October 06, 2020
Dear Neighbours,
As we enter the fall season and continue to navigate through the pandemic, we must remain vigilant to limit the spread of COVID-19. As the weather begins to get colder and with the flu season upon us, I urge everyone to get their flu shot this year. Our Medical Officer of Health has a COVID-19 resurgence plan in place to mitigate a second wave of the virus.
As kids returned back to the classroom, our office collaborated with the DUKE Heights BIA in giving away free backpacks and school supplies. I would like to thank the BIA for providing our office with these wonderful backpacks for the children in York Centre. Toronto Public Health continues to support our local schools and ensure our teachers and students are safe from the virus.
Bike Share has been a huge success for York Centre. Bike Share stations can now be found along the Finch hydro corridor, which helps residents make their way to Duke Heights BIA businesses. In order to support the growing cycling network in our area, I have put forth a motion requesting longer Bike Share trips. This will allow for more opportunities for residents to take time to discover all the great things the Duke Heights BIA has to offer.
Mayor John Tory, myself and the rest of the City of Toronto have been working relentlessly to ensure Toronontians and small businesses receive the support they need. At City Hall, we continue to adapt to ongoing changing circumstances. Throughout the summer, the City of Toronto provided countless funding to support our small businesses. We expanded the Digital Main Street program and shopHERE. Small business owners in Toronto can take advantage of these online resources and continue to scale their business in a post-COVID world.
For our constituents, our office has been helping seniors with applying for the Property Tax, Water, and Solid Waste Rebate Program. If you need help to apply for this program please contact our office.
Lastly, there is a federal by-election coming up on October 26th. If you live in York Centre, you should exercise your democratic right to vote.
I will continue to listen to our business owners to make sure that your needs are being met. I will do this in collaboration with my partners on the federal and provincial levels. I urge all of you to continue to remain strong and resilient. Together we will conquer the challenges brought forth by COVID-19. My staff and I continue to work tirelessly to support you. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 416-392-1371 or email me at Councillor_Pasternak@toronto.ca.
Sincerely,
James Pasternak
