Guide

Published09 November 2020

COVID-19: Municipal measures - The City of Toronto

minute read

Kate Yurkovich

Associate

Heather Fisher

Associate

Tom Cumming

Partner

Geneviève Cloutier

Partner

Leader, Restructuring & Insolvency Group (Canada)

See all authors

Municipal measures - The City of Toronto

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Creation of the Economic Support and Recovery Task Force
DESCRIPTION	Mayor John Tory has announced an economic task force to help aid businesses and workers affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The Economic Support and Recovery Task Force will "identify immediate and long-term economic strategies for residents and businesses, with a focus on supporting those segments of the economy that are most strongly impacted by COVID-19, such as tourism, hospitality, and entertainment."
LINKS	See the Mayor of Toronto's statement posted on March 16, 2020 here

Creation of the Economic Support and Recovery Task Force

DESCRIPTION

Mayor John Tory has announced an economic task force to help aid businesses and workers affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The Economic Support and Recovery Task Force will "identify immediate and long-term economic strategies for residents and businesses, with a focus on supporting those segments of the economy that are most strongly impacted by COVID-19, such as tourism, hospitality, and entertainment."

LINKS

See the Mayor of Toronto's statement posted on March 16, 2020 here

Municipal Tax Measures
DESCRIPTION	On March 20, 2020 the Mayor of Toronto announced that businesses and property owners in the City of Toronto will have a 60-day grace period of their City of Toronto property tax, Toronto Water, and Solid Waste bill payments as of March 16, 2020. Also starting March 16, 2020, payment penalties on residential and business properties will be waived for 60 days.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	The 60-day grace period for property tax, utility bill payments and late penalties extended by the City during the COVID-19 response ends on May 15. There are important changes to instalment amounts and due dates for customers on all payment schedules. All customers will receive a mailed notification of their revised interim bill due dates. Final tax bills will be mailed in mid-May as usual. Property taxes for the remainder of 2020 will be due on the following dates: Two-instalment plan: August 4 Six-instalment plan: June 1, July 2, August 4, September 1 and October 1 Eleven-instalment plan: June 15, July 15, August 17, September 15, October 15, November 16 and December 15. Customers on the 11-instalment plan will have their original May and June interim instalment amounts combined with the final billing and spread evenly over July through December payments. Customers who are already enrolled in the City's pre-authorized payment plan don't have to re-enroll – payments will start again automatically on the new due date. Customers who have sent the City post-dated cheques do not need to re-send cheques for the revised due dates, as any cheques previously submitted will be processed on the new due dates. Any cheques received after April 1, 2020 will be cashed according to the date on the cheque. Those who pay their taxes via their mortgage payment should contact their mortgage company or financial institution to understand how this grace period will affect their mortgage amount and/or mortgage payment schedule.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's website here. And the City's Economic Support and Recovery for Businesses page here.

Municipal Tax Measures

DESCRIPTION

On March 20, 2020 the Mayor of Toronto announced that businesses and property owners in the City of Toronto will have a 60-day grace period of their City of Toronto property tax, Toronto Water, and Solid Waste bill payments as of March 16, 2020.

Also starting March 16, 2020, payment penalties on residential and business properties will be waived for 60 days.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

The 60-day grace period for property tax, utility bill payments and late penalties extended by the City during the COVID-19 response ends on May 15. There are important changes to instalment amounts and due dates for customers on all payment schedules. All customers will receive a mailed notification of their revised interim bill due dates. Final tax bills will be mailed in mid-May as usual.

Property taxes for the remainder of 2020 will be due on the following dates:

Two-instalment plan: August 4
Six-instalment plan: June 1, July 2, August 4, September 1 and October 1
Eleven-instalment plan: June 15, July 15, August 17, September 15, October 15, November 16 and December 15.
Customers on the 11-instalment plan will have their original May and June interim instalment amounts combined with the final billing and spread evenly over July through December payments.

Customers who are already enrolled in the City's pre-authorized payment plan don't have to re-enroll – payments will start again automatically on the new due date. Customers who have sent the City post-dated cheques do not need to re-send cheques for the revised due dates, as any cheques previously submitted will be processed on the new due dates. Any cheques received after April 1, 2020 will be cashed according to the date on the cheque.

Those who pay their taxes via their mortgage payment should contact their mortgage company or financial institution to understand how this grace period will affect their mortgage amount and/or mortgage payment schedule.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's website here.

And the City's Economic Support and Recovery for Businesses page here.

Suspension of Electricity Disconnections for Low-Volume Small Business Customers
DESCRIPTION	Toronto Hydro has extended its current suspension of electricity disconnections for low-volume small business customers until July 31.
LINKS	Toronto Hydro encourages business customers to contact their Customer Care team directly at 416-542-8000 for help with billing concerns and payment options.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's COVID-19: Bills & Tax Relief for Businesses page here

24-Hour Retail Delivery Exemption
DESCRIPTION	Effective immediately and until further notice, all retail businesses are exempt from the City of Toronto's Noise Bylaw to facilitate after hour deliveries.
LINKS	City's Economic Support and Recovery for Businesses page here.

Expand the City's Small Business Advisory Services
DESCRIPTION	The City of Toronto has announced that it will be expanding the City's small business and advisory services to help businesses as they plan to recover from impacts.
LINKS	See the City's Economic Support and Recovery for Businesses page here.

Launch of BusinessTO Support Centre
DESCRIPTION	The City's new BusinessTO Support Centre will be available for all sectors, including not-for-profit, creative/cultural, manufacturing, technology, retail, hospitality, tourism, main street businesses and consulting services. The centre will help businesses apply for government support programs such as: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program Canada's Work-Sharing Program Canada's Emergency Business Account Program In addition to this virtual one-on-one support, the BusinessTO Support Centre will offer a weekly webinar series to provide information about these available government programs and the requirements to apply. The centre will also inform businesses about how they can support the City's COVID-19 response and provide general business support and information about other City programs.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	The BusinessTO Support Centre is available online here.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated April 22, 2020 here

Launch of BusinessTO Support Centre

DESCRIPTION

The City's new BusinessTO Support Centre will be available for all sectors, including not-for-profit, creative/cultural, manufacturing, technology, retail, hospitality, tourism, main street businesses and consulting services.

The centre will help businesses apply for government support programs such as:

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program
Canada's Work-Sharing Program
Canada's Emergency Business Account Program

In addition to this virtual one-on-one support, the BusinessTO Support Centre will offer a weekly webinar series to provide information about these available government programs and the requirements to apply.

The centre will also inform businesses about how they can support the City's COVID-19 response and provide general business support and information about other City programs.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

The BusinessTO Support Centre is available online here.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's news release dated April 22, 2020 here

Increased Support to Digital Main Street
DESCRIPTION	Digital Main Street was created by the City of Toronto and the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) in 2016 to assist main street businesses in growing their operations through technology with easy to use tools and resources. The program is also supported by Google, Mastercard, Shopify and Microsoft. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, funding for Digital Main Street in Toronto has been tripled. The budget for the program will go from $240,000 to $825,000 this year. The funding will be used to expand the Digital Service Squad to support Toronto's main street businesses through one-on-one virtual support. On June 11, 2020, the Ontario and federal governments announced a $57-million investment to help small businesses across Ontario go digital by building on Toronto's investments into Digital Main Street. For more details, see here.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	Local businesses can complete the Digital Main Street onboarding process and receive a free Digital Assessment and recommended to-do list here.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated April 16, 2020 here See the City of Toronto's June 11, 2020 news release here.

Increased Support to Digital Main Street

DESCRIPTION

Digital Main Street was created by the City of Toronto and the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) in 2016 to assist main street businesses in growing their operations through technology with easy to use tools and resources. The program is also supported by Google, Mastercard, Shopify and Microsoft.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, funding for Digital Main Street in Toronto has been tripled. The budget for the program will go from $240,000 to $825,000 this year. The funding will be used to expand the Digital Service Squad to support Toronto's main street businesses through one-on-one virtual support.

On June 11, 2020, the Ontario and federal governments announced a $57-million investment to help small businesses across Ontario go digital by building on Toronto's investments into Digital Main Street. For more details, see here.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

Local businesses can complete the Digital Main Street onboarding process and receive a free Digital Assessment and recommended to-do list here.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's news release dated April 16, 2020 here

See the City of Toronto's June 11, 2020 news release here.

Reopening of Debenture Offerings
DESCRIPTION	The City of Toronto is reopening one of its recently settled debenture offerings for an additional $200 million. This $200 million bond issue has a fixed coupon of 2.65 per cent and a maturity of November 9, 2029. This reissuance brings the bond's outstanding amount to $600 million. Investors paid a price of $108.92 to yield 1.631 per cent, which is the lowest borrowing cost the City of Toronto has ever secured. These bonds will help fund critical capital projects for a number of City divisions, including: Toronto Transit Commission Toronto Public Health Long-Term Care Homes Solid Waste Management Services Toronto Public Library Toronto's Sustainable Energy Plan and many others.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated May 4, 2020 here.

Reopening of Debenture Offerings

DESCRIPTION

The City of Toronto is reopening one of its recently settled debenture offerings for an additional $200 million.

This $200 million bond issue has a fixed coupon of 2.65 per cent and a maturity of November 9, 2029. This reissuance brings the bond's outstanding amount to $600 million.

Investors paid a price of $108.92 to yield 1.631 per cent, which is the lowest borrowing cost the City of Toronto has ever secured.

These bonds will help fund critical capital projects for a number of City divisions, including:

Toronto Transit Commission
Toronto Public Health
Long-Term Care Homes
Solid Waste Management Services
Toronto Public Library
Toronto's Sustainable Energy Plan and many others.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's news release dated May 4, 2020 here.

Launch of DonateTO: COVID-19 portal
DESCRIPTION	The City of Toronto has launched DonateTO: a portal that allows businesses and residents to make donations of product, service and funds in support of the City's pandemic relief efforts.
LINKS	Residents and business wanting to help support the City's COVID-19 response and recovery efforts can visit toronto.ca/covid-19 to make their gift or find out more about volunteer opportunities. Questions about donations can be directed to donate@toronto.ca.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated April 15, 2020 here

Licensed Child Care Centres for Children of Essential Workers
DESCRIPTION	The City of Toronto opened four licensed child care centres to provide care for the children of essential and critical service workers on March 31, 2020. On April 13, 2020, the City of Toronto received authorization from the Government of Ontario to open two additional centres. The centres will be located in existing city-run licensed child care facilities and staffed by City of Toronto child care workers.
LINKS	Emergency child care services are reserved exclusively for children of essential and critical service workers identified in the Province of Ontario's "List of Workers Eligible for Emergency Child Care," who have no other alternatives. A complete list of workers eligible for emergency child care is available here.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's April 13, 2020 news release here See the City of Toronto's March 31, 2020 news release here

Establish a Contingency Fund
DESCRIPTION	The City of Toronto has announced that they will establish a contingency fund to support businesses and affected groups.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	There is little information available on the contingency fund at this time, the City has stated that the fund will be based on consultations to determine need and scale.
LINKS	City's Economic Support and Recovery for Businesses page here.

The Housing Stabilization Fund
DESCRIPTION	The Housing Stabilization Fund is a pre-existing program that remains available. The Housing Stabilization Fund provides money for emergency housing needs to people receiving financial assistance through Ontario Works or income support through Ontario Disability Support Program in the city.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	More information on the HSF and how to apply can be found here.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's Financial Support for Renters webpage here

Interest-Free Loans for Low-Income Households Facing Eviction
DESCRIPTION	The Toronto Rent Bank is a pre-existing program that remains available. The Toronto Rent Bank provides limited, interest-free repayable loans to eligible low-income households facing imminent eviction for rental arrears, including seniors, individuals, and families. The maximum loan is two months' rent. Emergency Rental Deposit Loans are also available for eligible low-income households requiring first and/or last month's rent deposit to move into more affordable/stable housing.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	People receiving social assistance or living in rent-geared-to-income units are not eligible for Rent Bank loans.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's Financial Support for Renters webpage here

Energy-Related Emergency Help for Low-Income Residents
DESCRIPTION	Low-income Toronto residents may qualify for help from the City of Toronto with energy-related emergencies to reconnect, prevent disconnection or to assist in the payment of energy arrears for hydro, gas or oil services. This is a pre-existing program that remains available during the emergency.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	Low income residents of Toronto who are not receiving assistance from Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) can apply, regardless of their immigration status in Canada. Eligible residents must have received a disconnection notice or have already been disconnected or have energy arrears and do not have enough money to pay the arrears. To apply for the Emergency Energy Fund call 416-338-8888. Assessments are done over the phone.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's Financial Support for Renters webpage here

Energy-Related Emergency Help for Low-Income Residents

DESCRIPTION

Low-income Toronto residents may qualify for help from the City of Toronto with energy-related emergencies to reconnect, prevent disconnection or to assist in the payment of energy arrears for hydro, gas or oil services. This is a pre-existing program that remains available during the emergency.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

Low income residents of Toronto who are not receiving assistance from Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) can apply, regardless of their immigration status in Canada.

Eligible residents must have received a disconnection notice or have already been disconnected or have energy arrears and do not have enough money to pay the arrears.

To apply for the Emergency Energy Fund call 416-338-8888. Assessments are done over the phone.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's Financial Support for Renters webpage here

Assistance for Toronto Community Housing Market Rent and Rent-Geared-to-Income Tenants
DESCRIPTION	Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) has confirmed that it will be flexible and work with market rent and rent-geared-to-income (RGI) tenants whose employment income has been impacted by COVID-19. For rent-geared-to-income households, which make up about 90 per cent of TCHC tenants, the housing corporation will recalculate their rent based on employment income changes owing to job loss or layoff incurred because of COVID-19. Rent will be adjusted or deferred in order to respond to the economic impact of COVID-19. For market rent tenants whose income has been reduced as a result of a job loss or layoff because of the COVID-19 response, TCHC will consider various case-specific options to assist them, which may include arranging for payment deferment plans that suit their situation over the next few months.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated March 24, 2020 here

Assistance for Toronto Community Housing Market Rent and Rent-Geared-to-Income Tenants

DESCRIPTION

Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) has confirmed that it will be flexible and work with market rent and rent-geared-to-income (RGI) tenants whose employment income has been impacted by COVID-19.

For rent-geared-to-income households, which make up about 90 per cent of TCHC tenants, the housing corporation will recalculate their rent based on employment income changes owing to job loss or layoff incurred because of COVID-19. Rent will be adjusted or deferred in order to respond to the economic impact of COVID-19.

For market rent tenants whose income has been reduced as a result of a job loss or layoff because of the COVID-19 response, TCHC will consider various case-specific options to assist them, which may include arranging for payment deferment plans that suit their situation over the next few months.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's news release dated March 24, 2020 here

Support for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
DESCRIPTION	The City's Shelter, Support & Housing Administration (SSHA) is leading a three-tiered approach to protecting vulnerable people experiencing homelessness. The three tiers – prevention, mitigation and recovery – allow the City, community partners, and healthcare providers to respond to each stage of the pandemic. SSHA is assisting with relocating individuals for necessary isolation, and the City has distributed $1.2 million among shelters, 24-hour respites, and drop-ins for cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and wage increases for frontline staff. The Rapid Housing Access Initiative, introduced at the start of the pandemic prioritizes housing for individuals in the shelter system.
ACCESSIBILITY AND ELIGIBILITY	Housing referrals for the Rapid Housing Initiative are made through the Coordinated Access system.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated April 14, 2020 here

Support for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

DESCRIPTION

The City's Shelter, Support & Housing Administration (SSHA) is leading a three-tiered approach to protecting vulnerable people experiencing homelessness. The three tiers – prevention, mitigation and recovery – allow the City, community partners, and healthcare providers to respond to each stage of the pandemic.

SSHA is assisting with relocating individuals for necessary isolation, and the City has distributed $1.2 million among shelters, 24-hour respites, and drop-ins for cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and wage increases for frontline staff.

The Rapid Housing Access Initiative, introduced at the start of the pandemic prioritizes housing for individuals in the shelter system.

ACCESSIBILITY AND ELIGIBILITY

Housing referrals for the Rapid Housing Initiative are made through the Coordinated Access system.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's news release dated April 14, 2020 here

City-Community Response Table
DESCRIPTION	The City has established the City-Community Response Table which is comprised of 30 community agencies and many City divisions. The group works to identify new and emerging issues affecting vulnerable Torontonians during the emergency and to plan city-wide responses to address issues such as food security and community resource needs.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's COVID-19: Seniors and Vulnerable People webpage here

Food Access Strategy
DESCRIPTION	The City has developed a food access strategy that includes the establishment of a group consisting of large-scale community groups that works to identify ways to prevent food banks from being closed, support those that are running, and troubleshoot issues as they arise. The group is working on multiple food access programs including: Food delivery Increasing access to food banks Creating a map of food banks
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's COVID-19: Seniors and Vulnerable People webpage here

Food Access Strategy

DESCRIPTION

The City has developed a food access strategy that includes the establishment of a group consisting of large-scale community groups that works to identify ways to prevent food banks from being closed, support those that are running, and troubleshoot issues as they arise.

The group is working on multiple food access programs including:

Food delivery
Increasing access to food banks

Creating a map of food banks

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's COVID-19: Seniors and Vulnerable People webpage here

Food for Kids Program
DESCRIPTION	The City is working with student nutrition program partners to support the Food For Kids Program, which is sending $50 grocery gift cards (per child) to families of children in need who attend school in Toronto and were previously enrolled in the program.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's COVID-19: Seniors and Vulnerable People webpage here

Internet Access for Vulnerable Populations
DESCRIPTION	The City of Toronto has partnered with technology and telecommunications companies to provide free temporary internet access for many vulnerable Torontonians. These partnerships will provide free access for residents in lower-income neighbourhoods, seniors in long-term care homes and clients in many City-operated shelters.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated April 28, 2020 here.

Interim Housing for People Sleeping in Encampments
DESCRIPTION	The City is providing interim housing for people sleeping outdoors. The new interim housing is located in two vacant apartment buildings in Midtown Toronto. There are a total of 125 furnished units for clients. The buildings are being leased by the City from a local developer. The support is being offered for up to 6 months.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated April 29, 2020 here.

Implementation Plan for Modular Supportive Housing Initiative
DESCRIPTION	Mayor John Tory announced on April 24, 2020 the proposed implementation plan for a modular supportive housing initiative to create 110 modular homes on two City-owned sites. The new modular homes are expected to be ready for occupancy by September 2020 and will provide stable, affordable housing and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated April 24, 2020 here. Further details on the proposed implementation plan can be found in the staff report here.

Launch of ActiveTO
DESCRIPTION	On May 6, 2020, Mayor John Tory announced the new ActiveTO program being developed by Toronto Public Health and Transportation Services to provide more space for people walking and cycling as well as transit riders to allow for better physical distancing as part of the city's restart and recovery.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated May 6, 2020 here.

Re-Opening of Community and Allotment Gardens
DESCRIPTION	The City of Toronto will open its community and allotment gardens for the 2020 gardening season. The City will follow a phased approach in opening its 81 community gardens and 12 allotment gardens to ensure public safety while providing access to an essential source of fresh food.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	Community gardens will begin to open this week on a location-by-location basis. Allotment gardens will begin to open during the week of May 11.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated May 4, 2020 here.

Support For Retail Stores Re-Opening For Pickup And Delivery Service
DESCRIPTION	Starting Saturday, May 9, hardware stores and safety supply stores will be permitted to open for in-store payment and purchases. On Monday, May 11, all retail stores with a street entrance can also begin to offer curbside pickup and delivery. Garden centres and nurseries are already permitted to be open for in-store payment and purchases and are operating under the same guidelines that grocery stores and pharmacies have been following.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated May 8, 2020 here.

Support For Retail Stores Re-Opening For Pickup And Delivery Service

DESCRIPTION

Starting Saturday, May 9, hardware stores and safety supply stores will be permitted to open for in-store payment and purchases. On Monday, May 11, all retail stores with a street entrance can also begin to offer curbside pickup and delivery. Garden centres and nurseries are already permitted to be open for in-store payment and purchases and are operating under the same guidelines that grocery stores and pharmacies have been following.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's news release dated May 8, 2020 here.

City of Toronto partners with GlobalMedic and University of Toronto Scarborough to provide food to Scarborough residents
DESCRIPTION	The City of Toronto, GlobalMedic and the University of Toronto Scarborough launched CARES – Collective Action and Response for Everyone in Scarborough. CARES will be packaging food at the University of Toronto Scarborough's Highland Hall Events Centre. The food, supplied by GlobalMedic, will be distributing to food banks across Scarborough. CARES is one of the many programs that came to fruition after the City launched a robust plan to address the ongoing need for emergency food security during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the City has been working closely with community and corporate partners to ensure that residents have access to food and to address food security gaps in vulnerable communities City of Toronto staff along with University of Toronto Scarborough staff volunteers helped launch the program, which has a daily output of 1,000 pounds of food. Over the coming weeks, City of Toronto staff will return to their regular duties and will transition food packaging to volunteer staff and students from University of Toronto Scarborough and community volunteers. CARES is spearheaded by the David McAntony Gibson Foundation, which operates as GlobalMedic, a registered Canadian charity that has provided disaster relief and life-saving humanitarian aid since 2002.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated May 9, 2020 here.

City of Toronto partners with GlobalMedic and University of Toronto Scarborough to provide food to Scarborough residents

DESCRIPTION

The City of Toronto, GlobalMedic and the University of Toronto Scarborough launched CARES – Collective Action and Response for Everyone in Scarborough.

CARES will be packaging food at the University of Toronto Scarborough's Highland Hall Events Centre. The food, supplied by GlobalMedic, will be distributing to food banks across Scarborough.

CARES is one of the many programs that came to fruition after the City launched a robust plan to address the ongoing need for emergency food security during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the City has been working closely with community and corporate partners to ensure that residents have access to food and to address food security gaps in vulnerable communities

City of Toronto staff along with University of Toronto Scarborough staff volunteers helped launch the program, which has a daily output of 1,000 pounds of food. Over the coming weeks, City of Toronto staff will return to their regular duties and will transition food packaging to volunteer staff and students from University of Toronto Scarborough and community volunteers.

CARES is spearheaded by the David McAntony Gibson Foundation, which operates as GlobalMedic, a registered Canadian charity that has provided disaster relief and life-saving humanitarian aid since 2002.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's news release dated May 9, 2020 here.

City Of Toronto Launches ShopHERE To Help Local Businesses And Artists Open Free Online Stores
DESCRIPTION	On May 11, 2020, Mayor John Tory announced the launch of ShopHERE, a program to help Toronto independent businesses and artists open a free online store to minimize the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. ShopHERE will provide Toronto independent businesses and artists the opportunity to develop an online store, which will be built and launched for free in just a matter of days. Hands-on support will be provided throughout the entire process from volunteer website developers and marketing and business students. ShopHERE is supported by a number of community and corporate partners, including Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, Shopify, Google, Mastercard, Microsoft, Facebook, eBay, Ritual, Trufan, eShipper, Snapchat, Magnet and Schulich School of Business - York University. The program will provide Toronto's independent businesses and artists with: • A template to develop an online store on Shopify, customized with their information, branding, logo, etc. • Hands-on assistance setting up and launching their online store • Training and support for digital marketing, shipping and operating an online store • Access to free tools and online advertising credits to support the launch of their online store. An estimated 49,501 Toronto business, 7,371 of them restaurants, bars or cafes, are eligible for the ShopHERE program. The initial program is available now through the end of August and the City's goal is to develop 3,000 online stores for Toronto independent businesses and artists.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	The ShopHERE program will be delivered via the Digital Main Street platform. Toronto independent businesses and artists can sign up for their free online store here.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's May 11, 2020 news release here.

City Of Toronto Launches ShopHERE To Help Local Businesses And Artists Open Free Online Stores

DESCRIPTION

On May 11, 2020, Mayor John Tory announced the launch of ShopHERE, a program to help Toronto independent businesses and artists open a free online store to minimize the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ShopHERE will provide Toronto independent businesses and artists the opportunity to develop an online store, which will be built and launched for free in just a matter of days. Hands-on support will be provided throughout the entire process from volunteer website developers and marketing and business students.

ShopHERE is supported by a number of community and corporate partners, including Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, Shopify, Google, Mastercard, Microsoft, Facebook, eBay, Ritual, Trufan, eShipper, Snapchat, Magnet and Schulich School of Business - York University.

The program will provide Toronto's independent businesses and artists with:

• A template to develop an online store on Shopify, customized with their information, branding, logo, etc.

• Hands-on assistance setting up and launching their online store

• Training and support for digital marketing, shipping and operating an online store

• Access to free tools and online advertising credits to support the launch of their online store.

An estimated 49,501 Toronto business, 7,371 of them restaurants, bars or cafes, are eligible for the ShopHERE program.

The initial program is available now through the end of August and the City's goal is to develop 3,000 online stores for Toronto independent businesses and artists.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

The ShopHERE program will be delivered via the Digital Main Street platform. Toronto independent businesses and artists can sign up for their free online store here.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's May 11, 2020 news release here.

Adoption of the Social Debenture Framework
DESCRIPTION	Toronto is the first municipality in Canada to establish a Social Debenture Program, allowing the City to further its leadership in sustainable finance and promote positive socioeconomic outcomes. The Social Debenture Framework was verified by Sustainalytics, a global leader in environmental, social and governance research and ratings. This verification ensures the City's framework aligns with the International Capital Markets Association Social Bond Principles. The Social Debenture Program demonstrates the City's commitment to advance positive socioeconomic outcomes for all Torontonians. Eligible projects are capital projects for various social initiatives, including: • social and affordable housing • affordable basic infrastructure (access to clean drinking water, sewage and sanitation systems and transit) • access to essential services (long-term care, senior services and emergency shelters) and • Socioeconomic advancement and empowerment (public libraries and community hubs).
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	For more information on the Social Debenture Framework and the Project Evaluation and Selection process, visit the City of Toronto's website here.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's May 13, 2020 news release here.

Adoption of the Social Debenture Framework

DESCRIPTION

Toronto is the first municipality in Canada to establish a Social Debenture Program, allowing the City to further its leadership in sustainable finance and promote positive socioeconomic outcomes.

The Social Debenture Framework was verified by Sustainalytics, a global leader in environmental, social and governance research and ratings. This verification ensures the City's framework aligns with the International Capital Markets Association Social Bond Principles.

The Social Debenture Program demonstrates the City's commitment to advance positive socioeconomic outcomes for all Torontonians. Eligible projects are capital projects for various social initiatives, including:

• social and affordable housing

• affordable basic infrastructure (access to clean drinking water, sewage and sanitation systems and transit)

• access to essential services (long-term care, senior services and emergency shelters) and

• Socioeconomic advancement and empowerment (public libraries and community hubs).

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

For more information on the Social Debenture Framework and the Project Evaluation and Selection process, visit the City of Toronto's website here.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's May 13, 2020 news release here.

Partnership with Ritual
DESCRIPTION	The City of Toronto, earlier this week, announced a new partnership with Toronto start-up Ritual to help local businesses accept digital orders online and onsite. The partnership is one of many initiatives to help businesses, led by Mayor Tory's Economic Support and Recovery Task Force. The City is encouraging all restaurants and food services businesses, including grocers, butchers, and bakeries, to sign up for Ritual ONE as early as possible. Businesses that sign up by June 1 will receive the service free for life and will not pay any commission or monthly subscription fees on Ritual ONE orders. Businesses are also provided with a dedicated expert to help support them during the onboarding process.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	Toronto businesses can sign up for Ritual ONE here. Businesses enrolled in the City's ShopHERE program are eligible for Ritual ONE and a lifetime exemption from commission and subscription fees. Toronto independent businesses and artists can sign up for their free online ShopHERE store here.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's May 17, 2020 news release here.

CampTO
DESCRIPTION	The City of Toronto is cancelling all planned 2020 summer camps and preparing an alternative program to get children safely back to camp through a new CampTO program. Details of the program are being developed and are dependent on the lifting of current provincial orders and recommendations from Toronto Public Health. CampTO would provide children with a high-quality camp experience, inclusive of traditional camp activities, that incorporate public health measures designed to reduce the risk of virus spread, including physical distancing, smaller group sizes, daily health assessments and more extensive cleaning and hygiene measures. If permitted to operate, CampTO will provide 5,300 camp spaces per week for children ages 6 to 12 representing approximately 50 per cent of the typical City of Toronto camp capacity. On June 10, 2020, the City of Toronto announced that it will begin to offer summer camps across the city starting on July 13 as part of its CampTO initiative.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	Registration details for the CampTO program will be announced once the Province is able to safely remove restrictions on day camps, and an estimated four weeks to prepare for their opening. Preparation activities include readying facilities, client registration, staff hiring and training and site-specific program modifications. On June 10, 2020, the City of Toronto announced that programs will be available for viewing on Saturday, June 13, at Toronto.ca/camps. Registration for CampTO will take place beginning at 7 a.m. on: Wednesday, June 24 for Etobicoke/York and Scarborough districts; and Thursday, June 25 for Toronto/East York, West Toronto/York and North York Districts. The quickest and easiest way to register is online at efun.toronto.ca. For more details, see here.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated May 15, 2020 here. See the City of Toronto's June 10, 2020 news release here.

CampTO

DESCRIPTION

The City of Toronto is cancelling all planned 2020 summer camps and preparing an alternative program to get children safely back to camp through a new CampTO program. Details of the program are being developed and are dependent on the lifting of current provincial orders and recommendations from Toronto Public Health.

CampTO would provide children with a high-quality camp experience, inclusive of traditional camp activities, that incorporate public health measures designed to reduce the risk of virus spread, including physical distancing, smaller group sizes, daily health assessments and more extensive cleaning and hygiene measures. If permitted to operate, CampTO will provide 5,300 camp spaces per week for children ages 6 to 12 representing approximately 50 per cent of the typical City of Toronto camp capacity.

On June 10, 2020, the City of Toronto announced that it will begin to offer summer camps across the city starting on July 13 as part of its CampTO initiative.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

Registration details for the CampTO program will be announced once the Province is able to safely remove restrictions on day camps, and an estimated four weeks to prepare for their opening. Preparation activities include readying facilities, client registration, staff hiring and training and site-specific program modifications.

On June 10, 2020, the City of Toronto announced that programs will be available for viewing on Saturday, June 13, at Toronto.ca/camps. Registration for CampTO will take place beginning at 7 a.m. on: Wednesday, June 24 for Etobicoke/York and Scarborough districts; and Thursday, June 25 for Toronto/East York, West Toronto/York and North York Districts. The quickest and easiest way to register is online at efun.toronto.ca. For more details, see here.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's news release dated May 15, 2020 here.

See the City of Toronto's June 10, 2020 news release here.

CaféTO
DESCRIPTION	On June 4, 2020, the City of Toronto launched CaféTO a quick-start program that will make it easier for restaurant and bar owners to open patios, to expand them, and to access additional space for physical distancing and for that matter revenue generation during the summer months ahead. Significant work has already taken place including: Creating a cross-divisional action team to oversee the program quickly and efficiently. Conducting a review of a number of current requirements and determining how the City can better support businesses, including waiving patio fees which would otherwise be levied on expanded space so as to help struggling businesses. Undertaking planning for reallocation of curb lanes for patios to maximize space and further help the industry. Consulting with BIAs and other key stakeholders including TABIA and restaurant industry associations to help coordinate this important economic rescue initiative. They will be key to ensuring restaurants in appropriate locations across the city can sign up quickly for expanded space. Establishing the essential café placements guidelines that will ensure these patios can be operational as soon as possible after they are permitted. A key feature of CaféTO will be to allow businesses to establish options for café configurations within the right-of-way and in accordance with public health guidelines. This may potentially include waiving regular permit and application fees in order to install the cafes.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	The City plans to provide local restaurant/bar owners with a set of guidelines for the installation of a temporary sidewalk café or curb lane café. A registration process for businesses to sign up for CaféTO will be communicated to business owners when finalized. The City will also work with business owners to understand enforcement, accessibility and cleaning requirements, and how to maintain physical distancing, within the space, to keep customers and employees safe.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's news release dated June 4, 2020 here.

CaféTO

DESCRIPTION

On June 4, 2020, the City of Toronto launched CaféTO a quick-start program that will make it easier for restaurant and bar owners to open patios, to expand them, and to access additional space for physical distancing and for that matter revenue generation during the summer months ahead.

Significant work has already taken place including:

Creating a cross-divisional action team to oversee the program quickly and efficiently.
Conducting a review of a number of current requirements and determining how the City can better support businesses, including waiving patio fees which would otherwise be levied on expanded space so as to help struggling businesses.
Undertaking planning for reallocation of curb lanes for patios to maximize space and further help the industry.
Consulting with BIAs and other key stakeholders including TABIA and restaurant industry associations to help coordinate this important economic rescue initiative. They will be key to ensuring restaurants in appropriate locations across the city can sign up quickly for expanded space.
Establishing the essential café placements guidelines that will ensure these patios can be operational as soon as possible after they are permitted.

A key feature of CaféTO will be to allow businesses to establish options for café configurations within the right-of-way and in accordance with public health guidelines. This may potentially include waiving regular permit and application fees in order to install the cafes.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

The City plans to provide local restaurant/bar owners with a set of guidelines for the installation of a temporary sidewalk café or curb lane café. A registration process for businesses to sign up for CaféTO will be communicated to business owners when finalized. The City will also work with business owners to understand enforcement, accessibility and cleaning requirements, and how to maintain physical distancing, within the space, to keep customers and employees safe.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's news release dated June 4, 2020 here.

SwimTO
DESCRIPTION	On June 10, 2020, the City of Toronto launched SwimTO, a quick-start program that will expedite the opening of the City's beaches, outdoor pools, wading pools and splash pads. The plan will ensure that all Torontonians can safely access outdoor aquatic recreation and cool down during hot summer temperatures as Toronto begins to reopen. For details on the program, see here.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's June 10, 2020 news release here.

Community Crisis Response Fund updated COVID-19 Criteria
DESCRIPTION	On May 29, 2020, the City of Toronto opened applications for its Community Crisis Response Fund to help communities to respond to the impact of violent incidents and associated crises during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund, first established in 2016, provides financial assistance of up to $3,000 for initiatives that address the impact of a violent traumatic incident within a neighbourhood or across multiple communities. A total of $200,000 is available through the Community Crisis Response Fund. There are two funding streams: general, and youth-led. In 2020, Toronto City Council allocated $2 million for youth violence prevention grants and an additional $100,000 to fund the creation of this new youth-led Community Crisis Response Fund. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, the types of community initiatives eligible for funding has been revised to reflect the need for physical distancing. Examples of virtual initiatives and activities now eligible for funding include: community-based healing sessions to support coping, resident engagement activities; training or workshops; and community mobilizing and/or planning activities. Applications are encouraged to deliver culturally responsive activities that are reflective of the ethno-racial communities impacted by community crisis incidents. These new funding parameters will be in place until September 1, 2020, or as amended with direction from the Medical Officer of Health. Funding is available to help communities coordinate a local response to the impacts of violent incidents that have occurred since February 1, 2020.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	Organizations eligible for funding include not-for-profit and faith-based organizations in partnership with community agencies. Potential applicants can join a virtual information session on June 12 to learn more about the fund and how to apply. For more information about the Community Crisis Response fund, visit the City's Community Crisis Response Fund Website.
LINKS	See the City of Toronto's May 29, 2020 news release here.

Community Crisis Response Fund updated COVID-19 Criteria

DESCRIPTION

On May 29, 2020, the City of Toronto opened applications for its Community Crisis Response Fund to help communities to respond to the impact of violent incidents and associated crises during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Fund, first established in 2016, provides financial assistance of up to $3,000 for initiatives that address the impact of a violent traumatic incident within a neighbourhood or across multiple communities.

A total of $200,000 is available through the Community Crisis Response Fund. There are two funding streams: general, and youth-led. In 2020, Toronto City Council allocated $2 million for youth violence prevention grants and an additional $100,000 to fund the creation of this new youth-led Community Crisis Response Fund.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, the types of community initiatives eligible for funding has been revised to reflect the need for physical distancing. Examples of virtual initiatives and activities now eligible for funding include: community-based healing sessions to support coping, resident engagement activities; training or workshops; and community mobilizing and/or planning activities. Applications are encouraged to deliver culturally responsive activities that are reflective of the ethno-racial communities impacted by community crisis incidents.

These new funding parameters will be in place until September 1, 2020, or as amended with direction from the Medical Officer of Health. Funding is available to help communities coordinate a local response to the impacts of violent incidents that have occurred since February 1, 2020.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

Organizations eligible for funding include not-for-profit and faith-based organizations in partnership with community agencies.

Potential applicants can join a virtual information session on June 12 to learn more about the fund and how to apply.

For more information about the Community Crisis Response fund, visit the City's Community Crisis Response Fund Website.

LINKS

See the City of Toronto's May 29, 2020 news release here.

City of Toronto and United Way Greater Toronto Shelter Interim Recovery Strategy
DESCRIPTION	The City of Toronto and United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) have partnered to develop a COVID-19 Shelter Interim Recovery Strategy. When complete, the strategy will guide City and partner agency response to homelessness over the next six- to 12-month interim recovery period. The input and feedback gathered from surveys, discussions and public meetings will shape the development of a COVID-19 Shelter Interim Recovery Strategy that equips the City, led by the Shelter, Support & Housing Administration (SSHA) division, and community partners to continue to deliver the next phase of our homelessness response through 2020 into spring 2021. A public report on the strategy and what we heard through the engagement process will be released in July.
LINKS	The City of Toronto's June 1, 2020 news release can be found here.

City of Toronto and United Way Greater Toronto Shelter Interim Recovery Strategy

DESCRIPTION

The City of Toronto and United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) have partnered to develop a COVID-19 Shelter Interim Recovery Strategy. When complete, the strategy will guide City and partner agency response to homelessness over the next six- to 12-month interim recovery period.

The input and feedback gathered from surveys, discussions and public meetings will shape the development of a COVID-19 Shelter Interim Recovery Strategy that equips the City, led by the Shelter, Support & Housing Administration (SSHA) division, and community partners to continue to deliver the next phase of our homelessness response through 2020 into spring 2021. A public report on the strategy and what we heard through the engagement process will be released in July.

LINKS

The City of Toronto's June 1, 2020 news release can be found here.

Expansion of the Creative Co-Location Facilities Property Tax Subclasses to Live Music Venues
DESCRIPTION	On May 29, 2020 Toronto City Council approved recommendations to help address the unprecedented challenges threatening live music venues in Toronto. Council expanded the Creative Co-Location Facilities Property Tax Subclasses to provide property tax relief for live music venues. The Creative Co-Location Facilities Property Tax Subclasses were established by City Council and the Province of Ontario to support the affordability and sustainability of cultural and creative spaces in Toronto. This tax relief mechanism was first made available in 2018 for qualifying properties acting as creative hubs with creative tenants. In 2019, the criteria were expanded to include membership-based co-working facilities for creative workers and enterprises. The expansion of the Creative Co-Location Facilities Property Tax Subclasses to include live music venues is part of the City's COVID-19 recovery efforts and is consistent with Council directives to promote Toronto as a city that values music and musicians. It is intended that this measure will remain in place beyond this year to support the long-term viability of the live music sector.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	The deadline for eligible live music venues to apply is June 19. Applications are available on the City's website here.
LINKS	The City of Toronto's May 29, 2020 news release can be found here.

Expansion of the Creative Co-Location Facilities Property Tax Subclasses to Live Music Venues

DESCRIPTION

On May 29, 2020 Toronto City Council approved recommendations to help address the unprecedented challenges threatening live music venues in Toronto. Council expanded the Creative Co-Location Facilities Property Tax Subclasses to provide property tax relief for live music venues.

The Creative Co-Location Facilities Property Tax Subclasses were established by City Council and the Province of Ontario to support the affordability and sustainability of cultural and creative spaces in Toronto. This tax relief mechanism was first made available in 2018 for qualifying properties acting as creative hubs with creative tenants. In 2019, the criteria were expanded to include membership-based co-working facilities for creative workers and enterprises.

The expansion of the Creative Co-Location Facilities Property Tax Subclasses to include live music venues is part of the City's COVID-19 recovery efforts and is consistent with Council directives to promote Toronto as a city that values music and musicians. It is intended that this measure will remain in place beyond this year to support the long-term viability of the live music sector.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

The deadline for eligible live music venues to apply is June 19.

Applications are available on the City's website here.

LINKS

The City of Toronto's May 29, 2020 news release can be found here.

Reopening of the City of Toronto – Phase 2
DESCRIPTION	On Monday June 22nd, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the City of Toronto and Peel Region will enter Stage 2 as part of Ontario's approach to reopening. Several of Toronto and Peel Region's businesses and services are permitted to reopen, with the appropriate health and safety measures in place. The businesses and services permitted to reopen include, but are not limited to: outdoor dine-in services, select personal care services, shopping malls, tour and guide services, outdoor recreational facilities, camping and private campgrounds and beaches. On Monday June 30^th, Mayor John Tory announced mandatory face coverings in enclosed public spaces in Toronto. The temporary By-law will be effective on July 7^th in order to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
LINKS	Read more about the temporary By-law requiring mandatory face coverings here

Reopening of the City of Toronto – Phase 2

DESCRIPTION

On Monday June 22nd, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the City of Toronto and Peel Region will enter Stage 2 as part of Ontario's approach to reopening. Several of Toronto and Peel Region's businesses and services are permitted to reopen, with the appropriate health and safety measures in place. The businesses and services permitted to reopen include, but are not limited to: outdoor dine-in services, select personal care services, shopping malls, tour and guide services, outdoor recreational facilities, camping and private campgrounds and beaches.

On Monday June 30^th, Mayor John Tory announced mandatory face coverings in enclosed public spaces in Toronto. The temporary By-law will be effective on July 7^th in order to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19 cases.

LINKS

By-laws to prevent continued COVID-19 resurgence
DESCRIPTION	On September 30 2020, Toronto City council voted unanimously to strengthen bylaws to prevent continued COVID-19 resurgence by approving new restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of the virus within bars and restaurants and passing a five-point plan to help the struggling industry to survive. On the recommendations of Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eillen de Villa, City council approved lowering the allowed capacity at restaurants and bars from 100 to 75 and the maximum number of people permitted at any one table from 10 to six. Restaurants and bars are also required to collect contact information for each patron they serve as opposed to one per person per table while reducing the noise of background music to no louder than normal conversation.

By-laws to prevent continued COVID-19 resurgence

DESCRIPTION

On September 30 2020, Toronto City council voted unanimously to strengthen bylaws to prevent continued COVID-19 resurgence by approving new restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of the virus within bars and restaurants and passing a five-point plan to help the struggling industry to survive.

On the recommendations of Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eillen de Villa, City council approved lowering the allowed capacity at restaurants and bars from 100 to 75 and the maximum number of people permitted at any one table from 10 to six. Restaurants and bars are also required to collect contact information for each patron they serve as opposed to one per person per table while reducing the noise of background music to no louder than normal conversation.

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