April 27 - Update

Dear Friends and Neighbours,

This past weekend several residents took it upon themselves to tidy up our community by picking up litter in our parks and on our streets. Thank you to everyone who took the time (and maintained social distancing) to do their part! I’d like to extend a big thank you to Marc Chrus and his team from We-Haul (102 Clouston Ave) who volunteered their time to do a massive cleanup of the Humber River embankment. In just four days, they removed 3850 Kgs of litter! You can see the entire video of their cleanup on the We-Haul website. This also serves as a reminder to please avoid littering!

If you’ve got empty bottles that you’ve been meaning to return for a refund, why not use them to benefit theHumber River Hospital’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund? Empties for Good has teamed up with Safe Storage Depot (1945 Wilson Ave) for this bottle drive. Drop off your empties any day from 9AM-2PM and the money will go to support the hospital! More infohere. 

A thoughtful York South—Westonite has started an online list of small businesses in Rockcliffe-Smythe that residents can support during this challenging time. The list is crowd-sourced and you can check it out or add your business’ info in this online document. Let's support our local community!

Taking care of our mental health is crucial in this period of social distancing. Stronger Minds is a free digital program to support mental well-being through the COVID-19 crisis. Resources are added on an ongoing basis, in response to the evolving needs and interests expressed by participants, including overcoming worry, fear and stress; staying positive and hopeful; dealing with isolation and loneliness; parenting, maintaining motivation, getting better sleep.

Two applications have been submitted to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for cannabis retail stores in York South—Weston. The applications are currently open for public comment. If you have any objections, please submit your comments to the AGCO by clicking here.

You will have to select the ‘Category’ of the application (select ‘Cannabis’) and you will also have to enter the File Number in order to submit comments.

The deadline for comments is May 8, 2020. 

The applications and their file numbers are as follows:

Hobo Cannabis Supply - 1178 Weston Rd, Unit A: File Number 864894

DMAC - 2559 Eglinton Ave W: File Number 880362

Yesterday, the Government of Ontario announced that public schools will remain closed until May 31 to ensure the health and safety of students, staff and families. The Ontario Minister of Education has indicated that there currently isn’t a need to extend the school year into the summer.

Today, the Government of Ontario has released guidelines to reopen the province. The government is planning a three-stage approach to reopening the economy while ensuring there are appropriate measures in place so workplaces can open safely. No firm dates have been determined for when things can start reopening. In the meantime, we must all continue to practice social distancing, staying at home as much as possible, and maintain good hygiene such as washing hands frequently and thoroughly. Read the details of the Province’s plan here. 

Stay safe, everyone!

Sincerely,

Frances Nunziata

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Today’s news: 

CurbTO to re-allocate road space to support physical distancing and access essential businesses

Although pedestrian traffic has dropped across the city as people follow to stay home, there are hot spots on some sidewalks in some areas where it is difficult to physically distance. CurbTO is a common-sense approach to addressing sidewalk hot spots to help encourage physical distancing in areas where it is challenging to avoid the creation of lineups and to support increased demand for pickup and delivery services near essential businesses. Known sidewalk hotspots have been identified by Toronto Public Health, City of Toronto staff in Transportation Services, and Councillors, and more locations will be identified in a measured way based on evidence so that physical distancing can be achieved. CurbTO aligns with the current directive from the Medical Officer of Health that the public should continue to stay home as much as possible and only go out for essential needs such as food and medicine. Businesses can apply and learn more about eligibility criteria and program guidelines for CurbTO at toronto.ca/covid19BusinessTO.

Help save lives by staying home; Promising signs public health measures are working

As Toronto moves into week seven of this pandemic, officials are seeing promising signs that public health measures are working. Dr. de Villa stressed the need to continue to practise social distancing and only leave the house for essential reasons, noting restrictions will be eased sooner if people continue to heed public health advice.

As of this afternoon, there are 4,973 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. This includes 4,493 confirmed cases and 480 probable cases. There are 308 cases hospitalized, with 104 in intensive care units. We continue to see COVID-19 deaths: to date 297 people in Toronto have died from COVID-19. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform. The advice from Toronto’s public health officials has been clear and consistent: To stop the community spread of this deadly virus, we must reduce all contact with others as much as possible. Stay home, except for essential outings.

Statement on notice of application regarding City emergency shelters

The City of Toronto is in possession of the notice of application with respect to its unprecedented, determined and expedited action to protect those experiencing homelessness in Toronto. Toronto’s Shelter, Support & Housing Administration has worked tirelessly with Toronto Public Health, other City divisions, provincial and federal governments, and the community non-profit sector to rapidly tailor solutions for the city’s most vulnerable. Nothing on this scale has ever been experienced by Toronto. The City of Toronto has declared an emergency for the first time in its history to respond to this pandemic and save lives. The City will respond to this notice of application through appropriate court channels. Read the statement on the City’s website.

COVID-19 Enforcement Team continues important work across the city

Enforcement of the City's physical distancing bylaw and the Province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act orders is ongoing. Yesterday, the City received 40 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw and police officers issued three tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued since April 3 to 536. Bylaw and police officers have spoken to more than 11,500 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures. The City also received 46 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open. Since March 24, Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Public Health have issued 76 tickets and 159 notices to non-essential businesses. Residents can report non-compliance online though the City’s website.

High Park cherry blossom festival going virtual

Based on recommendations from the Medical Officer of Health to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives, High Park will be closed during the pre-bloom and peak bloom period of the Sakura trees. The park closure dates are weather-dependent and will be announced when the bloom period is determined. To encourage residents to stay home and stay safe, the City is working on a virtual walk-through of the blossoming trees in High Park. Residents will be able to experience this year's cherry blossom season through multiple livestream events and videos. More details will be announced soon. Visit the City’s website for more information.

What can you do in a park?

At this time, the park is not meant to be a destination like it used to be. People can walk/run, get some exercise and then keep moving. While visiting a park, people must practise physical distancing. Under the City’s physical distancing bylaw, any two people who don't live together, who fail to keep two metres of distance between them in a park or public square, can receive a $1,000 ticket. For more information visit the City’s website.