Dear Neighbours,
I would like to continue to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times, I know it has been tough, but we must continue to fight the spread of COVID-19 and keep ourselves and our community safe. It is also important to remember, our mental health is paramount, and that we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed.
City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of January 25, 2020) There has been an increase of 502 COVID-19 cases in the City with 520 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City has seen a total of 83,935 cases of COVID-19, of these, 74,061 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 2,341 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here.
A Province-wide declaration of emergency and stay-at-home orders remain in effect. It remains imperative that we all respect the COVID-19 orders and stay home as much as possible. When you are outside of your home for essential purposes, remember to wear a mask or face covering, practice physical distancing and good hand hygiene. Get the latest information about service changes, COVID-19 vaccination rollout and why it is important to continue following public health measures that reduce virus spread.
The Government of Ontario has extended the declared provincial emergency for another 14 days. The declaration of emergency was originally declared on January 12, 2021 and will now expire on February 9, 2021, unless extended further.
COVID-19 testing site and vaccine information – Residents can learn more about testing locations in their neighbourhood at www.toronto.ca/covid19testing . If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine please visit the City’s webpage for the latest news and information at www.toronto.ca/covid19vaccine
If you recently got tested for COVID-19, you may get a text message to complete a short, voluntary survey about your activities days before your test. Your responses are confidential and will help Toronto Public Health better understand virus spread in our city. Learn more about Toronto Public Health’s source of infection survey here.
Tonight at 7pm, the City of Toronto will open its four Warming Centres to give those who are vulnerable and may be experiencing homelessness a safe indoor and warm place to rest and access snacks, washrooms facilities and referrals to emergency shelters. Space will be offered at the following locations:
- 129 Peter Street
- 5800 Yonge Street
- Exhibition Place, Better Living Centre, 195 Princes’ Boulevard
- Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Drive
Warming Centres are generally activated when the City issues an Extreme Cold Weather Alert (ECWA) based on a forecast of minus 15 degrees Celsius or colder. While the temperature may not reach this threshold, the City is activating the Warming Centres tonight in an abundance of caution due to colder nighttime temperatures, forecasted wind chill values and snow accumulation. For more information please read this news release.
City of Toronto recognizes the importance of mental health in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. Many people may feel sad, stressed, anxious, confused, scared or angry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These are normal and common responses to unexpected or stressful situations. Tomorrow is Bell Let’s Talk Day – an annual reminder of the importance of mental health and reaching out to loved ones, something particularly important as people continue to stay home to keep family and friends safe.
Launched in April 2020, the City’s Mental Health Support Strategy partnered with 13 key mental health service providers to ensure that mental health support services are well integrated and Toronto residents are aware of the free support services that are available to them. Through the strategy, residents can access free mental health supports from the safety of their own homes through text, online or by phone by calling 2-1-1. For more information please read this news release.
The City of Toronto is conducting additional education and enforcement of the mask bylaw in residential buildings where complaints have been received about mask usage in enclosed common spaces. An analysis of 311 data revealed that the City had received 1,950 complaints about improper mask usage in shared residential spaces since the mask bylaw came into effect. The City’s RentSafeTO: Apartment Building Standards program’s enforcement team will be issuing letters to the landlords and property managers of each of these locations, reminding them about the requirements under the mask bylaw. Toronto Public Health has provided sample policy, guidance and signage to help building owners comply with the bylaw. More information can be read in this news release.
The City of Toronto released its first-ever Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report at Executive Committee. This annual report outlines how the City is focused on ESG-related opportunities and risks across strategic priorities, sustainable finance and socioeconomic outcomes. Toronto is the first government in Canada to issue an annual ESG report to reflect its commitment and performance in each of three areas: environment, social well-being and governance. The City strives to be a leader in making positive impacts across key ESG priorities through commitment, innovation and transparency. For more information please read this news release.
Virtual Meet The Employer Event on Thursday January 28 from 1pm to 2:30pm – East Scarborough Storefront is pleased to host representatives from The Toronto Zoo and Restaurants Associates Canada for a special session about careers at the Zoo, seasonal hiring for2021, food service opportunities at the Zoo and how to apply.To register please visit this link.
REMINDER: Toronto Police Services Board is holding a Virtual Meeting on January 29, 2021 at 11:45am. Members of the public and media are welcome to attend the meeting through their livestream. The agenda for this meeting is available on the Board’s website. Members of the public who wish to make a deputation may register using the regular process, at www.tpsb.ca/meetings/making-a-deputation. The request must be received no later than 12:00pm on Thursday, January 28, 2021.
Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities is hosting a Virtual Tamil Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday January 30th, 4:30pm to 6:00pm on Zoom. This virtual celebration will showcase Tamil culture and history. There will be live performances, games and presentations that educate and talk about Tamil history. Register for free here.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is hosting a webinar on the 5 keys to a green municipal project business case on February 2, 2021. Learn how to create a compelling business case for green municipal projects. For more information and to register please visit this link.
TTC and YRT 5-Year Fare Policy Survey. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and York Region Transit (YRT) are working together to develop a new integrated fare policy for the next five years. A new fare policy is needed to reflect changes while continuing to provide safe, convenient and reliable transit service for customers and meet the mobility needs of future riders. Have your say and complete this survey before February 18, 2021.
The Federation of Metro Tenants’ Association’ Virtual Tenant School offers free legal workshops for tenants via Zoom. Join sessions on landlord-tenant law, getting repairs done, tenant associations and more. Review the Winter 2021 Tenant School schedule and register for upcoming sessions. For more information and to register please visit this link.
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.
Watch Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Hall meetings on my YouTube channel!
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:
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