Month: November 2020

November 25, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

I want to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times. Let us all remember COVID-19 will hopefully be stopped, but we all must continue to keep following the mandated rules. We also need to remember, our mental health is paramount, and it is important we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed. For information on COVID-19 community supports please visit this link.

Town Hall Meeting Thursday December 3

To submit your questions by November 30 at 4:00pm

To join at the time of the meeting

Toronto has now entered the Grey-Lockdown level of restrictions in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework.  Please stay home as much as possible, except for essential trips for groceries, healthcare, child care, school and work. Remember to practicephysical distancing, washing your hands as often as possible and wear a mask or face covering. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill. I encourage you to read the Grey-Lockdown level guidelines and the province’s news release for more information.

The City of Toronto has prepared a DO and DON’T guide to help residents understand what is and what is not permitted under the Grey-Lockdown stage of the province’s framework. This guide, like all pages on the City’s website, can be translated automatically into 50 languages, with a translate feature at the bottom of every webpage. Visit the COVID-19 guide for Toronto residents on the City’s website.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 24, 2020) There has been an increase of 481 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 168 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 39,094 cases of COVID-19, of these, 33,049 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,555 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 10 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here. 

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19.  Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

The holidays are going to look a little different this year due to COVID-19. The Ontario government has provided some public health advice on how to protect yourself and your loved ones to support Ontarians as they being to safely plan for the holiday season. General advice to consider when planning your holiday season include virtual holiday events, outdoor holiday activities, attending drive-in or drive through events, decorating your homes and donating to holiday charities or toy drives. Please remember to avoid social gatherings and limit close contact to your household, physically distance and wear a face covering or mask where required. More information can be read in this news release.

The City of Toronto launches Welcome T.O. Winter parks plan. The Welcome T.O. Winter plan provides safe ways for people to get outside in Toronto’s parks, including at 54 artificial ice rinks and 5 golf courses. Residents are encouraged to stay active this winter with members of your own household at toboggan hills, snow loops, outdoor skate rinks, try the city’s new guided outdoor Walk Fit programs and more. A few parks amenities will remain open throughout the winter, including more than 800 playgrounds, outdoor sports courts and dog off leash areas. More information on the City’s Welcome T.O. Winter parks plan can be reviewed in this news release.

Toronto Public Library branches are NOW OPEN after a brief closure to prepare their spaces and services for the new restrictions imposed by the province’s Grey-Lockdown level. Current services include access to 82 of 100 TPL branches, contactless pickup of holds, open drop boxes, access to computers, Wi-Fi, photocopiers, printers, washrooms, library card registration, Bookmobiles and Home Library Services. Due to the lockdown restrictions some services have been suspended, which include Digital Innovation Hubs, youth hubs and access to study spaces. More information on Toronto Public Library’s services please visit this website.

Experience art illuminated at BigArtTO in Ward24 Scarborough-Guildwood from November 25 to November 28. The BigArtTO installations, “Angular Translucence” by Idalina Leandro and “Encuentros/Encounters” by Luis Cisneros, will be located at Meadowglen Place, 2 Meadowglen Pl from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. More information on BigArtTO can be found here.

Residents asked that I address the lack of basketball play in the Seven Oaks community.  Under my direction City Staff explored locations and have identified that Seven Oaks Park would best serve the community. City Staff will commence the process of planning site assessments. I will provide further updates as the project progresses. If you have any further questions or comments please reach out to my office at 416-396-7222 or councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca.

Visit the Toronto Zoo Holiday Drive-Thru this holiday season for a family-friendly and COVID safe experience! See the beauty of winter at The Toronto Zoo as you and your family drive through a special holiday route from the safety and warmth of your own vehicle. Toronto Zoo Holiday Drive-Thru opens to the public from November 28, 2020 to December 21, 2020 Friday Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Timed tickets must be pre-purchased online in advance. More details at www.torontozoo.com/holiday

Toronto Police Service Hosts Four Community Conversations: Race-based Data Collection starting Tonight November 25 from 6:30pm to 8pm. To participate in the session by asking questions: join via WebEx. To watch the session, view the livestream on YouTube. More information and details on the following conversations can be found here.

Toronto Book Awards 2020 Virtual Prize Ceremony will take place on November 30, 2020 at 7pm. The Toronto Book Awards honour authors of books of literary or artistic merit that are evocative of Toronto. Register to watch announcement of the 2020 Toronto Book Awards here.

December 1^st is Giving Tuesday! Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is an important time for us to come together, empower each other and rally for favourite causes. Join Scarborough Health Network Foundation – and other causes from across Canada and around the world – on December 1 and give a gift that will help shape the future of care for patients and their families. More information and how to make your gift early, please visit this link.

For Giving Tuesday this year, Parents Engaged in Education are raising funds to establish Canada’s First Education Bank to service the West Hill/Guildwood and Malvern areas of Scarborough. This Education Bank will give low income students and families in Scarborough access to art supplies, curriculum support, amenities for self-care for teens, books and more. See this flyer for more details. Visit www.parentsengagedineducation.ca to donate!

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4^th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5^th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

Join Social Assistance Coalition of Scarborough (SACS) for a follow-up virtual Q & A on government benefits during COVID for recipients of Ontario Works and ODSP on Thursday December 10, 2020 from 6pm to 8pm. You can send in your questions to sacs.communitygroup@gmail.com by December 1, 2020. Register here.

Knights of Columbus is hosting a Christmas Community Food Drive on Saturday December 12^th from 9am to 12pm at St. Martin de Porres Church (Parking Lot), located at 4179 Lawrence Ave E. This will be a drive-through food drive with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place. 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. The food items will then be delivered to community Food Banks.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10^th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. The gardens will be planted in 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

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 – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! 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 Scoop 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.

TransformTO Update: Climate action for a healthy, equitable, prosperous Toronto.

Check out their latest update HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE. Fall TPL live and online programming is available online.

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

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Toronto District School Board Update

Check out the latest issue HERE.

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.

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.

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 

Dear Neighbours,   I want to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times. Let us all remember COVID-19 will hopefully be stopped, but we all must continue to keep following the mandated rules. We also need to remember, our mental health is paramount, and it is important we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed. For information on COVID-19 community supports please visit this link. COMING SOON: Please join me, Hon. John McKay MP and Mitzie Hunter MPP for another Scarborough Guildwood Live Town Hall on Thursday December 3 at 7pm. Please submit your questions by November 30 at 4:00pm, please click here. To join at the time of the meeting, please click . For more information please visit this link.   Toronto has now entered the Grey-Lockdown level of restrictions in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework.  Please stay home as much as possible, except for essential trips for groceries, healthcare, child care, school and work. Remember to practicephysical distancing, washing your hands as often as possible and wear a mask or face covering. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill. I encourage you to read the Grey-Lockdown level guidelines and the province’s news release for more information.   City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 23, 2020) There has been an increase of 547 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 173 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 38,656 cases of COVID-19, of these, 32,537 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,546 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 3 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here.    Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19.  Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca   The City of Toronto has announced an updated and enhanced set of targeted COVID-19 measures to help with the city’s most vulnerable residents during the lockdown. Based on data collected by Toronto Public Health many neighbourhoods experiencing higher COVID-19 case rates are in the northwest and northeast of the city. These targeted COVID-19 equity measures, which build on protections already implemented, include sharing public health information, improving access to COVID-19 testing and providing critical supports to individuals and their families during this lockdown. More information on these new initiatives can be read here.   Knights of Columbus is hosting a Christmas Community Food Drive on Saturday December 12th from 9am to 12pm at St. Martin de Porres Church (Parking Lot), located at 4179 Lawrence Ave E. This will be a drive-through food drive with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place. 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. The food items will then be delivered to community Food Banks, who will support over 1700 families this Christmas season.   Join Social Assistance Coalition of Scarborough (SACS) for a follow-up virtual Q & A on government benefits during COVID for recipients of Ontario Works and ODSP on Thursday December 10, 2020 from 6pm to 8pm. You can send in your questions to sacs.communitygroup@gmail.com by December 1, 2020. Register here.   Toronto Police Service Hosts Four Community Conversations: Race-based Data Collection starting Wednesday November 25 from 6:30pm to 8pm. The conversation will be available on WebEx, YouTube, and can be followed via #TPSRaceData on Twitter. To participate in the session by asking questions: join via WebEx. To watch the session, view the livestream on YouTube. More information and details on the following conversations can be found here.   Scarborough Business Association will be hosting its Annual General Meeting & 5th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday November 25th from 6:30pm to 8pm. The event will be opened by Mayor John Tory. Join to network with fellow business leaders, connect, share and engage without leaving th comfort of your own home. To register please visit this link.   December 1st is Giving Tuesday! Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is an important time for us to come together, empower each other and rally for favourite causes. Join Scarborough Health Network Foundation – and other causes from across Canada and around the world – on December 1 and give a gift that will help shape the future of care for patients and their families. More information and how to make your gift early, please visit this link.   For Giving Tuesday this year, Parents Engaged in Education are raising funds to establish Canada’s First Education Bank to service the West Hill/Guildwood and Malvern areas of Scarborough. This Education Bank will give low income students and families in Scarborough access to art supplies, curriculum support, amenities for self-care for teens, books and more. See this flyer for more details. Visit www.parentsengagedineducation.ca to donate!   The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.   Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.   People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org   Toronto District School Board Open Houses and Information Sessions will be hosted virtually for parents, guardians and students between November and January. Learn everything you need to know about an incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. Sessions are held live or pre-recorded. Details on TDSB schools, open houses and information sessions can be found here.   The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW. Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. The gardens will be planted in 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO   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 – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! 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 Scoop 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.   TransformTO Update: Climate action for a healthy, equitable, prosperous Toronto. Check out their latest update HERE. Subscribe HERE.   What’s On at the Library: Home Edition Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE. Fall TPL live and online programming is available online.   Our KGO Updates: East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.   Toronto District School Board Update Check out the latest issue HERE.   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.   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.   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 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

November 20, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

I want to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times. Let us all remember COVID-19 will hopefully be stopped, but we all must continue to keep following the mandated rules. We also need to remember, our mental health is paramount, and it is important we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed. For information on COVID-19 community supports please visit this link.

I know many of you may feel worried and frustrated regarding the announcement of Toronto moving into Lockdown, but I am certain that we can all do the right thing in order keep ourselves and those around us safe. Please remember to practice physical distancing, washing your hands as often as possible and wear a mask or face covering. Residents are asked to stay home as much as possible, to limit contact with people not in the same household, consider only leaving home for essential activities and to remain at home when ill.  

Toronto Public Health will be moved into the Lockdown-Grey level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework on November 23, 2020 at 12:01am along with Peel Regional Health Unit. Measures under Lockdown include, but are not limited to:

• No indoor gatherings, except with members of the same household.
• Outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
• Retail is permitted to be open for curbside pick-up or delivery only with the exception of groceries, pharmacies, hardware stores, liquor stores.
• Restaurants, bars and food and drink establishments will only be able to provide take out drive, through and delivery.
• Personal care services closed.
• Indoor sports and recreation facilities are closed.

I encourage you to read the Lockdown-Grey level guidelines and the province’s news release for more information.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 19, 2020) There has been an increase of 420 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 174 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 36,821 cases of COVID-19, of these, 30,838 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,515 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 7 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here. 

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19.  Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

November 20^th is Transgender Day of Remembrance. We have raised the Transgender Pride flag at City Hall to recognize this important day.

The City of Toronto will more than double its supply of winter park washrooms from 64 to 143 as part of its ongoing response to COVID-19.City staff are presenting a plan and report to November City Council that will add 79 new winter washrooms across the city on top of the 64 locations typically available. The report comes in response to a request by City Council last month to explore expanding the number of public washrooms available throughout the winter. More information can be read in the news release.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is proud to celebrate the launch of its film, “Building A Better Future”, produced by BBC StoryWorks. The intention of ‘Building a Better Future’ was to look at case studies and projects occurring within organizations that translate rhetoric into action. By shining a light on the most interesting examples of best practice from across the sector, the series hopes to increase awareness and understanding, and drive change in the ways in which buildings are designed, built and operated. More information can be read in the news release.

Scarborough Business Association will be hosting its Annual General Meeting & 5^th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday November 25^th from 6:30pm to 8pm. The event will be opened by Mayor John Tory. Join to network with fellow business leaders, connect, share and engage without leaving th comfort of your own home. To register please visit this link.

December 1^st is Giving Tuesday! Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is an important time for us to come together, empower each other and rally for favourite causes. Join Scarborough Health Network Foundation – and other causes from across Canada and around the world – on December 1 and give a gift that will help shape the future of care for patients and their families. More information and how to make your gift early, please visit this link.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4^th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5^th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

Toronto District School Board Open Houses and Information Sessions will be hosted virtually for parents, guardians and students between November and January. Learn everything you need to know about an incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. Sessions are held live or pre-recorded. Details on TDSB schools, open houses and information sessions can be found here.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10^th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. The gardens will be planted in 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

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 – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! 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 Scoop 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.

TransformTO Update: Climate action for a healthy, equitable, prosperous Toronto.

Check out their latest update HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE. Fall TPL live and online programming is available online.

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

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

Toronto District School Board Update

Check out the latest issue HERE.

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.

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.

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 

November 18, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

I want to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times. Let us all remember COVID-19 will hopefully be stopped, but we all must continue to keep following the mandated rules. We also need to remember, our mental health is paramount, and it is important we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed.

The Ontario government has updated the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework by lowering the threshold of each level. Toronto Public Health is now in the Red-Control level with specific enhanced measures. The City of Toronto currently has the most restrictions in the province to slow the spread of COVID-19. As public health measures are put in place, the most effective limits are the ones we set for ourselves, please think of your limits, what they mean for you and the people around you. Please remember to practice physical distancing, washing your  hands as often as possible and  wear a mask or face covering. Please consider only leaving home for essential activities such as work, education and fresh air and exercise. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill.

Today, Dr. de Villa presented the latest percent positivity for the City of Toronto at 6.2%, which is well above the 3% critical threshold. Dr. de Villa also reports noticeably higher percent positivity for teenagers, ages 14-17, at 7.5% and young people, ages 18-23, at 8.2%. In response to the increasing test positivity rates, Mayor Tory asks parents to remind children to come straight home after school and avoid time at friend’s homes whenever possible. Mayor Tory also asks employers to practice all infection protection and control measures possible and encourage COVID-19 testing in employees with supports for those who test positive. Guidance for employers is available online.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 17, 2020) There has been an increase of 445 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 191 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 36,080 cases of COVID-19, of these, 29,890 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,490 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 22 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here. 

Are you looking to get tested for COVID-19? Drop by Scarborough Health Network’s next COVID-19 Pop-up Assessment Centre at Global Kingdom Ministries, located at 1250 Markham Road on Thursday November 19 from 9am to 4pm. For more information on future dates and locations please visit www.shn.ca/covid19-popup

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19.  Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

Scarborough Health Team Partners are hosting a Safe and Warm in Scarborough drop-in flu clinic at Malvern Town Centre, located at 31 Tapscott Road, on Thursday November 18 from 11am to 4pm (while quantities last). Safe and Warm is a collaborative initiative from 30+ well established health organizations in the proposed Scarborough Ontario Health team. More information can be found at www.schcontario.ca/scarboroughvsflu

Winners of Scarborough’s New View Photo Contest were announced last night in a virtual awards ceremony. The photo contest, in partnership with Scarborough Arts, received more than 3,700 entries from new and experienced artists who captured photos of people, places and things in Scarborough. Winners were selected by a jury comprised of local Scarborough-based artists and photographers, Anique Jordan and Esmond Lee, and led by Toronto’s Photo Laureate, Michèle Pearson Clarke. Anthony Gebrehiwot, a noted photographer was the creative lead for the photo contest. To view the list of winners please read this news release.

The City of Toronto launches Traffic Agents program to keep intersections moving and people safe. In total, 16 full-time traffic agents have been hired and will be available to actively manage intersections during peak morning and afternoon rush hour periods. Traffic agents will be placed where they are needed most based on evolving traffic demands and the need to improve safety and congestion. As the program evolves, and potentially expands, it’s expected that other locations across the city will be identified and included. More information and locations of the traffic agents can be read in the news release.

Toronto District School Board Open Houses and Information Sessions will be hosted virtually for parents, guardians and students between November and January. Learn everything you need to know about an incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. Please note, some schools are hosting “live” virtual open houses that families can join in real time, during the specified date and time. Some schools have pre-recorded information sessions that can be viewed at any time. Details on TDSB schools, virtual live and pre-recorded sessions online, here.

Discover magic of the holiday season with Your Toronto Zoo’s NEW Holiday Marketplace. Beginning November 20^th, visit the Zoo’s first courtyard and enjoy amazing producers processors and artisans from our community. More information can be found here. Please note timed-tickets are required.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4^th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5^th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10^th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto.

The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. The gardens will be planted in 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

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 – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! 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 Scoop 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.

TransformTO Update: Climate action for a healthy, equitable, prosperous Toronto.

Check out their latest update HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE. Fall TPL live and online programming is available online.

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

Check out their latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.

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.

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.

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 

November 17, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

I want to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times. Let us all remember COVID-19 will hopefully be stopped, but we all must continue to keep following the mandated rules. We also need to remember, our mental health is paramount, and it is important we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed. Everyone must practicephysical distancing, washing your  hands as often as possible and  wear a mask or face covering. Please consider only leaving home for essential activities such as work, education and fresh air and exercise. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill. 

In response to the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases, the Ontario government updated the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework by lowering the threshold of each level. Toronto Public Health is now in the Red-Control level with additional specific enhanced measures. Please read the Province’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework for the full list of public health region classifications and guidelines. Information on the City of Toronto specific enhanced measures can be found here.

Yesterday, Dr. de Villa provided an update on the impacts of public health measures. Following the implementation of modified Stage 2 measures, certain neighbourhoods with alarmingly heightened case rates – particularly where there is a high density of bars and restaurants – saw case rates per 100,000 population drop.

Toronto Public Health has now partnered with York University to further study if public health measures are yielding desired results. A transmission dynamics model has been developed for COVID-19 that shows how different public health measures have impacted the average number of contacts between people. Researchers found the average number of person-to-person contact was reduced from seven during the period following Stage 3 reopening, to less than five after reverting to a modified Stage 2. This decline in combination with other measures for self-protection, has the potential to lower COVID-19 case counts. For more information please read the news release.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 16, 2020) There has been an increase of 559 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 181 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 35,665 cases of COVID-19, of these, 29,431 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,468 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 4 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here. 

Are you looking to get tested for COVID-19? Drop by Scarborough Health Network’s next COVID-19 Pop-up Assessment Centre at Global Kingdom Ministries, located at 1250 Markham Road on Thursday November 19 from 9am to 4pm. For more information on future dates and locations please visit www.shn.ca/covid19-popup

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19.  Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

The Ontario government is providing over $37 million to significantly expand mental health services across the justice system. The funding will be used to expand mobile crisis teams across the province, hire additional staff, and support the creation of tailored programs for First Nations communities. This is part of the government’s $176 million investment this year in the Roadmap to Wellness, Ontario’s plan to build a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions system. It is also a key component of Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover. For more information please read the news release.

Scarborough’s New View Photo Contest awards ceremony takes place TONIGHT November 17 from 6pm to 7pm on Facebook and YouTube live. The photo contest, in partnership with Scarborough Arts, received more than 3,700 entries from new and experienced photographers who captured photos of people, places and things in Scarborough. The photo contest was led by Scarborough Arts with support from the City of Toronto, the Ontario Arts Council, and XVXY Photo.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020. For more information and to participate please visit this link.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Senior Safety Zone Workshop on Markham Road and Lawrence Avenue East last Friday November 13^th. For those who were unable to attend this session, The Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) Clean Air Partnership is still accepting feedback. Please contact YVerlinden@cleanairpartnership.org to have your input heard on making your community a safer place.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4^th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. A priority will be placed on funding projects in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.

The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. The gardens will be planted in 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

Sign up for SBA’s After 5- Virtual Networking Magic event TOMORROW November 18, 2020! You’ll meet new business community members, find opportunities, discover keys to success, share and learn. For more information and to sign up please visit this link.

Discover magic of the holiday season with Your Toronto Zoo’s NEW Holiday Marketplace. Beginning November 20^th, visit the Zoo’s first courtyard and enjoy amazing producers processors and artisans from our community. More information can be found here. Please note timed-tickets are required.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5^th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10^th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

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 – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! 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 Scoop 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.

TransformTO Update: Climate action for a healthy, equitable, prosperous Toronto.

Check out their latest update HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE. Fall TPL live and online programming is available online.

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.

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.

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 

November 16, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

I want to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times. Let us all remember COVID-19 will hopefully be stopped, but we all must continue to keep following the mandated rules. We also need to remember, our mental health is paramount, and it is important we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed. Everyone must practicephysical distancing, washing your  hands as often as possible and  wear a mask or face covering. Please consider only leaving home for essential activities such as work, education and fresh air and exercise. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill. 

In response to the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases, the Ontario government updated the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework by lowering the threshold of each level. Toronto Public Health is now in the Red-Control level with additional specific enhanced measures. Please read the Province’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework for the full list of public health region classifications and guidelines. Information on the City of Toronto specific enhanced measures can be found here.

As Toronto is now in the Red-Control level under the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework, religious services, funeral/celebration of life receptions and weddings must comply with the Reopening Act and the City of Toronto specific enhanced measures. During this time, it is recommended that faith leaders limit in-person services to keep everyone safe and to keep mindful of the gathering limits: of 30% of room capacity, to a maximum of 50 people in the building for indoor religious services; and 100 people or less for outdoor religious services. More information on guidance for places of worship can be found here. Details and checklists for planning a funeral reception or celebration of life and planning a wedding can be found online.

Are you looking to get tested for COVID-19? Scarborough Health Network is hosting their next COVID-19 Pop-up Assessment Centre at Global Kingdom Ministries, located at 1250 Markham Road on Thursday November 19 from 9am to 4pm. For more information on future dates and locations please visit www.shn.ca/covid19-popup

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 12, 2020) There has been an increase of 407 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 157 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 34,608 cases of COVID-19, of these, 28,771 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,460 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 6 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here. 

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19.  Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

November 16 is Louis Riel Day in Toronto! Louis Riel is recognized as a political and spiritual leader of the Metis people and founder of confederation. N this day in 1885, he was executed for leading the Northwest Resistance in defense of the Metis people and their lands. Today, we remember Louis Riel and those who fought alongside Riel for what they believed.

Eglinton East Priority Bus Corridor Update: I’d like to inform that the TTC has issued a notice temporarily reinstating the following three bus stops along the Eglinton East Priority Bus Corridor: Torrance; Beachell; and Cedar. Ridership levels will be monitored over the coming months to determine if they are feasible with the RapidTO Program. Please visit www.ttc.ca/RapidTO for more details.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) building back better together. Today, FCM released federal recommendations to build a stronger post-pandemic Canada.  Entitled Building Back Better Together, our plan combines the strengths of municipal and federal governments to drive progress where it matters most: in people’s daily lives.

Building Back Better Together is a plan to tackle today’s pandemic challenges in ways that lay ground for tomorrow’s full recovery. It’s a job-creation plan that deliberately speeds progress on national goals, from ending homelessness to tackling climate change. It’s a plan to drive an inclusive, green recovery in communities of all sizes—the places where Canadians live, work, run businesses, and raise families.  More information can be read in the news release.

The City is now accepting applications for its PollinateTO Community Grants. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. A priority will be placed on funding projects in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.

Native pollinators are under threat from climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. You can help by creating a pollinator garden! The deadline to apply is January 8, 2021. The gardens will be planted in 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The Public Information Centre #3 will be held virtually from Monday November 16 to Friday December 18. For more information please visit the DSBRT web page here.

Sign up for SBA’s After 5- Virtual Networking Magic event November 18, 2020! You’ll meet new business community members, find opportunities, discover keys to success, share and learn. For more information and to sign up please visit this link.

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program registration is officially open! The Holiday Help program supports families who require some additional help with gifts for their children between the ages of birth to 16 years. For more information and how to register please visit this website.

Discover magic of the holiday season with Your Toronto Zoo’s NEW Holiday Marketplace. Beginning November 20^th, visit the Zoo’s first courtyard and enjoy amazing producers processors and artisans from our community. More information can be found here. Please note timed-tickets are required.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5^th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10^th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

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 – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! 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 Scoop 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.

TransformTO Update: Climate action for a healthy, equitable, prosperous Toronto.

Check out their latest update HERE. Subscribe HERE.

What’s On at the Library: Home Edition

Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE. Fall TPL live and online programming is available online.

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.

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.

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 

November 12, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

I want to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times. Let us all remember COVID-19 will hopefully be stopped, but we all must continue to keep following the mandated rules. We also need to remember, our mental health is paramount, and it is important we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed.

As we continue to fight against of COVID-19, it is very important that we continue to take steps for self-protection, including, practicephysical distancing, wash hands as often as possible, wear a mask or face covering where mandatory or when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Please consider only leaving home for essential activities such as work, education and fresh air and exercise. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19.  Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

#GetYourPoppy and show your support this month! Wearing a Poppy honours the memory of our veterans and their ultimate sacrifice. In addition to traditional poppy boxes – which will be available at over 25,000 locations across Canada – keep an eye out for the Royal Canadian Legion’s new tap enabled Poppy boxes!

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 11, 2020) There has been an increase of 500 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 164 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 33,322 cases of COVID-19, of these, 27,773 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,432 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 7 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here. 

Today, Ontario set another single-day record for COVID-19 cases, reporting 1,575 new cases. This week, our Medical Officer of Health announced that Toronto will be moved into the Red-Control level of the Province’s COVID-19 Response Framework with specific enhanced measures. The Toronto Public Heath Specific Enhance Measures include limiting all social gatherings to household members, eliminating private home visits, limiting trips outside of your home to essential trips only. Additionally, indoor dining remains closed, indoor group fitness glasses are closed. More information on the specific enhanced measures can be read here. While we all may be feeling anxious, worried and frustrated it is important that we all do what is necessary in order to keep ourselves and everyone around us safe.

Ontario supports military veterans experiencing homelessness. The Ontario government is providing $200,000 and supporting the transfer of one acre of land to help create up to 25 tiny homes for military veterans experiencing homelessness. The province is working in partnership with the Homes For Heroes Foundation and the City of Kingston to convert a portion of the Kingston Provincial Campus into a veterans’ village. For more information please read the news release.

City services impact your life every day. Every time you have your garbage or recycling picked up, drink clean water from the tap, or park in a Green P lot, you are using a City of Toronto service. That’s why the City’s budget is so important. The budget is a financial plan that describes how much money the City will raise and spend. It determines the level of service provided to Toronto residents and guides decisions on what City infrastructure will be built and repaired.

In addition to the tax-supported operating and capital budgets, the City has three rate supported programs: Toronto Water, Solid Waste Management Services and the Toronto Parking Authority. These programs are funded almost entirely by user fees. For example, water and garbage costs are calculated by how much water is used and the size of the garbage bin. In turn, the revenue collected from these user fees pays for the services that are provided and the infrastructure to deliver them. Learn more about the City of Toronto budget and how you can get involved at toronto.ca/budget.

Support for local restaurants with ToGoToronto. Destination Toronto’s popular dining website ToGoToronto.com lists nearly 700 Toronto restaurants and provides an easy way for you to find restaurants that are open for safe takeout or delivery. Local businesses need our support now more than ever. Support a favourite or try something new and play a part in the economic recovery of Toronto’s restaurant community. 

Restaurants are invited to participate in ToGoToronto for free. Destination Toronto’s website ToGoToronto.com continues to support the economic recovery of the restaurant community, listing nearly 700 Toronto restaurants that are open for safe takeout or delivery. If you are a restaurant owner, add your restaurant to the platform for free today.

It’s time to double down on the double threat of COVID-19 and the Flu. Outbreaks are common in congregate living settings. Bot influenza (the flu) and COVID-19 are respiratory infections which can be easily transmitted within an institutional environment among residents who may be frail, older and have complex chronic health conditions. Please make arrangements for regular COVID-19 testing and to get your annual flu immunization. Long Term Care essential visitors and essential caregivers are encouraged to get the flu shot from their primary care provider or at a local pharmacy.

REMINDER: Vision Zero is hosting a Virtual Senior Safety Zone Review for Lawrence Ave E and Markham Rd TOMORROW November 13, 2020 from 2pm to 3pm. You can join by phone by calling 647-558-0588 and entering the meeting ID: 845 6710 8366# – press # when asked for participant ID or by Zoom by registering online. For more information please visit this website.

REMINDER: Parents Engaged in Education invites you to their Pre-Holiday Online Auction TOMORROW November 13, 2020 from 6pm to 9pm. Please visit this link at the time of the event to join! All proceeds will go towards supporting Canada’s First Education Bank. More information on Parents Engaged in Education can be found at www.parentsengagedineducation.ca

The Knights of Columbus is hosting a Community Food Drive on Saturday November 14, 2020 from 9am to 12pm in the parking lot of St. Boniface Church (142 Markham Rd). This will be a drive-through event observing appropriate COVID-19 protocols (face masks and coverings, sanitizer, physical distancing). 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 their community Food Bank. Thank you in advance to all who are able to participate.

The City of Toronto is seeking diverse residents, including from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities, to get involved in its boards, committees and tribunals:

• TO Live Board of Directors – Deadline: November 13
• St. Lawrence Market Precinct Advisory Committee – Deadline: November 15
• Toronto Transit Commission – Deadline: November 23

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program registration is officially open! The Holiday Help program supports families who require some additional help with gifts for their children between the ages of birth to 16 years. For more information and how to register please visit this website.

Discover magic of the holiday season with Your Toronto Zoo’s NEW Holiday Marketplace. Beginning November 20^th, visit the Zoo’s first courtyard and enjoy amazing producers processors and artisans from our community. More information can be found here. Please note timed-tickets are required.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5^th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10^th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

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 – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! 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 Scoop 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. Fall TPL live and online programming is available online.

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.

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.

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 

November 10, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

I want to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times. Let us all remember COVID-19 will hopefully be stopped, but we all must continue to keep following the mandated rules. We also need to remember, our mental health is paramount, and it is important we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed.

As we continue to fight against of COVID-19, it is very important that we continue to take steps for self-protection, including, practicephysical distancing, wash hands as often as possible, wear a mask or face covering where mandatory or when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Please consider only leaving home for essential activities such as work, education and fresh air and exercise. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19.  Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

Tomorrow, on Remembrance Day, we honour and remember our veterans and those you paid the ultimate sacrifice. This year marks 100 years commemorating Remembrance Day with a ceremony at Old City Hall. Unfortunately, we are not able to gather in person this year due to COVID-19. Please visit www.toronto.ca/remembrance to found out about the City’s virtual commemorations and access additional resources. 

#GetYourPoppy and show your support this month! Wearing a Poppy honours the memory of our veterans and their ultimate sacrifice. In addition to traditional poppy boxes – which will be available at over 25,000 locations across Canada – keep an eye out for the Royal Canadian Legion’s new tap enabled Poppy boxes!

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 9, 2020) the City of Toronto recorded its highest number of new COVID-19 infections with an increase of 533 COVID-19 cases. There are 165 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 32,430 cases of COVID-19, of these, 27,105 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,418 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 7 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here. 

City of Toronto is mandating stricter restrictions to decrease COVID-19 transmission in Toronto. Today, the Medical Officer of Health announced a number of public health measures to be introduced when the City of Toronto is moved by the Province of Ontario into the provincial COVID-19 response framework on November 14.

Dr. de Villa’s recommendations come as the city sees its COVID-19 numbers going in the wrong direction. Beyond her recommendation that Toronto be moved into the Red – Control category in the provincial framework, Dr. de Villa introduced a number of directives to help reduce the spread of the virus in our community.

The new protections would come into effect at 12:01 a.m. this Saturday, November 14 and include strengthened COVID-19 precautions for businesses and public spaces:

• Social gatherings should only be with those you live with
• Restrict close contacts only to those you live with and your essential supports
• Limit in-person activities outside the home to essential activities only – going to work or school, health care, shopping for your household and health needs, and getting exercise and physical activity
• Indoor dining will remain closed
• Indoor fitness classes are not permitted
• Meeting and event spaces will remain closed
• In malls, patrons should not be permitted to consume food or drink while walking through malls
• Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments will remain closed

More information can be read in the news release.

The Ontario government is providing the heroes who served our country in the Canadian Armed Forces more opportunities to bring their skills and experience to rewarding careers in the Ontario Public Service (OPS). Effective November 6, 2020, veterans will be allowed to pursue new jobs and careers that were previously restricted to those already working in the OPS. The OPS has launched a hotline and resource hub for military families at www.ontario.ca/militaryfamilies which helps veterans find and access resources for themselves and their families. More information can be read in the news release.

The City of Toronto has announced the inaugural cohort for Women4ClimateTO (W4CTO) Mentorship Programme. The program, created in partnership with C40 Cities, will contribute to the development of the next generation of female climate leaders in Toronto. W4CTO combines mentoring, training and networking opportunities with the goal of empowering mentees to bring their climate-related project, ideas, or business start-up to life. The program will run until April 2021, with assistance from the City’s local sponsors: presenting partner RBC, and supporting partners EY, EllisDon, Toronto Life, and Flare Magazine. More information about the W4CTO program is available at www.toronto.ca/livegreen.

Toronto Police Services Public Safety Alert on Taxi Fraud Scam. The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an ongoing taxi fraud scam investigation. It is reported that: a fake taxi is parked in a high traffic area where one suspect poses as the taxi driver and another suspect poses as a customer. The two suspects pretend to have a loud argument where the driver refuses to take cash due to COVID-19, a member of the public overhears and offers to help by letting the suspect use their debit card to pay in exchange for cash, the victim inputs the PIN number where a modified device records card data and PIN number. More information on this can be found in the news release.

The City of Toronto is seeking diverse residents, including from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities, to get involved in its boards, committees and tribunals:

• TO Live Board of Directors – Deadline: November 13
• St. Lawrence Market Precinct Advisory Committee – Deadline: November 15
• Toronto Transit Commission – Deadline: November 23

Boys’ and Girls Club of East Scarborough Remembrance Day Event 2020 will take place TOMORROW November 11, 2020 from 10:45am to 11:05am via zoom. This Remembrance Day event will include a moment of silence, a video tribute, and a poem reading by myself. Please see this flyer for more information and how to join.

Scarborough Health Network is holding a COVID-19 Pop-up Assessment Centre at Scarborough Village Recreation Centre located at 3600 Kingston Road on Thursday November 12^th from 9AM to 4PM. Learn more about these pop-up assessment centres at www.shn.ca/covid19-popup

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5^th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

Parents Engaged in Education invites you to their Pre-Holiday Online Auction on Friday November 13, 2020 from 6pm to 9pm. Please visit this link at the time of the event to join! All proceeds will go towards supporting Canada’s First Education Bank. More information on Parents Engaged in Education can be found at www.parentsengagedineducation.ca

Vision Zero is hosting a Virtual Senior Safety Zone Review for Lawrence Ave E and Markham Rd on Friday November 13, 2020 from 2pm to 3pm. You can join by phone or computer! For more information and how to register please visit this website.

The Knights of Columbus is hosting a Community Food Drive on Saturday November 14, 2020 from 9am to 12pm in the parking lot of St. Boniface Church (142 Markham Rd). This will be a drive-through event observing appropriate COVID-19 protocols (face masks and coverings, sanitizer, physical distancing). 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 their community Food Bank. Thank you in advance to all who are able to participate.

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program registration is officially open! The Holiday Help program supports families who require some additional help with gifts for their children between the ages of birth to 16 years. For more information and how to register please visit this website.

Discover magic of the holiday season with Your Toronto Zoo’s NEW Holiday Marketplace. Beginning November 20^th, visit the Zoo’s first courtyard and enjoy amazing producers processors and artisans from our community. More information can be found here. Please note timed-tickets are required.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10^th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

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 – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! 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 Scoop 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. Fall TPL live and online programming is available online.

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.

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.

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 

November 9, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

I want to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times. Let us all remember COVID-19 will hopefully be stopped, but we all must continue to keep following the mandated rules. We also need to remember, our mental health is paramount, and it is important we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed.

As we continue to fight against of COVID-19, it is very important that we continue to take steps for self-protection, including, practicephysical distancing, wash hands as often as possible, wear a mask or face covering where mandatory or when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Please consider only leaving home for essential activities such as work, education and fresh air and exercise. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19.  Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

2020 marks the 75 years since the end of the Second World War and 100 years of marking Remembrance Day with a public ceremony. Due to COVID-19 and public health advice against in-person gatherings Remembrance Day commemorations will be held virtually. Please remember and honour all Canadians who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom and peace. Commemorative activities planned for Remembrance Day can be found online.

#GetYourPoppy and show your support this month! Wearing a Poppy honours the memory of our veterans and their ultimate sacrifice. In addition to traditional poppy boxes – which will be available at over 25,000 locations across Canada – keep an eye out for the Royal Canadian Legion’s new tap enabled Poppy boxes!

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 8, 2020) There has been an increase of 504 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 161 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 31,908 cases of COVID-19, of these, 26,814 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,411 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 5 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here. 

The City of Toronto has formed a COVID-19 Immunization Task Force to prepare for the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine. While it is not yet clear when a safe and effective vaccine will be available, this Task Force will ensure that the City is ready to play its role in helping Torontonians get vaccinated. This Task Force will be led by Chief Matthew Pegg in his role as the City’s COVID-19 Incident Commander and will use the COVID-19 incident management system that the City has developed. All three levels of government will play essential roles to make the goals of the Task Force a success. Each has very specific roles and responsibilities in relation to the COVID-19 vaccination strategy and implementation. More information can be read in the news release.

Governments of Canada and Ontario, and the City of Toronto announce a new partnership model with Toronto’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), moving forward with research projects that support COVID-19 recovery. This new model allows the City to put forward research priorities to Toronto’s HEIs, who source multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional teams of faculty and student experts to help address important and urgent research needs. The current pilot focuses on eight research projects that support the City’s COVID-19 recovery. City staff put forward research proposals related to priorities set out by Toronto’s Office of Recovery and Rebuild. HEIs expressed interest in the proposals based on their expertise, and the City selected partners and formed project teams to best meet the City’s research needs. More information can be read in the news release.

The City of Toronto is actively seeking to identify partners, sites and properties that may be suitable to support the goal of creating up to 40,000 affordable rental homes, including 18,000 supportive homes over the next 10 years. To build upon the City’s existing list of properties that would be appropriate for building modular housing and renovation and/or conversion to housing in 2021 and beyond, the City invites government, private, institutional, non-profit, co-op, charity and multi-faith organizations and other landlords to partner with the City through identifying vacant sites that could be activated for modular housing development; non-residential properties that could be converted to residential; and buildings thatare in disrepair and in need of repair and rehabilitation to be used for residential purposes. More details including additional criteria and how to submit proposals can be found here. All proposals are to be submitted to the City by Monday, November 16 at 4pm.

The City of Toronto and Toronto Hydro launch new on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging station pilot across the city. The new 12-month pilot, delivered in partnership with Toronto Hydro, sees 17 on-street EV charging stations – made possible by Toronto Hydro through an agreement with charge station manufacturer FLO – installed and activated for public use at locations around the city. The charging station parking spots are open to all electric vehicle owners with a “Level 2” connection on their vehicle. More information about the EV Charging Station Pilot and locations can be found at www.torontohydro.com/evcharging. 

Toronto Police Services issued more than 4000 tickets during its 2020 Pedestrian Safety Campaign. Between Monday, November 2 to Sunday, November 8, officers made traction in Toronto communities by enforcing and educating road users on collision-causing behaviours. Members focused on “The Big 4” behaviours that are known to cause injuries to people using roads and identified drivers who were speeding, driving aggressively, driving while distracted and driving while impaired. More information can be read here.

COMING SOON: Scarborough Health Network is holding a COVID-19 Pop-up Assessment Centre at Scarborough Village Recreation Centre located at 3600 Kingston Road on Thursday November 12^th from 9AM to 4PM. Learn more about these pop-up assessment centres at www.shn.ca/covid19-popup

Boys’ and Girls Club of East Scarborough Remembrance Day Event 2020 will take place on November 11, 2020 from 10:45am to 11:05am via zoom. This Remembrance Day event will include a moment of silence, a video tribute, and a poem reading by myself. Please see this flyer for more information and how to join.

Vision Zero is hosting a Virtual Senior Safety Zone Review for Lawrence Ave E and Markham Rd on Friday November 13, 2020 from 2pm to 3pm. You can join by phone or computer! For more information and how to register please visit this website.

The Knights of Columbus is hosting a Community Food Drive on Saturday November 14, 2020 from 9am to 12pm in the parking lot of St. Boniface Church (142 Markham Rd). This will be a drive-through event observing appropriate COVID-19 protocols (face masks and coverings, sanitizer, physical distancing). 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 their community Food Bank. Thank you in advance to all who are able to participate.

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program registration is officially open! The Holiday Help program supports families who require some additional help with gifts for their children between the ages of birth to 16 years. For more information and how to register please visit this website.

Discover magic of the holiday season with Your Toronto Zoo’s NEW Holiday Marketplace. Beginning November 20^th, visit the Zoo’s first courtyard and enjoy amazing producers processors and artisans from our community. More information can be found here. Please note timed-tickets are required.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10^th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

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 – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

*NEW* Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Scoop

Check out the ESBGC latest Bi-Weekly Scoop 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. Fall TPL live and online programming is available online.

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.

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.

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 

November 6, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

I want to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times. Let us all remember COVID-19 will hopefully be stopped, but we all must continue to keep following the mandated rules. We also need to remember, our mental health is paramount, and it is important we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed.

As we continue to fight against of COVID-19, it is very important that we continue to take steps for self-protection, including, practicephysical distancing, wash hands as often as possible, wear a mask or face covering where mandatory or when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Please consider only leaving home for essential activities such as work, education and fresh air and exercise. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19.  Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

City of Toronto proclaimed November 5 to 11 as Remembrance Week in Toronto. This year, Remembrance Day commemorations will be held virtually in keeping with public health advice against in-person gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City’s virtual commemorations will focus on the diversity of Toronto’s participation in times of war and significant milestones, as 2020 marks the 75^th anniversary of the end of the Second World Ward and 100 years of marking Remembrance Day with a public ceremony. Commemorative activities planned for Remembrance Day can be found online.

#GetYourPoppy and show your support this month! Wearing a Poppy honours the memory of our veterans and their ultimate sacrifice. In addition to traditional poppy boxes – which will be available at over 25,000 locations across Canada – keep an eye out for the Royal Canadian Legion’s new tap enabled Poppy boxes!

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 5, 2020) There has been an increase of 324 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 159 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 30,623 cases of COVID-19, of these, 25,863 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,399 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 3 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here. 

While COVID-19 has affected everyone, it continues to have a greater impact on those in our community who face greater health inequities. Toronto Public Health data has shown:

The data on the pandemic underscores existing issues related to the social determinants of health, including education, employment, housing and income, that need to be better addressed. Toronto Public Health is working with the health system and community and government partners to keep all residents as healthy as possible. More information can be read here.  

The province intends to move Ontario’s public health unit regions into the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. This framework categorizes health regions into five levels: Green-Prevent, Yellow-Protect, Orange-Restrict, Red-Control, and Lockdown. At the request of the local medical officer of health, Toronto Public Health would remain in modified Stage 2 until November 14, 2020.

As of Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 12:01 am, Peel Regional Health Unit would be moved into the Red-Control level and Ottawa Public health and York Region Public Health would move into the Orange-Restrict level. Details on the remaining public health unit levels and measures required for each level can be found in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Long-term care home visitor restrictions remain in effect for Toronto, Ottawa, Peel and York public health unit regions.

The City of Toronto’s 50 Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) devices issued a total of 9,719 between September 6 and October 6, the third month of tickets being issued to vehicles travelling in excess of the posted speed limit. All 50 ASE devices will be moved to new locations starting this week to address a greater number of areas with safety concerns and to encourage a wide-ranging deterrent effect. Signage has been posted at all new locations to warn drivers in advance. Warning letters in lieu of tickets will not be issued. More information about the program and a map of all locations is available at www.toronto.ca/ASE

The 2021 staff-recommended rate-supported operating and capital budgets were launched at the Budget Committee today. The City of Toronto has three rate-supported programs funded through user fees: Toronto Water, Solid Waste Management Services and the Toronto Parking Authority. Toronto Water’s 2021 rate-supported budget will ensure the City continues to provide quality drinking water and wastewater treatment services, while dealing with the impact of extreme storms, aging infrastructure and significant city growth. The Solid Waste Management Services recommended 2021 budget provides funding to support the delivery of solid waste management programs and services, as well as safety enhancements to trucks, state-of-good-repair projects for solid waste infrastructure and the continued development of renewable energy infrastructure. The recommended 2021 operating and capital budgets for the Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) ensure the continued availability of 19,000 on-street and more than 40,700 off-street parking spaces across 307 locations throughout the city.

Budget Committee will review the staff-recommended budgets and hear public deputations on November 23. Toronto City Council will then consider the budgets for final approval at its meeting on December 16. Budget notes, presentations and reports and how to get involved are available at toronto.ca/budget.

The City of Toronto announced a pot hole repair blitz will take place this Saturday, November 7 to keep Toronto’s roads in a state of good repair in advance of the start of winter. This will be the seventh weekend repair blitz of 2020. Previous one-day blitzes took place in February (two), March (one) and May (three) and crews were able to repair approximately 42,700 potholes during the blitzes earlier in the year. More information can be read here.

Toronto Paramedic Services’ released their 2019 annual report – available online here. Some achievements worth nothing include:

This report is an opportunity to share the many accomplishments of Toronto Paramedic Services staff and recognized their hard work and commitment in caring for their patients.

TRCA’s preliminary response to the proposed Conservation Authorities Act and Planning Act amendments. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has been a value-added collaborator throughout the three-year Provincial consultation process regarding the modernization of the Conservation Authorities Act (the Act). The TRCA is  encouraged that the Province re-confirmed the purpose of the Act and objects in the proposed amendments released yesterday. However, there is a concern that the proposed changes to the Act and the Planning Act relating to permitting, planning and enforcement, if passed, will work to diminish conservation authorities’ ability to fulfill the Act’s purpose and objects. More information can be read in the news release.

Boys’ and Girls Club of East Scarborough Remembrance Day Event 2020 will take place on November 11, 2020 from 10:45am to 11:05am via zoom. This Remembrance Day event will include a moment of silence, a video tribute, and a poem reading by myself. Please see this flyer for more information and how to join.

Vision Zero is hosting a Virtual Senior Safety Zone Review for Lawrence Ave E and Markham Rd on Friday November 13, 2020 from 2pm to 3pm. You can join by phone or computer! For more information and how to register please visit this website.

The Knights of Columbus is hosting a Community Food Drive on Saturday November 14, 2020 from 9am to 12pm in the parking lot of St. Boniface Church (142 Markham Rd). This will be a drive-through event observing appropriate COVID-19 protocols (face masks and coverings, sanitizer, physical distancing). 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 their community Food Bank. Thank you in advance to all who are able to participate.

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program registration is officially open! The Holiday Help program supports families who require some additional help with gifts for their children between the ages of birth to 16 years. For more information and how to register please visit this website.

Toronto.com is seeking holiday art from the front pages of community newspapers. Toronto.com’s three print publications, the Etobicoke Guardian, North York Mirror and Scarborough Mirror, are seeking artwork to grace the front pages of their December 24^th editions. Original artwork and photographs are accepted. More information can be found in this article.

Discover magic of the holiday season with Your Toronto Zoo’s NEW Holiday Marketplace. Beginning November 20^th, visit the Zoo’s first courtyard and enjoy amazing producers processors and artisans from our community. More information can be found here. Please note timed-tickets are required.

Community-Based Crisis Response Model Development Survey. The City of Toronto is looking to re-imagine ways of responding to crisis calls that are collaborative, innovative and grounded in community needs and desires. To do this, the City wants to understand your priorities for what a community-based crisis response could look like. Complete this online survey before November 9, 2020.

The City hosting a number of Community Roundtables with residents and service providers across Toronto that started October 19 and run until November 13. These roundtables are topic-specific, and residents interested in joining should visit the website for details.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10^th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

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 – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! 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. Fall TPL live and online programming is available online.

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.

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.

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,   P