April 6, 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:
Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB) Portal
Applications for the Canada Emergency Relieve benefit is now available and can be accessed here: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html. You can also apply over the phone at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041
CERB will provide $2000/month to workers impacted by COVID-19 for up to 4 months. See below for recommended dates:
Questions about applying for CERB with CRA? You can find answers to common questions with this automated help line: 1-833-966-2099.
“Don’t flush it!” — Learn where to put COVID waste!
Masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes, facial tissues, so-called “flushable” wipes, soiled tissues, sanitary napkins — are all meant for the Garbage Bin, diapers continue to go into the Green Bin. They must be bagged, to help keep the virus from blowing around, and keep frontline workers safer.
Please bag your yard waste and refrain from using open-top bins to ensure the health and safety of our workers. Updates on waste and recyclables can be found at www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/
Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre Online Classes
At the direction of Public Health experts, the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre will remain closed until further notice. This is a difficult time for you and your families, Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre team hopes that you can take part in some of their online classes which are expanding this week to include more children’s programs, more fitness classes, an instructional cooking class and community coffee. Details on online classes can be accessed here: https://tpasc.ca/live-classes
Diabetes Canada Donation Bin Crisis
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and crucial physical distancing orders by governments that non-essential services be stopped, pick-up of all textile donations by Diabetes Canada from homes and donations bins across Canada stopped on March 23rd. The City of Toronto will update its Clothing Drop Box page with further information as soon as possible. https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/public-notices-bylaws/bylaw-enforcement/clothing-drop-box/
A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here:
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.
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.
You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
All my Best,
Paul