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
