October 1, 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.
October is Islamic Heritage Month. During this month we recognize the significant contributions and achievements of Muslim Canadians and communities throughout the world. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is most likely to be found in women aged 50 to 69 years of age. People are encouraged to see their doctor as soon as possible if they have any physical symptoms. An early diagnosis of the disease can lead to a positive outcome.
Today, October 1st, we celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon or Lantern Festival, which marks when the moon is at its brightest. I would like to extend my well wishes to the many communities who are celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with their loved ones today.
City of Toronto update on COVID-19 cases
Data as of September 30, 2020: Through the pandemic City of the Toronto has seen a total of 19,837 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 280 cases from the day before. Of these, 16,509 cases have recovered, an increase of 186 cases from the day before. There are 75 people currently hospitalized, an increase of 13 cases from the day before. To this date, there have been 1,183 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 1 case from the day before. 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.
Toronto City Council votes unanimously to strengthen bylaws to prevent continued COVID-19 resurgence
Yesterday, Toronto City Council voted unanimously in favour of stronger measures to protect residents from COVID-19 and slow the ongoing resurgence of the virus in the community. The measures adopted were recommended by Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa and are supported by data collected by Toronto Public Health.
Following today’s Council vote, next Thursday, October 8, several new temporary bylaw amendments will come into force. To prevent COVID-19 activity and outbreaks in establishments serving food and drinks, these businesses will be required to:
City of Toronto launches Vision Zero Be Safe campaign to caution road users to stay alert and obey the rules of the road
The City of Toronto launched a city-wide public education campaign today to remind all road users – pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers – to exercise caution, stay alert and obey the rules of the road as traffic volumes continue to rise and as many students have now returned to school.
The Be Safe campaign, which advances the education component of the City’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, features a series of messages that promote awareness of the rules of the road, especially as they relate to cycling infrastructure, and remind residents to take extra safety precautions. For more information please read the news release.
Feedback on the licensing of payday loan establishments in Toronto
As directed by Council, the City is preparing an update on the licensing of Payday Loan Establishments in Toronto. A report is expected at the General Government and Licensing Committee by the end of 2020. As part of this update, staff are seeking feedback on:
Staff are also seeking to understand the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Toronto residents, and their ability to access low-cost financial loans or products. Stakeholders and members of the public can submit feedback on these issues to MLSFeedback@toronto.ca. The deadline for submissions is October 16, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. We will appreciate your help in sharing this information with interested residents or businesses. More information is available on the City’s website for payday loan establishments. More information can be found here.
City of Toronto awarded Champion of Trees by the Arbor Day Foundation
Today, Mayor John Tory accepted the Champion of Trees Award on behalf of the City of Toronto. The award, presented by the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizes the City for exemplary leadership in developing and implementing new policies and practices for tree planting and care, natural area stewardship and arboriculture. The award was presented to City Council members during its meeting today. More information can be read in the news release.
REMINDER: Knights of Columbus Pre-Thanksgiving Community Food Drive
Join myself, and Mayor John Tory this Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Pre-Thanksgiving Drive Through Food Drive! See event details below:
Date & Time: Saturday October 3rd, 2020 | 9AM to 12PM
Location: St. Martin de Porres Church, 4179 Lawrence Ave E
Notes: All community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items which will be delivered to community Food Banks. This is a drive through event where COVID-19 protocols will be observed.
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 4th, 2020. Visit this LINK to cast your votes.
The Salmon Festival at Highland Creek is going virtual!
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is celebrating the Salmon Festival at Highland Creek virtually this year! TRCA has created educational and engaging videos about salmon to watch from the comfort of your own home. These videos, along with other materials will be available on our website starting October 5, 2020. Learn more here.
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.
Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Virtual Annual General Meeting
The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough is hosting their virtual AGM on Thursday October 8, 2020 from 7PM to 8:30PM. Join to have the opportunity to hear about, and vote on, the business and events of the Club over 2019. More information and details on registration can be found here. Be sure to register by October 6, 2020.
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: 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:
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 GoogleTM 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