Latest Update
City to Look at Toronto’s Recovery from Pandemic
Dear Friends,
I hope you’ve been keeping well and staying healthy. There were some new changes and new restrictions announced last week – if you missed anything, you can find the information in my last update.
I know we’re being asked to do so many things and make many sacrifices. We have entered a new phase in the pandemic this fall, and as difficult as things may be right now, it means that we are hopefully getting closer to returning to life without such restrictions.
This week the City Manager released his report, “Towards Recovery and Building a Renewed Toronto.” This report outlines his recommendations to best position Toronto for recovery from COVID-19 and its profound impacts on the city. You can find more details below.
Many of you also have questions about Halloween. We are still waiting on the advice and guidelines from Toronto Public Health, and as soon as I have more information I will be sure to share it with you.
Remember to keep following these important public health measures – keep at least six feet apart from others outside your household, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and remain at home if you’re sick.
In this email you can find the following information:
City Manager’s Report – Towards Recovery and Building a Renewed Toronto
Support for Small Business
ActiveTO Major Road Closures October 17-18
Dieppe Park Online Community Consultation
Nominate a COVID Community Hero
Riverside Virtual Howl-O-Ween
City’s Cricket Strategy
ACORN Tenants’ Rights Workshop – Above the Guideline Rent Increases
Waterfront Toronto Quayside Public Engagement
Good Neighbour Project – Volunteers Needed
Don’t Mess with the Don Cleanup Event
City Manager’s Report – Towards Recovery and Building a Renewed Toronto
On October 21, a report from Toronto City Manager Chris Murray will go before the City’s Executive Committee. The report outlines the City Manager’s recommendations to best position Toronto for recovery from COVID-19 and its profound health, economic, equity, social and financial impacts on the city.
The report is one in a series of reports to Toronto City Council that outlines actions the City of Toronto has and will undertake to address the challenges of the pandemic, key accomplishments, findings from other jurisdictions, insights from engagements and research, and advice to Council on how the City should move towards recovery and prosperity, amidst this evolving emergency.
The Toronto Office of Recovery & Rebuild (TORR) has also produced the COVID-19: Impacts and Opportunities report (appended to the City Manager’s report). This report outlines the results of TORR’s work and provides recommendations to the City Manager to support the recovery and rebuild of Toronto communities, organizations, partners and businesses.
The COVID-19: Impacts and Opportunities report, as well as data from Toronto Public Health, demonstrates the disproportionate impacts COVID-19 has had on racialized and other equity-seeking communities and the deepening concerns arising from inequalities across residents, neighbourhoods and communities. The City Manager’s report emphasizes the need for disaggregated data to inform decision-making while calling for strengthening of the City’s equity and reconciliation infrastructure to ensure this divide closes and is not deepened.
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit small businesses hard. Many are struggling and the new restrictions that prohibit indoor dining are impacting restaurants and bars. Now more than ever, our local businesses need our support. Please shop local whenever possible and consider ordering take-out or delivery. Outdoor dining is still allowed and the CafeTO program is running until November 15th.
I hope these programs are implemented quickly and are designed to truly meet the challenges business are facing.
The City is also extending its partnership with Ritual to launch Open For Business – a collaboration with Ritual and DoorDash to help local businesses across Toronto increase their commission-free online sales. Toronto businesses can learn more about Open For Business and enroll at ritual.co/toronto.
ActiveTO major weekend road closures will be in place from Saturday, October 17 at 6 a.m. until Sunday, October 18 at 11 p.m.
Lake Shore Boulevard West (eastbound lanes only) from Windermere Avenue to Stadium Road. As a result, the eastbound Gardiner Expressway off ramp to Lake Shore Boulevard West (exit #146) will also be closed.
Bayview Avenue from Front Street East to Rosedale Valley Road, and River Street from Gerrard Street East to Bayview Avenue
The ActiveTO closure normally on Lake Shore Boulevard East (between Leslie Street and Woodbine Avenue) will not be in place to provide more alternative routes for drivers due to planned and important nearby construction on the Gardiner Expressway.
Dieppe Park is in line for some upgrades and I want to hear from you! I am hosting an online community consultation via Zoom next week. Please register in advance.
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2020
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Do you know a community member or organization who has been making a difference during the pandemic? Let’s recognize them for their great work! Please send me an email at councillor_fletcher@toronto.ca with your contact details, their information and why you are nominating them.
Riverside Virtual Howl-O-Ween
Each year, Riverside businesses and community agencies host spooktacular Halloween events. This year since we can’t gather together we’re joining forces to bring you the VIRTUAL Riverside Howl-O-Ween on Thursday, October 29th from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Kids (of all ages, dogs welcome too!) can dress up and join the fun. Costume contest, spooky songs & stories, treats & more!
The City of Toronto is developing a Cricket Strategy to support the growth of cricket. Join the public meeting on Monday, October 26th from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm to learn more about the strategy, ask the project team questions, and share your ideas for growing the sport.
ACORN Tenants’ Rights Workshop – Above the Guideline Rent Increases
ACORN is hosting an online workshop for tenants on Thursday, October 22 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. They will be covering details related to above guideline rent increases, what they mean and how to fight back.
Two easy ways to join:
1) By phone – dial 647-374-4685, and then enter meeting ID 217 763 0191, press # and then press # again.
2) Click this Zoom link to join – https://bit.ly/2V35FJi
After Google/Sidewalk Lab’s waterfront takeover project fell apart on Quayside, Waterfront Toronto launched their public engagement which is taking place throughout October. I am happy to report that after listening to the public’s concerns about Sidewalk’s waterfront plans, they have refocused on affordable housing as a major part of any Quayside development.
The feedback they receive through this engagement will be compiled and included in a public report that will be released in November 2020. For more information about Quayside, including upcoming public consultations and how to get involved, visit the project website at QuaysideTO.ca
Good Neighbour Project – Volunteers Needed
The Good Neighbour Project is a volunteer delivery network dedicated to providing on-the-ground support to assist vulnerable people and health care workers with groceries, essential supplies and medication they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.They are currently in need of more volunteers.
