June 1, 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!
All waste Drop-Off Depots now open to the public
All Drop-Off Depots (Transfer Stations) have reopened to the general public. The sites are operating under regular hours, with the exception of the Bermondsey and Ingram Drop-Off Depots, which are only open to the public on weeknights and Saturday mornings. Get current hours for all Drop-Off Depots.
Residents are asked to limit visits to Drop-Off Depots and practice physical distancing when visiting. Cash will not be accepted at Drop-off Depots; payment must be made by debit or credit card. Compost will not be available for pickup at any Drop-off Depots. A face mask is recommended when one is unable to maintain a two-metre (six feet) distance from others. At Drop-off Depots, this includes interacting with staff at weigh scales or dropping off household hazardous waste. More information here.
City and UWGT partner to develop a COVID-19 Shelter Interim Recovery Strategy
The City and United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) have partnered to develop a COVID-19 Shelter Interim Recovery Strategy. When complete, the strategy will guide City and partner agency response to homelessness over the next six- to 12-month interim recovery period.
The City and UWGT have launched a new task force of key homeless sector stakeholders, and from now until June 30 will engage with community providers, Indigenous communities, heath sector partners, regional municipal partners and the public about the actions needed to shape the next phase of our COVID-19 response for the shelter system in Toronto.
Over the course of the month, the City and UWGT will host virtual meetings, conduct surveys, and lead discussions with our partners in the health, housing, and shelter sectors. The interim recovery strategy will be developed in a consultative process with stakeholders who will play a central role in implementation. The input and feedback gathered will shape the development of a COVID-19 Shelter Interim Recovery Strategy that equips the City, led by the Shelter, Support & Housing Administration (SSHA) division, and community partners to continue to deliver the next phase of our homelessness response through 2020 into spring 2021. More in the news release.
City reopening washrooms in parks
The City will begin to open some of its approximately 200 parks washrooms this week, following the Province of Ontario’s amendments to an order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The reopening will occur in two phases. The first phase will have roughly 50 washroom sites opening by June 6, followed by the remaining locations by mid-June.
Residents using park washrooms should maintain a distance of two metres or six feet from others at all times while waiting in line, and should wash hands both upon entering the washroom and when leaving. It is also recommended that cloth face coverings are worn when entering.
The City already opened a number of City-operated facilities with showers, washrooms, and drinking water for all individuals in need of these services. These sites are listed on the City’s website under the Washroom and Sanitation Services section. More in the news release.
City of Toronto update on COVID-19 and enforcement
As of May 30 at 3 p.m. there are 11,174 cases of COVID-19 in the city. There are 386 cases in hospital, with 88 in ICU. In total, 8,446 people have recovered from COVID-19. To date, there have been 823 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data and geographic maps can be found on the City’s reporting platform.
The City’s COVID-19 enforcement team remains focused on providing education about the physical distancing bylaw and provincial orders. Yesterday, the City received 94 complaints related to parks use and physical distancing. Officers have spoken to or cautioned nearly 7,300 people this month. Bylaw officers issued eight tickets yesterday.
Volunteer with GlobalMedic
GlobalMedic will be packing hygiene kits and emergency food nearly every weekday to support vulnerable people and front-line healthcare workers across Canada. For more information and to sign up to volunteer with GlobalMedic visit this link.
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.
Our KGO Update
Read about East Scarborough’s latest roundup of key neighbourhood resources, virtual results, and up to date information through The East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter “Our KGO Updates.” Check out their latest issue HERE. SUBSCRIBE HERE.
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