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Ward 5 eNews & COVID-19 Update
-December 9, 2020-

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Dear Friends and Neighbours,

Pop-up COVID-19 testing is available on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Jane Street Hub until the end of January. For full details and operational hours, see below

I am hosting a virtual meeting on Monday, December 14 for residents of York South-Weston to ask any questions you might have about COVID-19 directly to Dr. Eileen de Villa and Mayor Tory. More details are available below.

Updates on road construction in the Weston area are also available below


Sincerely,

Frances

Inside This Edition
 


Upcoming Virtual Meetings
Upcoming Virtual Events
Notices
News
COVID-19 Updates Back to Top 

 



Upcoming Meetings




Monday, December 14

York South-Weston Q&A with Mayor Tory & Dr. de Villa


I have invited Mayor Tory and Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, along with Joe Cressy, the Chair of the Toronto Public Health Committee, to join me in a Q&A session for residents of York South-Weston. I encourage you to submit questions in advance to councillor_nunziata@toronto.ca. Meeting flyer available here.

Date: December 14 at 7-8 PM
Event link: https://tinyurl.com/y2vnq6n9
Password: YSW
Dial-in: 416-915-6530
Access Code/Meeting Number: 177 606 7767

Please note that if you dial in to the meeting, you will not be able to ask questions during the meeting. Please send any questions in advance. Participants who join online can type a question into the chat box or use the 'raise hand' function to speak.
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Upcoming Virtual Events




Healthy Living During COVID


Unison Health & Community Services are offering a series of virtual sessions to help promote healthy living and mental health throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out details about what's being offered and how to register on this flyer.
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Thursday, December 10


TTC Connects: Women as Transit Operators


The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) held a virtual information session last week for women to consider a career as a transit operator. Due to overwhelming interest in this session, the event reached capacity and the TTC has scheduled a second session on December 10 from 1-3 PM. To find out more and to register for this event, please click here
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Notices 



Cannabis Retail Application: 2427 Eglinton Ave W


An application has been submitted to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for a cannabis retail license at 2427 Eglinton Ave W by Smoke Lab Cannabis. The application is open to public comments, which can be submitted on the AGCO website
This application can be searched using the following information:
Category: Cannabis
File Number: 1100333
Deadline for Comments: Dec 18, 2020
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Liquor License Application: Black Cat Espresso Bar


An application has been submitted to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for a liquor sales license at 46 Rosemount Ave by Black Cat Espresso Bar. The application is open to public comments, which can be submitted on the AGCO website
This application can be searched using the following information:
Category: Liquor
File Number: 1003204
Deadline for Comments: Dec 30, 2020
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Liquor License Application: Pizza Pizza


An application has been submitted to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for a liquor sales license at 1937 Weston Rd (corner of Weston Rd/John St) by Pizza Pizza Restaurant #29. The application is open to public comments, which can be submitted on the AGCO website
This application can be searched using the following information:
Category: Liquor
File Number: 1111830
Deadline for Comments: Jan 3, 2021
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News

 


Update on Road Construction in Weston


I have asked the contractor for a construction update going into the Holidays. they have indicated that mainline sewer work has been just about completed on all streets.
Over the next two weeks, sanitary laterals and water service upgrades will continue on:
  • King St (just west of Pine),
  • MacDonald Ave(at Ralph and also east of Pine to Merrill),
  • Pine St (south of Church to John) 
  • Boyd Ave 
This work involves smaller crews and traffic should only be rolling closures (with the exception of Boyd, it is still closed at Ralph for the time being). 
Temporary asphalt restoration will follow on all these streets, as well as Sykes Ave, and a general clean up before winter shut down. 
The contractors plan to be offsite between Dec 24 and sometime in March/April when they will return for final road works and sod/tree planting on the streets above. 
This means that things should be very quiet for a few months, thankfully!
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Update to Development Application at 1693-1707 Weston Rd


A community meeting was held on April 30, 2018 to discuss the development application for 1695 Weston Rd, 1707 West Rd and 10 Victoria Ave E. Since then, the applicant has added the property at 1693 Weston Road to the application. The newly incorporated property was previously a rental building, and the developer will be providing rental replacement units within the new development, as per city guidelines. The applicant has recently resubmitted a modified design for the mixed use development to include this corner property and incorporated initial comments from the Planning department.
The redevelopment of the subject site with a 23-storey mixed-use building containing 242 apartment units and 350 m2 of retail space at grade. A total of 106 parking spaces would be provided below grade. To see a rendering of their previous submission vs the current submission, please click here. I wanted to ensure that this is brought to the attention of the community so that comments can be submitted to the planning department. 
If you would like to provide comments, please contact Greg Byrne, Senior Planner, at 416-394-8238 or Greg.byrne@toronto.ca. All details about this application can be found on the City's Application Information Centre (direct link here).
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Eglinton Crosstown West Extension Virtual Open House

 

You’re invited to join the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension virtual open house! The open house is entirely online - visit Metrolinx Engage to learn about the project, the progress on the tunnel alignment and stations, and the work beginning next year. Review the material, post a question or contact the team directly at Crosstown@metrolinx.com.
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Provide Your Input on Local Planning Studies: Mount Dennis & Keele/St. Clair 

 

There are two planning studies underway in York South-Weston: one in Mount Dennis and the other in the Keele/St. Clair area. Both of the studies are looking for input from residents using the Social Pinpoint tool. This interactive map helps to identify what places are important to you and what needs improvement. 
Help create a plan for the future of the Keele-St. Clair area by adding your ideas to the Social Pinpoint map here.
Have your say on the Mount Dennis planning study by using the interactive map or filling out a survey here
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Rustic-Maple Leaf Area Holiday Food Drive

 

'Tis the season to give, and the Rustic-Maple Leaf Homeowners Group is organizing a Holiday Food Drive! All donations will be given directly to Amesbury Fire Department #133 for distribution. Urgently needed food items include canned veggies and canned fish, as well as rice, grains and pasta. Donations will be accepted at Rustic Bakery (318 Rustic Rd) until December 20. Flyer available here
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COVID-19 Updates




Local Pop-Up COVID-19 Testing until January

 

In response to the elevated numbers of COVID-19 cases in York South-Weston, Toronto Public Health is increasing local access to testing. A partnership with Humber River Hospital, Jane Street Hub, UrbanArts, and Unison Health & Community Services, will provide regular COVID-19 testing at the Jane Street Hub (1541 Jane St) on the following dates:
Tuesdays: December 15, 22, 29 & January 5, 12, 19, 26 from 3 - 7 PM
Saturdays: December 12 & January 2, 16, 30 from 11 AM - 3 PM
Bring your OHIP card or piece of ID or something with your name on it (passport, bill).
If you have symptoms, or think you may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, come get tested!
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Toronto Public Health Enhances School Screening Tool

 

As of last Friday, Toronto Public Health (TPH) updated their COVID-19 school screening tool to further prevent opportunities for virus spread. The updated screening tool includes a new requirement that if a student has even one COVID-19 symptom, they must stay home, self-isolate and get tested; and if they live with siblings in the same household, they must all self-isolate. The changes made to the tool were based on findings from COVID-19 case and outbreak investigations in schools in Toronto.

As part of the updated guidance, if a child has one or more new, or worsening COVID-19 symptoms, parents will now be required to:

  • Keep their child home.
  • Keep siblings and other children home, even if they do not have symptoms.
  • Arrange for the child to get tested or contact their healthcare provider.
  • Without testing, the child must stay at home for 10 days.
  • Monitor the family for symptoms. Adults must stay home if they have one or more symptoms.

TPH has been closely monitoring cases of COVID-19 and outbreaks related to schools. Part of this monitoring has included the new COVID-19 testing pilot of asymptomatic individuals in schools. Taken together, this has confirmed that the enhancements made to the school screening tool will support the earlier identification of COVID-19 cases in school.

The updated school screening tool will provide a further layer of protection to better prevent potential virus spread. This is especially important given that Toronto is currently in lockdown under the Provincial Grey Zone. TPH has been working closely with the school boards to support implementation of the updated screening tool starting Monday, December 7. We continue to collaborate with the Province and our school partners to help keep our community safe.

Given current COVID-19 transmission in Toronto, it is more important than ever for residents to follow steps for self-protection, including:

  • Stay home except for essential trips, such as work, school, or healthcare visits.
  • Stay home if you are ill, even if symptoms are minor.
  • Limit gatherings in your home to the people you live with. If you live alone, you may include one person from outside your household.
  • Go out for fresh air and exercise only with the people you live with.
  • Check in with vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours virtually or by phone.
  • Download the COVID Alert App to be notified if you were close to someone who is contagious with COVID-19. Washing hands often and staying home when sick, even if symptoms are mild.

TPH continues to closely monitor COVID-19 activity with our school partners to carefully assess these circumstances daily based on the most current scientific evidence and data.

More information on the Grey Lockdown restrictions is available here. Visit school information for parents & caregivers regularly to access the new screening tool and other updates.
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City Continues to Provide Mental Health Support to Vulnerable Residents 

 

The City of Toronto wants all residents to know that it is OK to not be OK and ask for mental health support.

The City launched the mental health support strategy in April 2020 and partnered with key mental health service providers to support the wellbeing of Toronto residents. Partner agencies have reported that almost 88,500 people have either called, texted or sent an online message for support. Of that number, more than 80,300 people received direct mental health support and more than 8,000 people were referred directly to partners for additional support. Preliminary data also indicates that 40 per cent of contacts were seniors, and three per cent of people seeking mental health services were youth. To date, 211 has also reported a total of 42,708 mental health-related web searches regarding issues related to community mental health services, addiction treatment, youth mental health, crisis lines and in-person crisis services.

Toronto residents are reminded that they have access to free mental health services from the safety of their homes. Anyone experiencing anxiety or stress can call 211 to connect with one of 13 mental health service partners for direct phone support. Mental health service information is also available here ,as well as through the City’s website here .

Mental health services are available for specific populations, such as: children and youth; seniors; frontline workers; Indigenous, Black, persons with disabilities and LGBTQ2S. These specific service providers include:

  • Across Boundaries
  • Caribbean African Canadian Social Services
  • Crisis Text Line
  • Family Services Toronto
  • Gerstein Crisis Centre
  • Hong Fook
  • Kids Help Phone
  • Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
  • Ontario Psychological Association
  • Strides Toronto
  • The Access Point
  • Toronto Seniors Helpline (WoodGreen)
  • Warm Line (Progress Place)

To help support frontline workers, specific mental health resources have been mobilized as part of the City’s Mental Health Support Strategy to support them. Frontline workers with minimal or no mental health coverage are encouraged to call 211, note that they are a frontline worker in need of mental health supports, and they will be connected to specialized counsellors free of charge.

Staying active is another way people can contribute to maintaining their mental health and wellbeing. The City and Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health continue to encourage people to safely get fresh air and exercise outdoors. People can stay active this winter with members of their household at:

  • 23 toboggan hills in neighbourhoods across Toronto
  • Eight snow loops for walking and snowshoeing at the City’s five golf courses, with loops ranging from 1 kilometre to 2.5 kilometres
  • Free, leisure skating at the City’s 54 outdoor ice rinks, with a maximum of 25 participants
  • Six disc-golf locations
  • New guided outdoor Walk Fit programs , including 45 sessions each week
  • High Park car-free weekends
  • City parks with additional 60 kilometres of paved recreational trails and pathways with snow maintenance
  • 100 parks with winter maintenance, including 60 with enhanced maintenance this year including cleared parking lots and paved pathways
  • Up to 30-plus natural ice rinks – the City is accepting applications until December 31 for community-built and maintained natural ice rinks in City parks
  • More than 800 playgrounds and 30 parks with outdoor fitness equipment
  • Outdoor sport courts, including 57 tennis courts with nets in place for winter tennis
  • 70 outdoor table tennis and 60 chess tables
  • 68 dog off-leash areas

The City has also more than doubled its supply of winter park washrooms from 64 to 143 as part of its ongoing response to COVID-19.

Participants should plan ahead as online reservations are encouraged for skating at the City’s outdoor rinks.  A small number of spots will be reserved for people who are not able to make a reservation online. Starting next week, people can make reservations beginning at 8 a.m. each day and up to seven days in advance of their preferred skate time. To make a reservation, people are required to register with eFun  and obtain a client and family PIN number by calling 416-396-7378. Call centre hours have been expanded and lines are now open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. As ice-making and maintenance is weather-dependent, people should check rink status online before heading out to skate.
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City of Toronto update on COVID-19


There are 46,619 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 553 new cases today. There are 220 people hospitalized. To date, there have been 1,684 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. In total, 39,584 people have recovered from COVID-19. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

Toronto Public Health has now added per cent positivity of COVID-19 by age group to the reporting platform. Per cent positivity measures the proportion of individuals testing positive for COVID-19 out of the total number who have been tested. In this data, per cent positivity is highest in the category of young people aged 14 to 17 – 11.6 per cent for the week of November 22. That is more than two per cent higher than the per cent positivity for the next highest group, 18- to 23-year-olds, at 9 per cent positivity.

This week, Mayor Tory once again encouraged a strong show of support for local businesses, urging all residents, who are able to, to participate in “Take Out Wednesday.” Ordering take-out or delivery supports local restaurants that have shifted their business and are working to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The Mayor continues to stress the number of jobs and businesses that can be sustained by placing orders for take-out and delivery.

All people in Toronto should be adopting steps for self-protection. Individuals should only consider leaving their homes for essential activities such as work, education and fresh air and exercise. As much as possible, residents are asked to limit contact to people in the same household, keep at least six feet apart from people not in the same household and wear a mask when outside of their homes, especially in indoor settings and when physical distancing is difficult. Residents should wash hands frequently and remain at home when ill.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
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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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Councillor, Ward 5 York South-Weston · City Hall, 2nd Flr · 100 Queen St. W, Suite C49 · Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2 · Canada