News and Updates

City of Toronto and partners launch Team Toronto Sprint Strategy to triple vaccine access in 13 hot spot neighbourhoods

Today, Mayor John Tory, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa and Fire Chief and General Manager of the Office of Emergency Management Matthew Pegg provided an update on the Team Toronto effort to get vaccines to those that need them most, including a new mobile vaccination sprint strategy with Toronto health sector partners to triple the amount of vaccine in hot spot neighbourhoods.

City of Toronto to offer virtual spring recreation programs

Mayor John Tory announced that registration will be opening for virtual spring recreation programs starting tomorrow, April 22. The City is offering numerous virtual programs to provide safe, at-home activities for all ages and abilities, including art, fitness and martial arts programs.

The City has continued to find ways to encourage residents to stay active during the province-wide shutdown and learn new skills, while following provincial regulations. Spring Break CampTO virtual workshops ran successfully from April 12 to 16, with close to 1,200 registrations and positive feedback received from participants, families and caregivers.

COVID Community Heroes recognized during these difficult times

April 21, 2021 Beach Metro News

This past year has been difficult and the pandemic has greatly impacted our community.

However, these impacts have not all been negative. The East End has come together in remarkable ways to help those in need, showing strength, resilience and compassion.

Over the winter I put out a call for COVID Community Heroes, asking residents to nominate those who have been making a difference.

Toronto Public Health issues Section 22 Class Order to close workplaces to manage COVID-19 outbreaks

As easily transmitted COVID-19 variants of concern spread quickly throughout Toronto and the GTA, outbreaks are increasingly linked to workplaces, where the virus can spread through close contact between workers.

To reduce this significant risk to the city’s health, Toronto Public Health (TPH) will issue a Section 22 order for workplaces. This Order is a necessary tool to break the chains of transmission within Toronto workplaces where COVID-19 is determined to be spreading.

City of Toronto update on City services and enforcement of COVID-19 regulations

The City of Toronto has received updated COVID-19 regulations from the Province of Ontario and has modified City services and operations to align with the orders and direction from Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health. Strengthened public health measures are needed to reduce new cases of COVID-19 in Toronto, alleviate the strain on the healthcare system and save lives.

City of Toronto update on COVID-19 - April 16, 2021

There are 1,527 new cases of COVID-19 in Toronto today – a new record high for daily case counts. Since the start of the pandemic there have been a total of 130,502 cases of COVID-19 in the city, including the 1,527 new cases today. There are 813 people hospitalized. To date, there have been 2,900 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. In total, 114,535 people have recovered. Case status data can be found on the Toronto Public Health’s reporting dashboard: www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/covid-19-status-of-cases-in-toronto/.

High Park cherry blossoms go virtual again with #BloomAtHome, park remains open for local use

With the warm spring weather and bud development on the City of Toronto’s cherry blossom trees, the City is making arrangements for Torontonians to experience the bloom of the High Park cherry blossom trees from home again this year. In keeping with the provincial Stay-at-Home order, currently in effect across Toronto and to protect our healthcare system, the City is working to prevent crowding and gathering in High Park by offering a virtual view of the blooms while maintaining local pedestrian and cyclist access to the park for essential fresh air and exercise. To ensure people have ample space to practise physical distancing, the park will be closed to vehicle traffic.

Toronto's Accessibility Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccines to address equity gaps in vaccine access for people with disabilities

Today, Mayor John Tory announced the formation of Toronto’s Accessibility Task Force (ATF) on COVID-19 Vaccines to advise on enhanced support and access to the COVID-19 vaccine for people with disabilities. The ATF was created as part of the City of Toronto’s COVID-19 Immunization Task Force (ITF) outreach efforts and TO Supports: Targeted Equity Action Plan and is a collaboration between the City and community partners. Given the high risks associated with COVID-19 for people with disabilities, the ATF is set to make recommendations to immediately reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and effectively address issues around accessibility.

City of Toronto awards $5.5 million in COVID-19 Vaccine Engagement Teams Grants to local agencies for vaccine outreach in vulnerable communities

Today, Mayor John Tory announced the recipients of the City of Toronto’s $5.5M COVID-19 Vaccine Engagement Teams Grants – a key part of the City’s COVID-19 Community Mobilization and Engagement Plan to connect with vulnerable residents and communities across Toronto.

The grants, which have been awarded to community agencies and resident-led groups, will fund outreach and engagement activities in 140 neighbourhoods, with a specific focus on the communities that have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fourteen Vaccine Engagement Teams have been created, reflecting 155 community organizations across the city. Their focus is on reducing barriers to the COVID-19 vaccines, and increasing vaccination uptake among our most vulnerable residents.

'I'm walking here': City of Toronto to revamp hundreds of 'No Exit' signs that mislead walkers

April 9, 2021 By Michael Smee, CBC News

The city is getting ready to revamp hundreds of street signs that walking advocates say are misleading.

"No Exit" signs, erected as warnings for drivers, often do not apply to pedestrians, according to Coun. Paula Fletcher, whose motion titled "I'm Walking Here" was approved at this week's council meeting.

"I think during COVID people have been walking like they've never walked before," said Fletcher, who represents Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth.