May 6, 2020
Dear Neighbours,
I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw!
I am writing to Premier Doug Ford regarding the economic vitality of our active business communities. May 1st has passed and many of our small businesses have not been able to pay rent. They have made it clear that the current Federal/Provincial CERCA program for small businesses will not work for most. I am asking for an immediate moratorium on commercial evictions and further rent subsidies. Please see my letter here.
Today, we honour the 6 fallen Canadian Armed Forces members who were tragically killed in a helicopter crash while deployed on Operations reassurance and went down in the Ionian Sea off the coast of Greece. The repatriation ceremony, which took place at Canadian Forces base in Trenton, can be viewed here. Following the ceremony, the motorcade proceeded to Toronto, via the Highway of Heroes. My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the members lost.
Today, the City of Toronto announced high-level details of the ActiveTO plan that will provide more space for pedestrians, cyclists as well as transit riders to allow for better physical distancing as part of the city’s restart and recovery from COVID-19.
ActiveTO is about making sure people have space to get outside, get around while respecting physical distancing, and – when it comes to the larger bike lane projects – that we have a safety valve when it comes to the TTC. Initiatives under the program include:
– Creating quiet streets – identifying local routes with traffic calming measures that would enable local car traffic only and opening up space for pedestrians and cyclists,
– Active transportation on major streets – closing some major roads adjacent to major trails or recreational attractions where crowding on weekends and holidays has been observed, and
– Expanding cycling network – expanding the cycling network and installing temporary active transportation lanes, as well as expanding and accelerating key parts of the council-approved Cycling Network Plan, that connect the cycling network, as well as bikeways that mirror major TTC routes.
More information is available in the City’s news release, and further details about the ActiveTO plan will be announced next week.
Today, the City announced that starting next week, we will distribute 35,000 masks weekly to City and sector partners for frontline shelter staff. This is on top of personal protective equipment (PPE) we’ve already distributed and $6.1 million for PPE, infection control & wages for partner agencies.
As well, the City of Toronto with University Health Network, Inner City Health Associates and other partners are opening a 2nd recovery site for homeless who are COVID-19 positive. This site opens Friday with up to 250 spaces along with current 200-bed recovery site. Wrap-around health, harm reduction and peer supports are provided. This program is unique integrated model of care for City’s most vulnerable to recover in dignified way. It isn’t a hospital because they do not require acute care. And it isn’t a shelter because additional medical supports are provided.
City of Toronto update on COVID-19
As of this afternoon, there are 6,665 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. Cases include 6,019 confirmed cases and 646 probable cases. There are 391 cases hospitalized, with 99 in intensive care units. We continue to see COVID-19 deaths; to date, 504 people in Toronto have died from COVID-19. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Full news release here.
The decreasing number of COVID-19 cases represents residents’ commitment to public health measures and protecting the community, but we need to continue remaining diligent and continue to practise physical distancing when outside.
Update on enforcement activity
The fight against COVID-19 continues and the majority of Toronto residents are doing their part to help stop the spread of this virus. Yesterday, the City received 210 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw and police officers issued one ticket – bringing the total number of tickets issued under City’s physical distancing bylaw and the Province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to 621 since April 3. Bylaw and police officers have spoken to more than 14,000 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures.
The City also received 27 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open. Since March 24, Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Public Health have issued 113 tickets and 236 notices to non-essential businesses.
City of Toronto reminds residents of proper waste disposal
Keep in mind that all personal hygiene/sanitary products, including tissues, napkins, paper towels, wipes, masks and gloves should be disposed of in the garbage. Diapers can continue to be disposed of in the Green Bin. All material placed in garbage bins should be bagged, specifically cleaning products such as wipes, tissues/napkins/paper towels and other sanitary/hygiene products. Find more information here.
The public is reminded to never interfere with, handle or feed wildlife in Toronto. Wildlife that lose their fear of humans can pose dangers to people, as well as themselves. Dog owners are also reminded to keep their dogs on a leash at all times. If you see injured, sick or very young wildlife, call 311. More information is available at toronto.ca.
Mental health support during COVID-19
Many people may be feeling anxious, unsure and even scared at this time. These are normal and healthy responses to unexpected or stressful situations. Being taken out of our regular daily routines, and distanced from our support groups and family is hard and many are struggling as a result. Reach out to friends by phone or video chat, stay active while staying at home, and do your best to eat well and get lots of rest. More information including tips and mental health support services can be found on the City’s website.
Ontario further eases restrictions on retail stores and essential construction during COVID-19
The Ontario government is allowing all retail stores with a street entrance to provide curbside pickup and delivery, as well as in-store payment and purchases at garden centres, nurseries, hardware stores and safety supply stores. The business owners should review the health and safety guidelines developed by the province and its health and safety association partners. Full news release here.
Ontario extends electricity rate relief during COVID-19
The Ontario government is extending emergency electricity rate relief to families, farms and small businesses until May 31, 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak. Customers who pay time-of-use electricity rates will continue to be billed at the lowest price, known as the off-peak price, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This electricity rate relief, initially provided for a 45-day period starting on March 24, 2020, has been extended by an emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The rate relief is intended to be in place for an additional 24 days. Full news release here.
East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club (ESBGC) Free Pick-Up Lunch on Friday
In partnership Children’s Charity by Presidents Choice, ESBGC has launched weekly Free Lunch Drive Through to have a meal with the local community weekly, starting this Friday, May 8 from 12:30PM to 2:30PM. Register here.
Additionally, ESBGC currently offers the following Emergency Access Services:
- Weekly Family Meal Kits (delivered 2x weekly)
- Prepared meals for families and individuals in crisis (delivered daily)
- Hygiene personal care kits (female, male, family)
- Educational, and craft kits
Sign up with this form.
BusinessTO Digital resources, webinars and events
Ask an Accountant – Applying for COVID-19 Support Programs webinar (Free) – Wednesday, May 13, 3:30 p.m. – Register
Coming Together in Times of Uncertainty Webinar (Free) – Monday, May 11, 7 p.m. – Register
Elevate Live 13-week Event Series (Free) – Wednesdays, 12 p.m. – Register
MaRS COVID-19 Collection – Browse a collection of tools and tactics startups can use to respond to the business impacts of COVID-19. Learn More.
Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24
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.
Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough
Essential Government Information for COVID -19
Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.toronto.ca
The City’s website has a tool that can translate pages into 51 different languages.
If you need info on COVID-19, please visit the following websites:
Official Global Travel Advisory
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
I am continuously updating my social media platforms and my website with up to date information:
Website: 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