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”
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:
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