May 12, 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!
Don’t forget, Scarborough-Guildwood’s second Live Town Hall is TOMORROW, May 13, at 7:00PM! Join me, Hon. MP John McKay and MPP Mitzie Hunter as we answer your questions about the government’s response to COVID-19.
You can submit your questions during the Town Hall in the live broadcast.
Allotment gardens are open for the 2020 season
The City’s community gardens and allotment gardens are open for the 2020 season as the Province of Ontario has amended its emergency order. Plans for the safe operation of these gardens include COVID-19 public health guidelines. This week, permit holders were notified that their allotment is available. All permit holders must sign the provided permit and declaration forms before they can attend an allotment garden. Visit the City’s website for more information about allotment and community gardens.
Stay, Play & Learn at Home
If you’re looking for ways to stay active and engaged while practicing social distancing or self-isolating at home, visit the City’s new Stay, Play & Learn at Home web page to find a listing of free recreational and fitness programs, fun virtual learning and leisure activities. You can sort activities by type, time commitment and audience. There’s something in the listing for every age group and the page will continue to be updated with more virtual resources.
2020 Canadian National Exhibition is cancelled
Canada’s largest fair, and an iconic Toronto celebration, will not light up this summer. The Canadian National Exhibition Association (CNEA) announced today, that this year’s CNE will not move forward with its 18-day event slated for August 21 to September 7, 2020 at Exhibition Place. The event is cancelled this year out of an abundance of caution to safeguard the health of CNE employees, volunteers, visitors, vendors and artists; and its shared responsibility in protecting public safety during this unprecedented health crisis. For more information, please visit the CNE website.
City of Toronto update on COVID-19
Toronto Public Health continues to see new infections in the city. There are 7,775 people infected with COVID-19 in Toronto, an increase of 218 since yesterday. There are also 5,449 people who have recovered from the virus, an increase of 109 since yesterday. 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 provincial Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act orders. The City received 24 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open. Since March 24, 132 tickets and 269 notices have been issued to non-essential businesses. There have been no complaints related to new retail business curbside pickup. Yesterday, the City received 78 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks or squares. Bylaw officers issued four tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued since May 1 to 55 tickets. This month, bylaw and police officers have spoken to 2,141 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures. Residents can report non-compliance online though the City’s website.
Local businesses surveyed on COVID-19 impact
The City of Toronto surveyed over 20,000 businesses and Business Improvement Associations in an effort to hear directly from local businesses about how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting them. The results of the survey help understand the implications of COVID-19 on local businesses and what information and support businesses need at this time. Find a range of business and sector supports offered by the City at toronto.ca/covid19.
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