Latest Update
City Presents COVID-19 Resurgence Plan
Dear Friends,
We’re now in September and in the seventh month of the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto. We’re all trying to hold on to summer before fall arrives and we’re looking forward to this upcoming long weekend.
This week the City presented its COVID-19 Resurgence Plan. We know a resurgence (second wave) is possible and we need to be prepared. You can find further information in this email.
I know there are still many concerns about kids going back to school. 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 to ensure a safer return. You can find more information in our Trustee Jennifer Story’s recent update and on the TDSB’s website at https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Return-to-School.
The City will be offering fall recreation programs beginning this October, as well as After-school Recreation Care (ARC) and Community Leadership After-School Program (CLASP) this September. Registration for fall recreation programming will take place from September 12 to 16. More information about fall recreation and after school programs, public health measures and registration is available attoronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation.
I’d like to remind you that we still need to be careful and vigilant – it is not the time to bend the rules. We must continue following public health measures: maintain physical distance, wash your hands, stay within your social bubble, and wear a mask or face covering when indoors or when physical distancing cannot be maintained
Let’s all have a safe and enjoyable Labour Day weekend!
In this email you can find the following information:
City’s COVID-19 Resurgence Plan
Virtual Tenants’ Workshop
I heART Main Street Art Challenge
Chester Station Update
City Extending Outdoor Pool Season at 10 Locations
Toronto International Film Festival 2020
Bike Share Free Ride Wednesdays
City’s COVID-19 Resurgence Plan
The City has presented its COVID-19 Resurgence Plan, which outlines priorities and associated actions that the City will implement in the event of a resurgence of COVID-19.
The five priority areas of the City’s response are:
implement public health measures
support vulnerable populations
support City employees
mitigate the impact to Toronto’s economy and
ensure the resiliency of City services and a coordinated response.
The City, including its agencies and corporations, conducted a review of its COVID-19 response during the first wave in order to identify what worked well, challenges and practical actions to improve preparedness for future resurgences of COVID-19. Additionally, the plan takes into account the colder weather of the coming months and the associated impacts on people and services.
Toronto Public Health (TPH) continues to advance plans and strategies based on scientific evidence and on best practices from international jurisdictions. TPH has increased staffing to enhance the capacity to trace and contact people with COVID-19 and those with whom they have had contact.
TPH is also advising and partnering with key agencies and organizations in the city, implementing response activity based on local data, will be active directly in communities through containment strategies, including community outreach teams.
I am hosting a Virtual Tenants’ Workshop with MPP Peter Tabuns and Don Valley Community Legal Services on Tuesday, September 15th starting at 7:00 pm.
Learn about your rights and how Bill 184 will impact tenants. There will be a presentation by Stewart Cruikshank, lawyer from Don Valley Community Legal Services, followed by a Q & A.
To support our city and the culture that brings our communities together, STEPSrecently launched the “I heART Main Street Art Challenge.” STEPS is providing artists and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) with the opportunity to increase feelings of trust and community through DIY art installations.
The 42 new artworks currently underway were brought to life in collaboration with 25 local creatives; many of whom identify as emerging or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) artists who have been impacted by a loss of income as a result of the pandemic.
Here in Toronto-Danforth, four of our BIAs are participating:
Riverside BIA has installed portraits and typographical artwork to exhibit along with stories of BIPOC members of the Riverside community
Leslieville BIA has installed two ground murals to in their CafeTO parklets
Gerrard India Bazaar BIA has a series of sidewalk decals and artwork to animate their storefronts
I encourage you to visit our BIAs and check out these beautiful new art installations. Our local small businesses need support – remember to shop local!
The new elevators at Chester Station are now open ahead of schedule. The station was closed for two weeks in June to accelerate the construction. The TTC is making progress towards its goal of making all stations accessible as part of the Easier Access Program.
Work at the Chester Station second exit site is progressing and scheduled for completion in 2021. In order to safely carry out activities, the walkway north of the work zone has been closed. The walkway has been rerouted through the south end of the parking lot. This shift will be in place until the end of the year.
City Extending Outdoor Pool Season at 10 Locations
Torontonians can stretch out the summer at 10 City outdoor pools which will remain open until September 13. The ten outdoor pools include:
Alex Duff, 779 Crawford St.
Donald D. Summerville, 1867 Lake Shore Blvd. E.
Heron Park, 292 Manse Rd.
Grandravine, 23 Grandravine Dr.
McGregor, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.
Parkway Forest, 59 Forest Manor Rd.
Pine Point, 15 Grierson Rd.
Riverdale Park, 550 Broadview Ave.
Sunnyside-Gus Ryder, 1755 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
West Mall, 370 The West Mall
All outdoor pools will have regular hours this Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, September 7 for Labour Day, these 10 pools will be open from 12 to 5 p.m. From Tuesday September 8, to Sunday, September 13, the pools will offer drop-in leisure swimming from 1 to 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 6 is the last day of summer operation for all other outdoor pools and wading pools. Splash pads will be open on Labour Day and will remain open daily until September 13. Parents and caregivers are reminded to supervise their children at all times. Indoors pools will be closed on Labour Day.
The 45th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), taking place September 10–19, is tailored to fit the moment, with physical screenings and drive-ins, digital screenings, virtual red carpets, press conferences, and industry talks. This year’s selection comprises a lineup of 50 new feature films, five programmes of short films, as well as interactive talks, film cast reunions, and Q&As with cast and filmmakers.
The worldwide health crisis has affected everyone working in the cultural industries, and TIFF has been severely impacted. Its role in the ecosystem of the film industry was the impetus to move forward, to deliver a film festival that inspires and engages audiences, and to serve as a beacon of hope for Toronto, for filmmakers, and for the international film industry.
Bike Share Toronto riders will ride for free every Wednesday in the month of September. Riders can take out a bike for up to 30 minutes, return the bike to any station, and take out another bike for an additional free 30-minute ride.
Thank you to all of our health care workers and frontline workers, and everyone else who is working to keep us going and keep us safe. And thank you again to everyone for following public health measures.
We’re in this together.
I will continue to send out regular updates to keep you informed. Please checktoronto.ca/covid19 for the latest information.
Remember to take care of yourselves and please contact my office if I can be of assistance.
Working for you,
Paula Fletcher
City Councillor
Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth
