer a virtual walk-through of the blossoming trees instead with multiple livestream events and videos. The park closure dates are weather-dependent and will be announced when the bloom period is determined. In addition, the cherry blossoms area at Trinity Bellwoods Park will be enclosed by fencing. City bylaw officers and the Toronto Police Service will ensure residents are complying with the closures and may patrol other smaller sites of cherry blossoms in Toronto.

What can you do in a park?

At this time, the park is not meant to be a destination like it used to be. People can walk/run there, get some exercise and then keep moving. While the City will no longer be issuing tickets to people simply because they are using park benches, these benches are not destinations to congregate. Tickets will be issued to those who are not following public health direction and provincial orders on social and public gatherings of more than five people, and the City’s physical distancing bylaw, including to those who are using park benches. Benches are not sanitized. People may unknowingly spread the virus by sneezing or touching the bench. For more information visit the City’s website or see the attached updated fact sheet.

Update on enforcement activity

Enforcement of the City’s physical distancing bylaw and the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act orders is ongoing. Yesterday, the City received 408 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw and police officers issued four tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued since April 3 to 472. Bylaw and police officers have spoken to nearly 10,500 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures. The City also received 57 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Since March 24, Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Public Health have issued 53 tickets and 131 notices to non-essential businesses.

Tomorrow: Virtual commemoration of the second anniversary of the Yonge Street Tragedy

This year’s commemoration will take place online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and consideration for public health and safety. In remembrance of the people who lost their lives, survivors and all those impacted by the tragedy, the City will live stream a statement by Mayor John Tory at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 23. In the evening, here will be a virtual vigil led by community groups, We Love Willowdale and Willowdale Interfaith Coalition. More information is on the City’s website. 

Nova Scotia Virtual Book of Condolences

On April 19, Nova Scotia experienced an unimaginable tragedy, in already difficult times. Nova Scotia government has now established a virtual book of condolences for you to share your condolences online and on social media.

Canada Emergency Student Benefit 

Today, Prime Minister Trudeau announced the creation of the Canada Emergency Student Benefit for post-secondary students whose education and job prospects are disrupted by the pandemic. The CESB will add up to $9-billion, and post-secondary students can receive $1,250 per month from May to August. The CESB can increase to $1.750 for people with disabilities or who care for others. 

Additionally, eligible students will soon be eligible to receive monthly payments of $1,000 and $5,000 for volunteering in their communities to reward them for their efforts. Details can be found in this news release:  

TDSB Nutrition Program 

Students from some additional Ward 19 TDSB Schools are eligible for a $50 grocery card. If you know a student who attends one of the schools listed here, please tell them to apply for their grocery card online here: surveymonkey.com/r/WD2G23X 

List of eligible Ward 19 (Scarborough-Guildwood) Schools: 

• Cedarbrae Collegiate Institute
• Cedar Drive Junior Public School
• Maplewood Highschool 
• Scarborough Village Public School
• Eastview Public School 
• Galloway Public School 
• Native Learning Centre East
• St. Margaret’s Public School 
• Willow Park Junior Public School 
• Military Trail Public School
• Woburn Junior Public School 
• Ben Heppner vocal Music Academy 
• Tecumseh Senior Public School 

Clean Reusable Bags After Every Use 

Public health officials report that the coronavirus is still viable on hard surfaces such as plastics after 72 hours. If shoppers continue to reuse bags, they need to wash and sanitize their reusables to reduce the risk of spreading the pathogen. See cleaning tips below

Reusable Polypropylene Bags – The Most Common Reusable: Do not put them in the washing machine or dryer. They will melt. Wipe both the inside and outside by hand with warm soapy water or use a sanitizer and air dry completely. Don’t forget the inner and outer seams. 

Polyester and Canvas Bags: Toss them in the washing machine, launder in hot water with detergent, then, put them in the dryer.

Nylon bags: Flip them inside out and wash them by hand in warm soapy water. If you prefer to machine wash them, use the gentlest cycle to prevent the bag from coming apart. Then, allow them to air dry

Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24

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.

Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough

Essential Government Information for COVID -19

Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.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

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

Official Global Travel Advisory

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

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

Website: www.paulainslie.com

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

All my Best, 

Paul

 

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw!

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto: 

Tax Deferrals and Automatic Withdrawals

I have received inquiries on whether you must defer paying your tax or if you can pay immediately. The City has suspended all pending automated withdrawals. If you have a direct arrangement with the City, it will be deferred automatically. If you have an arrangement with the bank, you will need to follow up directly with your bank, where you can opt to pay your property tax and utility payments on your regular installment date.

For more information please visit the City website on Bills & Tax Relief.

Summary of COVID-19 Cases in Toronto

Dr. de Villa shared insights into Toronto’s outbreak during today’s media briefing and compared the situation in the city to other jurisdictions, including the provincial and national outbreak curves. The presentation looks at number of cases, hospitalizations, and demographics. The full presentation is available on the City’s website. 

The TTC and Toronto Paramedics are partnering to repurpose decommissioned buses for emergency transport

To support the evolving medical needs of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the TTC and Paramedic Services have repurposed five decommissioned TTC buses to safely transport both ambulatory and stretcher-bound patients, including those on ventilators. The converted buses represent a key component of the City’s contingency planning to support seamless, efficient, and timely patient care, while also providing important surge capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vehicles will be driven by TTC drivers with paramedics seeing to the medical needs of patients.

The City of Toronto received shipment of three million surgical masks primarily for long-term care homes and shelters

The City of Toronto has received its order of three million ATSM Level 2 surgical masks, purchased from Canadian distributor AMG Medical Inc. The new masks have passed inspection by City staff and are confirmed to be as ordered. Surgical masks are used extensively by staff in the City’s emergency shelters and long-term care facilities.

City of Toronto will virtually commemorate the second anniversary of the Yonge Street Tragedy

This year’s commemoration will take place online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and consideration for public health and safety. In remembrance of the people who lost their lives, survivors and all those impacted by the tragedy, the City will live stream a statement by Mayor John Tory at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 23. Later in the evening, there will be a virtual vigil led by community groups, We Love Willowdale and Willowdale Interfaith Coalition. More information is on the City’s website. 

Update on enforcement activity

Enforcement of the City’s physical distancing bylaw and the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act orders is ongoing. Yesterday, the City received 345 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw and police officers issued 32 tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued since April 3 to 468. Bylaw and police officers have spoken to more than 10,000 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures.  The City also received 57 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Since March 24, Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Public Health have issued 48 tickets and 126 notices to non-essential businesses.

What can you do in a park?

At this time, the park is not meant to be a destination like it used to be. People can walk and run there, get some exercise and but then keep moving. While the City will no longer be issuing tickets to people using park benches, these benches are not destinations to congregate. Benches are not sanitized. People may unknowingly spread the virus by sneezing or touching the bench. For more information visit the City’s website.

Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24

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.

Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough

Essential Government Information for COVID -19

Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.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

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

Official Global Travel Advisory

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

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

Website: www.paulainslie.com

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

All my Best, 

Paul

Dear Neighbours,   Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto:    City of Toronto to virtually commemorate second anniversary of the Yonge Street Tragedy   The City of Toronto will virtually commemorate the second anniversary of the Yonge Street Tragedy that happened on April 23, 2018. This year’s commemoration will take place online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and consideration for public health and safety. The City of Toronto will live stream Mayor John Tory’s commemorative statement on the City of Toronto YouTube channel.   In remembrance of the people who lost their lives, survivors and all those impacted by the tragedy, the City will live stream a statement by Mayor John Tory at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 23. Later in the evening, there will be a virtual vigil led by community groups, We Love Willowdale and Willowdale Interfaith Coalition.   To mark the time of the incident, flags on Nathan Phillips Square and Mel Lastman Square at North York Civic Centre will be lowered to half-mast at 1:30 p.m. for the remainder of the day. The Toronto Sign will also be dimmed just before sunset.   We Love Willowdale and Willowdale Interfaith Coalition, two community groups in North York, will lead a virtual vigil at 6 p.m. on the We Love Willowdale Facebook page. This vigil will bring together the community, provide support for those impacted and offer a space for people to interact and leave messages.   As this commemoration may bring back painful and traumatic memories, those who require support or counselling are advised to call 211 to access support from the Ontario Psychological Association who is offering free mental health services.   To help keep our community safe during the COVID-19 crisis, residents are respectfully requested to adhere to public health orders and refrain from gathering to lay flowers or other memorabilia at the incident sites.   The City recognizes the challenges the current pandemic and physical distancing measures poses to individuals experiencing trauma as a result of this tragedy. People are encouraged to continue to take care of one another and connect with loved ones, friends, and vulnerable members of the community online or by phone who may be impacted.   City of Toronto receives shipment of three million surgical masks primarily for long-term care homes and shelters   The City of Toronto is committed to ensuring our frontline staff, including emergency responders, those working with individuals experiencing homelessness, and staff in long-term care homes, have the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to stay safe and protect their health and the health of the community.   Today, Mayor John Tory announced that the City of Toronto has received three million ATSM Level 2 surgical masks. The masks, ordered from Canadian distributor AMG Medical Inc. in late March, arrived in two shipments with the final shipment of two million masks delivered to the City earlier today. The new masks have been inspected and staff have confirmed masks are as ordered and have passed inspection.   Surgical masks are used extensively by staff in the City’s emergency shelters and long-term care facilities. Prior to receiving the shipments, as of April 14, the City of Toronto had enough surgical masks for 52 days at current consumption and 25 days in the worst-case scenario. This new inventory adds approximately 127 days of stock at current consumption and would provide 60 additional days of protection in the worst-case scenario.   Yesterday, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa explained that while Toronto is currently in the peak period for reported COVID-19 cases, the situation in congregate facilities is very different with higher-rates of COVID-19 infection expected to continue. This new influx of PPE will ensure staff can continue to help the most vulnerable Torontonians in our shelters and long-term care facilities.   The City is continuing to source PPE to support frontline workers responding to COVID-19. The Emergency Operations Centre includes a PPE Task Force responsible for monitoring and allocating the City’s PPE, projecting PPE needs, implementing PPE conservation strategies, and investigating alternative PPE options and procurement strategies.
I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw!
Managing Stress and Psychological Wellbeing is as Important as Managing your Physical Health   Where to find Mental Health help:  City of Toronto Mental Health 211 Tips on managing your stress and well-being World Health Organization The Psychological Foundation of Canada – Stress Strategies Canadian Mental Health Association
Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24 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.   Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough
Essential Government Information for COVID -19 Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.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 Province of Ontario Government of Canada World Health Organization Official Global Travel Advisory I am continuously updating my social media platforms and my website with up to date information:    Website: www.paulainslie.com You can also reach me by: telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
How to contact me: Toronto City Hall 100 Queen Street West Suite C52 Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2 Tel: 416-392-4008   Scarborough Civic Centre 150 Borough Drive Scarborough, Ontario M1P 4N7 Tel: 416-396-7222 Fax: 416-392-4006   The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Check www.toronto.ca/COVID19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline 416-338-7600 or 311 Call Telehealth Ontario if you develop symptoms. Telephone: 1-866-797-0000   All my Best, Paul