May 19 - Update
- Councillor Nunziata
- May 19, 2020
- 5 min read
The Toronto Zoo is opening for a scenic drive-through safari. visit torontozoo.com/scenicsafari
Dear Friends and Neighbours,
I hope that everyone was able to take some time to enjoy the long weekend.
Today, the Province of Ontario announced that schools will remain closed until the end of this school year. All students who were on track to graduate from secondary school before the initial school closure order was made in March will be able to graduate, and all students will receive report cards.
The Province has also extended all emergency orders currently in force until May 29, 2020. That includes the closure of bars and restaurants except for takeout and delivery only, restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people, and staff redeployment rules for long-term care homes. The government is also allowing drive-in religious gatherings. Read the full news release here.
Today, the federal government announced that the Canada-U.S. border will remain closed for another 30 days until June 21st and also announced the expansion of eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to include many owner-operated small businesses.
North York Women's Centre (116 Industry St) are hiring a Peer Support Worker! For details on the job description and qualifications, please click here. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to jobs@nywc.org by 10:00 AM on Monday, May 25, 2020. Applicants must be between 15 and 30 years of age. They are looking to fill the position by early June.
Sincerely,
Frances Nunziata
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REOPENING ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CITY
The City’s more than 70 dog off-leash areas opened today following the Province’s amendments to an order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. While visiting, people must continue to practise physical distancing by staying 2 metres (6 feet) or three happy dogs apart.
More information is also available at the COVID-19: Changes to City Services under the Parks tab.
Details on the reopening of park amenities that are part of the province's first phase of recovery will be announced in the coming days, as the City finalizes operational plans in consultation with Toronto Public Health.
The City of Toronto, under the guidance of the Medical Officer of Health, is gradually reopening City facilities and restarting operations where it is safe to do so. As part of the City’s phased resumption of services, Drop-off Depots (Transfer Stations) are now partially reopening to the public.
Starting on Tuesday, May 19, at 6 p.m., Bermondsey and Ingram Drop-off Depots will open to the public on weeknights for drop-off of recycling, garbage, and yard waste. Hours of operation are as follows:
Bermondsey: Monday to Thursday from 6 p.m. to midnight and 12:30 a.m. to 6 a.m., Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Ingram: Monday to Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight and 12:30 am to 6 a.m.
In addition, Bermondsey, Ingram, as well as Scarborough Drop-off Depots will be open to the public on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for drop-off of recycling, garbage, and yard waste, as well as household hazardous waste. For more information please read the news release or view the COVID-19: Changes to City Services COVID-19: Changes to City Services web page.
The Toronto Zoo will open for a drive-through experience starting Saturday. Visitors can tour around the Zoo from the comfort of their car for a 45-minute safari adventure starting May 23. Tickets will be on sale starting May 22 and must be purchased in advance. For more information, please visit torontozoo.com/scenicsafari
UPDATES
The City of Toronto has reached an interim settlement with respect to a motion for an injunction regarding the City’s unprecedented response to protect those experiencing homelessness in Toronto.
The interim settlement confirms the City's commitment and on-going work since March to physical distancing in shelter and respite sites of at least two metres of lateral separation between beds or alternate sleeping arrangements, and no use of the upper bunks of bunk beds in any setting. The City is also ensuring that all alternative indoor space offered to anyone living outside meets physical distancing measures.
Toronto has the largest shelter system in Canada, with 75 shelter and respite sites for more than 7,000 people, including almost 3,000 people already sheltered in hotels and family settings. Of the 75 shelter sites located in Toronto, 11 are operated directly by the City. The remaining 64 programs are operated by community non-profit agencies.
Toronto’s Shelter, Support & Housing Administration (SSHA) has worked tirelessly with Toronto Public Health, other City divisions, provincial and federal governments, and the non-profit sector to rapidly tailor solutions to protect the city’s most vulnerable from COVID-19.
At the outset of this COVID-19 pandemic, SSHA conducted an impact assessment to determine the greatest areas of risk so that the City could prioritize its actions. This was done in conjunction with Toronto Public Health.
Transitional housing for those living on the street was secured in April, with 125 apartments in midtown Toronto where clients receive supports, such as food, security and health supports.
Also in April, the City opened a 200-bed recovery facility for people experiencing homelessness who have tested positive for COVID-19. This first-of-its-kind facility in Canada has been done in partnership with University Health Network, Inner City Health Associates and other community health providers. The City has been utilizing its fleet to safely transport individuals awaiting COVID-19 test results and those who test positive to isolation and recovery facilities. The City also worked with the Provincial government and healthcare partners to open a second recovery site.
To protect the tree canopy and vulnerable trees from European Gypsy Moth infestation, the City of Toronto will implement the first round of its aerial spray program during the week of May 25 in a portion of Ward 2 – Etobicoke Centre. For more information please click here.
Physical distancing remains crucial as Toronto Public Health continues to report new cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. There are 8,866 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 263 cases since yesterday. There are 416 cases in hospital, with 90 in ICU. In total, 6,616 cases are resolved, an increase of 123 cases since yesterday (data as of May 18, 4 p.m.). Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.
Enforcement update
While healthy residents are encouraged to get fresh air and exercise, provincial orders and the City bylaw on physical distancing remain in effect, requiring people who are not from the same household to maintain a physical distance of two metres in a park or public square. The City’s coordinated COVID-19 Enforcement Team is continuing their important work across the city, educating residents on the bylaw and provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act orders. This month, the enforcement team has issued 53 tickets related to the use of amenities or gatherings in parks or squares and spoken to 3,725 people.
For the latest updates from the City of Toronto, please click here.
For the latest updates from the Federal Government, please click here.
For the latest updates from the Province of Ontario, please click here.
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