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.
SHN is hosting COVID-19 Vaccine Family Pop-Up Clinics in Scarborough Guildwood this week for individuals aged 12+ who live, work or go to school in ANY Scarborough (M1) hot spot postal code – first dose appointments only. Eligible individuals can get vaccinated on Wednesday June 2 from 12pm to 8pm at West Hill Collegiate Institute or on Thursday June 3 from 12pm to 8pm at Galloway Road Public School. More information can be found at www.scarbvaccine.ca
23 Scarborough McDonald’s Stepping Up to Feed Our Frontliners! Beginning on June 1, 2021, and for a limited time only, a portion of the proceeds from every coffee purchased will go towards providing hot meals to Scarborough Health Network frontline health care workers at the Birchmount, Centenary and General hospitals. For more information please read this news release.
Today, the City of Toronto is proud to proclaim June as Pride Month in Toronto and raise the Rainbow and Transgender flags at City Hall. Due to COVID restrictions, this year’s flag raising ceremony was held virtually and can be watched at www.toronto.ca/pridemonth. This year’s Pride Festival will be celebrated virtually from Tuesday June 1 to Sunday, June 27. More information is available at www.pridetoronto.com.
Today, also marks the beginning of National Indigenous History Month. Let us take this time to honour the heritage, history and diversity of First Nations, Inuit & Metis peoples in Canada. Lets us also take this opportunity to recognize the need for continued work, truth & reconciliation. Toronto History Museums launched new virtual Indigenous Peoples Month programming staring June 2. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/museums
During the month of June, we also celebrate Filipino Heritage Month! This is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Filipino Canadians to the social, economic and cultural fabric of Canada.
*NEW* Toronto to surpass 70 per cent of adults receiving a first dose COVID-19 vaccine today – News Release. Team Toronto expects to administer first dose COVID-19 vaccines to more than 70% of adults aged 18+ in Toronto. Team Toronto continues to make great progress in helping to get as many vaccines into arms as quickly as possible.
Scarborough Health Network Family Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics (first dose only) for Individuals aged 12+ who live or work or go to school in a Scarborough (M1) hot spot postal code:
- TODAY, June 1 | 12pm-8pm | David and Mary Thomson C.I., 125 Brockely Dr
- Wed, June 2 | 12pm-8pm | West Hill Collegiate Institute, 350 Morningside Ave
- Thurs, June 3 | 12pm-8pm | Galloway Road Public School, 192 Galloway Rd
- Thurs, June 3 | 12pm-8pm | École Secondaire Catholique Père-Philippe-Lamarche, 2850 Eglinton Ave E
- Fri, June 4 | 12pm-8pm | Sri Ayyappa Samajam of Ontario, 635 Middlefield Rd
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.
City of Toronto Immunization Clinic Eligibility: Last week the province announced its plans to accelerate the rollout of second doses. A full list of eligibility criteria for first and second dose appointments is available on the City’s COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated webpage.
- Individuals aged 80+ with a confirmed second dose date at a City-run clinic are eligible to reschedule their second dose appointment for an earlier date.
- Everyone aged 12+ are encouraged to book their first dose appointment online or through the provincial booking line.
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.
Scarborough Health Network Community Vaccine Clinic: Full details on SHN’s vaccine clinic eligibility and availability can be found at www.scarbvaccine.ca
- Individuals eligible for an accelerated second dose appointment at SHN will be contacted directly to reschedule your appointment. DO NOT BOOK a second dose appointment online.
- Individuals 18+ (first does only)
- Individuals 12+ at the Centenary College and TAIBU Community Health Centre sites (first dose only)
- Racialized groups from Scarborough & beyond at the TAIBU Community Health Centre site (first dose only)
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+.
- If you are eligible for your second dose, please contact the pharmacy or primary care provider where you received your first dose.
- If you received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine between March 10, 2021 or later, you are eligible to book your second dose beginning the week of May 24, at an earlier interval of 12 weeks.
For more information please visit this site.
Where to get accurate COVID-19 vaccine information: 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. As part of the new VaxTO campaign, Toronto residents can text “VACCINE” to 1-833-750-0888 to be connected with resources on appointment bookings, information on vaccines and upcoming town halls.
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. Residents without OHIP cards are able to request booking their COVID-19 vaccination appointments at city-run clinics by contacting agency partners, Access Alliance, Refugee Centre or call the Toronto Public Health hotline. For more details and contact information please see this page.
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 June 1, 2021) There has been an increase of 208 COVID-19 cases in the City with 828 people hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City has seen a total of 167,113 cases of COVID-19, of these, 159,883 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 3,383 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 2,185,705 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Toronto. 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.
Nominations open for Toronto Arts inaugural Indigenous Artist Award and Community Arts Award! The deadline to nominate is August 16, 2021! For more information on eligibility criteria and how to nominate please see this website.
Save the CNE – A Call to Action! Help Save the CNE and sign the petition now to urge government to provide emergency funding that will allow for a 2022 CNE. Learn more and sign the petition at www.SaveTheCNE.ca
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.
SBA – Cyber Breakfast Conference: Economic Update. Tune in on Wednesday, June 9th at 9:15am to 1:00pm for an Economic Update from RBC Experts. Register here!
SHN Nursing Virtual Job Fair! Jump into a career at SHN on Wednesday, June 9 from 1pm to 4pm. SHN is hiring RNs and RPNs across all areas of their health network. Register to attend!
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.
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.
Scarborough Business Association Survey: If you operate a business in Scarborough, the Scarborough Business Association wants to hear from you! Please take 5 minutes and answer 5 questions about how the pandemic has impacted you. Click here to take the survey.
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.
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 two session dates on June 2 or June 3. Registration is required. Learn more at www.toronto.ca/parkingreview.
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:
You can also reach me by: telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
All my Best,
Paul