May 26, 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!
Cooling Centres during Heat Relief
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a Heat Warning for Toronto for Tuesday, May 26, and Wednesday, May 27. Starting today, six locations will offer a publicly accessible air-conditioned place to rest indoors and receive a cool drink. Staff who are trained to assist residents affected by the extreme heat will be on hand. Infection prevention and control measures will be in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Emergency Cooling Centres will be open at the following community centres from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 26 and 27:
- Wallace Emerson Community Centre, 1260 Dufferin St.
- Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter St.
- Malvern Community Centre Arena, 30 Sewells Rd
- Scarborough Village Community Centre Arena, 3600 Kingston Rd.
- Amesbury Arena, 155 Culford Dr.
- Domenico DiLuca Community Centre, 25 Stanley Rd.
Read more in the news release.
Second Phase of the Housing Now initiative released
The release of the Phase Two sites of Housing Now was announced today, a signature initiative to increase the supply of new affordable rental housing within mixed-income, mixed-use and transit-oriented communities on City-owned lands across Toronto. This second phase of the Housing Now initiative is expected to create between 1,455 to 1,710 new residential units.
Housing Now is a key component of the City’s HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan (HousingTO) and contributes towards the City’s target of approving 40,000 affordable rental homes, including 18,000 supportive homes over the next 10 years. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an even greater number of residents experiencing housing challenges while also underscoring the importance of having a home in order to practice physical distancing and self-isolation. More details on Phase Two of the Housing Now Initiative can be found in the staff report. Read more in the news release.
Access to public washrooms and showers
The City has opened a number of facilities with showers, washrooms, and drinking water for all individuals in need of these services.
Starting May 24, the following three new facilities opened to the public: Lamport Stadium, Demenico DiLuca Community Centre and Albion Arena, all providing access to washrooms, showers and water.
Service transition: Starting at the end of day Thursday, May 28, Commander Recreation Centre/Arena and Malvern Recreation Centre/Arena will be transitioned out and staff from these centres will begin preparation to open the Amesbury Arena. This facility will open on May 31 and will offer access to washrooms, showers and water.
For up-to-date locations, operating hours and amenities, please visit this site.
City of Toronto update on COVID-19
The City of Toronto continues to respond to COVID-19. There are 10,373 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 161 cases since yesterday. There are 365 cases in hospital, with 89 in ICU. In total, 7,627 people have recovered from COVID-19, an increase of 118 cases since yesterday. To date, there have been 768 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.
Enforcement update
The City’s coordinated COVID-19 Enforcement Team remains focused on providing education about the physical distancing bylaw and provincial orders. Yesterday, the City received 134 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities that remain closed or not practising physical distancing in parks or squares. Police and bylaw officers issued 11 tickets. Enforcement officers have spoken to almost 5,500 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures. The City also received 71 complaints about gatherings and police issued three gathering-related tickets.
Canada Student Emergency Benefits and Pandemic Pay Webinar
West Scarborough Legal Services is hosting a webinar on the topic of Canada Student Emergency Benefits and Pandemic Pay. The webinar will be held on Monday June 1st, 2020 from 2-3PM. Register here.
Expanded eligibility for Canada Emergency Business Account
The Government of Canada announced an expansion to the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account program to include many owner-operated small businesses. More information on this can be read in this news release.
Information on financial supports and other COVID-19 related matters in multiple languages
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship has translated 10 questions and answers about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) into multiple languages so that people can get the information they need, in the language they are most comfortable with. This link also includes some information regarding the Canada Child Benefit in 10 common languages other than English and French. Public Health Agency of Canada also has a list of resources related to COVID-19, many of which are available in multiple languages. Fact sheets, infographics and videos with key public health advice on COVID-19 are added and updated regularly.
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.
Our KGO Update
Read about East Scarborough’s latest roundup of key neighbourhood resources, virtual results, and up to date information through The East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter “Our KGO Updates.” Check out their latest issue HERE. SUBSCRIBE HERE.
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