May 11, 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!
Please join me, Hon. MP John McKay and MPP Mitzie Hunter on Wednesday May 13 at 7:00PM for our second Scarborough-Guildwood Live Town Hall.
You can submit your questions in advance, by May 12, 4:30PM
National Nursing Week
In honour of the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth (May 12), the World Health Organization has designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. This year, National Nursing Week is May 11 to 17. The theme is Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Nursing the World to Health. It was developed by the International Council of Nurses to showcase how nurses are central to addressing a wide range of health challenges.
The City has approximately 1,660 employees in nursing positions and we’d like to thank them for the remarkable service they provide, during the COVID-19 pandemic and every day!
City of Toronto launches ShopHERE to help local businesses and artists open free online stores
Today, Mayor John Tory announced the launch of ShopHERE, a new initiative to help Toronto’s independent businesses and artists set-up their online stores with the help of volunteer web developers, business students and corporate partners. The free program provides businesses one-on-one support with building an online store to start selling their goods and services right away. The ShopHERE program is open to any business or artist that meets the eligibility requirements.
ShopHERE is part of the Digital Main Street program, which offers tools, resources, connections to trusted digital vendors, online learning, and a Digital Service Squad that provides one-on-one virtual assistance. Digital Main Street was created by the City of Toronto and Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas in 2016 and was recently expanded as part of the Mayor’s Economic Support and Recovery Task Force’s short-term economic support and recovery plan for Toronto’s businesses. Read news release.
Toronto Rent Bank Update
The City of Toronto has made recent program enhancements to the Toronto Rent Bank in response to COVID-19. As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an economic impact on the livelihoods of Toronto residents. Many are facing financial hardship, including the inability to pay rent. The Toronto Rent Bank provides interest-free loans to low-income households in Toronto who are experiencing rental arrears or require help with a rental deposit in order to prevent homelessness.
The City of Toronto has made an investment of $2M to the Toronto Rent Bank to support approximately 800 additional low-income households to remain housed.
Program changes have also been implemented to be more responsive to the needs of low-income households during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include:
- Increasing the maximum allowable loan from $3,500 to $4,000 for up to 3 months of rental arrear loans.
- Automatically deferring all loan repayments for up to a period of 12 months
- Eliminating the eligibility requirement that households demonstrate a steady income on a go-forward basis
- Moving from original copies to electronic document verification
For more information on how to apply, residents may call 416-397-RENT(7368),
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Outside of operating hours, callers may leave a message and a representative will return their call. More information about the Toronto Rent Bank is available on their website.
City of Toronto supporting retail business reopen for curbside pickup and delivery today
On May 8, the City of Toronto announced a plan to support retail business reopen for curbside pickup and delivery today. Staff and customers can be kept safe by following these physical distancing tips and resources.
High Park partial reopening
This morning, the City completed removal of fencing around High Park (read Mayor’s message). As of last night, the park’s greenspace and trails can again be used to get exercise and fresh air. Park amenities are still closed, and the physical distancing bylaw remains in effect. Enforcement officers will be in the park to ensure physical distancing and prevent crowding near lingering cherry blossoms.
Regular updates are being made to the COVID-19: Affected City Services & Facilities webpage.
City of Toronto update on COVID-19
Dr. de Villa stated that, while we are making progress in Toronto’s battle against COVID-19, Toronto Public Health continues to see new infections in the city. There are 7,557 infected with COVID-19 in Toronto, an increase of 144 since yesterday. There are also 5,340 people who have recovered from the virus, an increase of 148 since yesterday. Unfortunately, today Dr. de Villa reported the first COVID-19 death within the city’s emergency shelter system. Additional case status information can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Get the latest health advice on the City’s website.
COVID-19 Enforcement
The COVID-19 Enforcement Team is continuing their important work across the city educating residents on the City’s physical distancing bylaw and the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act orders. Enforcement is ongoing, where necessary. Yesterday, the City received 28 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks or squares. Police issued seven tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued since May 1 to 51 tickets. This month, bylaw and police officers have spoken to more than 2,000 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures. The City received no complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open. Three tickets were issued to non-essential businesses yesterday. Since March 24, 132 tickets and 267 notices have been issued to non-essential businesses. Residents can report non-compliance online though the City’s website.
FCM is now on Instagram
FCM is excited to announce the launch of their Instagram channel. Follow them at @FCMgram. Stay connected with other municipalities, get the latest updates on how communities are responding to COVID-19, and learn how FCM continues to advocate for local governments at the national level.
Harley Owners Group (H.O.G) Ride for Front Line Workers
The Scarborough Chapter of H.O.G to raise money for the Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Fund and to express gratitude to the front-line essential workers helping our communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Front Line Workers Gratitude Ride will take place on Saturday, May 16th departing from the Tam Heather Curling Club (730 Military Trail) and The Corner Bank Sports Bar & Grill (925 Warden Ave.) at 12:00noon. In keeping with social distancing measures, there will be no meetings or stops during or after the ride.
Minimum donations of $25 per rider and $10 per passenger will be collected from participants. Non-riders are welcome to support this cause with a donation to Scarborough Health Network Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund. See full news release here.
Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24
Please click here for a list of food banks in East Scarborough
Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough
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.
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