Words From Eastern Toronto

April 16, 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 social distancing bylaw!

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto: 

City of Toronto to continue yard waste collection for another two weeks

The City of Toronto will continue yard waste collection for another two weeks from April 20 to May 1 to accommodate residents. The start of seasonal yard waste collection was suspended in March as part of the City’s COVID-19 response to ensure adequate staffing levels to continue the core collection of garbage, blue bin (recycling) and green bin (organics).

Residents are asked to put their yard waste out before 7 a.m. on their regularly scheduled garbage/yard waste collection day. If yard waste is not picked up on collection day, residents are asked to leave it out until it’s collected. It is not necessary to call 311 to report a missed collection. 

If possible, residents should use a yard waste bag. Otherwise, a rigid open-top container can be used. Brush and branches should be secured in bundles no longer than 1.2 metres (4 feet), no wider than 0.6 metres (two feet) and no heavier than 20 kilograms (44 lbs). Full news release here:  

City of Toronto’s City Hall Live performances move online to support artists during COVID-19 pandemic

To help support Toronto artists and lift the spirits of residents during this outbreak, the City of Toronto, in partnership with Unison Benevolent Fund, is moving its City Hall Live performance program online.

Under the necessary restrictions in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, artists will take their show online. The first City Hall Live Online livestreamed event is today, April 16 at noon and will feature The Weather Station. The series will run Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m., with two shows per day until the end of June. More than 100 local artists will be directly compensated for 30-minute performances from their homes, livestreamed via Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/City-Hall-Live-106149534367134/. Toronto-based musicians can apply to be considered for City Hall Live and other City of Toronto Music Office programs at http://www.toronto.ca/music. Full news release here:  

Is Your Agency Collecting Data to Assist with COVID-19 Response Efforts? 

Let covidupdates@211ontario.ca know of any programs and services being offered in your community that your organization is tracking!

211’s Service Navigations are using this data to assist the hundreds of people from across the GTA who are calling 2-1-1 everyday for support and resources during this pandemic. To update your organization’s 211 record, fill out this form: https://211ontario.ca/tell-211-about-changes-in-services/.

A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here:

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.

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.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul

April 15, 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 social distancing bylaw!

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto: 

Great news from the Toronto Public Library!!!

Torontonians who don’t have a Toronto Public Library card can now access OverDrive, our largest collection of ebooks and audiobooks, with the new Instant Digital Card. This temporary card is available to people age 13 and older with a Toronto cell phone that can receive texts. New customers can enjoy this access until September 1, 2020. The link to access the temporary library card is here.

Update on lawn signs for residents
The City will not proceed with producing or distributing lawn signs for residents following distribution and logistics issues. The City will be providing additional types of signs for residents to download, including ones for children to colour.

DonateTO: COVID-19 portal to support pandemic relief efforts

Today, the City launched the DonateTO: COVID-19 portal which helps businesses and residents make donations of products, services and funds in support of the City’s pandemic relief efforts. To date, more than $1.5 million of goods and services have been donated to the City.

The City of Toronto is working hard to support everyone impacted by COVID-19 and there are many ways people can support their community, including donations of personal protective equipment, other goods and services, food and financial. All donations help the City, in coordination with our community partners to enhance needed services and supports, especially for the most vulnerable and those who support them. Visit DonateTO to learn how you can help.

Street sweeping begins this week
Beginning this week, street sweepers will be busy cleaning up dirt and debris from Toronto’s streets to help keep roadways clean and safe. Street sweeping will take place during the day and in the evenings, servicing both neighbourhood and main roads throughout April. Street sweeping helps to remove dust, dirt and other contaminants, assists in improving overall air quality and is an important part of Toronto’s flood prevention strategy, since it removes litter and debris from roadway catch basins.

City urges drivers to obey rules of the road

The City of Toronto is urging drivers to slow down, stay alert and obey the rules of the road to save lives, keep streets safe and accessible, prevent traffic-related collisions and reduce the strain on the city’s healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the City has seen a dramatic drop in traffic volumes, Toronto Police report that from March 15 to March 31, there was a 35 per cent increase in speeding tickets and an almost 200 per cent increase in stunt driving compared to the same period last year. Starting this week, officers from the Toronto Police Service’s Vision Zero Enforcement Team will begin patrolling daily for motorists who are speeding or stunt driving. All red light cameras in Toronto are active and tickets are being issued to motorists who disobey traffic signals.

Ongoing enforcement efforts
The City’s COVID-19 Enforcement Team continues to focus on stricter enforcement, monitoring popular parks around the city and issue tickets to individuals and groups using closed park amenities and not practising physical distancing. The team continues to observe prohibited activity and yesterday the City received 396 complaints involving people using amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw and Police Officers cautioned 470 individuals regarding the closure of park amenities and physical distancing and issued 35 tickets – bringing the total to 252 tickets issued since April 3.

Any two people who don’t live together, who fail to keep two metres of distance between them in a park or public square, can receive a $1,000 ticket – the maximum set fine available. In addition, failing to identify oneself (correct name, date of birth and address) to an officer investigating a matter under the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act carries a set fine of $750.

BIA Survey for Small Businesses & Landlords

TABIA (Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas) with the help of the Broadview-Danforth BIA have created a quick survey to get an idea of which businesses are able to make April’s rent and what challenges they foresee in the coming months. They are asking for as much input as possible to help us understand how Toronto small businesses and landlords are doing, and so they can push for the right recommendations.

As the needs of landlords and small business owners are different, two similar but separate surveys have been created.

If you do not belong to a BIA – choose “Other”

Landlords: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID-19landlordsurvey

Tenants/Small Business: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID-10tenantsurvey

Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) COVID-19 outbreak response update 

Please click here for TCHC’s Access Guide to food/groceries for senior tenants.

Please click here for an information sheet for TCHC residents, including information regarding TCHC’s changes and additional measures for the COVID-19 emergency.

Community Gardens: In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, TCHC has closed all outdoor recreational amenities until further notice. This applies to community gardens, including those beds that have been assigned for tenant use. Please see the notice here, which has been posted in buildings to advise tenants.

Paying Rent: During the COVID-19 emergency, Toronto Community Housing is not accepting walk-in rent payments at its offices. Tenants still have five options for paying their rent: 

• drop-box at their Superintendent’s office or local Operating Unit office 
• send by mail
• online banking
• telebanking
• pre-authorized payment 

Rent Flexibility: Toronto Community Housing is offering flexibility to market rent and rent-geared-to-income (RGI) tenants whose employment income has been impacted by COVID-19.

To request a rent adjustment (RGI) or a deferral (market), tenants need to fill out a form (attached) and return it to TCHC.  Tenants can obtain the form by:

• Calling our 24-hour Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500
• Sending an email tohelp@torontohousing.ca
• Downloading the forms at torontohousing.ca/covid-19
• Watching for a package TCHC is mailing to all households

More information can be accessed through the following links:

• Rent payment options fact sheet
• Rent flexibility frequently asked questions
• Rent adjustment request form for RGI tenants
• Rent deferral request form for market and affordable rent tenants

More updates can be found on TCHC’s Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) support and resources page which can be accessed here: https://www.torontohousing.ca/residents/community-services/Pages/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19-information.aspx 

Other information

A friendly reminder to all residents to dispose of all garbage properly. You can find out more about litter and garbage on the City’s website here. Illegal dumping takes time and resources away from our city staff who are working very hard to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. To report illegal dumping, please contact 311 and follow up with my office.

A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here:  

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.

Is Your Agency Collecting Data to Assist with COVID-19 Response Efforts? 

Is your organization already keeping track of programs and services being offered in your community? Contact covidupdates@211ontario.ca to share the data you’ve collected! 

Do you know of other organizations that might be collecting this kind of data? Let covidupdates@211ontario.ca know and they’ll follow up!

To update your organization’s 211 record, fill out this form: https://211ontario.ca/tell-211-about-changes-in-services/ 

211’s Service Navigations are using this data to assist the hundreds of people from across the GTA who are calling 2-1-1 every day for help with food security, housing assistance, mental health, and other problems exacerbated by this pandemic. 

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.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul

April 15, 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 social distancing bylaw!

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto: 

Is Your Agency Collecting Data to Assist with COVID-19 Response Efforts? 

Is your organization already keeping track of programs and services being offered in your community? Contact covidupdates@211ontario.ca to share the data you’ve collected! 

Do you know of other organizations that might be collecting this kind of data? Let covidupdates@211ontario.ca know and they’ll follow up!

To update your organization’s 211 record, fill out this form: https://211ontario.ca/tell-211-about-changes-in-services/ 

211’s Service Navigations are using this data to assist the hundreds of people from across the GTA who are calling 2-1-1 every day for help with food security, housing assistance, mental health, and other problems exacerbated by this pandemic. 

Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) COVID-19 outbreak response update 

Community Gardens: In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, TCHC has closed all outdoor recreational amenities until further notice. This applies to community gardens, including those beds that have been assigned for tenant use.

Paying Rent: During the COVID-19 emergency, Toronto Community Housing is not accepting walk-in rent payments at its offices. Tenants still have five options for paying their rent: 

• drop-box at their Superintendent’s office or local Operating Unit office 
• send by mail
• online banking
• telebanking
• pre-authorized payment 

More updates can be found on TCHC’s Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) support and resources page which can be accessed here: https://www.torontohousing.ca/residents/community-services/Pages/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19-information.aspx 

A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here:  

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.

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.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul

April 14, 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 social distancing bylaw! 

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources: 

Ontario Extends Declaration of Emergency to Continue the Fight Against COVID-19

Today, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and with the approval of the Ontario legislature, the Ontario government is extending the Declaration of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for a further 28 days. This will allow the government to continue to use every tool at its disposal to protect the health and safety of the people of Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic. A full list of emergency orders can be found on the e-Laws website under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Read the full news release here.

City of Toronto supports launch of Distantly.ca to help main street businesses

Today, Mayor John Tory highlighted the launch of an online donation platform that allows community members to make direct donations to small businesses to help lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This platform allows customers to continue to support local main street businesses impacted by non-essential closures, such as coffee shops, restaurants and hair salons. Read the full news release.

City of Toronto provides update on personal protective equipment supply

The City of Toronto is committed to ensuring our frontline staff, including emergency responders, those working with individuals experiencing homelessness, and staff in long-term care homes, have the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to stay safe and protect their health and the health of the community. Chief Pegg provided a detailed updated on the City’s PPE supply and projections for City PPE use. The City’s Emergency Operations Centre includes a PPE Task Force responsible for monitoring and allocating the City’s PPE, projecting PPE needs, implementing PPE conservation strategies, and investigating alternative PPE options and procurement strategies. Read the full news release.

Grass cutting and landscaping

As a reminder, grass cutting and landscaping businesses are not listed as essential under the Provincial order. The long grass and weeds bylaw continues to apply during the COVID-19 emergency, so members of the public are asked to do their best to maintain their property. Where residents are unable to cut their own grass due to age or health concerns, bylaw officers will use discretion and not enforce the bylaw unreasonably. Neighbours are also encouraged to lend a helping hand if possible.

Keep in Mind: 

While access to green spaces remains available and Toronto Public Health has advised that fresh air and exercise is good if you are not ill, the City has closed playgrounds and other park amenities to stop the spread of COVID-19. Walking, jogging, and other physical activities are healthy and okay to do, so long as you follow the social distancing guidelines. This includes not gathering with more than 5 people (excluding people who live together) and staying 2 metres away from others.

Canadian Blood Services Events 

Making donations safe for you and for those who receive your blood. Upcoming Canadian Blood Services events can be found here:  

A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here:

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.

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.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul

April 14, 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 social distancing bylaw!
Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources:
Today, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, General Manager of the City’s Shelter, Support & Housing Administration (SSHA), Mary-Anne Bédard, University Health Network Executive Director of Health and Social Policy, Dr. Andrew Boozary, and Inner City Health Associates (ICHA) Medical Director, Dr. Andrew J. Bond, provided an update on existing and forthcoming actions taken to protect individuals experiencing homelessness from COVID-19.
Individuals experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections, including COVID-19. There are currently 30 confirmed client cases of COVID-19 in the city’s emergency shelter system. Given the scale of this pandemic, additional cases are expected. The City, with the help of our community and heath sector partners has put measures in place for active screening, testing and providing isolation spaces to slow transmission and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our emergency shelter system.
SSHA continues to lead the City’s three-tiered approach to protecting vulnerable people experiencing homelessness. The three tiers – prevention, mitigation and recovery – allow the City, community partners, and healthcare providers to respond to each stage of the pandemic. The City has implemented an inter-governmental and sectoral response to COVID-19 involving the city, provincial/federal government, provincial healthcare sector, and community non-profit sector. We have moved over 1,000 people to programs that meet a range of client needs, including spaces in community centers, hotel rooms, and permanent housing and we are on track to move another 1000 into new spaces by April 30.
Weeks ago, before the virus was spreading within the community, SSHA engaged community partners in prevention. In partnership with Toronto Public Health, SSHA provided updated guidance, training and resources to the sector to initiate enhanced Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures. Ongoing screening for illness and travel history began by phone during intake and in-person and, in the following weeks, a new screening tool for homeless service settings was shared widely. The City has distributed $1.2 million among shelters, 24-hour respites, and drop-ins for cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and wage increases for frontline staff.
Physical distancing remains one of the best ways to prevent spreading COVID-19. To enable people within our emergency shelter system to physically distance, since March 16, 11 new facilities have been mobilized with more than 470 spaces to allow for physical distancing.
The City has also secured more than 1,200 spaces at 12 hotel locations to further enable physical distancing and provide isolation space. Eight of these sites are active and we are working quickly to activate the others. One of the additional hotel sites has been activated as an isolation program with 200 spaces to respond to the increasing number of people undergoing COVID-19 testing. SSHA staff are working with ICHA to identify those most vulnerable to COVID-19, including the elderly and those with health conditions, to move into new spaces or add measures to protect them in pace.
As of today, 176 shelter clients have been transported for testing and isolation related to COVID-19. Clients are transported directly to provincial assessment centres. Following testing, clients are brought to a dedicated isolation space with medical and harm reduction supports as they await test results.
The clearing of encampments has been suspended since the start of the pandemic. Street outreach has been enhanced to increase safety, cleaning and garbage removal, provide advice on public health recommendations and hygiene kits, and help screen for symptoms. Portable washrooms and handwashing stations have been deployed at locations across the city.
With prevention and mitigation strategies in place, the City is working with partners to strengthen recovery supports. The interim recovery site operated by the City in partnership with ICHA and the wider healthcare sector is now operational.
Regardless of this pandemic, the best and only solution to homelessness is to provide people with permanent housing. The new Rapid Housing Access Initiative, introduced at the start of the pandemic, has helped to prioritize access to housing for individuals in the shelter systems. More than 250 vacant Toronto Community Housing units have been identified for the initiative and, by the end of the week, 50 people will have been housed. Housing referrals are made through the Coordinated Access system and people matched with housing are provided with housing stability supports and home furnishings. Units are being prioritized for particularly vulnerable individuals, including seniors.
The City is also looking beyond the current extreme situation and this unprecedented expansion of our service system into new locations, and considering the opportunity to leverage investments to secure properties through purchase or long-term lease to secure for future affordable and supportive housing.
More information on supports for individuals experiencing homelessness is available at https://www.toronto.ca/ho…/covid-19/covid-19-social-support/. If you or someone you know needs street outreach, call 311 or Central Intake at 416-338-4766.
A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here: 
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.
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.
You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
All my Best,
Paul

April 13, 2020

Dear Ward 24 Residents,

City of Toronto continues to encourage residents and businesses to practise physical distancing and help stop the spread of COVID-19

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, the City of Toronto’s COVID-19 Enforcement Team – a partnership between Toronto Police Service and the City – continues to carry out stricter enforcement in parks across the city. Toronto Public Health is also educating essential businesses on physical distancing, cleaning and disinfection on their premises.

Toronto Public Health is reporting there are now 2,362 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. Of the cases, 2088 cases are confirmed and 274 are probable, 210 are in hospital with 80 in ICU. In Toronto, there have been 92 deaths to-date. This data was extracted from the Integrated Public Health Information System at 12:30 p.m. The numbers may differ from other sources as data are extracted at different times. The most up-to-date COVID-19 case status data can be found on the City’s new reporting platform at https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/media-room/covid-19-status-of-cases-in-toronto/.

The City’s Enforcement Team is focused on stricter enforcement in City parks and squares. This weekend, the team moved from issuing warnings to almost exclusively issuing tickets in order to convey the seriousness of the City’s measures and increase compliance.

Yesterday, Municipal Licensing & Standards (MLS) officers issued 40 tickets for the use of closed park amenities and not practising physical distancing. This brings the total to 107 tickets issued over the long weekend, which accounts for 56 per cent of the total tickets issued since April 4. Any two people who don’t live together, who fail to keep two metres of distance between them in a park or public square, can receive a $1,000 ticket – the maximum set fine available.

While officers reported lighter use of some busy parks this weekend, tickets were issued for using park amenities such as lingering on Muskoka chairs and benches. Individuals who need to physically rest while out on walk are permitted to use benches to recover, however lingering and use of benches beyond necessary resting purposes is prohibited.

In an effort to stop the community spread of this deadly virus, Toronto Public Health is visiting essential businesses to provide these open businesses with advice, recommendations, and instructions on physical distancing, cleaning, and disinfection. These visits are currently for education purposes to raise awareness of the important practises essential businesses must take to help protect workers and patrons as a result of orders under the Province of Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

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.

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit http://www.toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.

If you have any questions on this or anything else, please feel free to call me at 416-396-7222 or email councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca

All my Best,

Paul

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 social distancing bylaw! 

Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources:

Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on the release of national modelling on the COVID-19 epidemic in Canada

“Today, the Government of Canada released national-level modelling on the COVID-19 epidemic in Canada. The modelling attempts to show how the epidemic might unfold over the coming months based on our knowledge of how to virus behaves and the potential impact of public health measures. 

It is important to be aware of the limitations and benefits of modelling. Models are not crystal balls and we cannot predict the future with them. However, they do help us to plan and they tell us that our collective actions can have a direct and significant impact on the epidemic trajectory” 

Full news release can be accessed here:  

Modelling on the COVID-19 epidemic in Canada can be accessed here:  

Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Survey 

We are encouraging those who may have had symptoms consistent with a COVID-19 infection or have reason to suspect they had a COVID-19 infection, but did not meet the eligibility requirement for testing to fallout a survey that TPH created. This additional data helps Toronto Public Health better understand our COVID-19 epidemic curve. The survey can be accessed here:

A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here:

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.

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.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul

April 8, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

I would like to send my condolences to the family, friends and staff at the Seven Oaks Long-Term Care Home. I am sending love and prayers to the family and friends of those patients who have died as a result of COVID-19. I wish all the residents and staff who have confirmed cases a speedy, healthy recovery.

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 social distancing bylaw! 

Please see the following information for pet owners and professional dog walkers:  . If walking more than one dog, it would be prudent if the dogs were from the same home.

If you are over the age of 70 and self-isolating because of COVID-19? The City, Canadian Red Cross and other partners are providing food hamper delivery to seniors and others in need and unable to pay. Please call Red Cross at 1-833-204-9952 for eligibility and registration information. Info: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-social-support/?accordion=food

If you are looking for services but are not sure what is and isn’t open, please visit 211toronto.ca, where you can find services by topic and community.

City reminds residents to maintain physical distancing over the holidays

This evening at sundown, the Jewish community will begin the eight-day celebration of Passover, and with Easter, and the start of Ramadan also here soon, many will want to spend time with family and faith-based communities. However, the City urges everyone to remain at home, leaving only for essential reasons. The holidays are important spiritually and emotionally for many and to support this, people are encouraged to connect with loved ones, friends, and vulnerable members of the community online or by phone. Residents should also check with their place of worship for information on online services and other innovative ways to connect while staying physically apart. Plan ahead for grocery shopping and consider donating to a local food bank. Learn more here.

City enforcement of orders and bylaws continues

While many are complying with the Orders and Bylaws, yesterday the City received 34 complaints related to non-essential businesses remaining open in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Since March 24, MLS has issued notices to 39 non-essential businesses.

Enforcement activity in Toronto continues to focus on locations with the most activity and will continue through the weekend. Yesterday, the City received 482 complaints about people using park amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw officers spoke to 629 people regarding the closure of park amenities and distancing and issued 37 written cautions and 33 tickets – bringing the total to 53 tickets since April 4. Officers also intervened to respond to a large group congregating at Smythe Park; people continuing to trespass and play golf at Don Valley Golf Course and people using cricket, baseball and off-leash dog amenities at Cedarvale Park.

Public Health guidance on home-made masks and other facial coverings

Today, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. de Villa spoke about steps people can take to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. While the best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid close contact with others, Dr. de Villa discussed the use of home-made masks while stressing the importance of keeping medical masks for healthcare workers and first responders.

Yesterday, the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health Communication released a statement on the use of non-medical masks (or facial coverings) by the public.

A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here:

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.

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.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul

April 8, 2020

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours,

On April 3, following the advice of Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, the City of Toronto cancelled all registered spring recreation programming.

Refunds will be automatically processed for those who had registered for this season’s programming. Due to the number of refunds, this process may take up to 4 weeks.
Residents can contact pfrcustomerservice@toronto.ca with questions or concerns about recreation or tohistoricsites@toronto.ca about arts and museums.

If you have any other questions or concerns I can be reached at 416-396-7222 or by email councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca

All my Best,

Paul

April 8, 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 social distancing bylaw! 

Tonight at sundown, Jewish communities will celebrate the beginning of Passover. I would like to take the opportunity to extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Passover!

For faith groups and attendees of religious celebrations including Passover, Easter, and all other faith-based events, please make sure you follow the guidelines provided by Toronto Public Health. This includes suspending or greatly reducing the size of services, using virtual or online methods, and ensuring social distancing rules are maintained. For the Fact Sheet please click here.

Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program that will help employers hire summer staff and provide young Canadians access to the jobs they need during this unprecedented time. This program will help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age.

Canada’s small businesses increasingly depend on the employment of young Canadians. The changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program will help small businesses hire and keep the workers they need so they can continue to deliver essential services.

The temporary changes to the program for this year include:

• an increase to the wage subsidy, so that private and public sector employers can also receive up to 100 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee
• an extension to the end date for employment to February 28, 2021
• allowing employers to adapt their projects and job activities to support essential services
• allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis

The full news release can be viewed here.

A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here:

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.

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.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul