My Community Update for February 24, 2022 – COVID-19 Update & City of Toronto News

Dear Neighbours,

I hope that you and your families are safe and healthy during these challenging times. Let’s continue to protect each other and reduce the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, limiting in-person contacts, maintaining physical distancing, wearing a mask and staying home when ill.

I would like to remind everyone that self-care is key, and it is important to prioritize your well-being. Make sure to stay active, drink water, connect with loved ones for support over the phone or virtually and reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Remember local Mental Health supports and services can be accessed online here.

Given the threat posed by the COVID-19 Omicron variant, there is a critical need for all eligible residents to get their first, second and third “booster” doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Learn about why, how, and where to get vaccinated on the City’s COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated webpage. 

COVID-19 Update

UPDATE: City-run immunization clinics. On March 1, as part of its efforts to target neighbourhoods with low vaccine uptake, Toronto Public Health (TPH) will open a new immunization clinic at Eglinton Court, 1940 Eglinton Ave. E. This new clinic will replace clinic at Scarborough Town Centre, which will close on Saturday, February 26. The new clinic will offer first, second, third and paediatric doses for walk-ins and booked appointments Tuesday to Friday, from 2 to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TPH is also adjusting the hours of operations at City-run clinics from seven to six days per week as resources are shifted to support hyper-local efforts. The new hours of operation for walk-ins and appointments are as follow:

  • Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Woodbine Mall and Mitchell Field Community Centre: Monday to Friday, 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Cloverdale Mall and Scarborough Town Centre (soon-to-be Eglinton Court): Tuesday to Friday, 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information about where to get vaccinated across the city including at over 525 pharmacies and primary care offices is available on the City’s webpage.

NEW: Shop And Vax is back! As part of this campaign, 19 clinics will be held by Toronto Public Health and Team Toronto partners across the city starting today, February 24, to Sunday, February 27. Shop And Vax clinics will accept walk-ins for first, second, third and paediatric doses. More information is available on the City’s COVID-19: Pop-Up Immunization Clinics webpage.

NEW: Toronto Voices vaccine engagement series. The City of Toronto has launched “Black Bodies,” the newest feature in the Toronto Voices vaccine engagement series. “Black Bodies” profiles Dr. Akwatu Khenti, Chair of the City’s Black Scientists’ Task Force on Vaccine Equity, who shares a personal message about COVID-19 vaccination with Toronto’s Black community. Watch the Toronto Voices: Black Bodies video here.

SHN Vaccine Pop-Up Clinics – Full details at: www.scarbvaccine

  • February 26 | 9am to 2pm | Tropicana Community Services, 1385 Huntingwood Dr | Walk-in or Book Online
  • February 26 | 10am to 3pm | Toronto Simpson Chinese Alliance Church, 200 Commander Blvd | Walk-in or Book Online

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case & Vaccination Update: (Data as of February 24, 2022) Case status and vaccination dose data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

  • 377 – Newly Reported COVID-19 Cases
  • 2,804 – Total number of Active COVID-19 Cases
  • 185 – Hospitalized Cases (Cumulative) 
  • 286,557 – Number of COVID-19 Cases in Toronto (Cumulative)
  • 279,540 – Number of Recovered COVID-19 Cases in Toronto
  • 4,213 – Number of COVID-19 Fatal Cases in Toronto
  • 6,714,639 COVID-19 – Vaccine doses administered in Toronto

Book your 1st, 2nd or Booster (3rd) COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment TODAY:

Where to get accurate COVID-19 information:

Community Update

REMINDER: The City of Toronto is proposing cycling, pedestrian and road safety upgrades on Scarborough Golf Club Road and is seeking your feedback and lived experience for the project. Please visit toronto.ca/sgcrroadsafety to learn more about the project, timelines and design features. Complete the project survey online by tomorrow, February 25, 2022.

REMINDER: City of Toronto launches spring recreation program listings. Registration for spring recreation programs starts at 7 a.m. on the following dates:

  • March 5 – Etobicoke York (including York South-Weston) and Scarborough
  • March 7 – North York and Toronto and East York
  • March 7 – Virtual programs city-wide

Residents can visit Toronto.ca/SpringRec for program and registration information.

Latest updates to library services. Good news! On Monday, February 28 and Tuesday, March 1, Toronto Public Library will reopen the majority of the branches that have been temporarily closed due to COVID-19 related staffing challenges. online services remain available and can be accessed from anywhere including access to digital collections and online programs. Please visit this page to read the full update.

Have your say on how to reduce single-use and takeaway items in the City of Toronto! Your feedback will help to inform a report that will be considered by the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in spring 2022 and present the final proposed Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy Stage 2 mandatory measures (e.g., a fee or “ask-first/by-request” bylaw).  Take the online survey by March 6, 2022 at toronto.ca/single-use.

Applications are being accepted for the City of Toronto’s Retail Accelerator Program. Part of the Toronto Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative, the new program provides access to retail training, advisory services and mentoring opportunities, as well as a micro grant of $10,000 to help retail businesses develop and expand. Apply by March 31, 2022.

Reminder: Registration for CaféTO 2022 is now open! Local restaurant and bar operators interested in expanding their outdoor dining space into the curb lane and onto sidewalks can register and apply for permits online. Visit toronto.ca/CafeTO for more information. The deadline to apply is April 2!

Councillor Ainslie’s Community Survey is now open! Submit your feedback on the 2022 City Budget, City services and projects. Take the survey online here today!

Community Events

TONIGHT: Scarborough-Guildwood Live Town Hall with Minister Bill Blair

February 24, 2022 | 7:00 pm

Register here.

Freedom to Read Week

February 20 to 26

Learn more about Freedom to Read Week here.

Toronto Virtual Seedy Saturdays

February 26 to March 12

Register and more info here!

Save The Date: Poplar Road Strawberry Festival

June 10, 2022 | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

For more information please visit: www.poplarsf.com

Follow me on social media and/or visit my website for regular updates:

Twitter: @Ainslie_Ward24

Facebook: @cllrainslie

Instagram: @cllrainslie

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

My #COVID Update for #Ward24 #Scarborough and #Toronto on February 23, 2022

Dear Neighbours,

I hope that you and your families are safe and healthy during these challenging times. Let’s continue to protect each other and reduce the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, limiting in-person contacts, maintaining physical distancing, wearing a mask and staying home when ill.

I would like to remind everyone that self-care is key, and it is important to prioritize your well-being. Make sure to stay active, drink water, connect with loved ones for support over the phone or virtually and reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Remember local Mental Health supports and services can be accessed online here.

Given the threat posed by the COVID-19 Omicron variant, there is a critical need for all eligible residents to get their first, second and third “booster” doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Learn about why, how, and where to get vaccinated on the City’s COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated webpage. 

COVID-19 Update

NEW: Vax The East wraps up a successful 10-day campaign with more than 3,100 vaccinated across Toronto’s east end

Yesterday, Team Toronto wrapped up the successful 10-day hyper-local Vax The East campaign to bring COVID-19 vaccines close to home for thousands of residents and increase vaccination numbers in Toronto’s east end.

Vax The East launched on February 12 and continued through Family Day. Weekend clinics at the Ontario Science Centre and Thorncliffe Park Community Hub kicked off the campaign, followed by 34 pop-up clinics over eight days in Scarborough schools. In total, Team Toronto vaccinated 3,127 people, including 1,240 children age five to 11 during Vax The East.

NEW: Mayor Tory launches campaign to help small businesses during their pandemic recovery

Today, Mayor John Tory announced a new business supports campaign to help make small business owners and operators more aware of grants, incentives, training and other available resources as they recover from the pandemic. Small businesses, including restaurants, are encouraged to take advantage of these resources, which include access to one-on-one virtual assistance, COVID-19 guidelines, and links to other financial resources and relief measures.

REMINDER: City of Toronto reopening City Hall and civil centres for counter services. Today, City Hall, North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, Etobicoke Civic Centre, York Civic Centre and East York Civic Centre have reopened for a number of in-person counter services. Some services will require booking an appointment in advance while others will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

SHN Vaccine Pop-Up Clinics – Full details at: www.scarbvaccine

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case & Vaccination Update: (Data as of February 22, 2022) Case status and vaccination dose data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

Book your 1st, 2nd or Booster (3rd) COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment TODAY:

Where to get accurate COVID-19 information:

Community Update

Attention restaurant and bar operators! Are you interested in learning more about #CafeTO and how to transform your patio space? Register for a free webinar on February 23 at 9:30am, hosted by TABIA and Restaurants Canada to learn more! Register online here. Visit www.toronto.ca/cafeto to learn more about the program and to register before the April 2nd deadline.

REMINDER: The City of Toronto is proposing cycling, pedestrian and road safety upgrades on Scarborough Golf Club Road and is seeking your feedback and lived experience for the project. Please visit toronto.ca/sgcrroadsafety to learn more about the project, timelines and design features. Complete the project survey online by February 25, 2022.

NEW: Celebrate Freedom to Read Week: Feb 20 – 26! Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm our commitment to intellectual freedom. Find out more and learn about some materials from our collection that have been challenged over the years. Learn more about Freedom to Read Week here.

REMINDER: City of Toronto launches spring recreation program listings. Registration for spring recreation programs starts at 7 a.m. on the following dates:

  • March 5 – Etobicoke York (including York South-Weston) and Scarborough
  • March 7 – North York and Toronto and East York
  • March 7 – Virtual programs city-wide

Residents can visit Toronto.ca/SpringRec for program and registration information.

REMINDER: Latest updates to library services. Good news! On Monday, February 28 and Tuesday, March 1, Toronto Public Library will reopen the majority of the branches that have been temporarily closed due to COVID-19 related staffing challenges. online services remain available and can be accessed from anywhere including access to digital collections and online programs. Please visit this page to read the full update.

Have your say on how to reduce single-use and takeaway items in the City of Toronto! Your feedback will help to inform a report that will be considered by the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in spring 2022 and present the final proposed Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy Stage 2 mandatory measures (e.g., a fee or “ask-first/by-request” bylaw).  Take the online survey by March 4, 2022 at toronto.ca/single-use.

Applications are being accepted for the City of Toronto’s Retail Accelerator Program. Part of the Toronto Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative, the new program provides access to retail training, advisory services and mentoring opportunities, as well as a micro grant of $10,000 to help retail businesses develop and expand. Apply by March 31, 2022.

Councillor Ainslie’s Community Survey is now open! Submit your feedback on the 2022 City Budget, City services and projects. Take the survey online here today!

Community Events

REMINDER: CaféTO Information Webinar by TABIA & Restaurants Canada

February 23, 2022 | 9:30am

Register here.

NEW: Scarborough-Guildwood Live Town Hall with Minister Bill Blair

February 24, 2022 | 7:00 pm

Register here.

NEW: Toronto Virtual Seedy Saturdays

February 26 to March 12

Register and more info here!

Follow me on social media and/or visit my website for regular updates:

Twitter: @Ainslie_Ward24

Facebook: @cllrainslie

Instagram: @cllrainslie

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

My Community Update for February 22, 2022 – COVID-19 Update & City of Toronto News

Dear Neighbours,

I hope that you and your families are safe and healthy during these challenging times. Let’s continue to protect each other and reduce the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, limiting in-person contacts, maintaining physical distancing, wearing a mask and staying home when ill.

I would like to remind everyone that self-care is key, and it is important to prioritize your well-being. Make sure to stay active, drink water, connect with loved ones for support over the phone or virtually and reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Remember local Mental Health supports and services can be accessed online here.

Given the threat posed by the COVID-19 Omicron variant, there is a critical need for all eligible residents to get their first, second and third “booster” doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Learn about why, how, and where to get vaccinated on the City’s COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated webpage. 

COVID-19 Update

NEW: Vax The East wraps up a successful 10-day campaign with more than 3,100 vaccinated across Toronto’s east end

Yesterday, Team Toronto wrapped up the successful 10-day hyper-local Vax The East campaign to bring COVID-19 vaccines close to home for thousands of residents and increase vaccination numbers in Toronto’s east end.

Vax The East launched on February 12 and continued through Family Day. Weekend clinics at the Ontario Science Centre and Thorncliffe Park Community Hub kicked off the campaign, followed by 34 pop-up clinics over eight days in Scarborough schools. In total, Team Toronto vaccinated 3,127 people, including 1,240 children age five to 11 during Vax The East.

NEW: Mayor Tory launches campaign to help small businesses during their pandemic recovery

Today, Mayor John Tory announced a new business supports campaign to help make small business owners and operators more aware of grants, incentives, training and other available resources as they recover from the pandemic. Small businesses, including restaurants, are encouraged to take advantage of these resources, which include access to one-on-one virtual assistance, COVID-19 guidelines, and links to other financial resources and relief measures.

REMINDER: City of Toronto reopening City Hall and civil centres for counter services. Today, City Hall, North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, Etobicoke Civic Centre, York Civic Centre and East York Civic Centre have reopened for a number of in-person counter services. Some services will require booking an appointment in advance while others will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

SHN Vaccine Pop-Up Clinics – Full details at: www.scarbvaccine

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case & Vaccination Update: (Data as of February 22, 2022) Case status and vaccination dose data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

  • 1002 – Newly Reported COVID-19 Cases
  • 2,996 – Total number of Active COVID-19 Cases
  • 239 – Hospitalized Cases (Cumulative) 
  • 285,871 – Number of COVID-19 Cases in Toronto (Cumulative)
  • 278,675 – Number of Recovered COVID-19 Cases in Toronto
  • 4,200 – Number of COVID-19 Fatal Cases in Toronto
  • 6,714,639 COVID-19 – Vaccine doses administered in Toronto

Book your 1st, 2nd or Booster (3rd) COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment TODAY:

Where to get accurate COVID-19 information:

Community Update

Attention restaurant and bar operators! Are you interested in learning more about #CafeTO and how to transform your patio space? Register for a free webinar on February 23 at 9:30am, hosted by TABIA and Restaurants Canada to learn more! Register online here. Visit www.toronto.ca/cafeto to learn more about the program and to register before the April 2nd deadline.

REMINDER: The City of Toronto is proposing cycling, pedestrian and road safety upgrades on Scarborough Golf Club Road and is seeking your feedback and lived experience for the project. Please visit toronto.ca/sgcrroadsafety to learn more about the project, timelines and design features. Complete the project survey online by February 25, 2022.

NEW: Celebrate Freedom to Read Week: Feb 20 – 26! Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm our commitment to intellectual freedom. Find out more and learn about some materials from our collection that have been challenged over the years. Learn more about Freedom to Read Week here.

REMINDER: City of Toronto launches spring recreation program listings. Registration for spring recreation programs starts at 7 a.m. on the following dates:

  • March 5 – Etobicoke York (including York South-Weston) and Scarborough
  • March 7 – North York and Toronto and East York
  • March 7 – Virtual programs city-wide

Residents can visit Toronto.ca/SpringRec for program and registration information.

REMINDER: Latest updates to library services. Good news! On Monday, February 28 and Tuesday, March 1, Toronto Public Library will reopen the majority of the branches that have been temporarily closed due to COVID-19 related staffing challenges. online services remain available and can be accessed from anywhere including access to digital collections and online programs. Please visit this page to read the full update.

Have your say on how to reduce single-use and takeaway items in the City of Toronto! Your feedback will help to inform a report that will be considered by the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in spring 2022 and present the final proposed Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy Stage 2 mandatory measures (e.g., a fee or “ask-first/by-request” bylaw).  Take the online survey by March 4, 2022 at toronto.ca/single-use.

Applications are being accepted for the City of Toronto’s Retail Accelerator Program. Part of the Toronto Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative, the new program provides access to retail training, advisory services and mentoring opportunities, as well as a micro grant of $10,000 to help retail businesses develop and expand. Apply by March 31, 2022.

Councillor Ainslie’s Community Survey is now open! Submit your feedback on the 2022 City Budget, City services and projects. Take the survey online here today!

Community Events

REMINDER: CaféTO Information Webinar by TABIA & Restaurants Canada

February 23, 2022 | 9:30am

Register here.

NEW: Scarborough-Guildwood Live Town Hall with Minister Bill Blair

February 24, 2022 | 7:00 pm

Register here.

NEW: Toronto Virtual Seedy Saturdays

February 26 to March 12

Register and more info here!

Follow me on social media and/or visit my website for regular updates:

Twitter: @Ainslie_Ward24

Facebook: @cllrainslie

Instagram: @cllrainslie

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

The City of Toronto Municipal Government is Re-Opening

Dear Ward 24 Residents,

Today at 11 a.m., Mayor Tory made an announcement providing an update on the City of Toronto’s safe re-opening of City buildings and the transition to a hybrid model for Council and Committee meetings.

Re-opening for counter services:

Beginning on February 22 City Hall, North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, Etobicoke Civic Centre, York Civic Centre and East York Civic Centre will be open for a number of in-person counter services, including payments for property taxes, utilities and parking violations, construction permits, tree permit applications and COVID-19 rapid screening kits for small and medium-sized businesses. Some services will require booking an appointment in advance while others will operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Visitors to City Hall and civic centres will be welcomed by greeters to assist with wayfinding and to answer questions. The Metro Hall Early Learning & Child Care Centre and Employment and Social Services offices will continue operation at Metro Hall.

Re-opening for office staff:

Starting on February 22, the City will also begin the return of office workers to City offices and work locations. City staff will return under a hybrid model and offices will be open to allow for maximum capacity based on occupational health and safety guidelines including physical distancing. Some of the health and safety measures already in place include ensuring physical distancing, universal wearing of masks, increased sanitization and enhanced cleaning protocols, improved ventilation in buildings, mandatory daily screening and mandatory vaccinations for all staff.

Re-opening for meetings with public:

Also starting March 21, members of the public will begin to be able to access public areas (beyond the counters) at City Hall and civic centres. This will also allow City Councillors to invite members of the public to meetings in offices, while ensuring all occupational health and safety measures, including physical distancing, are maintained. Staff may attend these meetings in-person or virtually.

City Council and Committee meetings:

Beginning March 21, City Council and Committee meetings will begin the transition to a hybrid model which will allow for members of Council to attend meetings either virtually or in-person.

The health and safety of residents, businesses and City staff remain key priorities in all re-opening plans. All provincial, public health and occupational health and safety regulations and guidelines will be followed. As provincial, public health and occupational health and safety regulations and guidelines evolve, corresponding updates to City services and operating hours will be posted on the COVID-19: Changes to City Services webpage: www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/affected-city-services/.

I am also taking this opportunity to remind residents the City offers many options for accessing its services online, through the new mobile app for 311 Toronto and MyToronto Pay – which offers online payment options for property tax and utility bills. The City continues to invest in service improvements to provide residents, businesses and visitors access to services where and how they wish to access them, which includes easier access across multiple channels and more self-serve options.

This is an exciting and important time and we look forward to opening our door to the staff and the public. 

I hope you and all of your family remain safe and well during COVID,

All my Best,

Paul

My Community #COVID Update on February 2, 2022 for #Ward24 #Scarborough and #Toronto

Dear Neighbours,

I hope that you and your families are safe and healthy during these challenging times. Let’s continue to protect each other and reduce the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, limiting in-person contacts, maintaining physical distancing, wearing a mask and staying home when ill.

I would like to remind everyone that self-care is key, and it is important to prioritize your well-being. Make sure to stay active, drink water, connect with loved ones for support over the phone or virtually and reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Remember local Mental Health supports and services can be accessed online here.

Given the threat posed by the COVID-19 Omicron variant, there is a critical need for all eligible residents to get their first, second and third “booster” doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Learn about why, how, and where to get vaccinated on the City’s COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated webpage. 

SnowTO Update

The City is prepared for a forecasted snowfall of approximately 25 cm of snow beginning Wednesday evening and will prioritize the safety and movement of residents and emergency vehicles, with salting and plowing of roads, sidewalks and bike lanes Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding.

311 service requests for snow-related issues will continue to be available – even during this week’s expected snowfall – and can be made on the 311 Toronto mobile app, on the City’s website at toronto.ca/311 or by calling 311. Please follow up with my office should your issue not be addressed in the suggested timeframe: councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca or 416-396-7222.

More information on the City’s ice and snow response plan is available at toronto.ca/snow.

You can also refer to the City’s PlowTO map to track real-time locations of plows, sidewalk plows and salt trucks and identify which roads have been serviced by winter snow clearing vehicles and crews, at toronto.ca/plowto.

COVID-19 Update

NEW: 12,500 new COVID-19 vaccination appointments now available including 7,000 appointments for kids. Today at 8 a.m., Toronto Public Health (TPH) will release 12,500 new vaccination appointments for City of Toronto-run immunization clinics. The appointments, booked on the provincial booking system, are available between Thursday, February 3 and Saturday, February 19. There are 7,000 appointments available for residents five to 11 years of age and 5,500 appointments for residents 12 years of age and older. Book now at www.toronto.ca/covid19.

NEW: Scarborough Health Network x Scarborough Ontario Health Team Pop-up Clinics

Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute:

Where: 2450 Birchmount Road

When: Saturday, February 5 from 10am to 3pm

What: 18+ Pfizer & Moderna Boosters and Ages 12+ (1st & 2nd doses)

Walk-in or book online at ScarbVaccine.ca today!

David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute:

Where: 125 Brockley Drive

When: Sunday, February 6

 What: Pediatric dose for Kids 5-11 (1st & 2nd doses) – 9-11 a.m. | 18+ Boosters and Ages 12+ (1st & 2nd doses) – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Walk-in or book online at ScarbVaccine.ca today!

REMINDER: SHN VaxFacts Clinic! SHN is also encouraging families to utilize SHN’s VaxFacts service – a confidential, judgment-free resource. The clinic gives parents, families and vaccine-hesitant individuals the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one phone call with an experienced SHN doctor, ask their questions, and make an informed decision. The VaxFacts Clinic is free to use and only takes seconds to book an appointment at shn.ca/vaxfacts.

REMINDER: Walk-ins are now available at City-run vaccine clinics! To continue to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, all five City-run immunization clinics are now welcoming walk-ins for first, second, third and paediatric doses of COVID-19 vaccines. City-run clinics are open Monday to Friday, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-ins and booked appointments. Visit www.toronto.ca/covid19 for more information.

Toronto is in modified Step 3 of the Province’s Roadmap to Reopen, effective January 31 at 12:01am. Review the Guide for Toronto Residents and the City’s COVID-19: Changes to City Services for the latest information of public health measures and city services.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case & Vaccination Update: (Data as of February 2, 2022) Case status and vaccination dose data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

  • 762 – Newly Reported COVID-19 Cases
  • 7,880 – Total number of Active COVID-19 Cases
  • 530 – Hospitalized Cases (Cumulative) 
  • 278,219 – Number of COVID-19 Cases in Toronto (Cumulative)
  • 268,802 – Number of Recovered COVID-19 Cases in Toronto
  • 4,085 – Number of COVID-19 Fatal Cases in Toronto
  • 6,559,444 COVID-19 – Vaccine doses administered in Toronto

Book your 1st, 2nd or Booster (3rd) COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment TODAY:

Where to get accurate COVID-19 information:

Community Update

NEW: Share your ideas to help build the 2022 Ontario Budget! You can share your ideas by taking this survey before February 11, 2022 or send a written submission by email or mail. Learn more on how you can share your feedback online here.

NEW: TTCriders – Keep Scarborough Connected Report! A new report from transit user group TTCriders warns that the majority of Scarborough RT users are not aware that Line 3 will close permanently in 2023. The group is calling for urgent action to prevent Scarborough residents getting stuck on replacement shuttle buses for 7+ years before a planned subway replacement opens. Read the Keep Scarborough Connected report here.

NEW: Toronto City Council approves year-one implementation plan for SafeTO. Toronto City Council has approved the year-one implementation plan for SafeTO: Toronto’s 10 Year Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. SafeTO is the City of Toronto’s new and bold approach to community safety that focuses on creating a culture of prevention through collaboration with the community, other orders of government and community safety organizations.

NEW: Toronto City Council supports community-led solution to respond to mental health crisis calls. Today, Toronto City Council unanimously approved implementing the City of Toronto’s Community Crisis Support Service pilots, including the selection of four community partners who will deliver the service to be piloted in four areas of the city, starting this spring and summer.

REMINDER: Scarborough Golf Club Road Safety Improvements: Ellesmere Rd to Kingston Rd

On February 10, 2022, City of Toronto staff will host a Virtual Public Consultation Meeting to invite residents to learn more and provide feedback on opportunities for cycling, pedestrian, motor vehicle operations and road safety upgrades on Scarborough Golf Club Road. The City is also seeking feedback on options for upgrades between Lawrence Avenue East and Kingston Road. Visit www.toronto.ca/sgcrroadsafety to register for the meeting, for more information about the complete streets model, key dates and updates related to the project.

Scarborough Health Network Foundation #LoveScarborough Campaign! Show your love to Scarborough and help SHN Foundation raise 100 million dollars to support our Scarborough hospitals. Scarborough is one of Canada’s most diverse communities and deserves the same innovative technology and updated facilities other Toronto hospitals offer. Visit www.lovescarborough.ca for more information and to donate today.

Scarborough Love Auction with Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities! The Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC) is hosting a virtual auction from February 3rd to 6th. Proceeds support youth, seniors and those in the hospice/palliative care program. Visit the auction site here to register and begin bidding on February 3rd. 

City of Toronto opens CaféTO registration for local restaurant and bar operators! Restaurant and bar operators interested in expanding their outdoor dining space into a curb lane and onto sidewalks in 2022 can now register for the CaféTO program. Visit www.toronto.ca/cafeto to learn more about the program and to register before the April 2nd deadline.

Online applications for the new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program are now open. The provincial government program provides eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity with rebate payments for up to 100 per cent of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to public health measures in response to the Omicron variant. To receive the grant, a small business must be required to close due to public health orders that took effect on January 5 and have fewer than 100 employees. Apply today.

Applications are now being accepted for the City of Toronto’s Cultural Festivals Funding Program! These funding programs represent a form of partnership with community-based organizations that contribute significantly to the goals in relation to community capacity, equitable access, well being, diversity, civic participation and civic cohesion. Applications for all streams will close February 11, 2022. Program information, eligibility and applications is available online at www.toronto.ca/culturegrants.

Applications are being accepted for the City of Toronto’s Retail Accelerator Program. Part of the Toronto Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative, the new program provides access to retail training, advisory services and mentoring opportunities, as well as a micro grant of $10,000 to help retail businesses develop and expand. Apply by March 31, 2022.

Councillor Ainslie’s Community Survey is now open! Submit your feedback on the 2022 City Budget, City services and projects. Take the survey online here today!

Community Events

BGC East Scarborough x MAAT Youth Innovation & Cultural Centre Black History Month Trivia Evening

February 3, 2022 | 5pm to 7pm

Follow this link at 5pm on Thursday to play!

Newcomer Youth Engagement Program: StridesTO – Black History Month Kick Off (Online Event)

Thursday, February 3, 2022 | 4pm to 5pm

Send a Direct Message to @nyep_stridesto on Instagram for the Zoom link.

SBA: Cyber Breakfast Conference

February 3, 2022 | 9:15am to 10:00am

Register here.

SCHC Scarborough Love Auction

February 3-6, 2022

Visit the auction website for more details.

Virtual Public Consultation: Road Safety Improvements on Scarborough Golf Club Road

February 10, 2022 | 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Register at www.toronto.ca/sgcrroadsafety

Follow me on social media and/or visit my website for regular updates:

Twitter: @Ainslie_Ward24

Facebook: @cllrainslie

Instagram: @cllrainslie

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