Dear West Bend
City Council held our third virtual meeting on June 29 & 30^th. Like the tens of thousands of you who called my office, sent in emails, and fought for change, I am disappointed in the results of this meeting. My thoughts on this week’s debate at City Council on the role of Toronto Police Services, the policing budget, and the systemic racism that exists in our own City government and institutions are available here (gordperks.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e13b1252c0c649074bca5b6e4&id=55b1833a51&e=382fa4aa2e) .
Face masks mandatory in public spaces
Toronto City Council voted unanimously in favour of requiring masks or face coverings in all enclosed public places as of July 7 to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The measure heeds advice from the Medical Officer of Health, who recommended City Council use its authority to legislate for the protection of the health, safety and well-being of persons in Toronto to enact a temporary bylaw requiring businesses and facilities to have a policy that ensures masks or face coverings are worn by the public in the enclosed spaces under their control to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. The full Council decision (gordperks.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e13b1252c0c649074bca5b6e4&id=4bebc7cb6f&e=382fa4aa2e) is available online.
Café TO
The CaféTO report, which directs the City to take quick action and make way for additional safe outdoor dining spaces for local restaurants and bars, was unanimously approved with amendments by Toronto City Council. CaféTO will ensure that accessibility and safety are not compromised while making it easier for many restaurant and bar owners to open patios, expand them and access additional space for physical distancing, in accordance with public health guidelines. Registration for CaféTO is still available for local restaurant and bar owners to better understand requirements and plan. The online form and guidebook for the program can be found at toronto.ca/cafeTO (gordperks.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e13b1252c0c649074bca5b6e4&id=891881999f&e=382fa4aa2e) .
Heat Wave in Effect
Environment and Climate Change Canada has declared a Heat Warning for Toronto for Thursday, July 2 through to Sunday, July 5. Emergency Cooling Centres are open for the duration of this heat wave until Sunday from 11 am – 7 pm. Parkdale Library (1303 Queen St W) is one the locations that will provide publicly accessible air conditioned spaces for residents to rest indoors and receive a cool drink. Staff who are trained to assist residents affected by the extreme heat will be on hand. Strict infection prevention and control measures will be in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Following the Heat Warning issued by Environment Canada, the City has announced that extended pool hours (until 11:45 p.m.) at six outdoor pools are now in effect and may continue to operate with extended hours until the Heat Warning is cancelled. In Ward 4 this extension applies to Sunnyside Park/Gus Ryder Pool, 1755 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
Tips to protect yourself from the heat are available at toronto.ca/keepcool (gordperks.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e13b1252c0c649074bca5b6e4&id=6fbdde5259&e=382fa4aa2e) .
For any Ward 4 or City-related questions, feel free to contact my office at councillor_perks@toronto.ca (mailto:councillor_perks@toronto.ca)
Sincerely,
Gord
============================================================ ** () Events and News – July 02, 2020 edition:
Permit Parking Program is now operational Published on Jul 02, 2020 09:23 am Permit Parking Program will be operational as of July 2nd. In order to maintain the safety of city staff, the office will remain closed to the public but is accessible by telephone (416- 392-7873) and email permit.parking@toronto.ca from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Renewals All permits expired May 31st. Those expired permit holders […] ** Read in browser » (gordperks.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e13b1252c0c649074bca5b6e4&id=dab498bb09&e=382fa4aa2e)
My thoughts on the police motions at Council Published on Jun 30, 2020 11:00 pm This week the role of Toronto Police Services, the policing budget, and the systemic racism that exists in our own City government and institutions was debated at City Council. Like the tens of thousands of you who called my office, sent in emails, and fought for change, I am disappointed in the results of this […] ** Read in browser » (gordperks.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e13b1252c0c649074bca5b6e4&id=7959c6a471&e=382fa4aa2e)
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