Recent Updates

City of Toronto launches new ‘Toronto For All’ Campaign to support undocumented residents

Today, Mayor John Tory proclaimed Undocumented Residents Day in Toronto to recognize the thousands of undocumented residents living in Toronto who make important contributions to our city as part of the City’s latest Toronto for All campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness around the tremendous hardships undocumented residents experience while living in fear due to their lack of immigration status. The City has partnered with FCJ Refugee Centre, and other key agencies, to help humanize undocumented residents in Toronto.

Toronto street's confusing name is causing big headaches for locals

By Jack Landau, BlogTO | August 21, 2021

Residents of a small street in Leslieville are frustrated by never-ending inconveniences resulting from a puzzling century-old road realignment.

City of Toronto announces mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for its employees

Today, Mayor John Tory was joined by City Manager Chris Murray and Chief People Officer Omo Akintan to announce a new mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy requiring all City of Toronto employees to receive both doses of the vaccine.

All youth born in 2009 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination at City of Toronto vaccination clinics

The City of Toronto is encouraging families with children born in 2009 to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at City-run vaccination clinics.

Work begins on new Badgerow Parkette near Carlaw and Dundas

Beach Metro News | August 15, 2021

Construction work on the Badgerow Parkette in the Carlaw Avenue and Dundas Street East area has begun.

Work began earlier this month, and if the weather cooperates it is expected to be completed by fall of this year.

Carlaw and Dundas virtual heritage tour takes a look at Toronto’s former industrial powerhouse

August 8, 2021

By ALEXANDROS VAROUTAS

Have you ever walked through your neighbourhood and wondered what the story behind that old factory was before it became lofts and office spaces?

All-night raves threatening to trash sensitive habitat on Leslie Street Spit, advocates warn

Dexter McMillan · CBC News · Posted: Aug 06, 2021 4:00 AM ET |

During the daytime, the skies over Tommy Thompson Park on the Leslie Street Spit are filled with birds, and minks scurry across a rocky beach on Lake Ontario.

City of Toronto to engage Toronto businesses on small business tax relief

This month, the City of Toronto will be engaging with the small business sector on the potential creation of a separate property tax class for small businesses in Toronto, which if implemented, could provide a measure of property tax relief for small and Main Street businesses in the city.

Mayor John Tory announces Live Music on Patios Pilot to support local musicians and restaurants

Today, Mayor John Tory announced a City of Toronto pilot program to allow amplified live music on patios to support Toronto's economic and cultural recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In June, City Council approved the pilot for three City wards: Beaches-East York, Toronto-Danforth and Davenport.

City of Toronto to begin reopening of City Hall and civic centres on August 9

Today, Mayor John Tory announced the City of Toronto will begin the safe and gradual re-opening of City buildings to visitors with the phased reopening of select in-person counter services at City Hall and civic centres on Monday, August 9 in alignment with the provincial reopening plan and in accordance with public health guidelines.

City Hall and civic centres, along with most counter services, were closed to the public on March 14, 2020, and City staff who were able to work remotely (approximately 20 to 25 per cent of workforce) quickly transitioned to a work-from-home model, while approximately 75 to 80 per cent of staff continued to deliver essential and critical services on location.

Throughout the pandemic, the City has modernized and improved customer experience, making many of its counter services available online. The City will continue to deliver its digital services which have proven convenient to many Torontonians but will also re-open its doors to residents and visitors for in-person services, ensuring choice, accessibility and equity for residents.

On August 9, City Hall, North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, Etobicoke Civic Centre, York Civic Centre and East York Civic Centre will be open for a limited number of in-person counter services only. The Metro Hall Early Learning & Child Care Centre and Employment and Social Services offices will continue operation at Metro Hall.

Some counter services returning include payments for tax and utilities, construction permits and tree permit applications. In-person services, such as marriage licences, and zoning inquiries for the Toronto and East York district, will require booking an appointment while others will operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Details about counter services can be found here https://contrib.wp.intra.prod-toronto.ca/news/city-of-toronto-counter-service-reopening-plan/.

The health and safety of residents, businesses and City staff remain key priorities in all re-opening plans. Restrictions and capacity limits, in accordance with Provincial and public health guidelines will be in place including mandatory masks, physical distancing, protective barriers and increased sanitization and cleaning protocols.

The latest information about City services is available on the COVID-19: Changes to City Services webpage: www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/affected-city-services/.

Quotes:

"This is a great step in the right direction and shows that our efforts, and the efforts of all Torontonians, have helped us get to the point where we are able to re-open the doors of our City buildings to the public. It is also a great step forward for the downtown core and many areas across our city, the local economy, and local businesses and I encourage other businesses to work towards doing the same, in a safe and responsible way."

- Mayor John Tory

"Our staff have worked diligently to ensure the safe, coordinated and gradual re-opening of City buildings, ensuring public health guidelines and all protocols are followed. The safety of our visitors and staff remain our top priority in all our re-opening plans. We are excited to welcome back visitors and provide in-person services to our residents. The Toronto Public Service have been leaders throughout this pandemic and we will once again lead efforts in getting our city moving again, re-igniting our economy and supporting local businesses."

- City Manager Chris Murray