May the 4th be with you, 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 physical distancing bylaw!
Practise physical distancing today and everyday by staying apart 2metres (6feet), or about the length of two lightsabers. May the Fourth be with you!
The Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) annual Mental Health Week
Today is the start of Mental Health Week – May 4-10, 2020! As we continue to face the challenges of COVID-19, many people may be feeling anxious, unsure, and even scared during these difficult times. It is important that we focus on what we can control and take care of our mental health and well-being. Remember it’s OK to not feel OK. More resources on taking care of your mental health and well-being can be found here. More details on CMHA’s Mental Health week can be found here.
Toronto Water warns of fraudulent City of Toronto letter to residents
A letter from the City’s “Department of Water” is being delivered to residents telling them the City will be conducting lead pipe replacement to their property in Fall 2020 that will result in a significant charge to the utility bill; e.g. half of $38,000. This is fraud and we are asking anyone who receives this letter to report it to the Toronto Police Service non-emergency line at 416-808-2222. Anyone with questions about Toronto Water operations can contact 311.
City of Toronto to begin opening community gardens and allotment gardens
On April 25, the Province of Ontario announced amendments to an Order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act that permit the use of allotment gardens and community gardens. To help increase the resiliency of and food security for Toronto’s residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Toronto will open its community and allotment gardens for the 2020 gardening season. The City will follow a phased approach in opening its 81 community gardens and 12 allotment gardens to ensure public safety while providing access to an essential source of fresh food. More information in this news release.
City of Toronto update on COVID-19
As of yesterday afternoon, there are 6,278 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. Cases include 5,641 confirmed cases and 637 probable cases. There are 387 cases hospitalized, with 105 in intensive care units. We continue to see COVID-19 deaths; to date, 449 people in Toronto have died from COVID-19. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.
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 184 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks or squares. Bylaw and police officers issued four tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued since May 1 to 11 tickets. This month, bylaw and police officers have spoken to almost 1,000 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures.
The City also received 19 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open. Toronto Public Health issued seven tickets to non-essential businesses yesterday. Read news release.
Experience virtual cherry blossom bloom during closure of High Park
During the High Park closure, residents can enjoy the cherry blossom bloom virtually. Throughout the closure period, the City will provide a continuous livestream of the cherry tree grove in High Park, plus multiple live events and videos featuring virtual walk-throughs of the blossoming Sakura (cherry blossom) trees. Learn more at toronto.ca/cherryblossoms.
Canada and international partners launch the Coronavirus Global Response
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined other global leaders to launch the Coronavirus Global Response. This online pledging event aims to initially raise more than $8 billion (USD) to help researchers and innovators develop solutions to test, treat, and protect people, and to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Full news release can be found here.
Ontario continues to support mental health needs during COVID-19
Today, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Jill Dunlop, Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues, released this statement to acknowledge Mental Health Week.
Applications for Youth Community Violence Prevention Grant
Applications are now being accepted for the City of Toronto’s Youth Community Violence Prevention grant. The Youth Violence Prevention Grant was established in 2020 to provide agencies with funding to support the de-escalation of youth violence. Agencies can apply for up to $200,000 in funding for projects aimed at programming that is responsive to violence prevention and intervention. Information on eligibility and letter of intent can be found here.
Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre Live Classes
Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre is now hosting live classes on their website and Facebook page.
Sod Repair program questions
If your lawn was damaged by a sidewalk plow during the winter and have requested or wish to request sod repairs, the Sod Repair program is temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents who have already submitted their names for repairs will remain on the list and serviced at a later date.
Toronto Hydro Rate Update
The Time-of-use (TOU) rates are set provincially. Toronto Hydro will continue to apply rates as they are set for Ontario. Toronto Hydro is committed to helping customers manage their electricity bills during this challenging time. For more information regarding rates and to access the range of supports available to customers, we urge residents to visit this webpage.
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