Dear Neighbours,
This week has been a devastating time for the Scarborough Muslim community as we mourn the loss of Brother Saleh Hafejee, a trailblazer for the Muslim community in Scarborough and especially in the Markham and Lawrence area. Brother Saleh has devoted 25 years of service to the Scarborough Muslim Association – Jame Abu Bakr Siddique. As an integral member of the Markham and Lawrence community, he was able to touch the lives of all residents alike, from youth to elders, where he was able to observe youth flourish into active residents in the community. I have worked closely with Brother Saleh over the years and have witnessed his dedication and passion for his community.
I pray that the many happy memories of Brother Saleh’s life be with you and with time, overcome the sadness and pain that has accompanied you all. Please read my letter to the Scarborough Muslim Association here.
Brother Saleh recognized the lack of sports programming in the Markham and Lawrence community, he took it upon himself to create a hockey league giving the youth in the community a safe space to play together and grow. He worked tirelessly to support the local youth and ensure that they had opportunities to flourish.
While we loved Brother Saleh dearly, whatever God takes away or gives belongs to Him. Everything has a fixed term in this world, so we must be patient and content. I hope that you can find solace in the truth of faith in this difficult time.
Know that my thoughts are with you. Peace be upon you.
Thank you for your efforts in keeping our community safe during these difficult times. As we prepare for our second vaccination, some have yet to receive their first dose. Please review the City of Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccines webpage, to inform yourself of the benefits of vaccination, we are close to reopening and turning the corner to a positive summer. Remember to follow the public health measures in place and continue to support one another.
*NEW* The City of Toronto and Community Partners support accelerated second doses for eligible residents without OHIP cards – News Release. Residents without OHIP cards who meet current eligibility for accelerated second doses, including individuals 70+ years or age; or received their 1st dose of Pfizer of Moderna on or before May 9; or receive their 1st dose of AstraZeneca more than 8 weeks ago, can request assistance booking their accelerated second dose appointment at a City-run immunization clinic by contacting Access Alliance, Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture and FCJ Refujee Centre.
Don’t forget to tune into Toronto Public Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination Town Hall for School Communities TOMORROW, June 17 at 6:30pm! Learn about COVID-19 vaccines for youth, how to get vaccinated and more. No registration required. Join online or by telephone at 416-915-6530 (Access code: 177 192 3860). More information is available here.
*NEW UPDATED INFORMATION* Scarborough Health Network Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
The following clinics will be offering 1st doses only to individuals aged 12+ who live, work or go to school in Scarborough:
- Thurs, June 17 from 9:30am-12:30pm | Islamic Research Centre, 1 Stamford Sq N
The following clinics will be offering 2nd doses to individuals aged 12+ who live, work or go to school in the following Delta variant hot spots – M1B, M1E, M1G, M1J, M1S, M1K & M1K – AND who received their 1st dose of Pfizer at least 21 days ago, OR received their 1st does of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago & would like to receive Pfizer as their 2nd dose.
- TODAY, June 16 from 1pm-9pm | R.H. King Academy, 3800 St. Clair Ave E
- Thurs, June 17 & Fri, June 18 from 1pm-9pm | UTSC, 1265 Military Trail, Highland Hall
- Sat, June 19 & Sun, June 20 from 10am-6pm | UTSC, 1265 Military Trail, Highland Hall
No pre-booking is required, these vaccine clinics are using a ticketing system on a first come, first-served basis. More information is available at www.scarbvaccine.ca
Ready. Set. GO! Scarborough Dash for Doses: School Marathon is on! Remaining stops for the School Marathon Dash:
- TODAY, June 16 from 4pm-8pm | R.H. King Academy, 3800 St. Clair Ave E
These pop-up sites will vaccinate (first does only) individuals aged 12+ from all Scarborough postal codes. First, come first-served basis. Appointments are NOT required. Proof of address & form of ID. More details at www.scarbvaccine.ca.
Toronto East Health Network Mobile & Pop-Up Vaccine Clinic: Open to all individuals 12+ who live/work/attend school in any “M” postal code, with priority access for select populations. Visit the pop-up vaccine page for more details: www.tehn.ca/VaccinePopUps
City of Toronto Immunization Clinics & Eligibility: Eligibility criteria and booking for first and second dose appointments can be found online at www.toronto.ca/covid19 or by calling 1-833-943-3900.
- First dose: Everyone aged 12+ is encouraged to book their first dose appointment online or through the provincial booking line.
- Second dose: Residents 70+; Anyone who received a first dose of Pfizer or Moderna on/before May 9; those who received AstraZeneca at least eight weeks ago; FNIM individuals & non-Indigenous partners & household members
Scarborough Health Network Community Vaccine Clinic & Eligibility: Eligibility criteria and booking information is available at www.scarbvaccine.ca
- First dose: Individuals 18+; Individuals 12+ at the Centenary College and TAIBU Community Health Centre sites
- Second dose: Individuals eligible for an accelerated second dose appointment at SHN will be contacted directly to reschedule their appointment. DO NOT BOOK a second dose appointment online.
COVID-19 Pharmacy Vaccine Locations & Eligibility: Full details on eligibility and pharmacy locations administering the COVID-19 vaccine can be found here.
- First dose: Individuals 12+ to get the Pfizer vaccine; Individuals 18+ to get the Moderna Vaccine
- Second dose: (AstraZeneca) received 1st dose at least eight weeks ago; (Pfizer or Moderna) received 1st dose at least 28 days ago
City of Toronto COVID-19 Case & Vaccination Update: (Data as of June 16, 2021) Case status and vaccination dose data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.
84 – Newly Reported COVID-19 Cases 1,572 – Total number of Active COVID-19 Cases 605 – Hospitalized Cases (Cumulative) 169,003 – Number of COVID-19 Cases in Toronto | 163,968 – Number of Recovered COVID-19 Cases in Toronto 3,463 – Number of COVID-19 Fatal Cases in Toronto 2,750,172 COVID-19 – Vaccine doses administered in Toronto |
Where to get accurate COVID-19 information:
- City of Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccines webpage
- VaxTO: Text “VACCINE” to 1-833-750-0888 for COVID-19 vaccine resources
- SHN VaxFacts Clinic – website or contact vaxfactsclinic@shn.ca or 416-438-2911 ext. 5738.
- City of Toronto COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Location Map
- Additional Ward 24 Vaccination Sites
- Need help getting to your vaccine appointment? Check out the City of Toronto’s Vaccine Equity Transportation Plan
- Information on booking vaccine appointments for residents without an OHIP card can be found here
- Vaccine Coverage by Neighbourhood in the City of Toronto (scroll to the bottom of the neighbourhood map)
- Public Health Agency of Canada – The Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines
- COVID-19 tests are available at assessment centres, pop-ups, and mobile testing facilities and pharmacies. Use this map to find a testing location near you.
The City of Toronto is in Step One of the province’s Roadmap to Reopening plan. I would like to encourage residents to review the City’s COVID-19 Reopening Guide for Toronto Residents for more details on public health guidance, provincial regulations, and City bylaws. A summary of the Roadmap to Reopening can be found on the “Reopening Ontario” webpage.
City of Toronto News
Community Events
- Knights of Columbus Community Food Drive at St. Martin de Porres Church
Saturday, June 19, 2021 | 9am to 12pm
Drop off: St. Martin de Porres Church Parking Lot, 4179 Lawrence Ave E
- Guildwood Village Community Association Clean Up
Saturday, June 19, 2021 | 8am
Starting point: Guild Inn Parking Lot, 201 Guildwood Pkwy (Back-up location: Galloway Rd Parking Lot)
Notes: Participants will be organized in groups of 10 in accordance with Provincial guidelines. Please bring your own gloves and review the City’s COVID-19 guidance for Indoor & Outdoor events. If you have any questions about this event please contact: markjthomas171@gmail.com.
- Roots of Seven Oaks Community Clean Up
Saturday, June 26 | 10am to 12pm
Starting point: Parking lot by the ravine on Military Trail
Notes: Participants will be organized in groups of 10 in accordance with Provincial guidelines. Please bring your own gloves and review the City’s COVID-19 guidance for Indoor & Outdoor events. If you have any questions about this event please contact: markjthomas171@gmail.com.
*NEW* The East Scarborough Storefront and VIBE Arts, in collaboration with the City’s StART program, are creating a community engaged mural for the exterior wall of the East Scarborough Storefront facility, and they want to hear your ideas! Please fill out this survey to submit your ideas. VIBE Arts is also hiring a short-term contract Youth Artist to work alongside professional and emerging artists on this project. Apply here, by Sunday, June 20, 2021.
The Toronto Police Service invites community members to apply to join its Missing and Missed Implementation Team (MMIT) – News Release. Community members wishing to apply to join the MMIT must be residents of Toronto and are asked to complete an application form outlining their interest and experience. The application deadline is Friday, June 25, 2021. Click here to apply.
Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities’ Hope Exists After Loss (HEAL) Youth Program. FREE 8-week youth program for ages 12-19. An engaging and meaningful peer mentorship for youth living in Scarborough experiencing loss from death. Starting Tuesday, July 6, 2021 from 4pm to pm. For more information and to register please visit www.schcontario.ca/heal.
Your Toronto Zoo’s restrooms have been named one of the best in Canada! Show your love for the best restroom in the GTA you can vote on Citas Canada’s website. The polls are open now until July 9.
Save the CNE! Please sign the www.savethecne.ca petition! Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Toronto has extended the cancellation of in-person major outdoor events through to September 7. Now without critical financial support from the federal and provincial governments, the CNE is at risk of closing its gates forever, after 142 years of operations. Please visit www.savethecne.ca and help the CNE keep its gates open.
City of Toronto Summer Programming
- Summer CampTO & Virtual CampTO programs – Register online or by phone 416-396-7378
- New ParkFitTO outdoor fitness programs – Register online or by phone 416-396-7378
- City of Toronto Outdoor Swimming Pool Swim Session reservations
Register now for Scarborough Business Associations upcoming events!
Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in 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.
I am continuously updating my social media platforms and my website:
You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
All my Best,
Paul