April 14, 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:
Ontario Extends Declaration of Emergency to Continue the Fight Against COVID-19
Today, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and with the approval of the Ontario legislature, the Ontario government is extending the Declaration of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for a further 28 days. This will allow the government to continue to use every tool at its disposal to protect the health and safety of the people of Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic. A full list of emergency orders can be found on the e-Laws website under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Read the full news release here.
City of Toronto supports launch of Distantly.ca to help main street businesses
Today, Mayor John Tory highlighted the launch of an online donation platform that allows community members to make direct donations to small businesses to help lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This platform allows customers to continue to support local main street businesses impacted by non-essential closures, such as coffee shops, restaurants and hair salons. Read the full news release.
City of Toronto provides update on personal protective equipment supply
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. Chief Pegg provided a detailed updated on the City’s PPE supply and projections for City PPE use. The City’s 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. Read the full news release.
Grass cutting and landscaping
As a reminder, grass cutting and landscaping businesses are not listed as essential under the Provincial order. The long grass and weeds bylaw continues to apply during the COVID-19 emergency, so members of the public are asked to do their best to maintain their property. Where residents are unable to cut their own grass due to age or health concerns, bylaw officers will use discretion and not enforce the bylaw unreasonably. Neighbours are also encouraged to lend a helping hand if possible.
Keep in Mind:
While access to green spaces remains available and Toronto Public Health has advised that fresh air and exercise is good if you are not ill, the City has closed playgrounds and other park amenities to stop the spread of COVID-19. Walking, jogging, and other physical activities are healthy and okay to do, so long as you follow the social distancing guidelines. This includes not gathering with more than 5 people (excluding people who live together) and staying 2 metres away from others.
Canadian Blood Services Events
Making donations safe for you and for those who receive your blood. Upcoming Canadian Blood Services events can be found here:
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