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.
The City of Toronto proclaims February as Black History Month, recognizing the history, heritage, and contributions of African Canadians in the city. Residents are encouraged to take part in the programs the City of Toronto has planned, in addition to any virtual community-based programs and events that are taking place. Learn more here.
City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of January 31, 2020) There has been an increase of 961 COVID-19 cases in the City with 397 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City has seen a total of 87,644 cases of COVID-19, of these, 78,378 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 2,434 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 through to February 9, 2021, unless extended further. 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.
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
Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto. Out of an abundance of caution, due to colder nighttime temperatures and forecasted wind chill values, the warming centre at the following locations will remain open:
- 129 Peter St.
- 5800 Yonge St.
- Exhibition Place, Better Living Centre, 195 Princes’ Blvd.
- Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr.
When they close, details will be shared on the City of Toronto’s twitter channel and on the City’s website that lists services for those experiencing homelessness and under-housing individuals at www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp
The City of Toronto is urging residents to wear masks or face coverings in enclosed common spaces of apartment buildings and condominiums, such as elevators, hallways, lobbies, laundry rooms and any other shared facilities. Masks or face coverings should fully cover the nose, mouth, and chin. COVID-19 is spread through contact with the respiratory droplets produced by someone who is infected when they cough, sneeze, or even when they laugh or speak, including by individuals who may not have symptoms – known as being asymptomatic. Evidence suggests that wearing a mask reduces the likelihood of droplets infecting those around an individual. More information can be read in this news release.
Two COVID-19 Cases in Toronto Appear linked to the B.1.1.7 Variant. The outbreak occurred at a meat production facility, Belmont Meats, in Toronto. Currently, there are 78 confirmed COVID-19 cases linked to this outbreak. Of these confirmed cases, two have screened positive for the B.1.1.7 variant. There is also evidence of secondary transmission of the variant in household member cases associated with an employee of the workplace. At this time, there is no indication that any cases identified in the outbreak had recently travelled or had contact with a person who travelled recently. For more information, please read this news release.
REMINDER: Join us for a Virtual Community Consultation Meeting for a proposed development at 3150 Eglinton Avenue East on February 2nd, 2021 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Registration is required to join the meeting. More information and details on how to register can be found here.
Scarborough Business Association is hosting a Cyber Breakfast Conference on Saving Scarborough Businesses: Child Care, Support, Programs & Recovery with MPP Doly Begum on Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 from 9:15am to 10am. Join like-minded Scarborough business leaders for 45 minutes of interesting discussion with a topic relevant to business resiliency, recovery, and future success. For more information and to register please visit this link.
Scarborough Community Renewal Organization’s (SCRO) Our Scarborough – Speaker Series is back this week with a new session on COVID-19 and Your Toronto Zoo: The Pandemic as an Innovative Accelerator featuring Dolf DeJong. Join on Thursday February 4th, 2021 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. To register and for more information on the series please visit this link.
The provincial government’s Support for Learners Program provides financial support to families to help with additional childcare and education costs due to COVID 19 during the 2020-21 school year. Eligible applicants will receive a one-time payment of:
- $200 for each child or youth up to grade 12
- $250 for each child or youth up to age 21 with special needs
The deadline to apply is February 8, 2021. For more information or to apply, please visit: Ontario.ca/SupportForLearners.
The new Ontario Small Business Support Grant (OSBSG) offers $10,000-$20,000 for small businesses forced to close or significantly restrict services subject to the Province-wide shutdown effective 26 December 2020. The City hosted a webinar last week to give businesses more information; watch the recording here.
DoorDash is providing grants to restaurants selected through an application process in select cities across the US and Canada. The grants are the second round of funding distributed as part of DoorDash’s Main Street Strong Pledge to help restaurants recover and succeed amidst COVID-19 related challenges. Applications are open here.
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