June 10, 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!
Update on temporary food banks
Nine of the 11 temporary food banks that were at Toronto Public Library (TPL) branches, including Cedarbrae Branch Pop-Up at 545 Markham Road, are now closed so TPL can begin their curbside drop-off and pick-up service.
In partnership with Daily Bread Food Bank, North York Harvest Food Bank and Second Harvest, the majority of the temporary food banks have been relocated to other sites in the neighbourhoods that were formally served by the TPL branches. In total, there are now 17 food bank locations, established as replacements for the previous TPL sites. Two new sites were also opened at YMCA locations in these areas, and temporary food banks at three City arenas continue to operate.
Residents that were utilizing the Cedarbrae Pop-Up Food Bank can visit the newly-opened food bank located at 50 Tuxedo Court (north of Markham and Ellesmere), operating Thursdays from 1:30-3PM. Pre-registration is required: dailybread.link2feed.ca or 647-762-4670. For the full list of food banks in Ward 24, click here.
As well, residents are encouraged to call 211 or visit their website at www.211toronto.ca to get information about these temporary food banks or if they are struggling to get access to food. 211 is the best source for up-to-date information on food program availability.
Mitzie Hunter M.P.P’s Restaurant Recover Consultation
Join Mitzie Hunter M.P.P to discuss how you and your business is doing, complete a short survey that will help inform the province’s COVID-19 recovery.
Friday, June 12 9am to 10am
Register HERE to receive a Zoom invitation prior to the call at the registered email address.
Ontario Government proposes temporary ban on commercial evictions
The Province announced its intention to protect commercial tenants from being locked out or having their assets seized by their landlords due to COVID-19. If passed, the proposed changes to the Commercial Tenancies Act would temporarily halt evictions of businesses that are eligible for federal/provincial rent assistance. More in the news release.
Ontario unveils a plan to reopen post-secondary education
Starting in July 2020, limited in-person education and training may restart for students who were not able to graduate due to COVID-19 closures. This first phase will allow institutions to reopen to provide in-person instruction to students in essential, frontline, and high labour market demand areas, such as nursing, personal support workers, engineering, and other critical professions. Thousands of students across the province could benefit from this summer’s reopening. More in the news release.
ActiveTO delivers 65 kilometres of Quiet Streets along 32 neighbourhood routes across Toronto
The City of Toronto, through ActiveTO, has now delivered 65 kilometres of Quiet Streets along 32 neighbourhood routes across Toronto.
Quiet Streets are shared space to allow residents to maintain physical distancing, while getting around on neighbourhood streets. Signage and temporary barricades are placed at intersections to encourage slow, local vehicle access only so the roadway can be a shared space that welcomes people who walk, run or bike as an alternative to riding transit. Quiet Street locations were prioritized based on several factors including population density, equity and access, access to greenspace, nearby attractions, traffic volumes and other considerations.
More information on ActiveTO, including an online map of all locations, is available at http://www.toronto.ca/activeTO.
City of Toronto launches SwimTO plans to help Torontonians cool down this summer
SwimTO is a quick-start program that will expedite the opening of the City’s beaches, outdoor pools, wading pools and splash pads. City staff are preparing now so that outdoor aquatic amenities can be opened when Toronto enters Stage 2, to help people cool down during hot summer temperatures.
The plan will help ensure that all Torontonians can safely access outdoor aquatic recreation and cool down during hot summer temperatures as Toronto begins to reopen. With the approach of hot summer weather and the extended closure of many indoor public spaces, it’s vital that Torontonians to have opportunities to cool down outdoors. More in the news release.
City of Toronto to offer CampTO programs starting July 13
The City of Toronto will begin to offer summer camps across the city starting on July 13 as part of its CampTO initiative, following the Province of Ontario announcement that summer day camps can operate during the Province’s Stage 2 reopening.
CampTO will offer more than 32,000 registered camp spaces for children between the ages of 6 and 12, over eight weeks of camps at approximately 150 locations across the city. To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, CampTO programs will meet health guidelines designed in consultation with Toronto Public Health and in alignment with provincial health guidelines for day camps. Guidelines include lower ratios and capacity, physical distancing, mandatory health screening and enhanced facility cleaning. Programs will be available for viewing on Saturday, June 13 at http://www.toronto.ca/camps. More in the news release.
ActiveTO Major Road Closures this weekend
More than 10 kilometres of ActiveTO Major Roads will again be closed this weekend, from Saturday, June 13 at 6 a.m. until Sunday, June 14 at 11 p.m.:
- Lake Shore Boulevard West (eastbound lanes only) from Windermere Avenue to Stadium Road. As a result, the eastbound Gardiner Expressway off ramp to Lake Shore Boulevard West (exit #146) will also be closed.
- Lake Shore Boulevard East (eastbound lanes only) from Leslie Street to just south of Woodbine Avenue (Kew Beach Avenue)
- Bayview Avenue from Front Street East to Rosedale Valley Road, and River Street from Gerrard Street East to Bayview Avenue. More information here.
ActiveTO Cycling Network update
The cycling network is being expanded quickly through temporary installations by repurposing curb lanes along several key corridors. The first kilometre of new, safe temporary bikeway was installed last week along Dundas Street East, between Sackville Street and Broadview Avenue. The next locations that staff are immediately planning for are along University Avenue/Queen’s Park Crescent, between Adelaide Street West and Bloor Street West, on Bayview Avenue between River Street and Rosedale Valley Road, and on Bloor Street, between Avenue Road and Sherbourne Street.
City of Toronto update on COVID-19 enforcement
The City’s COVID-19 enforcement team remains focused on providing education about the physical distancing bylaw and provincial orders. Yesterday, the City received 79 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks or squares. Bylaw officers issued 20 tickets. This month, bylaw and police officers have spoken to more than 2,800 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures.
Customer Service Centre at 1900 Yonge St Now Open
The Customer Service Centre at 1900 Yonge St above Davisville Station has reopened with modified hours of operation. It is strongly suggested that customers wear face covering or masks if visiting the office. Only two customers will be permitted in the office at a time. Hours of operation: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Online Survey: Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild
The Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild is seeking feedback from individuals, businesses and community groups on how Toronto can recover, rebuild and emerge from this pandemic even stronger. An online survey, as well as tips and tools for hosting your own discussion, is now available at toronto.ca/RecoveryRebuild. The survey is open until June 30, 2020.
Toronto ACORN citywide campaign conference
Join us this Thursday June 11th, at 6:30 PM for the Toronto ACORN citywide campaign conference. City council is opening back up and there are important votes coming up for our Internet for All, Rent Control, and Affordable Housing and we need to plan out how to increase the pressure to win our demands!
By computer or smartphone, just click this link. | By phone: join the call by dialing 647 374 4685, and then enter meeting ID 217 763 0191, press # and then press # again. Please RSVP by email or by calling 416 461 9233.
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.
What’s On at the Library: Home Edition
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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