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