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