It is important to support small businesses during this time. This month saw the launch of Creative Relief Collective, a free, online platform to support fine artists, creatives, artisanal makers and fashion designers who have felt the impact of COVID-19. To support the talents of local creatives or join the group click HERE.
There is a great deal that can be learned from the successes and challenges other cities have faced in response to COVID-19. It is clear that we must act now.
We still have a window of opportunity to stop the spread of COVID-19, but that window is closing. We need to flatten the curve and limit community transmission, so that we don’t overwhelm our hospitals and health care system. If we don’t act, increased pressure will result in the tragic outcomes we are seeing around the world.
Today, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health announced new significant measures that are being taken to stop COVID-19 and save lives. Please click HERE to continue reading for more on these important next steps.
These are difficult and uncertain times. Remember, we’re all in this together. Stay home, stay safe, and look out for each other.
Greenest City is partnering with Food Share to provide Emergency Food Boxes in Parkdale. You can apply here and donate here.
If you are able to pick up the Good Food Box from 201 Cowan Ave (Epiphany & St Marks Church) safely, they are asking that you pick up your box in order to alleviate the pressure on FoodShare delivery drivers. Pick-up location will be strictly following public health guidelines.
*FOOD CAN BE DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR BY FOODSHARE.
The Parkdale People’s Economy along with other local community groups, services organizations and the PRA are working hard to keep you informed. Here is a link to resources for building a Mutual Aid Network.
As our workplaces and gathering places shut down and we retreat into our homes, we are seeing the importance of connected communities. More than ever, neighbours are helping neighbours get through a difficult time. Our public health services can’t possibly assist every vulnerable resident who needs help right now. That’s where YOU come in – mutual aid!
We encourage you to consider ways to keep yourself, your loved ones and those in your community safe, particularly the isolated and vulnerable. Talk to your neighbours and join or start an on-line group through Nextdoor, Facebook, ZOOM, Meet-up in Parkdale.
Learn how to self-monitor and self-isolate > Health Canada
Many of you here in our community of Parkdale are looking for information about the coronavirus pandemic (also known as COVID-19). The top priority is to limit the spread of the virus. Stay informed!
Here are three websites with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Toronto Public Health: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/diseases-medications-vaccines/coronavirus/
Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
The Toronto East York Community Council (TEYCC) will be deliberating on the Queen Street West Planning Study (Bathurst Street to Roncesvalles Avenue) – Official Plan Amendment (OPA) – Final Report. The OPA, when approved, will have long term ramifications for Queen St. W. (Parkdale). As a resident of Parkdale, you are encouraged to comment or speak to this item > http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2020.TE14.5.
Please review the support material.
Date: Thursday, Mar. 12, 2020
Time: 10:00 am
Place: 100 Queen Street West – Committee Room 1 (2nd floor), Toronto City Hall
A free visual arts learning program for local youth (ages 14-19) during March Break 2020. Participants learn basic art, design and mural-making skills from professional artists, gaining the skills and confidence to participate in public art projects in their communities. During the program, participants will work on a collaborative design which they will also paint as part of the Lansdowne Underpass transformation this summer.
To Register (deadline March 6): https://muralroutes.ca/youthpaintparkdale2020/
Date: Monday, Mar. 16 to Friday, Mar. 20, 2020
Time: 12:00 Noon – 4:00 pm
Place: 1303 Queen Street West – The Parkdale Library
Join Greenest City for Seedy Saturday! A chance to start scheming your summer paradise while the snow is still on the ground. Demonstrations, vendors, a seed exchange, local food and live music!
Volunteer opportunity: Any time from 9:30 – 5:30, to help with set up, clean up, registration, floating, seed packing, etc. Please email chimu@greenestcity.ca if you are able to help out.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020
Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Place: 1303 Queen Street West – The Parkdale Library Auditorium
Join the South Parkdale Neighbourhood Planning Table, a place-based planning approach that involves community members, community agencies, and City staff to identify local priorities, create solutions, and build partnerships to advance the Parkdale Community Planning Study!
Date: Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Place: 1303 Queen Street West – The Parkdale Library Auditorium