August 19 - eNews & COVID-19 Update

Dear Friends and Neighbours,

I hope that you're staying safe while making the most of the summer weather!

I am excited to see that given the Provincial and City protocols for gradual reopening, we are starting to see the return of some outdoor community events. I very much look forward to seeing you and your families back in the community.

As always, please ensure that if you do attend any public events, that you follow all guidance from public health officials, including wearing a mask, maintaining physical distancing, and keeping your hands and frequently touched surfaces clean.  

Sincerely,

Frances

___________________________

Upcoming Events

Thursday, August 20 - Sunday, August 23 Alphonse in the Park

Shakespeare in Action is partnering with Theaturtle to present Alphonse in the Park at Little Avenue Memorial Park (22 Little Avenue). This is one of Toronto's first live in-person performances of a play since COVID-19 closed stages back in March, and it's all happening right here in the heart of Weston! Perfromances take place each night from August 20-23 at 7 PM. Get tickets and find out more about the performance here. I'm very much looking forward to attending one of the performances this weekend!

All safety protocols issued by the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto will be in place, including socially distanced pods spaced 6 feet apart that can accommodate parties of 1-6 people. Bring your own blanket and remember to wear a mask for the duration of the performance.

Friday, August 21 Moving House, Finding Home - A Community Parade

Shadowland Theatre and Arts in the Park present a spectacular outdoor theatrical parade! Starting at the Falstaff Community Centre (50 Falstaff Ave), stilt walkers, a giant puppet, and music will be roving the streets of the neighbourhood from 7-8 PM. Join the fun from your balcony, home, or porch as the parade circles the park in celebration of resilience and hope. For more info, contact info@shadowlandtheatre.ca or 416-898-0946.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this event is subject to change, including postponement and/or cancellation, in accordance with provincial and municipal public health guidelines. Check the event website for updated details. 

News

Mount Dennis BIA Working on Streetscape Improvements

The Mount Dennis Business Improvement Area (BIA) is working with City Staff on improvements to some key intersections in the neighbourhood. PLANT Architects have created new designs for the intersections of Weston Rd and Denarda Ave and Weston Rd and Eglinton Ave W. Each of the new public spaces will have seating, plantings, trees, and will incorporate high quality surface treatment. The parkettes will be constructed by City-approved contractors and will be paid and maintained by the BIA. To view a rendering of the plans for the corner of Denarda Ave, please click here. To view a rendering of the corner of Eglinton Ave W, please click here. The City and BIA partnership to reimagine and improve public realm is a critical part to build livable neighbourhoods and support a vibrant local economy. 

Tree Planting in Ward 5

Earlier this summer I informed residents that tree planting is planned this year for Eglinton Flats Park, Fergy Brown Park, and Noble Park. I am pleased to inform everyone that more parks have been added to the tree planting schedule for 2020! This includes Falstaff Park, Henrietta Park, and Trethewey Park. The estimated window for planting is September-December. Plans are created to meet replacement requirements and to achieve the City's goal of increasing the tree canopy.

While I have you on the topic of tree planting, I'd also like to mention that last week the City announced it will be resuming the volunteer tree planting and forest stewardship program. The program was suspended in March as part of the City’s response to COVID-19. The Forestry Community Stewardship Program will resume in a modified format to meet provincial restrictions and public health recommendations. Participants must be at least 14 years of age or be accompanied by legal guardian. Find out more here. To apply for the program, please email greentoronto@toronto.ca for registration forms and program information.

Property Tax, Water & Solid Waste Relief Programs

Low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities may be able to apply for the Property Tax, Water and Solid Waste Relief Programs. In response to COVID-19, the deadline to apply for the programs is extended to October 30, 2020. Beginning in the fall, online applications will also become available. To find out if you qualify, to print the application form, or to learn more about the programs, please click here. 

Special Waste Disposal Instructions

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an increase in the disposal of Personal Protective Equipment and other hygienic materials. As a reminder, all personal hygiene/sanitary products, including tissues, napkins, paper towels, wipes, masks and gloves should be disposed of in the garbage. Diapers can continue to be disposed of in the Green Bin.

All material placed in garbage bins should be bagged, specifically cleaning products such as wipes, tissues/napkins/paper towels and other sanitary/hygiene products.

COVID-19 Updates

City prepares for back to school with public health resources, fall recreation programs and after-school care

The City of Toronto is helping students stay safe and healthy as they head back to school in the fall. While the Province and local school boards are responsible for the back to school plans, Toronto Public Health has been providing guidance to Toronto school boards on these plans to ensure a safer return to school for children. Toronto Public Health is establishing a team of more than 70 nurses to provide strong support to schools as they reopen and promote infection prevention and control measures. Public health teams will also be providing mental health and well-being support in school settings, along with rapid-response outbreak investigation, case management and support the planning process for testing if a COVID-19 case is detected in a school setting. Read more about this here. 

City further expands Digital Main Street program to help local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic

Today, the City announced another expansion of the Digital Main Street program, as two new funding partners have joined the program and additional initiatives have been launched that will focus on helping businesses in Toronto embrace technology in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today both Intuit Quickbooks and Facebook Canada are also joining Digital Main Street as funding partners. Their support will help Digital Main Street expand providing one-on-one support to main street businesses looking to digitally transform their operations. Find out more about the new programs that are available here. 

City of Toronto update on COVID-19

There are 15,668 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 24 since yesterday. There are 49 people hospitalized. In total, 14,230 people have recovered from COVID-19, an increase of 30 since yesterday. To date, there have been 1,164 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto – with no deaths since yesterday. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

The age distribution of reported COVID-19 cases continues to shift to younger age groups. In the most recent two weeks, the average age of positive cases was 39 years old, compared to 52 years overall for the entire outbreak. While younger cases have not been made severely ill by COVID-19 and are less likely to be hospitalized, they can still transmit the virus to others, especially to vulnerable groups. In Toronto, many young people live with multi-generational families and make up a large part of our service-based workforce.

Provincial orders under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act and the City bylaw on physical distancing remain in effect. Yesterday, the City received 28 complaints related to parks use and physical distancing. Officers have cautioned more than 3,100 people this month about physical distancing, alcohol, bonfires and littering bylaws. This month, enforcement officers have issued 30 tickets related to liquor, open fires and social distancing.

As more of the city’s businesses continue to reopen, residents can learn about what to expect and what is required as Toronto moves into the new normal and they begin to visit more establishments and take part in more activities at toronto.ca/ReopenTO. Safe reopening guidelines for businesses and organizations are also available at toronto.ca/Reopening.

Notices

Cannabis and Liquor Licence applications - Public Comment Period Open There are currently five applications at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for establishments in York South—Weston (3 for cannabis retail authorization, and 2 for liquor sales). These applications are undergoing public notice. If you have concerns about these applications, you may submit your comments as per below.

To search open applications, go to: https://www.iagco.agco.ca/prod/pub/en/Default.aspx?PossePresentation=PublicNoticeSearch

Search for the applications using the following information:

Category: Cannabis Premises Name: Grass Station Premises Address: 2292 Keele St File Number: 1027150 *Deadline for submissions is August 29, 2020

Category: Cannabis Premises Name: Canna Cabana Keele Premises Address: 2318 Keele St File Number: 1013881 *Deadline for submissions is August 28, 2020

Category: Cannabis Premises Name: MaryJane's Cannabis Premises Address: 2596 Weston Rd North File Number: 1046608 *Deadline for submissions is August 29, 2020

Category: Liquor Premises Name: Punta Cana Haus Premises Address: 1902 Jane St File Number: 1005694 *Deadline for submission is August 25, 2020

Category: Liquor Premises Name: Denny's Premises Address: 2575 St. Clair Ave W File Number: 800970 *Deadline for submissions is August 27, 2020

For the latest COVID-19 updates from the City of Toronto, please click here.

For the latest COVID-19 updates from the Federal Government, please click here. 

For the latest COVID-19 updates from the Province of Ontario, please click here.