COVID-19 Update
In the coming weeks, I know many of you will be observing Passover, Easter, and the start of Ramadan. Although holidays are usually a time to gather with family, friends, and our faith-based communities, Toronto Public Health is urging all Torontonians to stay home and not host family and friends over the coming holidays. Instead, residents are encouraged to connect with loved ones, friends, and vulnerable members of the community online or by phone. Despite this change in tradition, I hope you and your families will enjoy this time together – whether it is by sharing a meal with those you live with or virtually joining extended family for an online celebration.
Below, you will find information regarding City services, economic and social support, public health measures, and volunteer opportunities.
You can also find my previous updates on the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto, here.
Yard Waste
I've heard from many neighbours concerned about the suspension of the City's yard waste collection program – I share your concerns with this decision. Last week, I raised this issue with senior staff at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and requested that they assess the feasibility of re-instating yard waste collection services.
I'm pleased to advise that on Monday, the City of Toronto resumed yard waste collection for a two-week period, from April 6 to April 17. Residents should put yard waste out in bags or open-top containers before 7 a.m. on your regularly scheduled collection day. If your yard waste is not picked up on your regularly scheduled day, City staff have asked that you refrain from calling 311 as crews will be working their way across Ward 15 from Wednesday, April 8 to Friday, April 10.
Physical Distancing in the City of Toronto
Last week, Mayor John Tory signed Emergency Order No. 2 to enforce physical distancing in the City of Toronto's parks and public squares. Under the new By-law 322-2020, any two people who don’t live together and fail to keep two metres of distance between them in a park or public square can receive a fine of up to $1,000.
The COVID-19 Enforcement Team, comprised of Toronto Police personnel and Municipal Licensing and Standards by-law officers, will be present across the City to educate the public and enforce the following:
The City of Toronto’s physical distancing by-law;
The Provincial order banning organized social gatherings of more than five people;
The closure of non-essential businesses; and
The closure of park amenities, including playgrounds, parking lots, and sports fields.
Parks and Recreation
As community recreation and parks facilities remain closed, the City has announced that all spring Parks and Recreation programs and permits have been cancelled until the end of June 2020.
Permit holders are encouraged to contact pfrcustomerservice@toronto.ca for information regarding refunds or credits for cancelled permits.
Construction
As of April 4, the Province announced that construction would be reclassified as a non-essential business. By doing so, all industrial construction has stopped, and only essential infrastructure-related projects will proceed, including transit and residential projects. While no new residential construction will take place under the order, residential projects near completion will be allowed to continue.
Economic Support
On Monday, the Federal Government began accepting applications for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). If you've stopped working because of COVID-19, the CERB may provide you with temporary income support. For more information on how to apply, please visit the website. If you have any questions on how to access the CERB, I would encourage you to contact your Member of Parliament (MP).
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce established the Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) in partnership with the Government of Canada to help Canadian businesses navigate the COVID-19 reality and prepare for recovery. For more information on this campaign, please visit the CBRN website.
For information on previously announced economic support measures, please visit the COVID-19 Resources and Support page on my website.
Social Support
Yesterday, the City of Toronto announced a partnership with community and corporate agencies, including 211, the United Way, and the Salvation Army, to ensure that the food needs of vulnerable Torontonians are met during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City is working with these local partners to address food access programs, including food delivery for seniors and other vulnerable citizens, access to food banks, and support for the Food for Kids program.
If you're able, please considering donating to your local food bank, such as the North York Harvest Food Bank, or dropping off non-perishable items to your local fire hall. For the most up-to-date information on community food availability, please visit the 211 website.
For information on previously announced social support measures, please visit the COVID-19 Resources and Support page on my website.
Freshii's Leaside and Danforth locations have organized an initiative to donate meals to frontline healthcare workers at St. Michael’s Hospital. If you would like to donate, please visit their website or call (647) 417-1716.
The Art Gallery of Ontario wants to help you beat cabin fever by inviting you into the gallery to enjoy their collections - virtually! Check out the AGO from Home program to visit the museum from home with unique access to stories and experiences.
Volunteer Opportunities
I know that many of you have expressed a desire to support Toronto as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to extend my gratitude to the numerous neighbourhood groups that have taken steps to support our community, such as the residents in Thorncliffe Park, who are sewing masks for Michael Garron Hospital.
If you would like to get involved, please check out the organizations listed below for additional opportunities:
Sunnybrook Hospital is also currently accepting donations to help fund their research and response efforts. They are also accepting unused Personal Protective Equipment, which can be dropped off at the Bayview Campus (2075 Bayview Avenue), D-Wing screening entrance between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday to Friday. For more information on how you can support Sunnybrook Hospital, please visit their website.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 and essential Emergency orders from the Province of Ontario, Diabetes Canada stopped picking up textiles from homes and donation bins on March 23.
At this time, Diabetes Canada does not have the resources to empty and clear their bins and have asked Torontonians to please refrain from dropping off donations at this time.
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to our essential workers at the Toronto Transit Commission, grocery stores across the City, and especially to those serving in our hospitals and medical clinics.
As always, my team remains available to serve you by phone at 416-395-6408, or by email at councillor_robinson@toronto.ca.