Councillor Paul Ainslie - Ward 24 Scarborough Guildwood

Latest Public Health Guidance for Places of Worship/Celebrations of Life/Funerals/Weddings

Latest News and Updates for COVID -19 - Click Here

List of Pharmacies offering Flu Shots

Sign up for my Daily Reports here

Guidance for Places of Worship – and PDF
Checklist for Celebrations of Life\Funerals – and PDF
Checklist for Planning a Wedding and PDF

Essential Government Information for COVID -19 - below

I am continuously updating my social media platforms and my website with up to date information. Please visit and follow:

·         Twitter: @Ainslie_Ward24

·         Facebook: @Councillor Paul Ainslie Scarborough-Guildwood

·         Instagram: @cllrainslie

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:

City of Toronto

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

World Health Organization

Official Global Travel Advisor

If you can’t find any answers, you can also email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca

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.

December 2, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toronto is in the Grey-Lockdown level of restrictions in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Please stay home as much as possible, except for essential trips for groceries, healthcare, child care, school and work. Remember to practice physical distancing, washing your hands as often as possible and wear a mask or face covering. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill.

To help residents understand the new Grey-Lockdown category measures, the City has created a simple Do and Don’t guide. This guide communicates what is – and what is not – permitted under the province’s lockdown stage, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of December 1, 2020) There has been an increase of 438 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 235 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 42,719 cases of COVID-19, of these, 36,073 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,620 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 17 fatal cases since the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19. Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

The City of Toronto is reopening its Green Bond for an additional offering of $130 million to help finance capital projects that mitigate the effects of climate change. The $130 million issue, which is a reopening of a 20-year maturity with a coupon interest rate of 2.6 per cent, will mature on September 24, 2039. The reopening brings the bond’s outstanding amount to $330 million.
The City was one of the first municipalities in Canada to establish a Green Debenture Program in 2018. Green bonds help fund capital projects that meet the City’s environmental objectives, including:

mitigation and adaptation to the effects of climate change

abatement and avoidance of GHG emissions

resource recovery and a hierarchical approach to waste management, and

air, water and soil pollution prevention and control.

More information can be read in the news release.

Eligible voters for Ward 22 Scarborough-Agincourt by-election can apply to vote by mail and get on voters’ list, starting today December 2 until December 22 at 4pm. To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, Toronto Elections is offering Mail-in Voting as an alternative option to in-person voting. All the required Mail-in Voting materials, including the completed ballot and signed declaration form must be received by 6 p.m. on January 15, 2021. To apply to vote via mail-in voting please visit this link. More information can be read in the news release.

Many residents have reached out regarding the winter maintenance of the Meadoway’s Gatineau Hydro Corridor as it provides ample space to keep physically active while also keeping physically distant from others. At City Council last week, Transportation Services staff confirmed that the Gatineau Hydro Corridor will receive winter maintenance, making the Meadoway available for use for longer walks during the winter months. Regular winter maintenance on select City of Toronto pathways across the city is now in effect. More information about the City of Toronto’s Welcome T.O. Winter parks plan can be found here.

The City of Toronto “12 Days of Giving” is now live on their Twitter account. 12 Days of Giving is a social media campaign used to highlight different ways people can give on each of the 12 days. Examples of ways to give back this holiday season include DonateTO, the City’s Holiday Wish List, making donations to the Daily Bread Food Bank, making donations to Toronto Animal Services for pets living in low-income families or participating in the Firefighters Toy Drive. For more information please read this news release.

Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery Holiday Market is opening from December 1 to 24 for Online show and sale. Purchase one of a kind gifts from artists and crafts makers of Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery. For more information please visit www.cedarridgestudiogallery.com/collections/holiday-market

The 43 Division and CPLC will be accepting new unwrapped toys from now until Christmas for the 43 Division Auxiliary Police Toy Drive. All toys will be distributed within the 43 Division community. Donations can be dropped off at the front desk of 43 Division, located at 4331 Lawrence Avenue East.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

The Missions Committee and Board of Heron Park Baptist Church is hosting a drive-through food collection on Saturday December 5th from 11am to 2pm at Heron Park Baptist Church (Parking Lot), located at 4260 Lawrence Ave E. Donations should be placed in the trunk of the car and volunteers will safely take the donations from the trunk and prepare them for the food bank.

Knights of Columbus is hosting a Christmas Community Food Drive on Saturday December 12th from 9am to 12pm at St. Martin de Porres Church (Parking Lot), located at 4179 Lawrence Ave E. This will be a drive-through food drive with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place. Community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, much needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the Knights of Columbus will take donations from the trunk of your car. The food items will then be delivered to community Food Banks.

Tell the City about your experience with accessing crisis and support services! The City of Toronto is developing a community-based crisis response service that is collaborative, effective, and community-centric. The City’s second survey is now live until December 14. The survey asks residents for their insights and experiences accessing crisis and supportive services, staying safe in a crisis, community safety and future investments that would provide care or support to prevent people from falling into crisis.

Go Expansion Program Public Information Centre #3 is now open. The GO Expansion consists of many different projects, three TPAPs – New Track and Facilities TPAP, Scarborough Junction Grade Separation TPAP, Stoufville Rail Corridor Grade Separations TPAP – and 2 addenda – the Network-Wide Structure Project and an Addendum to the GO Rail Network Electrification. To participate visit this page to review and learn more about what infrastructure is proposed near you, which TPAP or addenda the infrastructure falls under and provide feedback and ask questions. This public information centre will be open until December 11, 2020.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.

The City of Toronto is hosting a Virtual Community Consultation meeting to discuss the proposed developments at 4097 Lawrence Avenue East and 197-201 Galloway Road on December 9, 2020 7pm to 8:30pm. The Community Consultation Meeting will discuss an overview of the development application; opportunities for community members to provide feedback; and next steps for the proposal. For more information on how to participate please see this notice or please visit www.toronto.ca/cpconsultations.

The City of Toronto is hosting a Virtual Community Consultation Meeting to discuss the proposed development at 5 Corporate Drive on December 7, 2020 6pm to 7:30pm. The Community Consultation Meeting will discuss an update on the status of the proposal including its process and potential outcomes; opportunities for community members to provide feedback; and next steps for the proposal. For more information on how to participate please see this notice or please visit www.toronto.ca/cpconsultations.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

December 1, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toronto has now entered the Grey-Lockdown level of restrictions in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Please stay home as much as possible, except for essential trips for groceries, healthcare, child care, school and work. Remember to practice physical distancing, washing your hands as often as possible and wear a mask or face covering. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill. I encourage you to read the Grey-Lockdown level guidelines and the province’s news release for more information.

To help residents understand the new Grey-Lockdown category measures, the City has created a simple Do and Don’t guide. This guide communicates what is – and what is not – permitted under the province’s lockdown stage, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 30, 2020) There has been an increase of 761 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 258 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 42,312 cases of COVID-19, of these, 35,580 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,603 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19. Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

Today, Scarborough Health Network launched its COVID-19 Assessment Centre located on the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, 1256 Military Trail. The assessment centre is located at Highland Hall and will operate from December 2020 through April 2021. For more information on Scarborough Health Networks assessment centres please visit www.shn.ca/covid19-assess/

Today is Giving Tuesday, an important time for us to come together, empower each other and rally for favourite causes. Giving Tuesday is a global movement dedicated to giving, join the following community organization – and others across Canada and around the world – and give a gift and support the community.

Join the Scarborough Health Foundation in shaping the future of care for patients and their families – for more information and how to give your gift please visit this link.

Join the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy & the Toronto Zoo's Home for the Holidays campaign – for more information please visit this link!

Join the Storefront and share your favourite way to do good with their “unselfie” template! Learn more information and how to donate at this link!

Join 5N2 Kitchens in helping those in need throughout Scarborough, for more information please visit this link!

Parents Engaged in Education is fundraising to establish Canada's First Education Bank. See this flyer for more details. Visit this link to donate!

For more information on Giving Tuesday and how to get involved, please visit www.givingtuesday.ca

The City of Toronto gives thanks and kicks off “12 Days of Giving” campaign to celebrate Giving Tuesday. The City of Toronto extends its sincere thanks to all the gracious residents and businesses who have donated gifts, goods and services to help support Toronto’s most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 12 Days of Giving is a social media campaign on the City’s twitter account used to highlight different ways people can give on each of the 12 days. Examples of ways to give back this holiday season include DonateTO, the City’s Holiday Wish List, making donations to the Daily Bread Food Bank, making donations to Toronto Animal Services for pets living in low-income families or participating in the Firefighters Toy Drive. For more information please read this news release.

Desmond Cole has been awarded the 2020 Toronto Book Award for his memoir The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power. This is the 46th year of the Toronto Book Awards. Established by City Council in 1974, the awards honour books of literary merit that are evocative of Toronto. The annual awards offer $15,000 in prize money. Each shortlisted finalist will receive $1,000, with $10,000 awarded to the winner. This year’s Toronto Book Awards Committee was comprised of volunteer members Kate Cayley, Michael Fraser, Liz Howard, Ben McNally and Naben Ruthnum. For more information please read this news release.

The 43 Division and CPLC will be accepting new unwrapped toys from now until Christmas for the 43 Division Auxiliary Police Toy Drive. All toys will be distributed within the 43 Division community. Donations can be dropped off at the front desk of 43 Division, located at 4331 Lawrence Avenue East.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

Knights of Columbus is hosting a Christmas Community Food Drive on Saturday December 12th from 9am to 12pm at St. Martin de Porres Church (Parking Lot), located at 4179 Lawrence Ave E. This will be a drive-through food drive with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place. Community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, much needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the Knights of Columbus will take donations from the trunk of your car. The food items will then be delivered to community Food Banks.

Tell the City about your experience with accessing crisis and support services! The City of Toronto is developing a community-based crisis response service that is collaborative, effective, and community-centric. The City’s second survey is now live until December 14. The survey asks residents for their insights and experiences accessing crisis and supportive services, staying safe in a crisis, community safety and future investments that would provide care or support to prevent people from falling into crisis.

Go Expansion Program Public Information Centre #3 is now open. The GO Expansion consists of many different projects, three TPAPs – New Track and Facilities TPAP, Scarborough Junction Grade Separation TPAP, Stoufville Rail Corridor Grade Separations TPAP – and 2 addenda – the Network-Wide Structure Project and an Addendum to the GO Rail Network Electrification. To participate visit this page to review and learn more about what infrastructure is proposed near you, which TPAP or addenda the infrastructure falls under and provide feedback and ask questions. This public information centre will be open until December 11, 2020.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.

The City of Toronto is hosting a Virtual Community Consultation Meeting to discuss the proposed development at 5 Corporate Drive on December 7, 2020 6pm to 7:30pm. The Community Consultation Meeting will discuss an update on the status of the proposal including its process and potential outcomes; opportunities for community members to provide feedback; and next steps for the proposal. For more information on how to participate please see this notice or please visit www.toronto.ca/cpconsultations.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

November 30, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toronto has now entered the Grey-Lockdown level of restrictions in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Please stay home as much as possible, except for essential trips for groceries, healthcare, child care, school and work. Remember to practice physical distancing, washing your hands as often as possible and wear a mask or face covering. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill. I encourage you to read the Grey-Lockdown level guidelines and the province’s news release for more information.

To help residents understand the new Grey-Lockdown category measures, the City has created a simple Do and Don’t guide. This guide communicates what is – and what is not – permitted under the province’s lockdown stage, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 29, 2020) There has been an increase of 643 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 249 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 41,579 cases of COVID-19, of these, 35,193 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,603 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 2 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19. Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

The holiday season is officially here as the City of Toronto has switched on the 60-foot Christmas tree in Nathan Philips Square at City Hall. The City’s 54th annual tree lighting was filmed in advance this year to comply with public health guidelines and avoid large crowds gathering on the Square. In previous years, the Mayor lit the tree during the Cavalcade of Lights. With this year’s Cavalcade of Lights cancelled due to COVID-19, residents can watch the tree lighting on the City’s YouTube channel.

The deadline for filing or withdrawing a nomination for the office of Councillor Ward22 (Scarborough-Agincourt) for the January 15, 2021 by-election is Tuesday, December 1 at 2pm. Nominations will only be accepted at the 89 Northline Rd. Toronto Elections Office, as City Hall and all Civic Centres remain closed to the public, as part of the City of Toronto’s ongoing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Individuals filing nominations must bring all required documents and identification with them and ensure the completeness of their forms. After 2 p.m. on December 1, no additional nominations or withdrawals will be accepted. More information can be read in the news release.

Toronto Book Awards 2020 Virtual Prize Ceremony will take place Tonight November 30 at 7pm. The Toronto Book Awards honour authors of books of literary or artistic merit that are evocative of Toronto. Tune in to watch announcement of the 2020 Toronto Book Awards here.

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, an important time for us to come together, empower each other and rally for favourite causes. Giving Tuesday is a global movement dedicated to giving, join the following community organization – and others across Canada and around the world – and give a gift and support the community.

Join the Scarborough Health Foundation in shaping the future of care for patients and their families – for more information and how to make your gift early please visit this link.

Join the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy & the Toronto Zoo's Home for the Holidays campaign – for more information please visit this link!

Join the Storefront and share your favourite way to do good with their “unselfie” template! Learn more information and how to donate at this link!

Join 5N2 Kitchens in helping those in need throughout Scarborough, for more information please visit this link!

Parents Engaged in Education is fundraising to establish Canada's First Education Bank. See this flyer for more details. Visit this link to donate!

Civic Hall Toronto presents Civic Innovation Showcase. Join this year’s stories of cross-sectoral collaboration, resident engagement and innovative technology. This year’s showcase will be held on Wednesday December 9th, 2020 from 12pm to 1:15pm via WebEx. Learn more and register here.

The 43 Division and CPLC will be accepting new unwrapped toys from now until Christmas for the 43 Division Auxiliary Police Toy Drive. All toys will be distributed within the 43 Division community. Donations can be dropped off at the front desk of 43 Division, located at 4331 Lawrence Avenue East.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

Knights of Columbus is hosting a Christmas Community Food Drive on Saturday December 12th from 9am to 12pm at St. Martin de Porres Church (Parking Lot), located at 4179 Lawrence Ave E. This will be a drive-through food drive with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place. Community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, much needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the Knights of Columbus will take donations from the trunk of your car. The food items will then be delivered to community Food Banks.

Tell the City about your experience with accessing crisis and support services! The City of Toronto is developing a community-based crisis response service that is collaborative, effective, and community-centric. The City’s second survey is now live until December 14. The survey asks residents for their insights and experiences accessing crisis and supportive services, staying safe in a crisis, community safety and future investments that would provide care or support to prevent people from falling into crisis.

Go Expansion Program Public Information Centre #3 is now open. The GO Expansion consists of many different projects, three TPAPs – New Track and Facilities TPAP, Scarborough Junction Grade Separation TPAP, Stoufville Rail Corridor Grade Separations TPAP – and 2 addenda – the Network-Wide Structure Project and an Addendum to the GO Rail Network Electrification. To participate visit this page to review and learn more about what infrastructure is proposed near you, which TPAP or addenda the infrastructure falls under and provide feedback and ask questions. This public information centre will be open until December 11, 2020.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.

The City of Toronto is hosting a Virtual Community Consultation Meeting to discuss the proposed development at 5 Corporate Drive on December 7, 2020 6pm to 7:30pm. The Community Consultation Meeting will discuss an update on the status of the proposal including its process and potential outcomes; opportunities for community members to provide feedback; and next steps for the proposal. For more information on how to participate please see this notice or please visit www.toronto.ca/cpconsultations.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

November 27, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toronto has now entered the Grey-Lockdown level of restrictions in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Please stay home as much as possible, except for essential trips for groceries, healthcare, child care, school and work. Remember to practice physical distancing, washing your hands as often as possible and wear a mask or face covering. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill. I encourage you to read the Grey-Lockdown level guidelines and the province’s news release for more information.

To help residents understand the new Grey-Lockdown category measures, the City has created a simple Do and Don’t guide. This guide communicates what is – and what is not – permitted under the province’s lockdown stage, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

This will be the first weekend with the new lockdown protections in place that impact a number of City services and facilities. City staff are continuing to look at alternative program delivery models, including virtual options for some of our services. The City of Toronto has provided a weekend update on modified services adhering to the provincial lockdown measures and a full list of impacted services is available online.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 25, 2020) There has been an increase of 529 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 209 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 39,914 cases of COVID-19, of these, 33,935 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,574 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 10 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19. Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is moving their COVID-19 Assessment Centres for the Winter! SHN is pleased to announce that they will be partnering with the University of Toronto – Scarborough Campus (UTSC) and Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS) to provide COVID-19 testing at new, indoor Assessment Centres for the upcoming winter months. The UTSC Assessment Centre, located at 1265 Military Trail, is scheduled to open on December 1st. The opening of the CICS Assessment Centre, located at 2330 Midland Avenue, is still to be determined. Learn more information on SHN COVID-19 Assessment Centre locations here.

City of Toronto helps small businesses by re-opening CurbTO registration for temporary pick-up zones. Throughout the summer, around 200 Temporary Parking Pick-Up Zones helped by re-purposing parking locations along main streets for short-term parking (no more than 10 minutes). Potential customers and delivery agents have used them to expedite food, medicine and other merchandise pick-ups by making parking spots immediately available near main street businesses offering curbside pick-up and delivery. Main street businesses and BIAs can register or learn more about the program at www.toronto.ca/curbto

The City is opening most of its 54 outdoor artificial ice rinks starting Tomorrow November 28. To reduce the spread of COVID-19 at City outdoor ice rinks and to ensure compliance with provincial orders, capacity is limited to 25 people per ice pad. People should only skate with members of their own household. Leisure skate times will run in 45-minute sessions and skating is only permitted during supervised hours. To make a reservation, people must get a client and family PIN number by calling 416-396-7378, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm or make a reservation online.

Your Toronto Zoo’s Holiday Drive-Thru opens TOMORROW, November 28, 2020! Enjoy the beauty of winter through their special holiday route from the safety and warmth of your own vehicle. Plus, see Santa Claus himself during this 15-20-minute experience while supporting your Zoo. Purchase tickets online at www.torontozoo.com/holiday

City of Toronto to light Nathan Phillips Square Christmas tree this weekend to mark the start of the holiday season. The City’s 54th annual tree lighting will be filmed this year to avoid large crowds gathering on the Square. In previous years, the Mayor lit the tree during the Cavalcade of Lights. With this year’s Cavalcade of Lights cancelled due to COVID-19, residents can watch the tree lighting on the City’s YouTube channel.

Toronto Book Awards 2020 Virtual Prize Ceremony will take place on November 30, 2020 at 7pm. The Toronto Book Awards honour authors of books of literary or artistic merit that are evocative of Toronto. Tune in to watch announcement of the 2020 Toronto Book Awards here.

December 1st is Giving Tuesday! Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is an important time for us to come together, empower each other and rally for favourite causes. Giving Tuesday is a global movement dedicated to giving, join the following community organization – and others across Canada and around the world – on December 1st and give a gift and support the community.

Join the Scarborough Health Foundation in shaping the future of care for patients and their families – for more information and how to make your gift early please visit this link.

Join the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy & the Toronto Zoo's Home for the Holidays campaign – for more information please visit this link!

Join 5N2 Kitchens in helping those in need throughout Scarborough, for more information please visit this link!

Parents Engaged in Education is fundraising to establish Canada's First Education Bank. See this flyer for more details. Visit this link to donate!

Civic Hall Toronto presents Civic Innovation Showcase. Join this year’s stories of cross-sectoral collaboration, resident engagement and innovative technology. This year’s showcase will be held on Wednesday December 9th, 2020 from 12pm to 1:15pm via WebEx. Learn more and register here.

The 43 Division and CPLC will be accepting new unwrapped toys from now until Christmas for the 43 Division Auxiliary Police Toy Drive. All toys will be distributed within the 43 Division community. Donations can be dropped off at the front desk of 43 Division, located at 4331 Lawrence Avenue East.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

Knights of Columbus is hosting a Christmas Community Food Drive on Saturday December 12th from 9am to 12pm at St. Martin de Porres Church (Parking Lot), located at 4179 Lawrence Ave E. This will be a drive-through food drive with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place. Community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, much needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the Knights of Columbus will take donations from the trunk of your car. The food items will then be delivered to community Food Banks.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.

The City of Toronto is hosting a Virtual Community Consultation Meeting to discuss the proposed development at 5 Corporate Drive on December 7, 2020 6pm to 7:30pm. The Community Consultation Meeting will discuss an update on the status of the proposal including its process and potential outcomes; opportunities for community members to provide feedback; and next steps for the proposal. For more information on how to participate please see this notice or please visit www.toronto.ca/cpconsultations.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

November 26, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

Check out all Scarborough-Guildwood’s past Live Town Meetings on my YouTube channel – like and subscribe for more meetings and videos! Scarborough-Guildwood’s Live Town Halls provide the community with up to date information, supports and resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toronto has now entered the Grey-Lockdown level of restrictions in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Please stay home as much as possible, except for essential trips for groceries, healthcare, child care, school and work. Remember to practice physical distancing, washing your hands as often as possible and wear a mask or face covering. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill. I encourage you to read the Grey-Lockdown level guidelines and the province’s news release for more information.

The City of Toronto has prepared a DO and DON’T guide to help residents understand what is and what is not permitted under the Grey-Lockdown stage of the province’s framework. This guide, like all pages on the City’s website, can be translated automatically into 50 languages, with a translate feature at the bottom of every webpage. Visit the COVID-19 guide for Toronto residents on the City’s website.

As part of the City’s COVID-19 response, BigArtTO activations have been suspended until further notice. Ward 24 Scarborough-Guildwood’s activation was originally scheduled for this week at Meadowglen Place, due to the Grey-Level restrictions, BigArtTO activations have been suspended. Latest information will be available at www.toronto.ca/bigartto.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 25, 2020) There has been an increase of 347 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 202 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 39,414 cases of COVID-19, of these, 33,479 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,564 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 9 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here.

Update on Seven Oaks Long Term Care Home: The suspect outbreak at Seven Oaks has now been lifted. Staff members have been re-tested three times, with all results negative. The pace of change in response to COVID-19 is rapid, most up to date information is available at www.toronto.ca/covid. The latest Toronto Seniors Services and Long-Term Care COVID-19 Update Bulletin is available here.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19. Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

Ontario is providing additional funding to enhance safety and protection in schools. The Ontario government is providing $13.6 million to enable school boards to hire more teachers and staff in regions recently moved to the Red-Control level and providing stabilization funding for school boards, if needed. The province is also expanding testing in school communities and launching new online learning portals. These initiatives will enhance safety measures for schools and alleviate potential budget shortfalls during COVID-19. More information can be read in the news release.

Toronto City Council unanimously approves MoveTO action plan. This plan will hep manage congestion and build a more resilient, modern and safe transportation system. The MoveTO plan proposes five key measures that aim to reduce travel times and improve travel reliability for vehicles, improve safety and optimize movement for pedestrians, transit operations, construction activities, and help reduce travel demand and greenhouse gas emissions. The five key proposed actions that will launch next year include Smart Traffic signals; Intelligent intersections; Advanced Transit Signal Priority; Construction Hub Pilot Program expansion; and Transportation Demand Strategy. For more information please read this news release.

Many residents have strongly requested that the bus stops at Cedar Drive and Beachell Street along Eglinton Avenue East. TTC has provided notice that these stops will be temporarily reinstalled and monitored for further review. While I appreciate the temporary reopening of these stops, I have written a letter to the TTC asking that they be permanently reinstated. Both bus stops are in high density neighbourhoods, where a large portion of residents rely heavily on public transit. Permanently removing these from the TTC route will reduce the number of stops available to residents by 50%. You can read my full letter here.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.

The City of Toronto is hosting a Virtual Community Consultation Meeting to discuss the proposed development at 5 Corporate Drive on December 7, 2020 6pm to 7:30pm. The Community Consultation Meeting will discuss an update on the status of the proposal including its process and potential outcomes; opportunities for community members to provide feedback; and next steps for the proposal. For more information on how to participate please see this notice or please visit www.toronto.ca/cpconsultations.

City of Toronto to light Nathan Phillips Square Christmas tree this weekend to mark the start of the holiday season. The City’s 54th annual tree lighting will be filmed this year to avoid large crowds gathering on the Square. In previous years, the Mayor lit the tree during the Cavalcade of Lights. With this year’s Cavalcade of Lights cancelled due to COVID-19, residents can watch the tree lighting on the City’s YouTube channel.

Toronto Book Awards 2020 Virtual Prize Ceremony will take place on November 30, 2020 at 7pm. The Toronto Book Awards honour authors of books of literary or artistic merit that are evocative of Toronto. Tune in to watch announcement of the 2020 Toronto Book Awards here.

December 1st is Giving Tuesday! Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is an important time for us to come together, empower each other and rally for favourite causes. Giving Tuesday is a global movement dedicated to giving, join the following community organization – and others across Canada and around the world – on December 1st and give a gift and support the community.

Join the Scarborough Health Foundation in shaping the future of care for patients and their families – for more information and how to make your gift early please visit this link.

Join the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy & the Toronto Zoo's Home for the Holidays campaign – for more information please visit this link!

Join 5N2 Kitchens in helping those in need throughout Scarborough, for more information please visit this link!

Parents Engaged in Education is fundraising to establish Canada's First Education Bank. . See this flyer for more details. Visit this link to donate!

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

Knights of Columbus is hosting a Christmas Community Food Drive on Saturday December 12th from 9am to 12pm at St. Martin de Porres Church (Parking Lot), located at 4179 Lawrence Ave E. This will be a drive-through food drive with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place. Community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, much needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the Knights of Columbus will take donations from the trunk of your car. The food items will then be delivered to community Food Banks.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

November 25, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

Toronto has now entered the Grey-Lockdown level of restrictions in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Please stay home as much as possible, except for essential trips for groceries, healthcare, child care, school and work. Remember to practice physical distancing, washing your hands as often as possible and wear a mask or face covering. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill. I encourage you to read the Grey-Lockdown level guidelines and the province’s news release for more information.

The City of Toronto has prepared a DO and DON’T guide to help residents understand what is and what is not permitted under the Grey-Lockdown stage of the province’s framework. This guide, like all pages on the City’s website, can be translated automatically into 50 languages, with a translate feature at the bottom of every webpage. Visit the COVID-19 guide for Toronto residents on the City’s website.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 24, 2020) There has been an increase of 481 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 168 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 39,094 cases of COVID-19, of these, 33,049 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,555 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 10 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19. Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

The holidays are going to look a little different this year due to COVID-19. The Ontario government has provided some public health advice on how to protect yourself and your loved ones to support Ontarians as they being to safely plan for the holiday season. General advice to consider when planning your holiday season include virtual holiday events, outdoor holiday activities, attending drive-in or drive through events, decorating your homes and donating to holiday charities or toy drives. Please remember to avoid social gatherings and limit close contact to your household, physically distance and wear a face covering or mask where required. More information can be read in this news release.

The City of Toronto launches Welcome T.O. Winter parks plan. The Welcome T.O. Winter plan provides safe ways for people to get outside in Toronto’s parks, including at 54 artificial ice rinks and 5 golf courses. Residents are encouraged to stay active this winter with members of your own household at toboggan hills, snow loops, outdoor skate rinks, try the city’s new guided outdoor Walk Fit programs and more. A few parks amenities will remain open throughout the winter, including more than 800 playgrounds, outdoor sports courts and dog off leash areas. More information on the City’s Welcome T.O. Winter parks plan can be reviewed in this news release.

Toronto Public Library branches are NOW OPEN after a brief closure to prepare their spaces and services for the new restrictions imposed by the province’s Grey-Lockdown level. Current services include access to 82 of 100 TPL branches, contactless pickup of holds, open drop boxes, access to computers, Wi-Fi, photocopiers, printers, washrooms, library card registration, Bookmobiles and Home Library Services. Due to the lockdown restrictions some services have been suspended, which include Digital Innovation Hubs, youth hubs and access to study spaces. More information on Toronto Public Library’s services please visit this website.

Experience art illuminated at BigArtTO in Ward24 Scarborough-Guildwood from November 25 to November 28. The BigArtTO installations, “Angular Translucence” by Idalina Leandro and “Encuentros/Encounters” by Luis Cisneros, will be located at Meadowglen Place, 2 Meadowglen Pl from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. More information on BigArtTO can be found here.

Residents asked that I address the lack of basketball play in the Seven Oaks community. Under my direction City Staff explored locations and have identified that Seven Oaks Park would best serve the community. City Staff will commence the process of planning site assessments. I will provide further updates as the project progresses. If you have any further questions or comments please reach out to my office at 416-396-7222 or councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca.

Visit the Toronto Zoo Holiday Drive-Thru this holiday season for a family-friendly and COVID safe experience! See the beauty of winter at The Toronto Zoo as you and your family drive through a special holiday route from the safety and warmth of your own vehicle. Toronto Zoo Holiday Drive-Thru opens to the public from November 28, 2020 to December 21, 2020 Friday Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Timed tickets must be pre-purchased online in advance. More details at www.torontozoo.com/holiday

Toronto Police Service Hosts Four Community Conversations: Race-based Data Collection starting Tonight November 25 from 6:30pm to 8pm. To participate in the session by asking questions: join via WebEx. To watch the session, view the livestream on YouTube. More information and details on the following conversations can be found here.

Toronto Book Awards 2020 Virtual Prize Ceremony will take place on November 30, 2020 at 7pm. The Toronto Book Awards honour authors of books of literary or artistic merit that are evocative of Toronto. Register to watch announcement of the 2020 Toronto Book Awards here.

December 1st is Giving Tuesday! Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is an important time for us to come together, empower each other and rally for favourite causes. Join Scarborough Health Network Foundation – and other causes from across Canada and around the world – on December 1 and give a gift that will help shape the future of care for patients and their families. More information and how to make your gift early, please visit this link.

For Giving Tuesday this year, Parents Engaged in Education are raising funds to establish Canada’s First Education Bank to service the West Hill/Guildwood and Malvern areas of Scarborough. This Education Bank will give low income students and families in Scarborough access to art supplies, curriculum support, amenities for self-care for teens, books and more. See this flyer for more details. Visit www.parentsengagedineducation.ca to donate!

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

Join Social Assistance Coalition of Scarborough (SACS) for a follow-up virtual Q & A on government benefits during COVID for recipients of Ontario Works and ODSP on Thursday December 10, 2020 from 6pm to 8pm. You can send in your questions to sacs.communitygroup@gmail.com by December 1, 2020. Register here.

Knights of Columbus is hosting a Christmas Community Food Drive on Saturday December 12th from 9am to 12pm at St. Martin de Porres Church (Parking Lot), located at 4179 Lawrence Ave E. This will be a drive-through food drive with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place. Community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, much needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the Knights of Columbus will take donations from the trunk of your car. The food items will then be delivered to community Food Banks.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. The gardens will be planted in 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

November 24, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

Toronto has now entered the Grey-Lockdown level of restrictions in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Please stay home as much as possible, except for essential trips for groceries, healthcare, child care, school and work. Remember to practice physical distancing, washing your hands as often as possible and wear a mask or face covering. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill. I encourage you to read the Grey-Lockdown level guidelines and the province’s news release for more information.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 23, 2020) There has been an increase of 547 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 173 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 38,656 cases of COVID-19, of these, 32,537 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,546 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 3 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19. Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

The City of Toronto has announced an updated and enhanced set of targeted COVID-19 measures to help with the city’s most vulnerable residents during the lockdown. Based on data collected by Toronto Public Health many neighbourhoods experiencing higher COVID-19 case rates are in the northwest and northeast of the city. These targeted COVID-19 equity measures, which build on protections already implemented, include sharing public health information, improving access to COVID-19 testing and providing critical supports to individuals and their families during this lockdown. More information on these new initiatives can be read here.

Knights of Columbus is hosting a Christmas Community Food Drive on Saturday December 12th from 9am to 12pm at St. Martin de Porres Church (Parking Lot), located at 4179 Lawrence Ave E. This will be a drive-through food drive with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place. Community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items, much needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the Knights of Columbus will take donations from the trunk of your car. The food items will then be delivered to community Food Banks, who will support over 1700 families this Christmas season.

Join Social Assistance Coalition of Scarborough (SACS) for a follow-up virtual Q & A on government benefits during COVID for recipients of Ontario Works and ODSP on Thursday December 10, 2020 from 6pm to 8pm. You can send in your questions to sacs.communitygroup@gmail.com by December 1, 2020. Register here.

Toronto Police Service Hosts Four Community Conversations: Race-based Data Collection starting Wednesday November 25 from 6:30pm to 8pm. The conversation will be available on WebEx, YouTube, and can be followed via #TPSRaceData on Twitter. To participate in the session by asking questions: join via WebEx. To watch the session, view the livestream on YouTube. More information and details on the following conversations can be found here.

Scarborough Business Association will be hosting its Annual General Meeting & 5th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday November 25th from 6:30pm to 8pm. The event will be opened by Mayor John Tory. Join to network with fellow business leaders, connect, share and engage without leaving th comfort of your own home. To register please visit this link.

December 1st is Giving Tuesday! Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is an important time for us to come together, empower each other and rally for favourite causes. Join Scarborough Health Network Foundation – and other causes from across Canada and around the world – on December 1 and give a gift that will help shape the future of care for patients and their families. More information and how to make your gift early, please visit this link.

For Giving Tuesday this year, Parents Engaged in Education are raising funds to establish Canada’s First Education Bank to service the West Hill/Guildwood and Malvern areas of Scarborough. This Education Bank will give low income students and families in Scarborough access to art supplies, curriculum support, amenities for self-care for teens, books and more. See this flyer for more details. Visit www.parentsengagedineducation.ca to donate!

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

Toronto District School Board Open Houses and Information Sessions will be hosted virtually for parents, guardians and students between November and January. Learn everything you need to know about an incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. Sessions are held live or pre-recorded. Details on TDSB schools, open houses and information sessions can be found here.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. The gardens will be planted in 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

November 23, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

Toronto has now entered the Grey-Lockdown level of restrictions in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Please stay home as much as possible, except for essential trips for groceries, healthcare, child care, school and work. Remember to practice physical distancing, washing your hands as often as possible and wear a mask or face covering. Residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household and to remain at home when ill. I encourage you to read the Grey-Lockdown level guidelines and the province’s news release for more information.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 22, 2020) There has been an increase of 331 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 167 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 38,135 cases of COVID-19, of these, 32,166 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,544 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 6 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19. Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

The City of Toronto has made modifications to its facilities and services to adhere to the provincial lockdown measures and reduce the spread of COVID-19. The new protections impact some City services and facilities including child care, libraries, community centres and more. To see the full list of impacts, currently being update, please visit this link.

The Ontario government is providing $116.5 million to create up to 766 more beds at 32 hospitals and alternate health facilities across the province. Scarborough Health Network will be receiving $11.8 million to create up to 45 hospital beds and 8 critical care beds to help alleviate hospital capacity pressures and reduce wait times amidst the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in Scarborough. More information can be read in the news release.

The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) is LIVE! The hardest hit small businesses can receive a subsidy of up to 65%. This will also be combined with a Lockdown Support of an additional 25% for businesses that are under a mandatory public health lockdown. For more information please visit this link.

Toronto Public Library branches will be closed Today, November 23 and Tuesday, November 24 to adjust services to align with the new regulations. Library branches will reopen on Wednesday, November 25 with limited in-branch services, you will be able to place holds on new materials, return your library materials, reserve a computer and sign up for a library card. More information can be found here.

Considering the provincial lockdown measures Your Toronto Zoo and Terra Lumina will be closed as of Today until further notice. During this closure limited Zoo staff will be onsite to ensure the health and welfare of the 5000 animals in their care. Full refunds will be issued for Toronto Zoo, Holiday Marketplace and Terra Lumina ticket holders and Zoo Memberships will be extended for the duration of this closure. For more information please visit www.torontozoo.com

Based on the City of Toronto being moved into the lockdown category Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre will be closed to the public and all in-person activities including all aquatic and club sports are suspended until further notice. Members will have access to virtual group fitness classes at www.video.tpasc.ca and additional classes will be added to the virtual class schedule. More information can be found here.

The KGO Storefront is closing their building temporarily as of Today, November 23, 2020 until at least January 4, 2021. The KGO Storefront are still available remotely via phone at 416-208-9889 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, to speak to a community resource specialist. Stay tuned to their social media channels and their KGO Updates e-newsletter, here.

Toronto Police Service Hosts Four Community Conversations: Race-based Data Collection starting Wednesday November 25 from 6:30pm to 8pm. The conversation will be available on WebEx, YouTube, and can be followed via #TPSRaceData on Twitter. To participate in the session by asking questions: join via WebEx. To watch the session, view the livestream on YouTube. More information and details on the following conversations can be found here.

Scarborough Business Association will be hosting its Annual General Meeting & 5th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday November 25th from 6:30pm to 8pm. The event will be opened by Mayor John Tory. Join to network with fellow business leaders, connect, share and engage without leaving th comfort of your own home. To register please visit this link.

December 1st is Giving Tuesday! Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is an important time for us to come together, empower each other and rally for favourite causes. Join Scarborough Health Network Foundation – and other causes from across Canada and around the world – on December 1 and give a gift that will help shape the future of care for patients and their families. More information and how to make your gift early, please visit this link.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

Toronto District School Board Open Houses and Information Sessions will be hosted virtually for parents, guardians and students between November and January. Learn everything you need to know about an incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. Sessions are held live or pre-recorded. Details on TDSB schools, open houses and information sessions can be found here.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. The gardens will be planted in 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

November 21, 2020

Dear Neighbours,

Toronto Public Health will be moved into the Lockdown-Grey level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework on November 23, 2020 at 12:01am along with Peel Regional Health Unit. Measures under Lockdown include, but are not limited to:

No indoor gatherings, except with members of the same household.

Outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.

Retail is permitted to be open for curbside pick-up or delivery only with the exception of groceries, pharmacies, hardware stores, liquor stores.

Restaurants, bars and food and drink establishments will only be able to provide take out drive, through and delivery.

Personal care services closed.

Indoor sports and recreation facilities are closed.

I encourage you to read the Lockdown-Grey level guidelines and the province’s news release for more information.

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update: (Data as of November 19, 2020) There has been an increase of 420 COVID-19 cases in the City of Toronto. There are 174 people currently hospitalized. Through the pandemic the City of Toronto has seen a total of 36,821 cases of COVID-19, of these, 30,838 cases have recovered. To this date, there have been 1,515 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto, an increase of 7 deaths from the day before. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is especially important this year to help protect our healthcare system during the fight against COVID-19. Learn more about the flu online at www.toronto.ca/flu and book your flu shot appointment at www.tphbookings.ca

November 20th is Transgender Day of Remembrance. We have raised the Transgender Pride flag at City Hall to recognize this important day.

The City of Toronto will more than double its supply of winter park washrooms from 64 to 143 as part of its ongoing response to COVID-19. City staff are presenting a plan and report to November City Council that will add 79 new winter washrooms across the city on top of the 64 locations typically available. The report comes in response to a request by City Council last month to explore expanding the number of public washrooms available throughout the winter. More information can be read in the news release.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is proud to celebrate the launch of its film, “Building A Better Future”, produced by BBC StoryWorks. The intention of ‘Building a Better Future’ was to look at case studies and projects occurring within organizations that translate rhetoric into action. By shining a light on the most interesting examples of best practice from across the sector, the series hopes to increase awareness and understanding, and drive change in the ways in which buildings are designed, built and operated. More information can be read in the news release.

Scarborough Business Association will be hosting its Annual General Meeting & 5th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday November 25th from 6:30pm to 8pm. The event will be opened by Mayor John Tory. Join to network with fellow business leaders, connect, share and engage without leaving th comfort of your own home. To register please visit this link.

December 1st is Giving Tuesday! Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is an important time for us to come together, empower each other and rally for favourite causes. Join Scarborough Health Network Foundation – and other causes from across Canada and around the world – on December 1 and give a gift that will help shape the future of care for patients and their families. More information and how to make your gift early, please visit this link.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Club of East Scarborough Holiday Help Program is now accepting various forms of donations. Donate essential daily items, toys, non-perishables, and/or monetary donations. All donations are asked to be dropped off at their main site, 100 Galloway Rd, no later than Friday December 4th, 2020. More information on how to participate in the Holiday Help Program can be found here. If you have any questions please contact 416-281-0262 or email info@esbgc.ca.

Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Public Information Centre #3. The purpose of the Public Information Centre is to present and seek feedback on the preliminary design and results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The Public Information Centre #3 will run until Friday December 18, 2020, please view the dedicated page and participate by using the Ask-A-Question box, please visit this link.

People facing hunger in Toronto need our help! Toronto Miracle is inviting Toronto residents to leave a non-perishable food item on their doorstep (marked for Toronto Miracle) on December 5th at 10am. Volunteers will collect these donations and redistribute to those in need in the community. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www.torontomiracle.org

Toronto District School Board Open Houses and Information Sessions will be hosted virtually for parents, guardians and students between November and January. Learn everything you need to know about an incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. Sessions are held live or pre-recorded. Details on TDSB schools, open houses and information sessions can be found here.

The Toronto BIA Office is now accepting applications for Stream 6 of the BIA Innovation Fund. Awards range from $5000 to $25000. Finding is Limited. Descriptions of projects previously funded under the program can be found here, along with feature stories. Special consideration will be given to projects that address economic support and recovery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply is Thursday December 10th, 2020 4:30pm. Apply NOW.

Create a pollinator garden and help native pollinators from the threats of climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. The deadline to apply for the City’s PollinateTO Community Grant is January 8, 2021. The gardens will be planted in 2021. More information about the PollinateTO Community Grants is available at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO

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