May 25, 2021 Update
Dear Neighbours,
I would like to continue to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times. It has been difficult for everyone. We must continue to fight the spread of COVID-19 and keep ourselves and our community safe by following the public health measures in place. Remember, our mental health is paramount, we need to continue to take care of ourselves and seek support if needed.
Today is the 7th annual Toronto Newcomer Day! First proclaimed in 2015, Toronto Newcomer Day is an annual event held in May that welcomes newcomers to the city, helps them learn about and access a range of services, and celebrates and acknowledges the many contributions they make to our city. This year, Torontonians welcomed newcomers through virtual activities and entertainment showcasing Toronto’s diverse communities. Learn more about Newcomer Day at www.toronto.ca/newcomerday.
I hope everyone had a relaxing Victoria Day weekend! I would like to remind everyone to properly dispose of fireworks by submerging used or unused fireworks in water over night, wrapping them in a plastic bag and placing them in the Garbage Bin. More on fireworks rules, safety tips and proper disposal please visit www.toronto.ca/fireworks.
*UPDATE* City of Toronto Immunization Clinic Eligibility: As of Sunday, May 23, the City opened vaccination appointments at City-run immunization clinics to youth age 12+. Those registering for a vaccination appointment must be at least 12 years old at the time of booking.
The full lust of eligible groups with information on how to register for appointments is available on the City’s COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated webpage. Eligible individuals can book through the provincial booking system at www.toronto.ca/covid19 or by calling 1-833-943-3900. You can also visit the VaccineTO website regularly to see if local clinics have available appointments.
*NEW* Scarborough Health Network & Scarborough Ontario Health Teams Family Pop-Up Clinics for individuals aged 12+ who live or work in a Scarborough (M1) hot spot postal code.
- *Today, May 25 | 10am-6pm | Scarborough Chinese Baptist Church (3223 Kennedy Rd)
- *Today, May 25 |10am-8pm | North American Muslim Foundation (4140 Finch Ave)
- Wed, May 26 |2pm-8pm | Scarborough Chinese Alliance Church (139 Sliver Star Blvd)
- Thurs, May 27 | 2pm-8pm | Toronto Chinese Methodist Church (8 Metropolitan Rd)
- Thurs, May 27 | 9am-7pm | Lester B Pearson Collegiate Institute (150 Tapscott Rd)
- Fri, May 28 | 1pm-9pm |Cornell Junior Public School (61 Holmfirth Terrace)
Tickets will be provided for same-day appointments starting the morning of each clinic, on a first come, first served basis. Proof of address/employment is required. People must be 12 years old or older at the time of vaccination. Visit www.scarbvaccine.ca for more details and updates on Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics.
Scarborough Health Network Community Vaccine Clinic: SHN Community Vaccine Clinics are vaccinating those who are 18 years of age and older living or working in Scarborough. The Centennial College Clinic are vaccinating those 12+ years of age. Full details on eligibility of each vaccine clinic is available at www.scarbvaccine.ca. Eligible individuals can book an appointment at www.scarbvaccine.ca.
COVID-19 Pharmacy Vaccine Locations & Eligibility: Select pharmacy locations in Toronto and Peel are administering the Pfizer vaccine to individuals aged 18+. Select pharmacy locations in Durham, Hamilton, Ottawa, Windsor and York are administering the Moderna vaccine to individuals aged 18+. For more information please visit this site.
Where to get accurate COVID-19 vaccine information: There is a lot of incorrect information about the COVID-19 vaccines on social media and group chats, such as WhatsApp. Accurate and trusted information can be found on the City’s COVID-19: Vaccines webpage. If you have questions about the vaccines, you should speak with your doctor or health care provider.
Toronto Public Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination Town Hall for Parents/Guardians of Students (age 12-17). Dr. Vinita Dubey, Associate Medical Officer of Health, will provide a presentation and answer questions about COVID-19 vaccines available in Canada, vaccine safety and benefits, how to get vaccinated and who is eligible and ways to reduce COVID-19 spread. No registration is required. Choose from two upcoming session dates on May 26 or May 29.
City of Toronto 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. Additional Ward 24 specific vaccination sites can be found here. Residents must register for an appointment.
Do you need help getting to your vaccination appointment? The City’s Vaccine Equity Transportation Plan is piloting transportation services for individuals age 55+ who may be unable to access or afford existing transportation options to get to their vaccination appointments. Eligible residents can book their vaccination appointment at www.toronto.ca/covid-19 then book a ride contact with Toronto Ride, iRide or Scarborough Ride.
Vaccine Appointment booking for residents without OHIP Cards. Resident without OHIP cards who meet current vaccine eligibility criteria can request assistance to book their vaccination appointment at a City-run immunization clinic by contacting FCJ Refugee Centre, Access Alliance or Toronto Public Health. Residents without an OHIP card may use other forms of identification to book their COVID-19 vaccination appointment through agency partners. For more details and contact information please see this page.
In-Home Vaccination for Homebound Persons
If you are a homebound person receiving care through a Primary Care Provider, Family Health Team, Home or Community Care or Community Support Services or Agencies, please contact your provider to learn whether they are able to offer in-home vaccination.
If you are homebound person who does not have a Primary Care Provider, Family Health Team, Home or Community Care or Community Support Services, please contact the Toronto Seniors Help Line at 416-217-2077 or by webchat at www.torontoseniorshelpline.ca/web-chat
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.
City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of May 25, 2021) There has been an increase of 1485 COVID-19 cases in the City with 944 people hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City has seen a total of 165,440 cases of COVID-19, of these, 156,175 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 3,341 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.
City of Toronto COVID-19 Vaccination Update: To date 1,986,966 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Toronto. Team Toronto reaches milestone of 65% vaccine coverage. Vaccination dose data can be found on the City’s COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard.
COVID-19 Vaccinations in your Neighbourhood: COVID-19: Status of Cases in Toronto – City of Toronto scroll down to the map at the bottom to view the number and percent of persons vaccinated in each neighbourhood.
The City of Toronto remains subject to the province wide Stay-at-Home Order until June 2, 2021. The provincial wide shutdown requires all residents to remain home except for essential purposes. I encourage everyone to review the Province’s COVID-19 public health measures and advice, the City’s Guide for Toronto Residents and Changes to City Services for the most up-to-date information on public health guidelines and regulations.
City of Toronto staff report recommends Terms of Reference agreement with Province of Ontario on Ontario Place redevelopment – News Release.
City of Toronto announces portion of Bay Street to remain closed for approximately one month for ongoing sewer repair work – News Release.
Toronto History Museum dishes up new video content for Hungry for Comfort program series – News Release.
Toronto City Council holding special meeting to approve purchase of 60 new TTC streetcars – News Release.
City of Toronto’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee approves plan to clear snow from all neighbourhood sidewalks starting this winter – News Release.
Public Consultation for Review of Parking Requirements for New Development. City staff will be holing a series of online public meetings in June to gather feedback on directions emerging from the Review. The feedback received will inform recommendations for revised parking rates. Choose from three session dates on June 1, June 2 or June 3. Registration is required. Learn more at www.toronto.ca/parkingreview.
Little Scarborough Centre: Calling all kids! Toronto City Planning wants to hear YOUR ideas of Our Scarborough Centre. Re-imagine our map of the area to include the buildings, parks, shops, pathways and other elements you’d like to see in the future. Send in photos of your creation. For more details on how to participate please visit this site.
ShowUsSC: Let’s create a community photo album! Toronto City Planning invites you to share photographs you’ve taken in Scarborough Centre. Be sure to use #ShowUsSC when you post your photos on twitter and Instagram! For more details please visit this site.
Seniors Services and Long-Term Care: Family Council Ontario Guest Webinar with Patient Ombudsman. Ontario’s Patient Ombudsman will provide an update on his office’s work in long-term care. The zoom webinar is will be held on Thursday, May 27th, 2:00- 3:00 pm. Registration is required.
Ontario’s Patient Ombudsman Survey. Residents, caregivers and staff members are invited to participate in an anonymous survey being conducted by the Patient Ombudsman. The online survey will take approximately 10 mins to complete and is available online.
Garden Suites Survey & Consultation: The City of Toronto is seeking public and industry opinions about Garden Suites in Toronto. To provide feedback and help shape the future of Gardens Suites in Toronto, please fill out this survey.
The TTC would like your feedback as they develop their 5-year fare policy. Have your say and get involved by completing an online survey or by calling 1-833-949-3273. The survey will be available until June 2, 2021.
Sign up for Toronto Police Services’ 43 Division Youth Job Fair! Attention youth job seekers between 15 to 18 years of age! Join the virtual Job Fair on June 7, 2021 at 6pm and connect directly with local employers who are hiring NOW! Learn more here.
SHN Foundation Tamil Radiothon! Tune in on June 9, 2021 for SHN Foundation’s first ever Tamil Radiothon and help raise $50,000 for Scarborough Hospitals. Learn more 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.
Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Scoop – Subscribe HERE.
East Scarborough Storefront: Our KGO Updates – See the latest issue HERE. Subscribe HERE.
insidehousing: News from Toronto Community Housing – Subscribe HERE.
What’s On at the Library: Home Edition – Check out the latest copy HERE. Subscribe HERE.
If you need info on COVID-19, please visit the following websites:
I am continuously updating my social media platforms and my website
All my Best,
Paul