June 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!
Federal and Provincial governments partner to expand City of Toronto’s Digital Main Street program across Ontario to help more local businesses during COVID-19 pandemic
Today, the federal and provincial governments announced a $57 million investment to help small businesses across Ontario go digital by building on Toronto’s investments into Digital Main Street and, most recently, ShopHERE powered by Google.
This announcement represents an investment of $50 million from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and $7.6 million from the Province of Ontario.
For Toronto businesses, this additional investment will fund a $2,500 Digital Main Street grant to help small businesses purchase technology. It will also provide funding for additional students and staff to deliver the City’s innovative ShopHERE powered by Google program to help small businesses and artists open their own Shopify store. More information can be found on the City’s website. More in the news release.
SSHA update on encampments
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, encampment clearing had not been happening due to the City’s focus on creating safe physical distancing within the Shelter system. Since mid-March through June 11, in addition to the 75 shelter and respites sites the City and its partners operate, the City has opened 33 new, temporary sites for physical distancing in hotels, community centres and expanded facilities and is also securing interim housing and permanently housing for individuals. The City is working around the clock to secure additional inside spaces so everyone sleeping outdoors is offered a place inside (shelter, hotels or interim housing). As more spaces open, clients will be provided options to move inside and will be supported to do so with their belongings, and abandoned belongings will be cleared, and that encampment site cleaned.
As of April 29, 2020, SSHA (Shelter, Support & Housing Administration) began to work with individuals living in encampments to access available options of shelter, respite sites and transitional housing. As of June 11, 2020, almost 270 individuals have been moved from encampments to safer spaces inside that include shelter, respite, hotels and interim housing. As a result, 20 encampments have been cleared.
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 in the news release.
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 76 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks or squares. Bylaw officers issued 4 tickets. This month, bylaw and police officers have spoken to nearly 2,900 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures.
Boys’ & Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Drive-Thru Lunch
The Boys’ & Girls’ Club of East Scarborough’s FREE Drive-Thru lunch this Friday June 12, at 12:30-2:30pm at 100 Galloway Road. This weeks menu: Stir Fry (Halal and veggie options available) Register HERE.
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.” *NEW* 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