COVID-19 Update
I hope that you had a relaxing and enjoyable Victoria Day long weekend with your families. As we all continue to practice physical distancing, it's important to stay connected with friends, family, and our community in this challenging time.
Today, the Government of Canada released new national guidelines for wearing masks. Canada's Chief Medical Officer of Health has officially recommended the use of non-medical masks in public places where practicing physical distancing is difficult.
In-line with public health advice, the TTC launched a new campaign strongly recommending that passengers wear face coverings when using public transit. The Provincial Minister of Transportation has since extended this recommendation to all transit systems province-wide.
Yesterday, Ontario officially entered the first phase of economic recovery. As part of the initial stage, the City of Toronto is reopening outdoor recreational amenities, including off-leash dog areas. You can find a full list of open amenities below.
The Provincial Government has also extended all emergency orders until May 29, 2020, which includes the closure of bars and restaurants – except for takeout and delivery – and restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people.
This newsletter also includes a feature story on some of the fantastic community initiatives underway in the Thorncliffe Park community. The Neighbourhood Organization (TNO) has developed programs – with support from across Ward 15 – to assist our most vulnerable community members in this challenging time.
Thank you to everyone involved in these important community-driven initiatives. If you have questions about the organizations highlighted below, please visit my website or contact my office by phone at 416-395-6408, or by email at councillor_robinson@toronto.ca.
An Important Update Regarding City of Toronto Park Amenities and Outdoor Activities
This week, the City of Toronto will be reopening more than 850 park amenities, following the previously announced amendments to the Provincial order.
On Tuesday, the City opened more than 70 off-leash dog parks across Toronto.
Five BMX locations, 14 skateboard parks, and four disc golf locations are opening today. Many parking lots will also reopen this week at parks across the city.
Park amenities scheduled to open in time for this upcoming weekend include:
Picnic shelters;
More than 300 soccer and multi-use outdoor fields;
More than 300 baseball diamonds; and
150 basketball courts.
Staff are also preparing more than 600 tennis courts at 185 locations to start reopening this weekend. City staff are currently working with Toronto Public Health to open lawn bowling facilities and outdoor bocce next week.
Please note that permits for soccer, multi-use fields, and baseball diamonds are cancelled until June 29, 2020.
As of May 23, 2020 individuals may use outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields for non-team sports, such as walking, running, biking, skateboarding, frisbee, kicking a ball, and low contact racquet sports like tennis, badminton, pickleball and ping pong.
Individuals are not permitted to play team sports, such as soccer or baseball, even on fields intended for this purpose.
City-operated golf courses opened on May 16, 2020. Please note that players must abide by public health guidelines while visiting courses. For more information regarding golf courses, please visit the City's website.
Park amenities that remain closed include:
Playgrounds, play structures and equipment,
Fixed barbecues,
Outdoor exercise equipment,
Greenhouses, nurseries and conservatories,
High Park Zoo and Riverdale Farm,
Ice rinks (with or without ice); and,
Park washrooms.
Toronto Public Health is advising that all residents must practice physical distancing while visiting a park. Under the City’s physical distancing bylaw, any two people who do not 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 $1000.
For more information, please visit the City's website.
Ward 15 Feature: The Neighbourhood Organization
In Thorncliffe Park, The Neighbourhood Organization (TNO) has been working around-the-clock to promote public health and support the community through a number of different initiatives.
Working together with local residents who have generously donated their time and sewing skills, TNO helped launched the SewTO Collective, facilitating both the production and delivery of over 3,300 cloth masks to Michael Garron Hospital. They have also distributed hundreds of masks to Thorncliffe Park residents living in densely-populated high-rise apartment buildings to help prevent community spread.
In addition to surpassing their initial goal of supplying 2,000 masks to Michael Garron Hospital within four weeks, SewTO also provided employment to 28 individuals using cash donations from the Impakt Foundation and Cathy Richards Foundation, and diverted a significant amount of material from landfill.
The masks were made using fabric donated by local businesses, residents, and textile stores, and sewing machines supplied by over 38 donors – including 6 machines which were donated by the City of Toronto's Solid Waste Management division.
If you are interested in getting involved in the SewTO initiative, please visit TNO's website.
TNO is also operating a start-up food bank called the TNO Food Collaborative to provide meals and grocery deliveries to at-risk families in Thorncliffe Park. To-date, this initiative has provided over 1,600 food hampers to more than 600 households and 2,000 people.
The massive success of the Food Collaborative can be attributed to both the hard work of the dedicated TNO team and broad community support.
At the time of writing, the Leaside Toy Drive has helped secure food and material donations valued at over $100,000, including enough items for over 3,000 hampers. The Leaside Toy Drive is also operating a GoFundMe campaign which has raised more than $12,300 to support the Food Collaborative initiative.
The TNO Food Collaborative is operated out of a warehouse space generously provided by the Islamic Society of Toronto. Volunteer drivers pick up their hampers from the facility and deliver the food directly to families across the Thorncliffe Park neighbourhood.
This work comes in addition to the many other important services and programs TNO regularly offers to the community, including newcomer, employment, housing, seniors, and health access services, along with programming for women and children. You can learn more about TNO's fantastic work in Thorncliffe Park on their website.
For more information on how you can support the TNO Food Collaborative, please call Aamir Sukhera at 416-346-3000, or consider making a donation through the Leaside Toy Drive on GoFundMe.
I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to TNO for their hard work during these trying times, and to every person, business, and organization who has generously contributed to these initiatives. As our City continues to navigate the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been heartening to see our communities come together in support of our most vulnerable residents.
Schools
Yesterday, the Government of Ontario announced that all public and private schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year.
You can review the Minister of Education's letter to parents in full, here.
For more information on online learning, including activities, courses, and other resources, please visit the Province's Learn At Home website.
An Important Update Regarding City-run Summer Camps
Last Friday, the City announced that all planned 2020 summer camps have been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I know that this news will come as a disappointment to the many families who look forward to the City's annual summer programming.
The City is currently working towards a suitable 'Plan B' to get children safely back to camp through the new CampTO program. While the program is still being developed in accordance with Provincial orders and recommendations from Toronto Public Health, I will share an update when more information is available.
Please note that refunds for cancelled spring programs and summer camps will be issued automatically, but may take up to four weeks for processing. If you have any questions, please contact pfrcustomerservice@toronto.ca.
For more information on affected recreational services, please visit the City's website.
Select Drop-off Depot Locations Reopening
This weekend, the City of Toronto announced that some Drop-off Depots (Transfer Stations) are reopening on weeknights for residents to dispose of recycling, garbage, and yard waste.
Starting May 19, 2020, the Bermondsey and Ingram Drop-off Depots will be open to the public on weeknights, as well as Saturdays. Hours of operation are as follows:
Bermondsey (188 Bermondsey Road): Monday to Thursday from 6 p.m. to midnight and 12:30 a.m. to 6 a.m., Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Ingram (50 Ingram Drive): Monday to Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight and 12:30 am to 6 a.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Scarborough Drop-off Depot (1 Transfer Place) is also open to the public on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for drop-off of recycling, garbage, and yard waste, as well as household hazardous waste.
Please note that compost pickup will not be available at any Drop-off Depot, and all other Drop-off Depots remain closed to the public. Residents are asked to pay using debit or credit, as cash is not being accepted at this time.
Supporting Local Businesses
In partnership with our Ward 15 BIAs and the Thorncliffe Park community, my team has developed a "Shop Local, Eat Local" initiative to promote our local businesses. You can find a full list of vendors on my website.
Two neighbours from our very own Davisville Village neighbourhood created a platform called Local Bee to encourage shoppers to pre-purchase gift cards or vouchers that can be used when vendors reopen. Find out what shops you can support by visiting their website today!
If you are planning to shop online or order take-out meals, please consider choosing to support a small business in our community. Every dollar counts!
Earlier this month, the City of Toronto launched ShopHERE, a free program to help Toronto independent businesses and artists open an online store to minimize the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ShopHERE will provide Toronto independent businesses and artists with hands-on support from volunteer website developers and marketing and business students to develop an online store, which will be built and launched for free in just a matter of days.
Visit the City's website for more information on ShopHERE. Toronto tech companies with an interest in supporting small independent businesses and artists are encouraged to assist if they can.
Last week, the City also launched the Ritual ONE program, which provides restaurants and food services with an easy way to accept digital orders from their own website and social media accounts.
Businesses that sign up for Ritual ONE by June 1, 2020 will receive the service free for life and will not pay any commission or monthly subscription fees on orders placed through the platform. Businesses will be provided with a dedicated expert to help support them during the onboarding process. This offer is also available to existing restaurants in the Ritual marketplace. For more information, please visit: https://ritual.co/partners.
Federal Support for Businesses
Today, the Finance Minister announced that applications for the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) are now open. For more information on how-to apply, please visit their website.
Yesterday, the eligibility criteria for the Canadian Emergency Business Account was expanded to include:
Businesses that are sole proprietors receiving income directly from their business;
Businesses that rely on contractors; and,
Family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll.
Last week, the Federal government extended the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program to August 29, 2020.
The Prime Minister also announced $450 million in funding to support Canada’s academic research community during the COVID-19 pandemic by:
Providing wage supports to universities and health research institutes so they can retain research staff who are unable to access some of the government’s existing COVID-19 support measures; and,
Allowing universities and health research institutes to continue essential research-related activities during the crisis, and to resume full research operations once physical distancing measures are lifted.
For more information on Federal economic support, please visit their website.
Mental Health Support Services
Many people may be feeling anxious, unsure and even scared at this time – these are normal and healthy responses to unexpected or stressful situations. Public health professionals are emphasizing that it is important for all of us to continue reaching out to friends by phone or video chat, keep active while staying at home, and do our best to eat well and get lots of rest.
The City of Toronto offers a number of free mental health resources. You can find more information on the available support services by visiting the City's website or calling 211.
You can also find additional resources on the Government of Ontario's website and through the Wellness Together Canada portal.
Inspired by a friend's successful program in Waterloo, Gabi Foss, a Bedford Park native, started the Bedford Bag initiative to support businesses in the Yonge and Lawrence neighbourhood. Each bag included a curated assortment of products from local vendors. Gabi's bags sold out in just ten days! I'd like to thank Gabi and everyone who purchased a bag in support of our local business community.
This week, the teachers of Ward 15's Northlea Elementary and Middle School put on a parade through the local neighbourhood for students and their families.
Have you seen any signs, murals, or displays that you think should be shared with our community? Email your photos to my office to be featured.
Select National Parks and Historical Sites Reopening
Last week, the Federal government announced that, as of June 1, 2020, some operations will gradually resume at select national parks, historic sites, marine conservation areas, and wildlife areas.
For more information on locations that are reopening, please visit the Parks Canada website.
Reducing the Spread of COVID-19 in Apartment and Condominium Buildings
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in dense, vertical communities, the City of Toronto has issued a series of apartment and condominium building guidelines for landlords and tenants.
Some of the recommendations include:
Guidelines and standards to ensure proper disinfection of building and common areas;
Ensuring residents can receive deliveries of essential goods – including medications, groceries, and meals – at their unit door so they can avoid non-essential trips outside; and,
Proper precautions when entering a unit to conduct emergency or essential repairs.
Toronto Public Health has also created a series of infographics for landlords to display throughout buildings on topics such as proper physical distancing, elevator protocol, and shared laundry room protocol.
You can find more information about Toronto Public Health's recommendations for apartment buildings and other community settings on the City's website.
Get Involved: Support Our City's COVID-19 Response
Volunteer Opportunities
Many of you have generously expressed a desire to support Toronto as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like to get involved, please visit my website for a list of volunteer opportunities.
Food Security
The Neighbourhood Office in Thorncliffe Park (TNO) is seeking donations to help support 600 at-risk families with meals and grocery delivery. If you would like to donate groceries, please call Aamir Sukhera at 416-346-3000.
The Leaside Toy Drive Committee has started a Go Fund Me in support of TNO's Thorncliffe Food Drive. With the help of our community, they have already surpassed their goal of $10,000! I'd like to thank all those who have generously supported this initiative – your contributions are greatly appreciated.
The City continues to partner with community and corporate agencies to ensure that food programs can maintain operations and meet increased demand. For more information on resources available in Ward 15 and across Toronto, please visit: https://covid19.211central.ca/.
If you are able, please consider dropping off non-perishable food donations to food banks, such as the Community Share Food Bank and Sprint Senior Care, or local fire halls. If you own a restaurant or food business and have surplus food, please consider donating to Second Harvest’s Food Rescue initiative at https://foodrescue.ca/.
Donations
This week, a local resident of Don Valley West reached out to my office to share a video they made about Kitchen24 several weeks ago. To date, the team at Kitchen24 has serviced over 40 community organizations and have provided over 30,000 meals to those in need. If you would like to support Kitchen24 and their team of volunteers continue to feed Toronto, please visit their GoFundMe page.
Last month, Leaside United Church's Outreach Committee announced a new COVID CARE initiative to support vulnerable members of our community who are in need of immediate relief. Visit their website for more information on how to donate.
Holland Bloorview is calling on able community members to participate in their Homemade Mask Drive by sewing non-medical masks for staff, clients, and families who are travelling to and from the hospital. The masks can be dropped off in a marked box at the main reception desk between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (150 Kilgour Road). For more information, please visit their website.
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.
The City of Toronto announced the DonateTO: COVID-19 Portal to outline the many ways you can support your community, including donations of personal protective equipment, food, financial gifts, and other goods and services. For more information, please visit the City's website.
Spotted in Ward 15!
Staying Connected While Apart: COVID-19 Community Programming and Events
Although staying inside over the past two months has been difficult, our Don Valley West community has found creative ways to come together, even while we are apart. Below, you will find information on virtual activities that you and your loved ones can take part in from your homes:
Toronto Sport & Social Club: TSSC is offering a variety of free, low-cost, and for-charity virtual events. Visit their website to sign up for online bingo, trivia, eSports for charity, or to participate in their Keep Playing Challenge.
National Children’s Painting Competition: The Canadian Children’s Art Foundation launched its first National Painting Competition entitled “Fantasy World.” Children are asked to express their vision of what a fantasy world may look like. The deadline to submit is May 29, 2020. Visit their website for more information.
Got Talent Mondays: Every Monday, The Neighbourhood Organization is hosting a virtual talent show. Submit your videos to the TNO Toronto Instagram for a chance to win!
The Leaside Ministry of Silly Walks: For anyone who remembers the timeless sketch from Monty Python, local resident Cynda Flemming has set up Ward 15's very own Ministry of Silly Walks on Hanna Road. If you have photos of you and your loved ones showing off your silliest walks, please send them to councillor_robinson@toronto.ca.