March 8th marks International Women's Day. We recognize women from all over the world and celebrate their achievements, tremendous hard work, and relentless resilience all while being faced with the challenge of everyday bias and inequality. This year's theme is #Breakthebias and with that, I would like to personally thank all the hardworking and determined women championing the everyday workforce as front line workers, first responders, health care workers, community organizers, community leaders, and all sectors in my Ward and across the world as we continue to build an inclusive and equal society.

On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, the Ontario Government announced the elimination of licence plate renewal fees and stickers and as a result would be issuing a refund to eligible vehicle owners. Unfortunately, this initiative has been exploited by scammers who have been sending text messages notifying individuals that they can receive their $120 by clicking on a link/url. Local police authorities have been made aware of the scam and have issued a warning. I would like to kindly remind all residents that government agencies do not contact the public or send refunds in the form of text messages and to steer clear of this fraudulent scam attempt. As mentioned in my previous eNews the Ontario Government will be issuing refunds in the form of cheques which will be mailed starting March and throughout the month of April.

I would like to inform residents in the Maple Leaf and Rustic communities that our office has been advised by the local resident volunteers for the Natural Ice Rink (NIR) at Maple Leaf Park that it will not be taking place this year. The reasoning is that given the timing (end of February) is too late and nearing too close to spring, it would be best to save this initiative for a full winter season coming this year. This is unfortunate news and would like to inform residents that there are other NIR's which are open to the public such as Merrill Park located at 5 Merrill Ave and Denison Park at 108 Denison Road West. I would also like to take this opportunity and thank all the local resident volunteers from all NIR communities for taking up these initiatives that help bring closer neighbours together.

Starting February 15, 2022, Toronto Public Health (TPH) will be welcoming walk-ins for third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for residents ages 12 to 17 at all five City of Toronto-run immunization clinics. Residents ages 12 to 17 years are eligible for a third dose if approximately six months (168 days) have passed since their second dose.

Starting this Friday, February 18 at 8 a.m., residents ages 12-17 can book an appointment for their third-dose at any City-run vaccination clinics through the provincial online booking system (https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/) or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). While walk-ins are dependent on clinic capacity, appointments for first, second, and third doses can still be booked through the provincial booking system.

This past weekend, our office along with Weston Park Baptist Church, and GOVAXX successfully vaccinated approximately 300 participants in just 2 days. I would like to sincerely thank the Weston Park Baptist Church and especially the GOVAXX team for their hard work and determination. My office has received a great positive response from the community and would be looking at doing more of these initiatives across the Ward.

My office and I along with the Weston Park Baptist Church, Ministry of Health, Government and Consumer Services, and Metrolinx have arranged for GOVAXX to come to our Ward and deliver Pfizer vaccines for 1st, 2nd, and boosters to anyone ages 5 and up. Vaccines will be administered at the Weston Park Baptist Church located at 1871 Weston Road south of Lawrence Avenue West. Those interested must register online at ontario.ca/bookvaccine or call 1-833-943-3900. Seniors and persons with disabilities can contact our office to book their appointments at (416) 392-4091.

As you all know, I have been working on limiting the proliferation of payday lending in Ward 5 for many years. I am dedicated to strengthening existing policy and regulatory frameworks to keep predatory lenders out of our Ward. I am very pleased to provide you with an update from the recent Planning and Housing Committee.

As you all know, I have been working on limiting the proliferation of payday lending in Ward 5 for many years. I am dedicated to strengthening existing policy and regulatory frameworks to keep predatory lenders out of our Ward. I am very pleased to provide you with an update from the recent Planning and Housing Committee.

I am pleased to report that the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is scheduled for completion in 2022. The project includes 25 new transit stops and could cut travel times by up to 60% when compared with buses on the corridor.

Yesterday, the provincial government announced that Ontario would temporarily return to a modified version of Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen, effective January 5, 2022. These measures will remain in place for at least 21 days (until January 26, 2022).

Our office has recently received a large number of questions about where to obtain COVID-19 booster shots and testing kits, with many expressing their frustration trying to obtain these items. In response, our office has expanded our COVID-19 information page to offer additional resources.

To slow the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, the Government of Ontario has announced they will be pushing forward the timeline for COVID-19 booster shot eligibility. Beginning Monday, December 20, 2021, Ontarians aged 18+ will be eligible for their booster shot.

The Province of Ontario has announced that Ontarians aged 50 and older will be eligible for a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, effective Monday, December 13, 2021. Read this newsletter to learn how to book your third dose.

The City of Toronto is reviewing the Property Standards Bylaw to ensure that all properties are safe, well-maintained, and that rules and standards for property owners and occupants are clear and consistent. Residents are invited to participate and provide input through an online survey, which will remain open until December 20, 2021.

Health Canada has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for kids aged 5–11. Children are eligible for an appointment if they turn five before the end of the year. Currently, vaccination appointments are available through the Government of Ontario website, and soon they will also be available at local pharmacies, participating family health teams, and school vaccination clinics.

Each year, City staff put forward a preliminary budget, and then the Mayor and City Council—with input from Toronto residents and businesses—make decisions about the City’s services, programs, and infrastructure. you are interested in providing input, please see the instructions in this eNewsletter.

Remembrance Day is a time to pause and remember those who have served our country during times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping. We reflect on the courage of those who have supported Canadian military efforts, we mourn the Canadians who sacrificed for the peace and freedoms we enjoy today, and we salute the Canadians who continue to selflessly serve our country.

Flu season is beginning, and it is important for everyone who can be vaccinated to get their flu shot. While the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19, it will protect you against the flu and reduce your chance of getting very sick. It also helps protect our health care system from being overwhelmed with additional patient visits.

On Monday, the Government of Ontario removed capacity limits in the majority of settings across the province where proof of vaccination is required. Spaces at full capacity now include restaurants, bars, casinos, gyms, and indoor events—just in time for ghosts, ghouls, and goblins to enjoy these spots!

Beginning October 22, 2021, the Government of Ontario will introduce enhanced vaccine certificates as a more convenient and secure way to verify your proof of vaccination. Each Ontarian can access a unique QR code that corresponds with their vaccination status.