News and Updates

City of Toronto working with community and corporate partners to implement emergency food access for vulnerable residents

News Release

April 6, 2020

City of Toronto working with community and corporate partners to implement emergency food access for vulnerable residents

The City of Toronto is working closely with community and corporate partners to ensure that the food needs of vulnerable Torontonians are being met during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic and implementation of extraordinary measures to slow the spread of the virus, the need for food programs has increased dramatically. Meeting the needs of Toronto’s most vulnerable is a key City priority.

Mayor Tory signs emergency order encouraging physical distancing in parks and public squares

2-Apr-2020

Today, Mayor John Tory signed an emergency order regulating physical distancing in City of Toronto parks and public squares.

Any two people who don't live together, who fail to keep two metres of distance between them in a park or public square, will be subject to prosecution and will be liable for a fine of up to $5,000 upon conviction. The City has asked the Chief Justice of the Province of Ontario to issue a set fine for this offence.

Councillors Bradford and Fletcher call on provincial and federal governments to protect small businesses unable to pay April’s rent

March 31, 2020 Beach Metro News

East Toronto councillors Brad Bradford and Paula Fletcher are making their voices heard on the need to provide extra supports for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both Beaches-East York Councillor Bradford and Toronto-Danforth Councillor Fletcher have sent letters to the provincial government calling for such supports.

City of Toronto taking unprecedented action to stop COVID-19, save lives, the healthcare system and the economy

1-Apr-2020

Today, Mayor John Tory announced that the City of Toronto, under the strong advice of its Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, is taking action to aggressively halt the spread of COVID-19 in Toronto.

Just two weeks ago, on March 18, Toronto had 145 COVID-19 cases, with 10 people in hospital. Four were in intensive care, there were no outbreaks and there were no COVID-19-related deaths.

Cancellation of mass events through to June 30

News Release

March 31, 2020

Cancellation of mass events through to June 30

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in response to the recent provincial emergency order to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people, the City of Toronto will cancel all City-led major mass participation events, festivals, conferences and cultural programs, and all City permits for major mass participation 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.

Landlords, Condo Boards urged to adopt new health and safety measures to protect residents from COVID-19

News Release

March 27, 2020

Landlords, Condo Boards urged to adopt new health and safety measures to protect residents from COVID-19

The City of Toronto is urging Landlords and Condo Boards to adopt new health and safety measures to protect residents from COVID-19. Large residential buildings with a high number of units require new practices and a rigorous cleaning routine to prevent viral spread.

City of Toronto closing playgrounds and other parks amenities to stop the spread of COVID-19

March 25, 2020

City of Toronto closing playgrounds and other parks amenities to stop the spread of COVID-19

Today, the City of Toronto announced that all City-owned playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor exercise equipment and other parks amenities, as well as parking lots attached to its parks system, will be closed effective immediately, in the City’s continuing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

City of Toronto taking action to help vulnerable tenants who need it most

March 24, 2020

City of Toronto taking action to help vulnerable tenants who need it most

Mayor Tory calls on private landlords to put policies in place to help unemployed tenants and communicate them

Today, Mayor John Tory announced the City is taking action to help Toronto's most vulnerable tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

After consulting with Mayor Tory and City staff, who approved both the form of the help and the financial implications for Toronto Community Housing, TCHC confirmed today that it will be flexible and work with market rent and rent-geared-to-income (RGI) tenants whose employment income has been impacted by COVID-19.

List of Essential Workplaces

March 23, 2020 8:00 P.M.

Office of the Premier

For the purposes of this order, businesses include any-for-profit, non-profit or other entity providing the goods and services described herein. This does not preclude the provision of work and services by entities not on this list either online, by telephone or by mail/delivery.

Mayor Tory declares a State of Emergency in the city of Toronto

March 23, 2020

Mayor Tory declares a State of Emergency in the city of Toronto

Today, Mayor John Tory declared a State of Emergency in the city of Toronto after receiving advice this morning from Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health and the Office of Emergency Management.

Through his office, the Mayor has also been in communication with the members of City Council, and has spoken to both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford.