May 12 - Update

Dear Friends and neighbours,

Today, the provincial legislature voted in favour of extending Ontario’s declared state of emergency until June 2. The declaration will allow the province to continue to enforce current emergency orders (effective since March 17), such as restricting retirement and long-term care home employees from working in more than one facility and prohibiting events and gatherings of more than five people.

The Government of Canada announced a tax-free one-time assistance payment for seniors to help manage extra costs associated with COVID-19. The payment will be automatically added in the amount of $300 for seniors who receive old age security (OAS) and $200 for those who receive the guaranteed income supplement (GIC). You do not have to submit any additional applications to receive this payment.

Check out the latest BusinessTO newsletter, which focuses on resources and supports that are available to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Toronto businesses. This edition features links to the ShopHERE program and the BusinessTO Support Centre, guidelines for retailers to open for curb-side pick-up, and more.,

I would like to remind everyone that when taking garbage out on collection days, bag tags are still required for any extra garbage bags!

Sincerely,

Frances Nunziata

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Allotment gardens are open for the 2020 season

The City’s community gardens and allotment gardens are open for the 2020 season as the Province of Ontario has amended its emergency order. Plans for the safe operation of these gardens include COVID-19 public health guidelines. This week, permit holders were notified that their allotment is available. All permit holders must sign the provided permit and declaration forms before they can attend an allotment garden. Visit the City’s website for more information about allotment and community gardens.

Stay, Play & Learn at Home

If you’re looking for ways to stay active and engaged while practicing social distancing or self-isolating at home, visit the City’s new Stay, Play & Learn at Home web page to find a listing of free recreational and fitness programs, fun virtual learning and leisure activities. You can sort activities by type, time commitment and audience. There’s something in the listing for every age group and the page will continue to be updated with more virtual resources.

2020 Canadian National Exhibition is cancelled

Canada’s largest fair, and an iconic Toronto celebration, will not light up this summer. The Canadian National Exhibition Association (CNEA) announced today, that this year’s CNE will not move forward with its 18-day event slated for August 21 to September 7, 2020 at Exhibition Place. The event is cancelled this year out of an abundance of caution to safeguard the health of CNE employees, volunteers, visitors, vendors and artists; and its shared responsibility in protecting public safety during this unprecedented health crisis. For more information, please visit the CNE website.

City of Toronto update on COVID-19

Toronto Public Health continues to see new infections in the city. There are 7,775 people infected with COVID-19 in Toronto, an increase of 218 since yesterday. There are also 5,449 people who have recovered from the virus, an increase of 109 since yesterday. Additional case status information can be found on the City’s reporting platform. Get the latest health advice on the City’s website.

COVID-19 Enforcement

The COVID-19 Enforcement Team is continuing their important work across the city, educating residents on the City's physical distancing bylaw and provincial Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act orders. The City received 24 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open. Since March 24, 132 tickets and 269 notices have been issued to non-essential businesses. There have been no complaints related to new retail business curbside pickup. Yesterday, the City received 78 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks or squares. Bylaw officers issued four tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued since May 1 to 55 tickets. This month, bylaw and police officers have spoken to 2,141 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures. Residents can report non-compliance online though the City’s website.