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:
- City of Toronto run mass immunization clinics
- School Immunization Programs
- Scarborough Health Network Community Vaccine Clinics
- COVID-19 Pharmacy Vaccine Locations
- FH Health x Toronto Zoo Vaccine Clinic for Booster Appointments
Where to get accurate COVID-19 information:
- City of Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccines webpage
- COVID-19 Vaccination Receipt Download
- SHN VaxFacts Clinic or contact vaxfactsclinic@shn.ca or 416-438-2911 ext. 5738.
- City of Toronto COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Location Map
- City of Toronto’s Vaccine Equity Transportation Plan
- Vaccine Coverage by Neighbourhood in the City of Toronto
- Public Health Agency of Canada – The Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines
- COVID-19 Assessment Centres, Pop-Ups and Mobile Testing.
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
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
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
You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
All my Best,
Paul