Month: March 2021

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. With the vaccine roll out we are seeing progress.  It is also important to remember, our mental health is paramount, and that we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed.

*New* COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Locations Map

All COVID-19 Immunization Clinics across the city, including City-run facilities, pharmacies and hospitals, are now mapped on the City’s website. Residents can search for the clinic closest to them by location or address.

COVID-19 Testing Sites including Pop-up Sites – updated daily

COVID-19 tests are available at assessment centres, pop-up and mobile testing facilities and pharmacies. Learn more about COVID-19 testing locations and eligibility, including locations of upcoming pop-up testing sites, by visiting toronto.ca/COVID19Testing.The website features a map to help you easily find a testing location near you.

Select pharmacies are booking appointments for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines for people aged 60+ as part of Ontario’s pharmacy pilot. To find the pharmacy locations in Scarborough please visit this webpage.

Eligible residents can book a ride contact with Toronto Ride, iRide or Scarborough Ride. For more information please read this news release.

To join the meeting on Wednesday March 31, 7pm please, click here.

Watch Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Hall meetings on my YouTube channel – like and subscribe for more videos!  Ensure you Subscribe to the channel!

As of today the City of Toronto remains in the Grey Zone of the Lockdown Regulation under the Provincial COVID-19 response framework. Regardless of the zone colour, all people should continue to stay home as much as possible and always follow public health guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and another lockdown. I encourage everyone to visit the City’s website to review the Response Framework Zone Changes and changes to City services.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of March 23, 2021) There has been an increase of 484 COVID-19 cases in the City with 271 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City has seen a total of 107,280 cases of COVID-19, of these, 99,270 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 2,766 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Immunization Update: The City of Toronto is working with all our healthcare partners and Toronto Public health to administer all available COVID-19 vaccines. To date, 403,902 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Toronto. Vaccination dose data can be found on the City’s COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard.

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility: Health sector partners in Toronto are currently vaccinating priority groups, based on the Province of Ontario’s Ethical Framework for COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization. Yesterday, the Province expanded their vaccine booking systems to include individuals age 75+.

PLEASE REGISTER COVID-19 Vaccine Registration: Eligible seniors, can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at a City of Toronto run clinic online at www.toronto.ca/covid-19 or book by phone through the Provincial Vaccine Booking line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).

Health sector partners in Toronto are vaccinating priority group residents by using the vaccine allocated to them directly by the province. Registration information for those eligible to be vaccinated by health sector partners can be done at vaccineto.ca or 1-888-385-1910.

Scarborough Health Network encourages all eligible Scarborough residents to register for vaccinations. Vaccinations in Scarborough are currently being administered at the Centennial College and Centenary Hospital sites. For more information on vaccination in Scarborough and to register please visit www.scarbvaccine.ca or by calling 1-888-385-1910

City-run Clinic Openings: Three of the City-run mass immunization clinics are open at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Dr., and Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Rd.

As of March 29, clinics at Malvern Community Recreation Centre and Mitchell Field Centre will open, followed by The Hangar location on April 5. Each clinic will operate seven days per week from 11am to 8pm. A video tour showing what residents can expect at City-operated mass immunization clinics is available on the City’s YouTube channel.

The City of Toronto announced the Vaccine Equity Transportation Plan, a multi-faceted plan to help ensure vulnerable residents and seniors can access COVID-19 vaccinations by removing barriers to transportation and making it easier to travel to clinics. This program is intended for those who have limited transportation options or who cannot afford transportation to vaccination appointments. Starting March 29, the City is piloting transportation options for seniors aged 75 years old and over by extending service hours for assisted ride services provided by community organizations. Eligible residents can book a ride contact with Toronto Ride, iRide or Scarborough Ride. For more information please read this news release.

The City of Toronto is working with TTC to provide COVID-19 vaccine registration information to 26,000 Wheel-Trans customers. The City of Toronto is working with Wheel-Trans to ensure its customers – many whom are seniors – have all the information they need to register for a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at a City-run mass immunization clinic. To help the City reach as many people as possible, Wheel-Trans will be providing rides to City-run mass vaccination sites for existing Wheel-Trans customers and for those who qualify for Wheel-Trans service. For more information please read this news release.

City of Toronto is making an additional $3 million available to all shelters, 24-hour respite sites, temporary response programs and daytime drop-ins to support implementation of additional Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures. The measures respond to the emergence of COVID-19 variants of concern (VOCs), which create increased risk due to their potentially greater transmissibility. The additional $3 million is part of the support provided by the Province of Ontario’s Social Services Relief Funding and the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home Funding. For more information please read this news release.

Tune into Tomorrow night’s City Hall Live Spotlight! The night will be kicked off with Little Magic Sam at the Dakota Tavern at 7:30pm followed by Shakura S’Aida at the Linsmore Tavern at 8:30pm. Tune in at www.toronto.ca/cityhalllive or on the Happin app!

Reminder for CaféTO registration! Restaurant operators interested in expanding their outdoor dining area as part of CaféTO, are reminded that the first CaféTO registration window closes this Friday, March 26. For more information and to register please visit www.toronto.ca/cafeto

Your Toronto Zoo is undertaking the development of a new Master Concept Plan and Technology Master Plan. To learn more about these projects, tune into a LIVE webinar on March 25, 2021 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. For more information and to register please visit www.torontozoo.com/masterplan.

The Federation of Ontario Public Libraries is seeking a dynamic, politically astute, Executive Director to lead advocacy, marketing and professional development initiatives for Ontario’s Public and First Nations’ Public Libraries.  If interested in pursuing this impactful and rewarding part-time position, please submit your resume and covering letter to vpl.admin@vaughan.ca by April 9, 2021

Save the date: Scarborough Health Network Foundation Radiothon. Tune in on April 22, 2021 from 7am to 6pm for SHN Foundation Radiothon to help raise $250,000 for Scarborough Hospitals! For more information 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.

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.

CultureTO Newsletter: Focus on available resources and supports for Toronto’s culture sector. 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.

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:

       

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 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 has moved into the Grey Zone of the Lockdown Regulation under the Provincial COVID-19 response framework. Regardless of the zone colour, all people should continue to stay home as much as possible and always follow public health guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and another lockdown. I encourage everyone to visit the City’s website to review the Response Framework Zone Changes and changes to City services.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of March 9, 2021) There has been an increase of 473 COVID-19 cases in the City with 264 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City has seen a total of 100,897 cases of COVID-19, of these, 94,183 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 2,699 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.  

COVID-19 Testing Information: COVID-19 tests are available at assessment centres, pop-up and mobile testing facilities and pharmacies. Learn more about COVID-19 testing locations and eligibility by visiting toronto.ca/COVID19Testing.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Immunization Update: The City of Toronto is working with all our healthcare partners and Toronto Public health to administer all available COVID-19 vaccines. To date, 211,247 COVID-19 vaccine does have been administered in Toronto. For more information please read this news release.

Hospital and community healthcare centres are currently vaccinating priority groups, based on the Province of Ontario’s Ethical Framework for COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization. Registration information for those eligible to be vaccinated by health sector partners can be found online at www.vaccineto.ca or by contacting the call centre at 1-888-385-1910. For more information please visit the City’s COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.  

Scarborough Health Network opened COVID-19 vaccine clinic and registration portal for residents in the 80+ age category. SHN’s registration portal is open for residents in the 80+ age category to directly book a vaccination appointment. Vaccinations in Scarborough are currently being administered at the Centennial College and Centenary Hospital sites. For more information on vaccination in Scarborough please visit www.scarboroughcovidvaccineclinic.ca

COVID-19 Pharmacy Vaccine Locations: Starting today, March 10, select pharmacies are booking appointments for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines for people born between 1957 and 1961 (age 60 to 64) as part of Ontario’s pharmacy pilot. To find the pharmacy locations in Scarborough please visit this webpage.

City of Toronto is opening 133,000 online COVID-19 vaccination bookings for City-run immunization clinics for residents born in 1941 or earlier. Bookings for residents who will be 80 years of age or older in 2021 will be available through a prominent registration link on www.toronto.ca/covid-19 starting this Friday, March 12. Appointments will be held at one of the three City-operated immunization clinics that will open on March 17:

• Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 225 Front St. W.
• Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Dr.
• Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Rd.

The City has assembled a list of frequently asked questions about City of Toronto online COVID-19 vaccination booking for residents born in 1941 or earlier to help eligible residents understand the appointment booking process for City-operated clinics.

City of Toronto launches city-wide community mobilization vaccine campaign. The City of Toronto and Toronto Public Health are working with the Province of Ontario and health sector and community partners to vaccinate people across Toronto as quickly as possible to stop the spread of COVID-19. As part of the City’s efforts to ensure every resident in every corner of Toronto can access a vaccine, the City has released a call for proposals for $5.5 million in funding to Toronto’s community services sector who will act as local lead agencies for vaccination efforts across 140 neighbourhoods. This campaign is expected to play a significant role in Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the provincial vaccine process as vaccine supply increases. For more information please read this news release.

City of Toronto commemorates one year in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. Since March 2020, the City of Toronto’s Emergency Operations Centre has been activated in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next few weeks, the City will mark several COVID-19 milestone dates that are significant to Torontonians and remind us of the importance of our continued efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Learn more on the dates of significance and commemoration activities here.

Today, Toronto City Council approves Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with United Property Resource Corporation (UPRC) to create 500 new affordable homes. This is the first proposal under the City’s Land Bank Initiative. Creating new affordable rental housing with increase the opportunity for vulnerable and marginalized Toronto residents/Torontonians, including Indigenous Peoples, Black people, People of Colour, seniors, women and members of LGBTQ2S+ community to access safe, healthy and adequate homes. For more information please read this news release.

Today, Toronto City Council unanimously approved creating 971 new affordable rental homes in 15 developments through the Open-Door Program. With today’s endorsement by Council, a total of 11,143 affordable rental homes have now been approved through the City of Toronto’s Open-Door Program (ODP). This program is designed to accelerate affordable housing construction by providing a range of incentives from the City, which could include an exemption of fees, charges or property tax; capital funding; the fast-tracking of planning approvals; and activating surplus public land. For more information please read this news release.

Toronto Public Library Service Update: TPL is excited to welcome you back into their branches for a few more services available in Grey-Lockdown. For everyone’s safety, in-person services are limited and modified. Find out what’s available and how to prepare for a visit at www.tpl.com.covid19

Don’t forget to register for SafeTO’s Community Conversation on Gun Violence on Thursday, March 11 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. The City is hosting a solutions-focused conversation on gun violence for Scarborough as part of their SafeTO plan consultations. For more information and to register for the event please visit this webpage.

Community Engagement Review: Help shape how the City of Toronto engages communities around new shelters and other services for people experiencing homelessness. Residents interested in providing input to the Community Engagement Review can participate in a virtual focus group or participate in an anonymous online survey, open until March 11, 2021. For more information please visit the Welcoming New Shelters web page.

SafeTO Survey: The City of Toronto is currently in the process of developing an updated Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan called SafeTO. This plan will guide how social systems that serve Torontonians such as community services, healthcare systems, justice systems and police work together to meet community needs by changing how we think about safety. Provide your input by taking this survey by March 15, 2021.

Toronto Zoo Master Plan Concept Survey: The Toronto Zoo wants to hear from you to gather feedback from the community on the Master Plan project, superficially focusing on the testing of specific ideas or “alternatives” being considered for implementation. The survey will be open until March 23, 2021.

Grass and Weeds Bylaw Review: The Grass and Weeds Bylaw requires that grass and weeds on private property must be maintained so that growth does not exceed 20 cm in height. However, property owners or occupants can apply for a permit to be exempted from this requirement if they have a natural garden. The City would like to know what you think about the current process to get a permit for your natural garden. Please share your thoughts by sending an email to MLSFeedback@toronto.ca by Wednesday, March 31.

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.

CultureTO Newsletter: Focus on available resources and supports for Toronto’s culture sector. 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.

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/

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

March 5, 2021 Update

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 March 4, 2021) There has been an increase of 420 COVID-19 cases in the City with 274 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City has seen a total of 98,861 cases of COVID-19, of these, 92,571 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 2,677 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.  

Today, the Government of Ontario announced that the Toronto Public Health Region is transitioning into the Grey-Lockdown level of the revised COVID-19 Response Framework on Monday, March 8 at 12:01am. Regardless of the zone colour, all people should continue to stay home as much as possible and always follow public health guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and another lockdown. Changes in the Grey Zone include:

• Gatherings: Indoor gatherings remain limited to members of the same household; outdoor gatherings where physical distancing can be maintained are limited to 10 people; and religious services where physical distancing can be maintained are limited to 10 people indoors or outdoors.
• Retail: In-person shopping will be permitted subject to capacity limits of 50% capacity for supermarkets, pharmacies, and grocery stores and 25% capacity for other retail stores.

I encourage everyone to visit the City’s website to review the Response Framework Zone Changes and changes to City services. For more information please read this news release.

COVID-19 Testing Information: If you have one or more symptoms of COVID-19 or think you may have been exposed to the virus please take the Ministry of Health’s self-assessment. Residents can learn more about testing locations in their neighbourhood at www.toronto.ca/covid19testing.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information: If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and the City’s Immunization program please visit the City’s COVID-19 Vaccine webpage. For more information, please review the Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan at this webpage.

Ontario is preparing to move into Phase Two of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan next month, with focus on vaccinating populations based on age and risk. This approach is designed to save lives, protect those at risk of serious illness and stop the virus from spreading. With vaccine supply stabilizing and over two million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine expected from the federal government before the end of March, the province to enter Phase Two of its vaccine rollout. Between April 2021 and July 2021, up to nine million Ontarians will be vaccinated. During Phase Two, groups that will receive the vaccine include:

• Older adults between 60-79 years of age.
• Individuals with specific health conditions and some primary caregivers.
• People who live and work in congregate settings and some primary caregivers.
• People who live in hot spots with high rates of death, hospitalization, and transmission.
• Certain workers who cannot work from home.

Please review this backgrounder for more details on populations that are eligible for Phase Two. For more information please read this news release.

City of Toronto health sector partners making progress vaccinating Toronto residents 80 years of age and older. On February 14, the Province amended their prioritization framework for COVID-19 vaccination to include 80 years of age and over living independently in the community. Hospital and health sector partners have since included a small number of Torontonians born in 1941 or earlier living in the community in their local vaccine clinics to test operations as their respective vaccine availability permits. More than 36,000 vaccine doses have been given to people over age 80 in Toronto by hospital and clinic partners, including seniors who live in congregate care settings who were already part of the Province’s first phase of vaccine rollout.

Wider availability of COVID-19 vaccines for those who are born in 1941 and earlier will occur once more vaccines are available, and the provincial appointment and scheduling system is online. The Province’s centralized online booking system is expected to launch on March 15. The Province will also be launching a dedicated call centre to serve people who are unable to use the online appointment system. A fact sheet, What seniors need to know about COVID-19 vaccinations, is available on the City’s website. For more information please read this news release.

City of Toronto’s Natural Ice Rink program helps residents stay active this winter! As part of its Welcome T.O. Winter parks plan this season, the City of Toronto worked closely with community groups to facilitate 46 natural ice rinks in parks across the city. This winter, the City worked closely with Toronto Public Health to develop guidelines for natural ice rinks intended to slow the spread of COVID-19, including signage developed and installed at rinks to remind skaters of physical distancing and mask wearing. Toronto-based director Kelsey Larkin created a short video about the natural ice rink at Dovercourt Park, which documents the efforts of community volunteers and City employees. More information about the natural ice rink program, including health guidelines, signage and locations please visit this page.

New locations for City of Toronto’s Automated Speed Enforcement devices in May! The 50 Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) devices will begin rotating to the third round of locations in May to reduce speeding at more areas with safety concerns, encourage a wide-ranging deterrent effect and raise public awareness about the need to slow down and obey posted speed limits. The ASE’s third round of locations in Ward 24 Scarborough-Guildwood are located on Military Trail, near 341 Military Trail and on Gatesview Avenue, east of Cedar Drive. For more information on the ASE program and the third round of locations across the city please read this news release.

Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities is hosting a COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall on March 10 at 6:00pm. The town hall will discuss commonly asked questions and will feature a panel consisting of health care workers from physicians and outreach workers to provide you the information you need to be safe. Registration is required – please register here.

The deadline for Toronto Arts Council grant applications is coming up on March 8! Toronto Arts Council provides grants to artists and arts organizations that contribute to the cultural life of Toronto. Applications to all programs are submitted through Toronto Arts Council’s online grants management system.

SafeTO Survey: The City of Toronto is currently in the process of developing an updated Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan called SafeTO. This plan will guide how social systems that serve Torontonians such as community services, healthcare systems, justice systems and police work together to meet community needs by changing how we think about safety. Provide your input by taking this survey by March 9, 2021.

Community Engagement Review: Help shape how the City of Toronto engages communities around new shelters and other services for people experiencing homelessness. Residents interested in providing input to the Community Engagement Review can participate in a virtual focus group or participate in an anonymous online survey, open until March 11, 2021. For more information please visit the Welcoming New Shelters web page.

Grass and Weeds Bylaw Review: The Grass and Weeds Bylaw requires that grass and weeds on private property must be maintained so that growth does not exceed 20 cm in height. However, property owners or occupants can apply for a permit to be exempted from this requirement if they have a natural garden. The City would like to know what you think about the current process to get a permit for your natural garden. Please share your thoughts by sending an email to MLSFeedback@toronto.ca by Wednesday, March 31.

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.

CultureTO Newsletter: Focus on available resources and supports for Toronto’s culture sector.

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.

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.

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 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 March 1, 2021) There has been an increase of 295 COVID-19 cases in the City with 300 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City has seen a total of 97,931 cases of COVID-19, of these, 91,483 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 2,660 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.  

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

The Toronto Public Health region remains under the shutdown and stay-at-home orders until at least March 9, 2021. 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 COVID-19 regulations and lockdown guide.

The City of Toronto proclaims March 1 to 5 Black Mental Health Week in Toronto. Throughout the week, various events planned by community groups and agencies will focus on the impact that anti-Black racism has on mental health. Learn more about Black Mental Health Week events, activities and resources in this news release.

The Extreme Cold Weather Alert (ECWA) has been terminated for Toronto. Out of an abundance of caution, due to colder nighttime temperatures and forecasted wind chill values, the warming centres at 5800 Yonge St. and Exhibition Place, Better Living Centre, 195 Princes’ Blvd. The warming centre at Scarborough Civic Centre closed today at noon and the warming centre at 129 Peter St. remains closed. Find out about services for those experiencing homelessness and under-housed individuals at toronto.ca/homelesshelp. More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available online. Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at toronto.ca/extremeweatherready.

City-operated childcare centre temporarily closed as two employees test positive for COVID-19. Two City employees working at Alexandra Park Early Learning & Child Care Centre (ELCCC) have recently tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Due to operational factors, the City-operated childcare centre will be temporarily closed while staff members self-isolate to monitor for symptoms and the children isolate at home and monitor for symptoms as a precaution. Rooms at the centre are being cleaned and sanitized during this closure. The centre will reopen following Toronto Public Health’s advice and after cleaning is completed. The City is advising the public of this temporary closure in the interest of transparency. For more information please read this news release.

The City of Toronto advises residents to avoid contact with racoons to protect against injury and rabies. Physical contact includes feeding or petting raccoons and other wild animals, and other interactions which may be otherwise avoidable. Residents who may have had physical contact with a raccoon or another wild animal should see a healthcare provider immediately to be assessed. While the risk of rabies is low in Toronto, the disease is fatal if left untreated. Residents are urged to avoid contact with wild animals and to take steps to protect themselves and their pets from exposure. Residents should remember to not feed wild animals, stay away from all wild animals, ensure your pets’ rabies vaccination are up to date, always supervise dogs and keep all pets away from wild animals. More tips and information on raccoons and how to wildlife proof homes please visit this webpage and for more information on rabies please visit this webpage.

LocalLicious by SaveHospitality.ca! Support your local restaurants by participating in LocalLicious. Purchase a 3-course prix fixe menu and $1 will support a local charity. Find participating restaurants at www.SaveHospitality.ca. LocalLicious is runs until March 7, 2021!

Join this week’s SCRO “Our Scarborough” Speaker Series on COVID-19 and the Community, featuring Elizabeth Buller, President and CEO of Scarborough Health Network. Register Now. This event takes place on Thursday March 4, 2021 starting at 6:30pm with networking and highlights, with the main session with Elizabeth Buller starting at 7:00pm.

Election Signs Survey: City of Toronto is reviewing the rules for election signs in Toronto. Have your say on election sign rules in Toronto! Share your input through an online survey by 11:59pm March 3, 2021. Your feedback will inform a review of the bylaw regulating election signs in Toronto. Take the survey here.

Fireworks Bylaw Review Survey: The City is undertaking a review of the Fireworks Bylaw to explore opportunities for enhanced public education to support safe and compliant use of fireworks. Residents can provide feedback on firework regulations in Toronto via an online survey: Fireworks Bylaw Review. The survey will remain open until March 5, 2021.

SafeTO Survey: The City of Toronto is currently in the process of developing an updated Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan called SafeTO. This plan will guide how social systems that serve Torontonians such as community services, healthcare systems, justice systems and police work together to meet community needs by changing how we think about safety. Provide your input by taking this survey by March 5, 2021.

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.

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

Check out their latest newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.

CultureTO Newsletter: Focus on available resources and supports for Toronto’s culture sector.

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.

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 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 February 28, 2021) There has been an increase of 312 COVID-19 cases in the City with 298 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City has seen a total of 97,656 cases of COVID-19, of these, 91,224 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 2,659 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.  

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

The Toronto Public Health region remains under the shutdown and stay-at-home orders until at least March 9, 2021. 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 COVID-19 regulations and lockdown guide.

City of Toronto provides updated details of City COVID-19 Vaccination Program and collaboration with health sector partners. The successful implementation of the City’s Vaccination Program is dependent on many areas of cooperation with the Province, Ontario Health, primary care providers and other health sector partners. Through the City’s program, in accordance with the Province’s phased approach and direction, the City is responsible for: identifying and supporting access to vaccines and vaccination information; operating the nine City-operated immunization clinics; concurrently and intermittently operate mobile immunization clinics; address the specialized needs of vulnerable populations; provide vaccine information to other immunizing agencies; and collaboratively plan with health sector, community and grassroot partners for coordinated immunization. Learn more about the City’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program in this news release.

City of Toronto’s Home Energy Loan Program gets funding boost from the Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) announced funding of up to $14.6 million to support the City of Toronto’s Home Energy Loan Program (HELP). Through FCM’s Community Efficiency Financing initiative, which is funded by the federal government, the City is eligible for a loan of up to $9,712,000 and a grant of up to $4,856,000. The funding will help Toronto homeowners undertake home energy efficiency retrofits and support the local economy. For more information please read this news release.

The City of Toronto released a new dashboard with data on how people enter and exit shelter systems, known as Shelter System Flow, that will be used to inform ongoing efforts to develop permanent solutions to address homelessness. The data provides information about people experiencing homelessness as they access and transition through the City’s municipally funded shelter system. The new dashboard supports the City’s HousingTO Action Plan commitment to develop and regularly report on performance indicators that measure progress towards ensuring that experiences of homelessness are rare, brief, and non-recurring. For more information, please read this news release.

The City of Toronto proclaims March 1 to 5 Black Mental Health Week in Toronto. Throughout the week, various events planned by community groups and agencies will focus on the impact that anti-Black racism has on mental health. The week is also a call to action for more support and access to culturally responsive mental health services and programs for Black residents. Learn more about Black Mental Health Week events, activities and resources in this news release.

City of Toronto’s 50 Automated Speed Enforcement devices issue more than 22,00 tickets in December 2020, the first month of enforcement at the second round of locations. Ward 24 Scarborough-Guildwood’s ASE devices issued a total of 1951 tickets. Enforcement data for January will be available in the coming weeks. A map of all current and planned locations are available online. For more information please read this news release.

An Extreme Cold Weather Alert (ECWA) has been issued today for Toronto in anticipation of colder weather conditions within the next 24 hours or longer. ECWAs are issued when the temperature in the daily forecast suggests temperatures will reach approximately -15 degrees Celsius or colder, or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20 or colder. Warming Centres are open by 7pm the day an alert is called and will remain open throughout the ECWA. Warming Centres are located at:

• 129 Peter St.
• 5800 Yonge St.
• Exhibition Place, Better Living Centre, 195 Princes’ Blvd.
• Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr.

For more information, please read this news release.

The City of Toronto hospital and community health partners to begin vaccinating people experiencing homelessness and other priority populations as part of Phase 1 Community Vaccination Plan. Last weekend, Provincial officials confirmed for the City that vaccinating those experiencing homelessness is now part of its Phase One priority vaccinations. The Government of Ontario is responsible for establishing the vaccination prioritization framework for all Ontarians. The Province also confirmed that those aged 80 years and older will be among those eligible for vaccination as soon as vaccine supply is delivered. For more information please read this news release.

RentSafeTO: Apartment Building Standards is a bylaw enforcement program that ensures apartment building owners comply with building maintenance standards. The program applies to applies to apartment buildings with three or more storeys and 10 or more units. Residents need to contact their landlord first and submit service requests for issue such a pests, low or no heat, etc. Landlords need to respond to urgent service requests, such as no heat or water, within 24 hours. Non-urgent service requests need to be responded to within seven (7) days. If you get no action from your landlord and problems persist, you can contact 311 for the RentSafeTO team. For more information please see the RentSafeTO for Tenants webpage and this brochure.

CaféTO Information Webinar Tomorrow, March 2, 2021 at 9:30am! Sign Up to learn about program guidelines, timelines and new program features and next steps for participating in this year’s program. Learn more about the enhanced CaféTO program and free webinar by visiting toronto.ca/cafeto.

Election Signs Survey: City of Toronto is reviewing the rules for election signs in Toronto. Have your say on election sign rules in Toronto! Share your input through an online survey by 11:59pm March 3, 2021. Your feedback will inform a review of the bylaw regulating election signs in Toronto. Take the survey here.

Fireworks Bylaw Review Survey: The City is undertaking a review of the Fireworks Bylaw to explore opportunities for enhanced public education to support safe and compliant use of fireworks. Residents can provide feedback on firework regulations in Toronto via an online survey: Fireworks Bylaw Review. The survey will remain open until March 5, 2021.

SafeTO Survey: The City of Toronto is currently in the process of developing an updated Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan called SafeTO. This plan will guide how social systems that serve Torontonians such as community services, healthcare systems, justice systems and police work together to meet community needs by changing how we think about safety. Provide your input by taking this survey by March 5, 2021.

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.

CultureTO Newsletter: Focus on available resources and supports for Toronto’s culture sector.

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.

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