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:
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