Month: September 2020

September 29, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during these difficult times. It is very important that we all follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw and the mandatory mask or face covering bylaw! Please take a moment to complete my COVID-19 Information Survey.

City of Toronto update on COVID-19 cases

Data as of September 28, 2020: Through the pandemic City of the Toronto has seen a total of 19,292 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 285 cases from the day before. Of these, 16,147 cases have recovered, an increase of 114 cases from the day before. There are 66 people currently hospitalized, an increase of 14 cases from the day before. To this date, there have been 1,179 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

As the virus continues to circulate in the community, it is vital that we are all reminded to adhere to Toronto Public Heath’s advice to practise physical distancing, stay within their social bubble of no more than 10 people, wash hands often and wear a mask or face covering where mandatory or when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Toronto Public Health also encourages residents to download the COVID Alert app, which can help notify individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 in the community. 

Ontario providing over half a billion dollars to protect vulnerable seniors against Second Wave of COVID-19

The Ontario government is investing close to $540 million to protect residents, caregivers, and staff in long-term care homes from future surges and waves of COVID-19. The funding is part of the province’s COVID-19 fall preparedness plan, Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19. More information can be read in the news release.

City of Toronto issues Open Door program call for application to support building new affordable rental housing

The City of Toronto has released the 2020 Call for Applications for the Open Door program. The program provides an opportunity for private, co-op and non-profit affordable housing organizations to apply for support from the City to create affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income households in Toronto.

The 2020 Open Door application is similar to previous years, but there are changes aimed at providing greater affordable housing benefits. These changes include:

• The minimum affordability period of 40 years
• A minimum of 50 per cent of the total buildable gross floor area must now be affordable housing
• Only electronic submissions will be accepted by the City

The application and full program details are available online.

Key dates in the application process are:

• October 15, 10:30 a.m. – Online information session
• October 26, 4:30 p.m. – Last day to submit written questions
• November 17, 4:30 p.m. – Deadline to submit applications
• January 2021 – Staff report to Planning and Housing Committee and City Council with recommended projects

More information can be read in the news release.

City of Toronto announces ActiveTO major road closures will be extended into October

Today, Mayor John Tory announced that major weekend road closures, as part of the popular ActiveTO suite of programs, will be extended into October. The popular weekend closures have provided space for thousands of people to be physically active, respect physical distancing and contributed to the overall wellbeing of residents. The routes run adjacent to some of Toronto’s busiest and most popular trails where people can walk, run and bike and have helped to reduce virus spread over the summer months

For this weekend, closures will be in place from Saturday, October 3 at 6 a.m. to Sunday, October 4 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 Woodbine Avenue
• Bayview Avenue from Front Street East to Rosedale Valley Road, and River Street from Gerrard Street East to Bayview Avenue

More information can be read in the news release.

Orange Shirt Day

September 30^th is Orange Shirt Day, on this day we recognize the legacy of the Residential Schools System for First Nations, Metis and Inuit families and communities. By wearing orange, we acknowledge the history of Residential Schools in Canada and we honour Survivors. Be sure to wear orange TOMORROW, September 30, 2020 to participate on Orange Shirt Day!

How to find out if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 at a Toronto grocery store

Major grocery stores in Toronto have taken it upon themselves to notify the public of cases among their employees, despite not being required to do so.

Visit the following linked websites to view which Loblaw, Metro and Sobeys Store locations for COVID-19 case notifications:

• Loblaw Stores (No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Zhers, Loblaws and even Shoppers Drug Mart)
• Metro Stores (Metro, Food Basics and the Metro Distribution Centre)
• Sobeys Stores (Sobeys, FreshCo, Safeway and IGA)

Source: blogTO

Knights of Columbus Drive-Through Community Food Drive

On Saturday October 3^rd, 9AM to 12PM, a Community Pre-Thanksgiving Food Drive will be held in the Parking Lot of St. Martin de Porres Church, 4179 Lawrence Ave E.

This will be a Drive-Through Food Drive hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Appropriate Covid-19 protocols will be observed (masks, sanitizer, distancing). All community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, much needed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The food items will then be delivered to our community Food Bank. 

Readers’ Choice Awards Now Open

Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards are NOW OPEN! There are many different categories to vote in for. Voting closes on October 4^th, 2020. Visit this LINK to cast your votes.

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough: FREE Winter Clothing Drive

The Youth Department at Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough is preparing a Winter Clothing Drive for the residents at Lido Motel at 4674 Kingston Road on Wednesday October 7, 2020 from 3PM to 6PM.

They are asking for donations of gently used clothing and shoes. Winter jackets and sweaters are mostly needed. Items can be dropped off at 100 Galloway Rd. If you require items to be picked up, please email efranklyn@esbgc.ca to make arrangements. Thank you in advance.

Help Your Toronto Zoo Name their Baby Red Panda TODAY

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020 your Toronto Zoo welcomed endangered female red panda cub, affectionately known as “Baby Red”, and they need YOUR help to give her a name! Vote on your favourite name by TODAY September 29, 2020 at 11:59pm HERE.

Survey: TTC Concerns by A Voice for Transit

A Voice for Transit is a transit advocacy group composed of current Ryerson University students and alumni. The TTC is conducting stakeholder consultations to help shape their 2021 Annual Services Plan. A Voice for Transit wants to represent your concerns. Take their survey HERE.

Survey: 2021 Annual Service Plan

The TTC is preparing its 2021 Annual Service Plan and wants your feedback! Three main categories they would like your feedback on: Emerging priorities for 2021: Express bus service evaluation and expansion; and other service improvements. Visit this LINK to take the survey.

Survey: Eglinton East RapidTO Corridor and Priority Bus Lanes

The TTC is currently working on the RapidTO program which will move people more efficiently on transit by improving reliability, speed and capacity on some of the busiest surface transit routes in the city through implementation of priority bus-only lanes.

The TTC is asking for your input on potential service concepts for the Eglinton East corridor, along Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue and will launch in Fall 2020. The service concepts include: Option 1 – Maintain Existing Express Stops; Option 2 – All Stops Served by All Major Bus Routes; Option 3 – Reduced Stops on 905 Eglinton East Express; Option 4 – 986 Scarborough Express Diverted to Lawrence Avenue.

Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey before TOMORROW September 30, 2020. Please note: If you have any questions regarding this project please contact my office at councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca

Survey: Active TO Quiet Streets

Tell us what you think about ActiveTO’ Quiet Streets initiative! Select streets around the city have been designated as a Quiet Streets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the City of Toronto’s ActiveTO initiative. Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey by TOMORROW September 30, 2020.

Survey: CaféTO

We want your feedback on CaféTO! We need your input on possible changes, improvements, and other supports for the program. Please take a few minutes to fill it out and share. Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey by October 12, 2020.

City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down Signs

A friendly reminder to stay safe on the roads, especially while in school and residential areas. If you would like a City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down sign, please contact my office at 416-396-7222 or councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca to arrange to pick them up from my constituency office (150 Borough Drive). For more information please visit this website.

City of Toronto Waste Wizard

The City of Toronto’s Waste Wizard helps you find out what waste items go where! You can visit the Waste Wizard online or download the TOwaste app.

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.

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel!

Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Scoop

Check out the ESBGC latest Bi-Weekly School HERE. Subscribe HERE.

insidehousing: News from Toronto Community Housing

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

*NEW* BusinessTO Newsletter: BusinessTO’s upcoming webinars and online events

Check out their latest newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Our KGO Updates: East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE. Please take a moment to fill out this Community Check-In Survey!

*NEW* TDSB Trustee Update by Ward 19 Scarborough-Guildwood Trustee Zakir Patel

Check out the latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Toronto Zoo Press Releases

Latest issue HERE. Contact achambers@torontozoo.ca to subscribe.

Confronting Anti-Black Racism Summer Newsletter 2020

To read the latest news from the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit please click 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 

If you need info on COVID-19, please visit the following websites: 

City of Toronto

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

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 www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

The City of Toronto’s website can be translated into many languages using the Google^TM Translate tool. This tool gives residents and visitors who speak other languages a way of accessing City information featured on the website. To change languages on the City of Toronto website, please click here: www.toronto.ca/home/translate/

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 

SUBSCRIBE | UNSUBSCRIBE

September 28, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during these difficult times. It is very important that we all follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw and the mandatory mask or face covering bylaw! Please take a moment to complete my COVID-19 Information Survey.

Today is Recovery Day in Toronto! Recovery Day is a day to recognize the stigma attached to substance abuse disorders and to raise awareness and celebrate those in our community who have recovered from addiction.

City of Toronto update on COVID-19 cases

Data as of September 27, 2020: Through the pandemic City of the Toronto has seen a total of 19,033 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 381 cases from the day before. Of these, 16,034 cases have recovered, an increase of 111 cases from the day before. There are 54 people currently hospitalized, an increase of 6 cases from the day before. To this date, there have been 1,178 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

As the virus continues to circulate in the community, it is vital that we are all reminded to adhere to Toronto Public Heath’s advice to practise physical distancing, stay within their social bubble of no more than 10 people, wash hands often and wear a mask or face covering where mandatory or when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Toronto Public Health also encourages residents to download the COVID Alert app, which can help notify individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 in the community.

Ontario investing $52.5 million to recruit, retain and support more health care workers

The Ontario government is investing $52.5 million to recruit, retain and support over 3,700 more frontline health care workers and caregivers to ensure our health care system can meet any surge in demand, while continuing to provide safe and high-quality care to patients and long-term care residents. This investment is part of the province’s COVID-19 fall preparedness plan, Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19. For more information please read the news release.

Nuit Blanche Toronto unveils virtual program for October 3

The 15th annual Nuit Blanche Toronto will be reimagined for a virtual experience on Saturday, October 3 starting at 7 p.m. until October 12. This year, North America’s largest free contemporary art event will be delivered in a special digital format to ensure the safety of attendees and artists during the COVID-19 pandemic. The online event will present five streams of programming that will include talks, podcasts, a release of the 14-year archive called Nuit History, live streams, and artworks in augmented and virtual reality.

Artistic Director Dr. Julie Nagam’s curatorial theme, The Space Between Us, features art installations and interactions that focus on the connections across urban, polar and pacific landscapes. These connections reveal the space between us as a potential site for sharing knowledge.

The City of Toronto is committed to providing an accessible event. Closed captioning will be available on all Nuit Blanche 2020 streaming services. The complete Nuit Blanche program is available at toronto.ca/nuitblanche. More  the news release.

COVID-19 Notification

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is notifying staff and patrons who visited the following restaurants and time periods about a potential exposure to COVID-19:

• Yonge Street Warehouse, 336 Yonge St., Toronto | September 10 to September 17

Seven (7) people linked to this establishment have tested positive for COVID-19. Five (5) are employees and two (2) are patrons. TPH has followed up with all close contacts who have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days and to go for testing.

• Regulars Bar, 668 King St. W., Toronto | September 13 to September 22

Three (3) people linked to this establishment have tested positive for COVID-19. All Three (3) are employees. TPH has followed up with all close contacts who have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days and to go for testing.

If you were at either establishment between the listed dates but have not been contacted by TPH, you are not identified as a close contact and are viewed as low risk.

Three restaurants and bars ordered to close by Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health

Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, issued orders to three restaurant and bar establishments in the City of Toronto to close under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. A fourth establishment is in the process of being served. The establishments are:

• MARBL, 455 King St. W.
• King Taps, 100 King St. W.
• Casa Mezcal, 291 King St. W.

These closure orders were undertaken based on Toronto Public Health (TPH) investigations, including contact tracing data, which has shown that each establishment has not taken the necessary steps to sufficiently protect both the public and employees from the spread of COVID-19. More information can be found in the news release.

Knights of Columbus Drive-Through Community Food Drive

On Saturday October 3^rd, 9AM to 12PM, a Community Pre-Thanksgiving Food Drive will be held in the Parking Lot of St. Martin de Porres Church, 4179 Lawrence Ave E.

This will be a Drive-Through Food Drive hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Appropriate Covid-19 protocols will be observed (masks, sanitizer, distancing). All community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, much needed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The food items will then be delivered to our community Food Bank. 

Readers’ Choice Awards Now Open

Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards are NOW OPEN! There are many different categories to vote in for. Voting closes on October 4^th, 2020. Visit this LINK to cast your votes.

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough: FREE Winter Clothing Drive

The Youth Department at Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough is preparing a Winter Clothing Drive for the residents at Lido Motel at 4674 Kingston Road on Wednesday October 7, 2020 from 3PM to 6PM.

They are asking for donations of gently used clothing and shoes. Winter jackets and sweaters are mostly needed. Items can be dropped off at 100 Galloway Rd. If you require items to be picked up, please email efranklyn@esbgc.ca to make arrangements. Thank you in advance.

Help Your Toronto Zoo Name their Baby Red Panda! – Closes TOMORROW!

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020 your Toronto Zoo welcomed endangered female red panda cub, affectionately known as “Baby Red”, and they need YOUR help to give her a name! Vote on your favourite name by TOMORROW Tuesday September 29, 2020 at 11:59pm HERE.

Survey: TTC Concerns by A Voice for Transit

A Voice for Transit is a transit advocacy group composed of current Ryerson University students and alumni. The TTC is conducting stakeholder consultations to help shape their 2021 Annual Services Plan. A Voice for Transit wants to represent your concerns. Take their survey HERE.

Survey: 2021 Annual Service Plan

The TTC is preparing its 2021 Annual Service Plan and wants your feedback! Three main categories they would like your feedback on: Emerging priorities for 2021: Express bus service evaluation and expansion; and other service improvements. Visit this LINK to take the survey.

Survey: Eglinton East RapidTO Corridor and Priority Bus Lanes – Closes WEDNESDAY!

The TTC is currently working on the RapidTO program which will move people more efficiently on transit by improving reliability, speed and capacity on some of the busiest surface transit routes in the city through implementation of priority bus-only lanes.

The TTC is asking for your input on potential service concepts for the Eglinton East corridor, along Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue and will launch in Fall 2020. The service concepts include: Option 1 – Maintain Existing Express Stops; Option 2 – All Stops Served by All Major Bus Routes; Option 3 – Reduced Stops on 905 Eglinton East Express; Option 4 – 986 Scarborough Express Diverted to Lawrence Avenue.

Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey before September 30, 2020. Please note: If you have any questions regarding this project please contact my office at councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca

Survey: Active TO Quiet Streets  – Closes WEDNESDAY!

Tell us what you think about ActiveTO’ Quiet Streets initiative! Select streets around the city have been designated as a Quiet Streets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the City of Toronto’s ActiveTO initiative. Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey by September 30, 2020.

Survey: CaféTO

We want your feedback on CaféTO! We need your input on possible changes, improvements, and other supports for the program. Please take a few minutes to fill it out and share. Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey by October 12, 2020.

City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down Signs

A friendly reminder to stay safe on the roads, especially while in school and residential areas. If you would like a City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down sign, please contact my office at 416-396-7222 or councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca to arrange to pick them up from my constituency office (150 Borough Drive). For more information please visit this website.

City of Toronto Waste Wizard

The City of Toronto’s Waste Wizard helps you find out what waste items go where! You can visit the Waste Wizard online or download the TOwaste app.

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.

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel!

Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Scoop

Check out the ESBGC latest Bi-Weekly School HERE. Subscribe HERE.

insidehousing: News from Toronto Community Housing

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

BusinessTO Newsletter: BusinessTO’s upcoming webinars and online events

Check out their latest newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Our KGO Updates: East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE. Please take a moment to fill out this Community Check-In Survey!

TDSB Trustee Update by Ward 19 Scarborough-Guildwood Trustee Zakir Patel

Check out the latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Toronto Zoo Press Releases

Latest issue HERE. Contact achambers@torontozoo.ca to subscribe.

Confronting Anti-Black Racism Summer Newsletter 2020

To read the latest news from the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit please click 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 

If you need info on COVID-19, please visit the following websites: 

City of Toronto

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

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 www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

The City of Toronto’s website can be translated into many languages using the Google^TM Translate tool. This tool gives residents and visitors who speak other languages a way of accessing City information featured on the website. To change languages on the City of Toronto website, please click here: www.toronto.ca/home/translate/

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 

September 25, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during these difficult times. It is very important that we all follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw and the mandatory mask or face covering bylaw! Please take a moment to complete my COVID-19 Information Survey.

Today is Show Your Local Love Day in Toronto! Today we show our local love for our communities in support of the United Way and its network of 270 community partners. The United Way has already funded 340 projects across Toronto during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that no one is left behind. Be sure to Show Your Local Love today!

New COVID-19 Public Health measures implemented provincewide to keep Ontarians safe

To ensure the continued health and safety of Ontarians, reduce the risk of transmission, and limit future outbreaks of COVID-19, the Ontario government is implementing new province-wide restrictions effective 12:01 a.m. on Saturday September 26 and will:

• Apply additional measures and restrictions to restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments (including nightclubs) by prohibiting the sale of alcohol after 11 p.m., and prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on the premises after 12:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. (including employees), and requiring establishments to close by 12:00 a.m. and remain closed until 5:00 a.m. except for takeout or delivery;
• Close all strip clubs across the province; and
• Require businesses or organizations to comply with any advice, recommendations, and instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening for COVID-19.

For more information please read the news release.

COVID-19 Testing in Ontario Pharmacies

The Ontario government is providing people with convenient free COVID-19 testing at up to 60 pharmacies in the province, starting today, September 25, 2020. This initiative will expand testing capacity well beyond the province’s 150 assessment centres. Scarborough Pharmacies offering COVID-19 Testing:  

• Village Square Pharmacy at 2941 Finch Ave E | 416-492-4167
• Rexall at 4459 Kingston Road Scarborough | 416-282-1978  
• Shoppers Drug Mart at 2751 Eglinton Ave E | 416-267-8211
• Shoppers Drug Mart at 629 Markham Road | 416-439-2121
• Shoppers Drug Mart at 2301 Kingston Road | 416-269-2171
• Shoppers Drug Mart at Unit A-1780 Markham Road | 416-412-1780

For a full list of pharmacies offering COVID-19 testing can be found here.

COVID-19 Provincial Testing Guidance Update

The Ministry of Health has revised their guidelines for those seeking a COVID-19 test at an assessment centre in order to prioritize resources for those who need them. Only those with symptoms, or asymptomatic individuals who have made close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, and those in other high-risk populations such as health care workers, should seek testing. For more information to testing guidelines please visit this link.

ActiveTO major road closure reminder

Residents are reminded that this weekend will be the final weekend of ActiveTO Major Weekend Road Closures. This weekend, closures will be in place from Saturday, September 26 at 6 a.m. to Sunday, September 27 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.
• Bayview Avenue from Front Street East to Rosedale Valley Road, and River Street from Gerrard Street East to Bayview Avenue

Updated data for ActiveTO weekend road closures

Verified data counts from a variety of summer weekends in May, June, July and August show that ActiveTO Major Road Closures provided space for thousands of people to be physically active, contributing to overall wellbeing, along Toronto’s busiest and most popular trails to help stop virus spread. The following averages, taken over 15 hours on days without significant rainfall, were confirmed for weekends in June, July and August:

• 18,000 cyclists and 4,000 pedestrians on Lake Shore Boulevard West

• 6,300 cyclists and 5,700 pedestrians on Lake Shore Boulevard East
• 2,000 cyclists and 300 pedestrians on Bayview Avenue. Plus 1,900 cyclists and 250 pedestrians on the adjacent Don Valley Trail (eight-hour counts)

For more information please read the news release.

Telecommunicators of the Year announced in Toronto

Emergency Telecommunicators are the calm voice at the other end of every 9-1-1 call, the first of the first responders, and the hidden heroes of emergency services. Toronto Paramedic Services, Toronto Fire Services and the Toronto Police Service recently recognized outstanding Emergency Telecommunicators through the annual Telecommunicator of the Year Awards. This year, the ceremony was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and each service has chosen to recognize their own 2019 award recipients during Toronto Public Service Week. The award winners for 2019 are:

• Toronto Paramedic Services
  • Courtney Poirier – Emergency Medical Dispatcher of the Year
  • Melissa Bender – Communication Training Officer Mentor Award
  • Greg Lees – Senior Emergency Medical Dispatcher Leadership Award
• Toronto Fire Services
  • Shift 4 – Telecommunicators of the Year
• Toronto Police Services
  • Paul Youngs – Telecommunicator of the Year

For more information please read the news release.

City of Toronto update on COVID-19 cases

Data as of September 24, 2020: Through the pandemic City of the Toronto has seen a total of 18,363 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 236 cases from the day before. Of these, 15,725 cases have recovered, an increase of 10 cases from the day before. There are 41 people currently hospitalized. To this date, there have been 1,178 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

As the virus continues to circulate in the community, it is vital that we are all reminded to adhere to Toronto Public Heath’s advice to practise physical distancing, stay within their social bubble of no more than 10 people, wash hands often and wear a mask or face covering where mandatory or when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

City of Toronto Waste Wizard and Drop-Off Depots

The City of Toronto’s Waste Wizard helps you find out what waste items go where! You can visit the Waste Wizard online or download the TOwaste app.

The City of Toronto operates seven Transfer Stations which have drop-off depots used to collect, sort and transfer all the City’s waste. Residents can also use these depots to dispose of their unwanted items such as Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste. Find more information on Drop-Off Depot locations, hours of service, list of accepted items HERE.

COVID-19 One-time payment for persons with disabilities

The Government of Canada announced a one-time $600 payment in recognition of the extraordinary expenses faced by persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The one-time payment will be automatically issued to:

• holders of a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, and
• beneficiaries as at July 1, 2020 of:
  • Canada Pension Plan Disability
  • Quebec Pension Plan Disability Pension, or
  • one of the disability supports provided by Veterans Affairs Canada

 If you are eligible but never applied for the Disability Tax Credit, or your certificate expired in 2019, you must do so by September 25, 2020. For more information please call 1-800-622-6232.

Toronto District School Board e-Learning/Virtual-School Contacts

If you are a parent or staff member with questions or concerns about a child or student in Learning Centre 3:

• Grades K-1, please contact Principal Zorina Alli (Zorini.Alli@tdsb.on.ca)
• Grades 2-4, please contact Principal Phyllis Jackson (Phyllis.Jackson@tdsb.on.ca)
• Grades 5-8, please contact Principal Laura Slater (Laura.Slater@tdsb.on.ca)

More information on e-Learning/Virtual-School can be found at www.tdsb.on.ca/Virtual-School. Further questions can be directed to Ward 19’s TDSB Trustee Zakir Patel at Zakir.Patel@tdsb.on.ca

REMINDER: Scarborough Ribfest Drive Thru

This year’s Scarborough Ribfest will be a Drive Thru event taking place on Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27 from 11 am to 8 pm at the Centennial College Progress Campus.  This is a drive-thru event only. No one will be allowed to exit their vehicles and no pedestrian traffic will be admitted. Donations to the Rotary Club of Scarborough are requested.

Knights of Columbus Drive-Through Community Food Drive

On Saturday October 3^rd, 9AM to 12PM, a Community Pre-Thanksgiving Food Drive will be held in the Parking Lot of St. Martin de Porres Church, 4179 Lawrence Ave E.

This will be a Drive-Through Food Drive hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Appropriate Covid-19 protocols will be observed (masks, sanitizer, distancing). All community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, much needed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The food items will then be delivered to our community Food Bank. 

Readers’ Choice Awards Now Open

Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards are NOW OPEN! There are many different categories to vote in for. Voting closes on October 4^th, 2020. Visit this LINK to cast your votes.

#iMissLiveTheatreTO

Toronto’s Theatre, Dance & Opera Sectors Launch Weeklong Campaign to Celebrate the Live Performances That Would Have Been in 2020-21 until September 27th. At this time of year, the performing arts would typically be celebrating the launch of the 2020-21 season. Instead the industry continues to feel the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found here.

Help Your Toronto Zoo Name their Baby Red Panda!

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020 your Toronto Zoo welcomed endangered female red panda cub, affectionately known as “Baby Red”, and they need YOUR help to give her a name! Vote on your favourite name by Tuesday September 29, 2020 at 11:59pm HERE.

Survey: TTC Concerns by A Voice for Transit

A Voice for Transit is a transit advocacy group composed of current Ryerson University students and alumni. The TTC is conducting stakeholder consultations to help shape their 2021 Annual Services Plan. A Voice for Transit wants to represent your concerns. Take their survey HERE.

Survey: 2021 Annual Service Plan

The TTC is preparing its 2021 Annual Service Plan and wants your feedback! Three main categories they would like your feedback on: Emerging priorities for 2021: Express bus service evaluation and expansion; and other service improvements. Visit this LINK to take the survey.

Survey: Eglinton East RapidTO Corridor and Priority Bus Lanes

The TTC is currently working on the RapidTO program which will move people more efficiently on transit by improving reliability, speed and capacity on some of the busiest surface transit routes in the city through implementation of priority bus-only lanes.

The TTC is asking for your input on potential service concepts for the Eglinton East corridor, along Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue and will launch in Fall 2020. The service concepts include: Option 1 – Maintain Existing Express Stops; Option 2 – All Stops Served by All Major Bus Routes; Option 3 – Reduced Stops on 905 Eglinton East Express; Option 4 – 986 Scarborough Express Diverted to Lawrence Avenue.

Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey before September 30, 2020. Please note: If you have any questions regarding this project please contact my office at councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca

Survey: Active TO Quiet Streets

Tell us what you think about ActiveTO’ Quiet Streets initiative! Select streets around the city have been designated as a Quiet Streets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the City of Toronto’s ActiveTO initiative. Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey by September 30, 2020.

Survey: CaféTO

We want your feedback on CaféTO! We need your input on possible changes, improvements, and other supports for the program. Please take a few minutes to fill it out and share. Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey by October 12, 2020.

City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down Signs

A friendly reminder to stay safe on the roads, especially while in school and residential areas. If you would like a City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down sign, please contact my office at 416-396-7222 or councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca to arrange to pick them up from my constituency office (150 Borough Drive). For more information please visit this website.

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.

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel!

Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Scoop

Check out the ESBGC latest Bi-Weekly School HERE. Subscribe HERE.

insidehousing: News from Toronto Community Housing

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

BusinessTO Newsletter: BusinessTO’s upcoming webinars and online events

Check out their latest newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Our KGO Updates: East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE. Please take a moment to fill out this Community Check-In Survey!

TDSB Trustee Update by Ward 19 Scarborough-Guildwood Trustee Zakir Patel

Check out the latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Toronto Zoo Press Releases

Latest issue HERE. Contact achambers@torontozoo.ca to subscribe.

Confronting Anti-Black Racism Summer Newsletter 2020

To read the latest news from the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit please click 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: 

City of Toronto

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

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.

The City of Toronto’s website can be translated into many languages using the Google^TM Translate tool. This tool gives residents and visitors who speak other languages a way of accessing City information featured on the website. To change languages on the City of Toronto website, please click here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/translate/

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 

SUBSCRIBE | UNSUBSCRIBE                                

September 24, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during these difficult times. It is very important that we all follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw and the mandatory mask or face covering bylaw! Please take a moment to complete my COVID-19 Information Survey.

Ontario Investing More Than $1 Billion to Expand COVID-19 Testing and Contact Tracing

The Ontario government is building on the largest provincial testing initiative in Canada by providing $1.07 billion to expand COVID-19 testing and case and contact management. The government is also immediately investing $30 million to prevent and manage outbreaks in priority sectors, including the province’s long-term care homes, retirement homes and schools. These investments are part of the province’s comprehensive plan to prepare the health system for a second wave of COVID-19. For more information please read the news release.

2020 Toronto Book Awards long list announced

Just in time for fall reading, the City of Toronto and Toronto Public Library have named the 12 books longlisted for the 2020 Toronto Book Awards. Established by Toronto City Council in 1974, the awards honour books of literary merit that are inspired by Toronto.  The titles selected for the 2020 long list are:

• Frying Plantain by Zalika Reid-Benta (House of Anansi Press)
• The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole (Penguin Random House Canada)
• The Missing Millionaire by Katie Daubs (Penguin Random House Canada)
• Subtweet by Vivek Shraya (ECW Press)
• We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib (Penguin Random House Canada)
• In the Beggarly Style of Imitation by Jean Marc Ah-Sen (Nightwoood Editions)
• Artistic Glass by Cloe Aigner (ECW Press)
• Dancing After Ten by Vivian Chong and Georgia Webber (FantaGraphics)
• Shame on Me by Tessa McWatt (Penguin Random House Canada)
• Last Impressions by Joseph Kertes (Penguin Random House Canada)
• Take Back the Tray by Joshna Maharaj (ECW Press)
• Mobile by Tanis MacDonald (Book*hug Press)

The short list for the 2020 Toronto Book Awards will be announced on November 2 and the winner will be named in an online ceremony, live-streamed on November 30. More information about the awards is available at hwww.toronto.ca/book_awards and on Twitter at @Culture_TO and #tobookawards. For more information please read the news release.

Permits for Pumpkin Parades will not be issued this year

Recently the City of Toronto announced the cancellation of major City-led and City-permitted events through to the end of the year. Additionally, the provincial government announced new restrictions on social gatherings, reducing allowable gathering size to 25 people outdoors. These decisions were made in consultation with public health officials and support the directive that physical distancing is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19.

With the new restrictions on gathering sizes, permits for pumpkin parades will not be issued this year, as it is not possible to limit the number of attendees at a given time to fewer than 25. More information to come.

Toronto Public Health enhanced COVID-19 data dashboard in response to COVID-19 resurgence

Toronto Public Health has launched an enhanced COVID-19 data dashboard. The updates will help the public understand the local impact of COVID-19 in Toronto as the city faces a resurgence in cases and include daily updates on new cases, more detailed weekly updates highlighting data trends, summary of active outbreaks and more. Visit TPH’s COVID-19 data dashboard online here.

City of Toronto update on COVID-19 cases

Data as of September 23, 2020: Through the pandemic City of the Toronto has seen a total of 18,139 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 191 cases from the day before. Of these, 15,624 cases have recovered, an increase of 101 cases from the day before. There are 41 people currently hospitalized, an increase of 1 case from the day before. To this date, there have been 1,178 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

As the virus continues to circulate in the community, it is vital that we are all reminded to adhere to Toronto Public Heath’s advice to practise physical distancing, stay within their social bubble of no more than 10 people, wash hands often and wear a mask or face covering where mandatory or when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

City of Toronto Waste Wizard and Drop-Off Depots

The City of Toronto’s Waste Wizard helps you find out what waste items go where! You can visit the Waste Wizard online or download the TOwaste app.

The City of Toronto operates seven Transfer Stations which have drop-off depots used to collect, sort and transfer all the City’s waste. Residents can also use these depots to dispose of their unwanted items such as Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste. Find more information on Drop-Off Depot locations, hours of service, list of accepted items HERE.

Scarborough Ribfest Drive Thru

This year’s Scarborough Ribfest will be a Drive Thru event taking place on Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27 from 11 am to 8 pm at the Centennial College Progress Campus.  This is a drive-thru event only. No one will be allowed to exit their vehicles and no pedestrian traffic will be admitted. Donations to the Rotary Club of Scarborough are requested.

Knights of Columbus Drive-Through Community Food Drive

On Saturday October 3^rd from 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, a Community Pre-Thanksgiving Food Drive will be held in the Parking Lot of St. Martin de Porres Church, at the corner of Lawrence Ave. E. and Morningside Ave.

 This will be a Drive-Through Food Drive hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Appropriate Covid-19 protocols will be observed (masks, sanitizer, distancing). All community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, much needed during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Members of the Knights of Columbus will take donations from the trunk of your car, so you will not have to leave your vehicle. The food items will then be delivered to our community Food Bank.  Thanks in advance to all who are able to participate.

#iMissLiveTheatreTO

Toronto’s Theatre, Dance & Opera Sectors Launch Weeklong Campaign to Celebrate the Live Performances That Would Have Been in 2020-21. At this time of year, the performing arts would typically be celebrating the launch of the 2020-21 season. Instead the industry continues to feel the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. See launch video here. To participate and raise awareness of the effect of the pandemic on the theatre, dance and opera community in Toronto, visit #iMissLiveTheatreTO Campaign.

Upcoming Toronto Arts Council grant deadlines:

• October 1 deadline: Animating Toronto Streets
• October 15 deadline: Media Artists
• November 2 deadline:Artists in the Library
• Ongoing (apply before November 2): Indigenous Arts Projects and Visual Artists

Help Your Toronto Zoo Name their Baby Red Panda!

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020 your Toronto Zoo welcomed endangered female red panda cub, affectionately known as “Baby Red”, and they need YOUR help to give her a name! Vote on your favourite name by Tuesday September 29, 2020 at 11:59pm HERE.

Survey: TTC Concerns by A Voice for Transit

A Voice for Transit is a transit advocacy group composed of current Ryerson University students and alumni. The TTC is conducting stakeholder consultations to help shape their 2021 Annual Services Plan. A Voice for Transit wants to represent your concerns. Take their survey HERE.

Survey: Eglinton East RapidTO Corridor and Priority Bus Lanes

The TTC is currently working on the RapidTO program which will move people more efficiently on transit by improving reliability, speed and capacity on some of the busiest surface transit routes in the city through implementation of priority bus-only lanes.

The TTC is asking for your input on potential service concepts for the Eglinton East corridor, along Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue and will launch in Fall 2020. The service concepts include: Option 1 – Maintain Existing Express Stops; Option 2 – All Stops Served by All Major Bus Routes; Option 3 – Reduced Stops on 905 Eglinton East Express; Option 4 – 986 Scarborough Express Diverted to Lawrence Avenue.

Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey before September 30, 2020. Please note: If you have any questions regarding this project please contact my office at councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca

Survey: Active TO Quiet Streets

Tell us what you think about ActiveTO’ Quiet Streets initiative! Select streets around the city have been designated as a Quiet Streets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the City of Toronto’s ActiveTO initiative. ‘Shared Space’ on Quiet Streets is intended to help residents maintain physical distancing while walking, running, using wheelchairs and biking. Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey by September 30, 2020.

Survey: CaféTO

We want your feedback on CaféTO! We need your input on possible changes, improvements, and other supports for the program. Please take a few minutes to fill it out and share. Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey by October 12, 2020.

City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down Signs

A friendly reminder to stay safe on the roads, especially while in school and residential areas. If you would like a City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down sign, please contact my office at 416-396-7222 or councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca to arrange to pick them up from my constituency office (150 Borough Drive). For more information please visit this website.

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.

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel!

Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Scoop

Check out the ESBGC latest Bi-Weekly School HERE. Subscribe HERE.

insidehousing: News from Toronto Community Housing

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

BusinessTO Newsletter: BusinessTO’s upcoming webinars and online events

Check out their latest newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Our KGO Updates: East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE. Please take a moment to fill out this Community Check-In Survey!

TDSB Trustee Update by Ward 19 Scarborough-Guildwood Trustee Zakir Patel

Check out the latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Toronto Zoo Press Releases

Latest issue HERE. Contact achambers@torontozoo.ca to subscribe.

Confronting Anti-Black Racism Summer Newsletter 2020

To read the latest news from the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit please click 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: 

City of Toronto

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

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.

The City of Toronto’s website can be translated into many languages using the Google^TM Translate tool. This tool gives residents and visitors who speak other languages a way of accessing City information featured on the website. To change languages on the City of Toronto website, please click here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/translate/

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 

SUBSCRIBE | UNSUBSCRIBE                                    

September 22, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during these difficult times. It is very important that we all follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw and the mandatory mask or face covering bylaw! Please take a moment to complete my COVID-19 Information Survey.

Ontario set to launch largest flu immunization campaign in province’s history

The Ontario government is implementing the largest flu immunization campaign in Ontario’s history. The campaign is part of the province’s comprehensive plan to prepare the health system for a second wave of COVID-19. The plan, entitled Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19, sets out a series of steps to prevent, identify and respond to any outbreak scenario this fall. For more information please read the news release.

Scarborough’s New View Photo Contest

This is a friendly reminder to all photographers to enter in the City of Toronto’s and Scarborough Arts’ New View Photo Contest. Share your best snaps of Scarborough and tag #scarboroughphoto on Instagram or Facebook. Deadline to enter is September 30 at 11:59pm. More information can be found here.

City of Toronto update on COVID-19 cases

The data posted to the City’s reporting platform is update three times per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

As of September 22, 2020, there were 17,712 cases of COVID-19 in the city, with 15,440 recovered cases from COVID-19. To date there have been 1,178 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. COVID-19 case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

Torontonians should expect case counts to rise over the next few weeks. Residents need to act to limit case count increases through a combination of self-protection steps including watching your distance, wearing a mask and washing your hands. Everyone should limit contact with people they don’t live with as much as they can.

Scarborough Ribfest Drive Thru

This year’s Scarborough Ribfest will be a Drive Thru event taking place on Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27 from 11 am to 8 pm at the Centennial College Progress Campus.  This is a drive-thru event only. No one will be allowed to exit their vehicles and no pedestrian traffic will be admitted. Donations to the Rotary Club of Scarborough are requested.

Knights of Columbus Drive-Through Community Food Drive

On Saturday October 3^rd from 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, a Community Pre-Thanksgiving Food Drive will be held in the Parking Lot of St. Martin de Porres Church, at the corner of Lawrence Ave. E. and Morningside Ave.

 This will be a Drive-Through Food Drive hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Appropriate Covid-19 protocols will be observed (masks, sanitizer, distancing). All community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, much needed during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Members of the Knights of Columbus will take donations from the trunk of your car, so you will not have to leave your vehicle. The food items will then be delivered to our community Food Bank.  Thanks in advance to all who are able to participate.

#iMissLiveTheatreTO

Toronto’s Theatre, Dance & Opera Sectors Launch Weeklong Campaign to Celebrate the Live Performances That Would Have Been in 2020-21. At this time of year, the performing arts would typically be celebrating the launch of the 2020-21 season. Instead the industry continues to feel the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. See launch video here. To participate and raise awareness of the effect of the pandemic on the theatre, dance and opera community in Toronto, visit #iMissLiveTheatreTO Campaign.

Upcoming Toronto Arts Council grant deadlines:

• October 1 deadline: Animating Toronto Streets
• October 15 deadline: Media Artists
• November 2 deadline:Artists in the Library
• Ongoing (apply before November 2): Indigenous Arts Projects and Visual Artists

Help Your Toronto Zoo Name their Baby Red Panda!

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020 your Toronto Zoo welcomed endangered female red panda cub, affectionately known as “Baby Red”, and they need YOUR help to give her a name! Vote on your favourite name by Tuesday September 29, 2020 at 11:59pm HERE.

Survey: Eglinton East RapidTO Corridor and Priority Bus Lanes

The TTC is currently working on the RapidTO program which will move people more efficiently on transit by improving reliability, speed and capacity on some of the busiest surface transit routes in the city through implementation of priority bus-only lanes.

The TTC is asking for your input on potential service concepts for the Eglinton East corridor, along Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue and will launch in Fall 2020. The service concepts include:

Option 1 – Maintain Existing Express Stops;

Option 2 – All Stops Served by All Major Bus Routes;

Option 3 – Reduced Stops on 905 Eglinton East Express;

Option 4 – 986 Scarborough Express Diverted to Lawrence Avenue.

Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey before September 30, 2020. Please note: If you have any questions regarding this project please contact my office at councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca

Survey: CaféTO

We want your feedback on CaféTO! We need your input on possible changes, improvements, and other supports for the program. Please take a few minutes to fill it out and share. Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey by October 12, 2020.

City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down Signs

A friendly reminder to stay safe on the roads, especially while in school and residential areas. If you would like a City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down sign, please contact my office at 416-396-7222 or councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca to arrange to pick them up from my constituency office (150 Borough Drive). For more information please visit this website.

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.

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel!

Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Scoop

Check out the ESBGC latest Bi-Weekly School HERE. Subscribe HERE.

insidehousing: News from Toronto Community Housing

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

BusinessTO Newsletter: BusinessTO’s upcoming webinars and online events

Check out their latest newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Our KGO Updates: East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE. Please take a moment to fill out this Community Check-In Survey!

TDSB Trustee Update by Ward 19 Scarborough-Guildwood Trustee Zakir Patel

Check out the latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Toronto Zoo Press Releases

Latest issue HERE. Contact achambers@torontozoo.ca to subscribe.

Confronting Anti-Black Racism Summer Newsletter 2020

To read the latest news from the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit please click 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: 

City of Toronto

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

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.

The City of Toronto’s website can be translated into many languages using the Google^TM Translate tool. This tool gives residents and visitors who speak other languages a way of accessing City information featured on the website. To change languages on the City of Toronto website, please click here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/translate/

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 

SUBSCRIBE | UNSUBSCRIBE

September 21, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during these difficult times. It is very important that we all follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw and the mandatory mask or face covering bylaw! Please take a moment to complete my COVID-19 Information Survey.

New COVID-19 Provincial Announcement on lowering limits for unmonitored and private social across ENTIRE PROVINCE

The Ontario government is reducing limits on the number of people permitted to attend unmonitored and private social gatherings across the entire province. This includes functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the amended order will set a new limit on the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored social gathering or organized public event to these New Measures:

• 10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or
• 25 people at an outdoor event or gathering with physical distancing (previous limit of 100).For more information please read the news release.

COVID-19 Notification for NOIR inside REBEL Entertainment Complex on September 11

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is notifying patrons and staff who visited NOIR inside REBEL Entertainment Complex, located at 11 Polson Street, on September 11, 2020 between 10:30 p.m. and 2 a.m., about a potential exposure to COVID-19. TPH is following up with all known close contacts based on the information provided in the contact tracing logs for staff and patrons. These individuals will be instructed to self-isolate for 14 days and to go for testing. More information can be read in the news release.

Toronto residents can show love to Toronto by becoming tourists in their own neighbourhood with StrollTO

Starting this weekend, residents can participate in StrollTO, part of the City of Toronto’s ShowLoveTO initiative. StrollTO will feature self-guided itineraries for each of the City’s 25 wards to encourage residents to actively discover shops, stops, places and spaces on their local main streets.

Using the StrollTO itineraries, residents can become tourists in their own city as they stroll through Toronto’s unique neighbourhoods. Each StrollTO itinerary will highlight points of interest that are culturally and historically significant with a spotlight on Indigenous placemaking and equity-seeking groups. StrollTO itineraries are available here.

The City of Toronto unveils new Toronto Sign

On Friday, September 18, the City unveiled the new Toronto Sign on Nathan Phillips Square and its first wrap in recognition of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent. A call for artists was issued in October 2019 and Danilo Deluxo McCallum’s design, Patterns of the People, was selected for the first wrap of the new Toronto Sign. More information about the sign and its first wrap is available at www.toronto.ca/TorontoSign. More information can be read in the news release.

City of Toronto update on COVID-19 cases

The data posted to the City’s reporting platform is update three times per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

As of September 20, there were 17,712 cases of COVID-19 in the city, with 15,382 recovered cases from COVID-19. To date there have been 1,178 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. COVID-19 case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

Scarborough Ribfest Drive Thru

This year’s Scarborough Ribfest will be a Drive Thru event taking place on Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27 from 11 am to 8 pm at the Centennial College Progress Campus.  This is a drive-thru event only. No one will be allowed to exit their vehicles and no pedestrian traffic will be admitted. Donations to the Rotary Club of Scarborough are requested.

#iMissLiveTheatreTO

Toronto’s Theatre, Dance & Opera Sectors Launch Weeklong Campaign to Celebrate the Live Performances That Would Have Been in 2020-21. At this time of year, the performing arts would typically be celebrating the launch of the 2020-21 season. Instead the industry continues to feel the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. See launch video here. To participate and raise awareness of the effect of the pandemic on the theatre, dance and opera community in Toronto, visit #iMissLiveTheatreTO Campaign.

Upcoming Toronto Arts Council grant deadlines:

• October 1 deadline: Animating Toronto Streets
• October 15 deadline: Media Artists
• November 2 deadline:Artists in the Library
• Ongoing (apply before November 2): Indigenous Arts Projects and Visual Artists

Help Your Toronto Zoo Name their Baby Red Panda!

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020 your Toronto Zoo welcomed endangered female red panda cub, affectionately known as “Baby Red”, and they need YOUR help to give her a name! Vote on your favourite name by Tuesday September 29, 2020 at 11:59pm HERE.

Survey: CaféTO

We want your feedback on CaféTO! We need your input on possible changes, improvements, and other supports for the program. Please take a few minutes to fill it out and share. Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey by October 12, 2020.

Survey: Eglinton East RapidTO Corridor and Priority Bus Lanes

The TTC is currently working on the RapidTO program which will move people more efficiently on transit by improving reliability, speed and capacity on some of the busiest surface transit routes in the city through implementation of priority bus-only lanes.

The TTC is asking for your input on potential service concepts for the Eglinton East corridor, along Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue and will launch in Fall 2020. The service concepts include: Option 1 – Maintain Existing Express Stops; Option 2 – All Stops Served by All Major Bus Routes; Option 3 – Reduced Stops on 905 Eglinton East Express; Option 4 – 986 Scarborough Express Diverted to Lawrence Avenue.

Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey before September 30, 2020. Please note: If you have any questions regarding this project please contact my office at councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca

City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down Signs

A friendly reminder to stay safe on the roads, especially while in school and residential areas. If you would like a City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down sign, please contact my office at 416-392-7222 or councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca to arrange to pick them up from my constituency office (150 Borough Drive). For more information please visit this website.

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.

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel!

Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Scoop

Check out the ESBGC latest Bi-Weekly School HERE. Subscribe HERE.

insidehousing: News from Toronto Community Housing

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

BusinessTO Newsletter: BusinessTO’s upcoming webinars and online events

Check out their latest newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Our KGO Updates: East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE. Please take a moment to fill out this Community Check-In Survey!

TDSB Trustee Update by Ward 19 Scarborough-Guildwood Trustee Zakir Patel

Check out the latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Toronto Zoo Press Releases

Latest issue HERE. Contact achambers@torontozoo.ca to subscribe.

Confronting Anti-Black Racism Summer Newsletter 2020

To read the latest news from the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit please click 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: 

City of Toronto

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

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.

The City of Toronto’s website can be translated into many languages using the Google^TM Translate tool. This tool gives residents and visitors who speak other languages a way of accessing City information featured on the website. To change languages on the City of Toronto website, please click here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/translate/

I am continuously updating my social media platforms and my website with up to date information:

 

Website: www.paulainslie.com

All my Best,  

Paul 

September 18, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during these difficult times. It is very important that we all follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw and the new mandatory mask or face covering bylaw! Please take a moment to complete my COVID-19 Information Survey.

New COVID-19 Provincial Announcement on lowering limits for unmonitored and private social gatherings in TORONTO, Ottawa and Peel Regions

Yesterday, the Ontario government has amended the rules for areas in Stage 3 to reduce the number of people permitted to attend unmonitored social gatherings and organized public events in three regions experiencing higher rates of transmission of COVID-19. This includes functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas. This amended order came into effect TODAY, September 18 at 12:01am.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the amended order will set a new limit on the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored social gathering or organized public event in three specific regions to these New Measures:

• 10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or
• 25 people at an outdoor event or gathering with physical distancing (previous limit of 100).

Indoor and outdoor events and gatherings cannot be merged together. These are not accumulative and gatherings of 35 (25 outdoors and 10 indoors) are not permitted. The new limits only apply to persons within the boundaries of Toronto Public Health, Ottawa Public Health and Peel Public Healthregions. For more information please read the news release.

City of Toronto invites residents to become Neighbourhood Climate Action Champions

The City of Toronto invites residents and community leaders to help inspire climate action by becoming a Neighbourhood Climate Action Champion. Participants in this new City program will receive virtual training and support to empower them to support residents in developing innovative climate action projects that reflect the needs and values of their communities.

Participants must be willing to commit four to five hours per month (minimum 50 hours per year) to engaging their community in developing and implementing neighbourhood-based projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Participants will receive an honorarium of $500. For more information please read the news release.

Mayor John Tory unveils new Toronto Sign and its first wrap recognizing the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent

Today, Mayor John Tory unveiled the City of Toronto’s new Toronto Sign on Nathan Phillips Square and its first wrap, Patterns of the People, in recognition of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent.

Mayor Tory was joined by Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Ward 21 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee, and Danilo Deluxo McCallum, the Toronto-based artist who designed the new wrap.

One of the design features of the Toronto Sign is a vinyl wrap on the outer edges of its letters. The wrap is refreshed approximately every 12 months. The design of the Toronto Sign wrap is used to promote events, projects and City priorities. Themes for past Toronto Sign wraps have included: Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, Nuit Blanche Toronto artist installation by JR, Toronto Neighbourhoods, Canada 150, My City My Six Exhibition, and Indigenous Iconography. For more information please read the news release.

City of Toronto completes major construction projects this summer and continues important work to renew aging infrastructure

This construction season, the City of Toronto has worked to accelerate as many important construction projects as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Crews completed a number of major projects this summer, some on accelerated schedules due to lower traffic volumes, and will begin more work this fall to continue to renew and improve aging water and transportation infrastructure across the city.

So far, the City has completed road resurfacing work on more than 170 local roads. The remainder of the 323 local roads planned for resurfacing work is on-track to be completed this fall. The City is also on-track to complete sewer upgrades on more than 100 streets to protect basements from flooding.

During construction, the public are advised to plan their travel in advance, consider alternate routes, be aware that street parking may be impacted, obey signage around work zones and be patient while traveling in and around work zones throughout the city. Individuals are encouraged to use the City’s web-based map, www.toronto.ca/roadrestrictions, to help plan travel and avoid road closures. Information about the City’s planned capital construction work is available at www.toronto.ca/inview. For more information please read the news release.

Community Environment Days

The City of Toronto will hold its second 2020 Community Environment Day event this Sunday, September 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Scarborough Drop-Off Depot located at 1 Transfer Place. The drive-thru event will allow for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste and electronic items, and donation of household goods and clothing for reuse. Free bagged compost will be available for pickup with a limit of two bags per vehicle while supplies last. Environment Days will be held at the City’s Drop-off Depots on Sundays until November 1. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/environment_days

City of Toronto update on COVID-19 cases

The data posted to the City’s reporting platform is update three times per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

As of September 17, there were 17,259 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 142 from the day before, with 15,202 recovered cases from COVID-19. To date there have been 1,178 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. COVID-19 case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

Scarborough Ribfest Drive Thru

This year’s Scarborough Ribfest will be a Drive Thru event taking place on Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27 from 11 am to 8 pm at the Centennial College Progress Campus.  This is a drive-thru event only. No one will be allowed to exit their vehicles and no pedestrian traffic will be admitted. Donations to the Rotary Club of Scarborough are requested.

Keeler Boulevard Speed Bump Petition

Recently, I received a petition from residents requesting the installation of speed bumps on Keeler Boulevard. I’ve submitted this request to the City of Toronto Transportation Services to conduct a study as the guidelines require. The study has been done and Transportation staff have concluded the installation of speed bumps is not justified.

As your City Councillor, I am supporting the community’s request, and this item will be put to vote at Scarborough Community Council on October 16, 2020. I now need your support in writing or by agreeing to speaking at the Scarborough Community Council.

In the meantime, I will continue to ask Toronto Police Services to enforce the posted speed limit on Keeler Boulevard. If you wish to provide a written statement or speak on this item at Scarborough Community Council, please reach out to my office at councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca  or call 416-396-7222.

Best in GrowTO Contest Scarborough

Join the Scarborough Village Community Garden Harvest Festival to see the Best in GrowTO urban-style agriculture contest live and in person on September 19, 2020 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. More information on the GrowTO Contest Scarborough can be found here. 

Keep in mind: Proper Disposal of PPE

Lets do our part to keep Toronto’s public spaces clean and safe. Properly dispose of masks, gloves, tissues and any other litter in park and street litter bins. Do not discard items on the ground. More information at www.toronto.ca/covid19

Survey: CaféTO

We want your feedback on CaféTO! We need your input on possible changes, improvements, and other supports for the program. Please take a few minutes to fill it out and share. Please visit this Link to fill out the survey.

Survey: Eglinton East RapidTO Corridor and Priority Bus Lanes

The TTC is currently working on the RapidTO program which will move people more efficiently on transit by improving reliability, speed and capacity on some of the busiest surface transit routes in the city through implementation of priority bus-only lanes.

The TTC is asking for your input on potential service concepts for the Eglinton East corridor, along Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue and will launch in Fall 2020. The service concepts include:

Option 1 – Maintain Existing Express Stops;

Option 2 – All Stops Served by All Major Bus Routes;

Option 3 – Reduced Stops on 905 Eglinton East Express;

Option 4 – 986 Scarborough Express Diverted to Lawrence Avenue.

Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey before September 30, 2020.

Please note: If you have any questions regarding this project please contact my office at councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca

City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down Signs

A friendly reminder to stay safe on the roads, especially while in school and residential areas. If you would like a City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down sign, please contact my office at 416-392-7222 or councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca to arrange to pick them up from my constituency office (150 Borough Drive). For more information please visit this website.

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.

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel!

Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Scoop

Check out the ESBGC latest Bi-Weekly School HERE. Subscribe HERE.

insidehousing: News from Toronto Community Housing

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

BusinessTO Newsletter: BusinessTO’s upcoming webinars and online events

Check out their latest newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.

*NEW* What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Our KGO Updates: East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE. Please take a moment to fill out this Community Check-In Survey!

TDSB Trustee Update by Ward 19 Scarborough-Guildwood Trustee Zakir Patel

Check out the latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Toronto Zoo Press Releases

Latest issue HERE. Contact achambers@torontozoo.ca to subscribe.

Confronting Anti-Black Racism Summer Newsletter 2020

To read the latest news from the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit please click 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: 

City of Toronto

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

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.

The City of Toronto’s website can be translated into many languages using the Google^TM Translate tool. This tool gives residents and visitors who speak other languages a way of accessing City information featured on the website. To change languages on the City of Toronto website, please click here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/translate/

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 

September 16, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during these difficult times. It is very important that we all follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw and the new mandatory mask or face covering bylaw! Please take a moment to complete my COVID-19 Information Survey.

Ontario launches new COVID-19 screening tool to help protect students and staff

The Ontario government launched a new voluntary interactive screening tool to assist parents, students and staff with the daily assessment of COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors that is required before attending school. The results will let parents, students, and education staff know whether they should attend school each day or guide at-risk individuals to proper resources. This tool is another layer of prevention that the province is using to protect the health and safety of students, staff, and the communities where they live and work. For more information please read the news release.

City of Toronto supporting further action to confront COVID-19 resurgence

This morning, Mayor John Tory and other senior members of the City of Toronto COVID-19 response team met with Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa to discuss what public health measures would be effective in helping push back against the COVID-19 resurgence.

During today’s City’s COVID-19 media update, Mayor Tory outlined Toronto Public Health’s advice based on the current COVID-19 cases being investigated by health officials:

• Reduce the social gatherings limits
• Enhance enforcement on existing restrictions
• Expand the mandatory mask requirements

Mayor Tory indicated that over the coming days, the City will be moving to act on all three of these areas – some which will require cooperation with our partners in the provincial government. For more information please read the news release.

City of Toronto staff report recommends a public consultation and next steps on renaming Dundas Street and other public assets

A City of Toronto staff report going before Executive Committee on September 23 provides recommendations, which includes a public consultation, on the City’s response to the petition to rename Dundas Street and address other civic assets with the Dundas name.

The petition was created following global discussions on racial injustices, inequality and anti-Black racism, which led the public to scrutinize the origins and history of monuments, street names, parks and buildings across Toronto. The petition objects to the street’s namesake, Scottish politician Henry Dundas, who was involved in delaying the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, causing more than half a million more Black people to be enslaved in the British Empire.

The report recommends the City host public consultations on the renaming of Dundas Street and on future street namings and renamings, monumental removals and additions, reinterpretations and revocations and report back to Executive Committee in the first quarter of 2021. For more information please read the news release.

City of Toronto update on COVID-19 cases

As of September 15, 2020 there have been 17,028 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 86 cases from the day before, and 15,089 recovered cases. To date, there have been 1,178 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. COVID-19 case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. The data posted to the City’s reporting platform is update three times per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

City of Toronto Fall 2020 General Programs

Check out the Fall 2020 general programs at Scarborough Village Recreation Centre and Cedarbrook Community Centre below:

• Scarborough Village Recreation Centre
• Cedarbrook Community Centre

Toronto and Region Conversation Authority’s Humber by Canoe Event

Join TRCA and follow along as they share the Humber River over the next 5 days. Today check out “A Personal Connection with the Humber,” members of the Humber Heritage Committee and the Regional Watershed Alliance reminisce about the past and reveal what they value most about the Humber River. More details can be found here. 

Upcoming BusinessTO Webinars and Events

• Why Your Business Needs An Online Store – ShopHERE powered by Google Webinar Series (Free) | Thursday, September 17 at 11:30 a.m. – Register
• The digital advantage: Securing your business | Thursday, September 24, 1 – 2 p.m. – Register

Survey: Eglinton East RapidTO Corridor and Priority Bus Lanes

The TTC is currently working on the RapidTO program which will move people more efficiently on transit by improving reliability, speed and capacity on some of the busiest surface transit routes in the city through implementation of priority bus-only lanes.

The TTC is asking for your input on potential service concepts for the Eglinton East corridor, along Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue and will launch in Fall 2020. The service concepts include:

Option 1 – Maintain Existing Express Stops;

Option 2 – All Stops Served by All Major Bus Routes;

Option 3 – Reduced Stops on 905 Eglinton East Express;

Option 4 – 986 Scarborough Express Diverted to Lawrence Avenue.

Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey before September 30, 2020.

Please note: If you have any questions regarding this project please contact my office at councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca

TDSB Connects App now available for Secondary Students

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has launched a new online app to help high school students stay connected and organized. By logging in with their TDSB school ID, their timetable is automatically populated allowing them to easily add notes, goals and details to each course. Download the app now at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down Signs

A friendly reminder to stay safe on the roads, especially while in school and residential areas. If you would like a City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down sign, please contact my office at 416-392-7222 or councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca to arrange to pick them up from my constituency office (150 Borough Drive). For more information please visit this website.

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.

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel!

Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Scoop

Check out the ESBGC latest Bi-Weekly School HERE. Subscribe HERE.

insidehousing: News from Toronto Community Housing

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

BusinessTO Newsletter: BusinessTO’s upcoming webinars and online events

Check out their latest newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Our KGO Updates: East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE. Please take a moment to fill out this Community Check-In Survey!

TDSB Trustee Update by Ward 19 Scarborough-Guildwood Trustee Zakir Patel

Check out the latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Toronto Zoo Press Releases

Latest issue HERE. Contact achambers@torontozoo.ca to subscribe.

Confronting Anti-Black Racism Summer Newsletter 2020

To read the latest news from the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit please click 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: 

City of Toronto

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

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.

The City of Toronto’s website can be translated into many languages using the Google^TM Translate tool. This tool gives residents and visitors who speak other languages a way of accessing City information featured on the website. To change languages on the City of Toronto website, please click here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/translate/

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,  

September 15, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during these difficult times. It is very important that we all follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw and the new mandatory mask or face covering bylaw! Please take a moment to complete my COVID-19 Information Survey.

Today, September 15 is Rehabilitation Day where we acknowledge the life-changing impact that rehabilitation services have made on the lives of residents. Today we recognize the rehabilitation professionals who dedicate themselves to helping others, through rehabilitation services.

As we continue to battle with the circulation of COVID-19, let us continue to honour and give thanks to all health care workers who have committed to keeping our communities healthy. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, long-term care staff and hospital administrative and support staff step into work each day dedicated to saving lives and keeping people safe. Their ongoing support and efforts have been vital during this pandemic and will continue to play a crucial role in keeping Toronto safe.

City of Toronto calls for Federal-Provincial-City partnership to create 3,000 permanent, affordable homes over the next 24 months

The City of Toronto has issued the COVID-19 Housing and Homelessness Recovery Response Plan — an urgent appeal to the federal and provincial governments to create 3,000 permanent, affordable homes, within the next 24 months, for homeless, vulnerable and marginalized residents. These investments will support the Council-approved HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan aimed at helping more than 340,000 households in Toronto over the next 10 years.

The 3,000 permanent, affordable homes would comprise: 1,000 new permanent modular homes; 1,000 new permanent affordable rental homes created through acquisitions and shovel-ready construction projects; and new portable housing benefits that will assist 1,000 people secure housing and pay rent. The plan also calls for funding to assist 2,000 of these residents with the supports required to maintain stable housing, such as mental health services, substance abuse services, assistance with daily living activities for those with disabilities and senior services. For more information please read the news release.

ActiveTO major weekend road closures to expand to Yonge Street on final two Sundays in September

Mayor John Tory announced today that the City of Toronto will expand ActiveTO major weekend road closures to include Yonge Street, between Davenport Road and Queen’s Quay, on the final two Sundays in September.

In partnership with Open Streets, the City will add part of Yonge Street to the popular weekend road closures initiative on Sunday, September 20 and Sunday, September 27. Roads will begin to close starting as early as 8 a.m. and be reopened by 3 p.m. each day. When all closures are in place, including Yonge Street, there will be more than 14 total kilometres of major roadway available for walking, running and biking on Sundays. The other weekend road closure locations typically include parts of Lake Shore Boulevard West and East and Bayview Avenue. For more information please read the news release.

City of Toronto update on COVID-19 cases

As of September 14, 2020 there have been 16,942 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 69 cases from the day before, and 15,044 recovered cases. To date, there have been 1,177 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. COVID-19 case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. The data posted to the City’s reporting plat form is update three times per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Eglinton East Priority Bus Lanes – Installation and Bus Stop Placement

On July 28, 2020, City Council unanimously approved Priority Bus Lanes along sections of Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and north of Morningside Avenue to Ellesmere Road. As part of implementing the Priority Bus Lanes on Eglinton Avenue East, construction crews and vehicles will be active along the corridor from September 14 until December 31, 2020.

• Pavement Resurfacing (completed by September 18)
• Pavement Marking & Sign Installation (completed by November 30)
• Bus Stop Consolidation and Placement (Estimated: October 15-December 31)

For more information please read the Construction Notice.

Survey: Eglinton East RapidTO Corridor and Priority Bus Lanes

The TTC is currently working on the RapidTO program which will move people more efficiently on transit by improving reliability, speed and capacity on some of the busiest surface transit routes in the city through implementation of priority bus-only lanes.

The TTC is asking for your input on potential service concepts for the Eglinton East corridor, along Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue and will launch in Fall 2020. The service concepts include:

Option 1 – Maintain Existing Express Stops;

Option 2 – All Stops Served by All Major Bus Routes;

Option 3 – Reduced Stops on 905 Eglinton East Express;

Option 4 – 986 Scarborough Express Diverted to Lawrence Avenue.

Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey before September 30, 2020.

Please note: If you have any questions regarding this project please contact my office at councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca

Toronto Transit Commission Public Forum on Accessible Transit

On October 1, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm, TTC Board members, management and staff, and members of the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT) will host the TTC’s first ever virtual Public Forum on Accessible Transit. This event is held annually to hear from the public about the accessibility of conventional TTC and door-to-door (Wheel-Trans) public transit services in Toronto. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we’re hosting this event online this year. Register for the 2020 Virtual Public Forum on Accessible Transit. Participate online – view the live stream or participate by phone – 416-764-8658.

Scarborough Ribfest Drive Thru

This year’s Scarborough Ribfest will be a Drive Thru event taking place on Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27 from 11 am to 8 pm at the Centennial College Progress Campus.  This is a drive-thru event only. No one will be allowed to exit their vehicles and no pedestrian traffic will be admitted. Donations to the Rotary Club of Scarborough are requested.

Best in GrowTO Contest Scarborough

Join the Scarborough Village Community Garden Harvest Festival to see the Best in GrowTO urban-style agriculture contest live and in person on September 19, 2020 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. More information on the GrowTO Contest Scarborough can be found here. 

Arts in the Park: Harvest Festival

The Community Arts Guild in partnership with Scarborough Village Community Garden presents the Harvest Festival 2020. Sign up to join a physically distance parade with live music on Saturday September 19, 2020. Rehearsal is September 12 to 19. To sign up for a puppet kit, contact info@communityartsguild.ca. Check out more Arts in the Park events here.

Toronto and Region Conversation Authority’s Humber by Canoe Event

Join TRCA and follow along as they share the Humber River over the next 5 days. Today TRCA’s Emily Rondel takes us through the Humber watershed while educating us about its rich history. More details can be found here.

TDSB Connects App now available for Secondary Students

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has launched a new online app to help high school students stay connected and organized. By logging in with their TDSB school ID, their timetable is automatically populated allowing them to easily add notes, goals and details to each course. Download the app now at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down Signs

A friendly reminder to stay safe on the roads, especially while in school and residential areas. If you would like a City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down sign, please contact my office at 416-392-7222 or councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca to arrange to pick them up from my constituency office (150 Borough Drive). For more information please visit this website.

Upcoming BusinessTO Webinars and Events

• Scarborough Business Association Cyber Breakfast – Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers & Businesses of Canada | Wednesday, September 16 at 9:15 a.m. – Register
• Why Your Business Needs An Online Store – ShopHERE powered by Google Webinar Series (Free) | Thursday, September 17 at 11:30 a.m. – Register
• The digital advantage: Securing your business | Thursday, September 24, 1 – 2 p.m. – Register

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.

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel!

Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

insidehousing: News from Toronto Community Housing

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

*NEW* BusinessTO Newsletter: BusinessTO’s upcoming webinars and online events

Check out their latest newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Our KGO Updates: East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE. Please take a moment to fill out this Community Check-In Survey!

TDSB Trustee Update by Ward 19 Scarborough-Guildwood Trustee Zakir Patel

Check out the latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Toronto Zoo Press Releases

Latest issue HERE. Contact achambers@torontozoo.ca to subscribe.

Confronting Anti-Black Racism Summer Newsletter 2020

To read the latest news from the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit please click 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: 

City of Toronto

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

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.

The City of Toronto’s website can be translated into many languages using the Google^TM Translate tool. This tool gives residents and visitors who speak other languages a way of accessing City information featured on the website. To change languages on the City of Toronto website, please click here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/translate/

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

September 14, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

I want to thank everyone for your efforts during these difficult times. It is very important that we all follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw and the new mandatory mask or face covering bylaw! Please take a moment to complete my COVID-19 Information Survey.

September 14 has been proclaimed Champions of Care Day. Today we honour and thank all front-line health care workers for the commitment to saving lives, keeping our community safe and for their heroic response during the COVID-19 pandemic in our city.

Every day, thousands of front-line health workers play a crucial role in keeping our communities healthy and as safe as possible by providing life-saving service in clinics, centres and hospitals across the city. Their support has been vital during this pandemic. Their efforts, collectively with the efforts of all Torontonians, allowed our city to experience a limited strain on the health-care system during this first wave of the pandemic. Health care workers will continue to play a crucial role in keeping Torontonians save as the City readies for a possible COVID-19 resurgence

To show their appreciation, Toronto residents have rallied in support of health care workers since the onset of the pandemic. As the City thanks all health care workers on the front lines for keeping Torontonians safe, residents are encouraged to show their gratitude in their local communities and online with a hashtag #championsofcare. For more information please read the news release.

City of Toronto launches #ShowLoveTO to help Toronto businesses, neighbourhoods and residents safely recover and rebuild

ShowLoveTO is a local initiative that will encourage residents to show their love for Toronto by safely connecting with neighbours, supporting local businesses and artists, and exploring their city neighbourhoods to help rebuild the social and economic fabric of Toronto.

The following ShowLoveTO initiatives will engage Toronto residents this fall:

• , a city-wide temporary public art initiative involving large-scale projections in each of the City’s 25 wards, will animate Toronto neighbourhoods. Starting September 16, BigArtTO will provide opportunities for local artists and set the stage for ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2021.
• will feature self-guided itineraries for each of the City’s 25 wards to motivate residents to actively discover the unexplored shops, stops, places and spaces on their local main streets, starting September 18. Residents will become tourists as they stroll Toronto’s unique neighbourhoods.
• , a partnership between Destination Toronto and the City, will celebrate Toronto’s culinary community and support the industry’s economic recovery. The city-wide promotion will showcase Toronto’s diverse food culture through a digital platform offering content, special offers and unique culinary experiences from September 23 to October 30. Restaurants can register for free online at www.splash-toronto.simpleviewcms.com/add-your-restaurant/.
• time-ticketed, guided neighbourhood walking tours anchored at Toronto History Museums, connects Toronto’s communities by providing equitable and inclusive access to local history, heritage and land-based learnings. Pay-what-you-can tickets are available now until October 18 and must be booked in advance at www.toronto.ca/museums.
• launched this summer to provide more outdoor dining areas to help eligible restaurants and bars create physical distancing for patio patrons. The program currently supports 760 restaurants and bars in 58 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs). More information is available at www.toronto.ca/cafeto.

The ShowLoveTO promotional video is available at www.youtube.com/culture_to. More information about ShowLoveTO is available at www.toronto.ca/showloveTO. For more information please read the news release.

City of Toronto bylaws prohibit cormorant hunting in Toronto

On July 31, 2020, the Ministry of Natural Resources announced that hunting season for double-crested cormorants could take place in Ontario starting September 15. Cormorant hunting, like all hunting, is not permitted in Toronto under City of Toronto bylaws.

The bylaws prohibiting the discharge of firearms in the City of Toronto are listed in Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 463, Firearms. This includes using a firearm while in a boat for the purposes of hunting. Possession or use of a weapon in a park or on a beach is also prohibited under Municipal Code Chapter 608, Parks. The City’s boundaries extend into Lake Ontario to the United States border and east and west to the borders of neighbouring municipalities. For more information please read the news release. 

City of Toronto update on COVID-19 cases

As of September 13, 2020, there have been 16,873 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city and 14,999 recovered cases. To date, there have been 1,177 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. COVID-19 case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

Best in GrowTO Contest Scarborough

Join the Scarborough Village Community Garden Harvest Festival to see the Best in GrowTO urban-style agriculture contest live and in person on September 19, 2020 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. More information on the GrowTO Contest Scarborough can be found here. 

Toronto and Region Conversation Authority’s Humber by Canoe Event

Join TRCA and follow along as they share the Humber River over the next 5 days. Today TRCA CEO, John MacKenzie, discusses the Humber by Canoe event and paddles a popular canoe route along the lower Humber River. More details can be found here.

Survey: Eglinton East RapidTO Corridor and Priority Bus Lanes

The TTC is currently working on the RapidTO program which will move people more efficiently on transit by improving reliability, speed and capacity on some of the busiest surface transit routes in the city through implementation of priority bus-only lanes.

The TTC is asking for your input on potential service concepts for the Eglinton East corridor, along Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue and will launch in Fall 2020. The service concepts include: Option 1 – Maintain Existing Express Stops; Option 2 – All Stops Served by All Major Bus Routes; Option 3 – Reduced Stops on 905 Eglinton East Express; Option 4 – 986 Scarborough Express Diverted to Lawrence Avenue. Please visit this LINK to fill out the survey before September 30, 2020.

Please note: If you have any questions regarding this project please contact my office at councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca

TDSB Connects App now available for Secondary Students

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has launched a new online app to help high school students stay connected and organized. By logging in with their TDSB school ID, their timetable is automatically populated allowing them to easily add notes, goals and details to each course. Download the app now at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down Signs

A friendly reminder to stay safe on the roads, especially while in school and residential areas. If you would like a City of Toronto Vision Zero Please Slow Down sign, please contact my office at 416-392-7222 or councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca to arrange to pick them up from my constituency office (150 Borough Drive). For more information please visit this website.

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.

Check out all of Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel!

Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

insidehousing: News from Toronto Community Housing

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

BusinessTO Newsletter: BusinessTO’s upcoming webinars and online events

Check out their latest newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Our KGO Updates: East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE. Please take a moment to fill out this Community Check-In Survey!

TDSB Trustee Update by Ward 19 Scarborough-Guildwood Trustee Zakir Patel

Check out the latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Toronto Zoo Press Releases

Latest issue HERE. Contact achambers@torontozoo.ca to subscribe.

Confronting Anti-Black Racism Summer Newsletter 2020

To read the latest news from the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit please click 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: 

City of Toronto

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

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.

The City of Toronto’s website can be translated into many languages using the Google^TM Translate tool. This tool gives residents and visitors who speak other languages a way of accessing City information featured on the website. To change languages on the City of Toronto website, please click here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/translate/

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