Municipal Update
City Closures Extended
City facilities and City-operated programs will continue to be closed until further notice.
City Event Cancellation Notice
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Mayor John Tory announced yesterday the cancellation of all major City-led events, festivals, conferences and cultural programs, and all City permits for major events organized by external groups at civic centres and squares, parks, public spaces (including road closures), City-operated museums and cultural centres through June 30 (with the possibility of extension). Among the major events impacted include Doors Open Toronto, Indigenous Arts Festival, Pride Toronto, and NXNE Music.
Mental Health Support
With the outbreak of COVID-19, many people are feeling anxious or experiencing stress. Whether in self-isolating or practising physical distancing, it is important to connect with friends and family through the phone or online. Check in by phone or other means of physical distancing with loved ones, friends and colleagues who may be struggling.
Individuals looking for crisis support can reach out to Crisis Services Canada, available 24/7 at crisisservicescanada.ca, by phone at 1-833-456-4566 or by text message at 45645. In an emergency, always call 911. More information on COVID-19 crisis and mental health supports are listed on the website at toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-health-advice.
211
Residents who need information on social/community supports and services should call 211 for non-emergency requests and information. 211 is a 24/7 service that connects residents to social and community services. Visit http://211toronto.ca.
Support For Tenants
If you are a tenant looking for more information on housing and income support, you can find a list of helpful resources here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-social-support/?accordion=housing-support-for-tenants.
Yard Waste
A reminder that the City of Toronto has suspended yard waste pickup for now. Store your yard waste on your property until service resumes. For more on City services affected by COVID-19, go to https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/
Provincial News
Ontario Teams With Manufacturers To Build Medical Equipment
The Ontario government is launching a new $50 million fund to help businesses provide innovative solutions or to retool their operations to manufacture essential medical supplies. Businesses and individuals can submit proposals through the Ontario Together web portal.
Schools Closures Pushed Until May
Provincial Educational Minister Stephen Lecce announced Tuesday that schools will remain closed to students until Monday, May 4, 2020, due to the spread of COVID-19. Private schools, licensed child care centres and EarlyON programs will also remain closed until April 13.
Province Offers Financial and Academic Support For Students
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the province is temporarily deferring payments for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) loans until September 30, 2020. During this time, borrowers will not be required to make any loan payments and interest will not accrue on their OSAP loans. The government is also looking to support students by making online learning, including year-end exams, available to post-secondary institutions. Additionally, the province is distributing $25 million in additional funds to public colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes to help with any pressing needs.
Parks and Amenities Closed
The Province has also closed all outdoor recreational amenities such as sports fields and playgrounds, outdoor community gardens, off-leash dog parks, condo parks and gardens. The public can access green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that remain open, but they must practice physical distancing (remain two metres apart from others). Ontario’s provincial parks and conservation reserves remain closed.
Federal News
Canadian Emergency Response Benefit
Ottawa announced today that starting April 6, Canadians can apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The benefit will provide Canadians who have lost income because of COVID-19 with $2,000 a month for up to 4 months. To learn if you are eligible for CERB, click here. |