Canada's STRONGER TOGETHER Concert

Famous Canadian performers will take to the airwaves and the internet tonite at 7pm in support of food banks across Canada during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Sunday, April 26th star-studded special called STRONGER TOGETHER will be one hour long, commercial free broadcast on CBC, Citytv, CTV, Global as well as other specialty networks and radio stations. You can also find it on various streaming platforms as the show salutes frontline workers

Stars like Céline Dion, Michael Bublé, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, Sarah McLachlan, Howie Mandel, Jann Arden, Rick Mercer, Alessia Cara, Russell Peters, Connor McDavid will perform from their homes during the concert.

"Bell Media, CBC/Radio-Canada, Corus Entertainment, Groupe V Média, and Rogers Sports & Media are coming together in a show of support for the frontline workers fighting the battle against COVID-19 across Canada." Viewers are asked to make a donation to Food Banks Canada (How to Donate: SMS: Text COVID to 30333 to donate $5, $10, or $20. Online: FoodBanksCanada.ca/StrongerTogether )

You can view the special on these channels and platforms: Bell Media TV: CTV, CTV2, CTV Life Channel, TSN, CP24, MUCH, MTV, VRAK Streaming: CTV.ca and CTV app; iHeartRadio.ca and iHeartRadio Canada app Radio: Virgin Radio On Demand: Crave; CTV.ca and CTV app; iHeartRadio.ca and iHeartRadio Canada app CBC/Radio-Canada TV: CBC TV, ICI ARTV Streaming: CBC Gem, CBC.ca Radio: CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen app, Sirius XM Channel 169 On Demand: CBC Gem, ICI TOU.TV Corus TV: Global, Slice, National Geographic, ABC Spark, and SériesPlus Streaming: Global TV app, globaltv.com, globalnews.ca, and etcanada.com On Demand: Global TV app and globaltv.com Rogers Sports & Media TV: Citytv, FX, OMNI Television Streaming: Citytv.com Groupe V Média TV.

Toronto Earth Day 2020

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day comes today - April 22nd - Yay, so happy Earth Day. Today brings a call for climate action. This year the Covid-19 pandemic will cancel, or force online, events to help the earth. There are a lot of Climate Strikes that won't be able to take place.

From Earth Day's website; "Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable."

THE EARTH NEEDS US NOW MORE THAN EVER —

ON APRIL 22, EARTH DAY GOES DIGITAL

NASA images show Nitrogen-Dioxide levels dropped in China early in 2020. CNN reports that the NO2 have been dropping in the US as well.

The world is getting a break during the pandemic as pollution levels have fallen as human practices have been severely curtailed pollution across the globe. Stay and work at home, quarantines and economic shutdowns have reduced everything it seems. I have even heard that the canals of Venice have cleared and you can see fish and dolphins in the water now, but the dolphins story is apparently fake according to National Geographic.

You can check out Toronto's virtual Earth Day 2020 event from noon to 1pm from Canadian Club of Toronto. "To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, join Canadian Club Toronto on April 22nd to discuss what a greener Toronto, and Canada, looks like, how we can continue to build on current progress, and develop actionable change for the future. This expert panel will be moderated by Dr. Dan Riskin, former host of the Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet"

Toronto Cherry Blossoms 2020

Update May 2, 2020: The cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Blossoms in Exhibition Place around the Liberty Grand May 2, 2020. You can see more of the blossoms on my post here.

Since High Park and Trinity Bellwoods Park are fenced off you have to take the virtual blossom tour on the City's BloomCam.

Now back to my original post.

Covid-19 can't cancel the beautiful blossoms that come with springtime, unfortunately the emergency pandemic precautions may keep us out of the parks - the most famous in Toronto being High Park. Even the Sakura in High Park website stopped updates on March 25 to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. There are a lot of places besides parks that you can find the occasional clump of fruit trees and you can always look towards those blossoms. Here are some blossoms from happier times as well as some recent spring flowers. You can find cherry trees all around Toronto and beautiful blossoms if the time is right - here are some places that you can find cherry trees on my post here.

High Park COVID-19 coronavirus update as of April 19, 2020: "The park is open but amenities inside the parks are closed. Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak gatherings of large groups are prohibited. This includes crowds at High Park to watch the cherry blossoms. Sorry folks, you may not be able to check out the cherry trees in full bloom this year." The City of Toronto has closed all amenities within parks, including parking lots, however the green spaces are open for now. While it is possible to walk in a park you may not be able to bring a car into the park, or find any parking. You will have to take public transit, bike or walk to the park. Also the premier or the mayor may take the precaution of closing High Park to all visitors during peak bloom.

Update April 22, 2020: The City will close the park before and during the Cherry Blossom Festival. See their media release at the bottom of this post. You can only see the blossoms when they live stream the blossoms.

 Past High Park cherry blossoms

2020 Cherry Blossom watch

As of April 18 the trees in Exhibition Place are sprouting florets that are extending and within weeks will be in peak bloom. The 68 Cherry trees were planted in 2002, donated by the Sakura Project and they can be found at the General Services Building, Bandshell Park, Princess Margaret Fountain, FountainBlu, Press Building and Liberty Grand.

Florets extending April 18

Liberty Grand

Princess Margaret Fountain

City of Toronto News Release, April 22, 2020 High Park cherry blossom festival going virtual during park closure to stop the spread of COVID-19:

"Based on the recommendations of the Medical Officer of Health to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives, the City of Toronto is working to make the High Park cherry blossoms available online during the upcoming park closure.

Every year tens of thousands of people visit High Park to view the blossoming Sakura (cherry blossom) trees. The blossoms typically last between four and 10 days, depending on weather. The peak bloom time period traditionally occurs from late April to early May.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, High Park will be closed during the pre-bloom and peak bloom period of the cherry blossom trees, as maintaining proper physical distancing will not be possible. The park closure dates are weather-dependent and will be announced when the bloom period is determined.

To encourage residents to stay home and stay safe, the City is working on a virtual walk-through of the blossoming trees in High Park. Residents will be able to experience this year's cherry blossom season through multiple livestream events and videos. More details will be announced soon.

High Park is already closed to vehicle traffic. Roads through the park were closed off when the City moved to close park amenities based on public health's advice.

This closure follows similar cherry blossom crowd control responses that have already occurred in Japan, Korea, Europe and Washington, D.C.

Park enforcement City bylaw officers and the Toronto Police Service will ensure residents are complying with the closure. Municipal bylaws give the General Manager of Parks, Forestry & Recreation the authority to close a park in the interest of public safety. Violations related to accessing a closed City park can result in a set fine of $750 if a ticket is paid voluntarily, but the maximum fine can be $5,000.

While we understand many residents use High Park every day, a partial closure of the park isn't possible given the number of cherry blossom trees throughout the park and the size and layout of the park itself. Health and parks staff believe this is the best plan to discourage gathering and protect public health.

The cherry blossoms area at Trinity Bellwoods Park will be enclosed by fencing with enforcement patrols during the bloom period. City enforcement officials and Toronto Police Services may patrol other smaller sites of cherry blossoms in Toronto.

During the closure, Parks staff will undertake extensive work on the park that includes:
• Removal of litter, debris, branches and other material that accumulates over the winter;
• Grass cutting, turf maintenance, tree cutting and horticultural bed maintenance, and
• Animal care, repairs to benches and maintenance activities, such as painting.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

Quotes:

"I know this closure will be tough for local residents who enjoy High Park year-round and those who look forward to seeing the cherry blossoms every year. This virtual event and the proactive closure is meant to ensure the traditional overcrowding that happens at High Park during the annual cherry blossom bloom does not occur this year to further stop the spread of COVID-19. We are following the advice of our professional public health officials to protect the health and safety of all residents and park visitors. Thank you in advance to the vast majority of residents who will respect this closure and understand this is needed to save lives. I look forward to joining residents in High Park in future years – after we have won the war against COVID-19 – to enjoy the cherry blossoms again."
- Mayor John Tory

“This will be disappointing both for people who love the Cherry Blossoms, and people who regularly use the park. But, our first duty is to keep each other safe."
- Councillor Gord Perks, Parkdale-High Park (Ward 4)"

Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2020 cancelled

One of the top tourist attractions in Toronto has been cancelled due to Covid-19 precautions. The event brings good feelings, partying and colourful outfits to Exhibition Place and Lake Shore Boulevard West over the past 52 years and wants to do its part to stop the spread of Covid-19. The organizers will also try to celebrate the Carnival if Covid restrictions are lifted by July 1, 2020. If possible, the reworked celebrations will be carried out in a non-traditional format during the August 1 weekend. Here are some photos of previous Carnival medial launches.

From the Carnival; "The Board of Directors of the Festival Management Committee has decided that due to the continued developments concerning the spread of COVID-19, the severe public health threat, and global health crisis, the month-long events held in July-August is cancelled. The events include the Festival Launch, Junior King and Queen Show, Junior Parade, Adult King and Queen Show, Pan Alive, and Grand Parade."

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival Festival was started in 1967 during Canada's centennial celebrations as Caribbean immigrants provided a cultural gift to Canada. "The Caribbean Canadian community that inspires and gives life to the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Festival is comprised of Canadians with heritage taken from Barbados, Bahamas, Guyana, Grenada, Jamaica, Haiti, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the other countries of the Caribbean."

See more of the Mas costumes after the jump.

DON’T BE A SHOPPING COVIDIOT

It's hard to believe but your average grocery store cashier in Ontario makes about $14 per hour and has been declared an essential service worker. For some people that means that you can treat them even worse than they might have before the Covid-19 pandemic. In some stores the managers seem to be counting the profits first and the health and safety of staff and customers second. And some customers think that they cannot get sick and have no patience to wait in line or practice social distancing. It is time to reconsider our cavalier attitudes to health and safety and reduce contact between people to stop the spread of Covid-19. Please be kind and stop being selfish to help flatten the curve.

In honour of our frontline grocery store staff I have found a poem that speaks to the heart of the personnel that are forced to remain at work and deal with hundreds of potentially sick customers during each shift. It is called  “DON’T BE A SHOPPING COVIDIOT”, a therapeutic poem about rationality, rudeness and rules by author I.M. Frustrated. The actual authors shall remain nameless to avoid being fired during this recession and pandemic. 

We have some new rules for you all to read, 

For you to shop here, we insist you agree. 

These rules are here to keep us all safe,

If you don’t like them, you must leave this place.

You’re taking a risk when you come through the door, 

But our risk is morning to night in this store. 

It’s true we are stressed and yes, crazy scared, 

But some of you act like you don't really care. 

You moan and complain ‘cause you have to stay home, 

But I only feel safe in my own little home. 

It is your choice to come through this door, 

But I have no choice but to work in this store. 

You say there’s no choice, I say yes there is, 

But for me there is no money if I leave this biz. 

Sobeys and E.I. will cut me off, 

That is unless I develop a fever or cough. 

So shopping can no longer be social and fun, 

This virus is dangerous and this war can be won! 

If you are feel unwell or kind of sick, 

Please do not enter, go home now, go home quick. 

Please only one person per family we ask, 

Please try to abide by this one simple task. 

The fewer the people that come in to shop, 

Will help to ensure this virus will stop. 

One squirt of sanitizer will reduce risk, 

Just hold out your hand, no please, I insist. 

This virus could kill us and make us all sick, 

When you shop please remember to be in and out quick. 

When grabbing your cart to enter the store,

You will notice some lines that we have placed on the floor. 

These arrows will guide you and it’s only one way, 

Please follow these arrows and please do not stray. 

Gone are the days when the customer is right, 

The staff is struggling to be nice and polite. 

Most customers are great, but some are quite rude, 

To those few I know karma’s coming for you. 

I know that people are worried and stressed, 

Right now the whole world seems like one big fat mess. 

I hope one day soon this virus is gone, 

And happiness and thankfulness will last all day long.

Yes, we are here and are ready to serve, 

So please can you give us the respect we deserve. 

This store will be open and we have to be here, 

So let me make one thing abundantly clear! 

If being respectful and lining up is too much, 

Then you can go hungry, “I don't give a F#$K”! 

Author - I.M. Frustrated

It's International Pillow Fight Day 2020

Unfortunately in Toronto, and probably around the world, the massive groups of people in places like Nathan Phillips Square or Yonge Dundas Square will be cancelled due to Covid-19 precautions. Replaced instead with family pillow fights, virtual pillow fights on Zoom or maybe AIR pillow fights in groups of 5 or less, separated by vast distances.

The day of battle is always the first Saturday in April and this year it would be April 4, 2020 starting at noon. Toronto had a Pillow Fight Day from 2005 to 2018 so you couldn't join a citywide event for the past couple of years.

Toronto World Naked Bike Ride 2020 postponed

Update June 10: The ride has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 20, 2020.

Update from June 5, 2020: Gene Dare says "The ride may go as scheduled". We will keep an eye out for further updates, the 13th is only one week away. It may go because it is also a protest!

The bare ass WNBR originally scheduled for Saturday, June 13 has been put on hold. Toronto has cancelled all mass events in Toronto until the end of June and the World Naked Bike Ride is continuing to evaluate the rapidly changing precautions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Hopefully the situation will allow the ride sometime this year.

The City's 31-Mar-2020 press release: "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in response to the recent provincial emergency order to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people, the City of Toronto will cancel all City-led major mass participation events, festivals, conferences and cultural programs, and all City permits for major mass participation events organized by external groups at civic centres and squares, parks, public spaces (including road closures), City-operated museums and cultural centres through June 30."

Here is information from the WNBR's website; "JUST SHOW UP AND RIDE. The World Naked Bike Ride is global protest against the over usage of oil and urban pollution, promoting greater cycling safety on our roads, and encouraging body freedom for everyone. This site visually describes the naked protest and environmental awareness event. You are encouraged to join this legal ride. There is no cost, no registration, no cost to the taxpayer, no corporate sponsors and best of all it originated in Vancouver, Canada, and now occurs in over 80 cities world wide. You can wear your clothes if you want."

This year's ride was to start gathering at noon with body painting at Coronation Park. After socializing and photographs, including group photos, the ride would leave the park around 1pm. The ride would head through downtown Toronto streets, stopping at several major tourist spots including Queens Park and Toronto City Hall, generating lots of smiles and stares from people who catch the mobile protest.

Gene Dare, naked ride organizer with the hat in the photo above, says "keep your ass safe."

2020 Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show Cancelled

Not a surprise but due to the Covid-19 pandemic precautions the 2020 Spring Motorcycle Show that was to take place April 4-5 has been cancelled. Now we will have to be content with the thought that it will return next year. Go 2021, screw Corona Year 2020.

Toronto cancels events into summer 2020

As positive Covid-19 cases continue to grow exponentially the City has decided to cancel all mass events till the end of June. I believe the government made an error in highlighting how minimal symptoms would happen to 80% of people and that young people would barely notice a thing. Combined with limited testing, with or without symptoms, which only minimizes the actual quantity of sick people in society and how fast this pandemic has spread, the politicians can only now throw up their hands and say they can't believe people don't stay home.

Acton @Sobeys needs to step up COVID-19 precautions: Check for ill customers, limit shoppers, disinfect carts, stock after hours to limit contact. Pay the hero pay for all hours worked. We know cases are spreading in the community, help slow it down & protect staff and customers.

— jmhcet (@jmhcet) March 30, 2020

The spread of the coronavirus also appears to happen easier than what they first told us; droplets can go 27 feet, microdroplets can last in the air for a long time and they still say not to wear masks unless you are sick, which seems just wrong. Finally everyone but restaurant and bar staff seem essential and almost everyone that physically has to get to work is forced into enclosed subways and buses, or walking around grocery stores where people do not social distance correctly. It is a recipe for disaster that is happening right in front of our eyes and soon they will probably about face and say that everyone should wear masks and gloves. One positive is the use of plasma from people that have recovered to treat people suffering with the virus.

When cases keep increasing the next step is a lockdown which has already happened in Spain, Italy, France, India, the UK and many other countries already. Italy entered a country wide lockdown on March 11 with over 10,000 cases and 633 dead - which could be by mid-April in Toronto? Anyways, here is the March 31st City of Toronto press release tightening the restrictions on people after the cat is out of the bag and next to you in the toilet paper section, hoping that the cat will get back in the bag.

Cancellation of mass events through to June 30

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in response to the recent provincial emergency order to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people, the City of Toronto will cancel all City-led major mass participation events, festivals, conferences and cultural programs, and all City permits for major mass participation events organized by external groups at civic centres and squares, parks, public spaces (including road closures), City-operated museums and cultural centres through June 30.

The decision to cancel City-led events and third-party permits has been made in consultation with Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, the Emergency Operations Centre, Toronto Police Service, Mayor John Tory's office and major event organizers, and supports the directive that physical distancing is critical to stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The breadth of the COVID-19 crisis and the City's need to ensure the sustainability of essential services also limits the City's ability to provide the usual level of support to third-party event organizers to ensure public safety.

The City’s decision provides clear direction to event organizers to enable them to make sound decisions in support of public health efforts and their business needs, access insurance, support impacted employees and manage sponsors.

The City urges event organizers to follow Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health’s recommendations of physical distancing as a way to minimize COVID-19 transmission in the community when reviewing their event plans for the upcoming months and make prudent decisions about cancellations. Physical distancing means limiting the number of people a person comes into close contact with, including keeping two metres (six feet) apart from others, avoiding mass gatherings and avoiding crowds.

The end date for the cancellation period will be reviewed every two weeks following the initial announcement and may be extended beyond June 30 in consultation with Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health and in consideration of the provincial prohibition of organized public events and social gatherings.

The City of Toronto will not be in a position to issue new permits until there is further direction on mass gatherings from Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health. The City is committed to working with event organizers to mitigate the impacts of these cancellations and to determine potential future dates once the public health crisis is contained and economic recovery efforts are underway. Among the major events impacted by today's announcement are Doors Open Toronto, Indigenous Arts Festival, Pride Toronto, and NXNE Music and Gaming festival."

"While the City recognizes the importance of special events and festivals to the livability and vitality of the city, protecting the health and safety of residents is of primary concern. City staff are working closely with event organizers to help mitigate the impacts of cancellations wherever possible and we look forward to Toronto's festivals and events being featured prominently as part of the city's recovery from the impact of COVID-19." - Mayor John Tory

Hearts in the windows in Niagara Falls

The impressive waterfalls have brought tourists from around the world for a very long time, now due to the Covid-19 pandemic precautions, the city more resembles a ghost town. To bring cheer to visitors and locals, the hotels have been lighting up vacant rooms with lights that display large hearts on the buildings.

On the side of Embassy Suites the lights spell out HOPE. These are the hearts of hope that blaze out a message of solidarity that started with the staff of the Marriott Fallsview and spread throughout the hotels in the city. Not very many people are on hand lately to see that message as parks facilities and casinos are closed and large gatherings are prohibited.

Niagara Parks closed public facing operations on March 14. From the Niagara Parks website; "The closure extends to Niagara Parks attractions, restaurants, retail stores and golf courses, as well as the WEGO Green Line bus service and Falls Incline Railway. All public programming and events will also be suspended during this time. Recognizing that Niagara Parks offers many natural outdoor areas that will continue to draw guests, public washroom facilities will be remain open at Table Rock (outdoor only), Queen Victoria Place, Niagara Glen and Butterfly Café. These facilities will be cleaned regularly following the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene."

Social Distancing in Public Parks and Trails

Spring has sprung

Thursday, March 19 was the first day of spring 2020 and for some reason it was kind of lost in the fog of stuff going on. Anywhoo, nature remembered and things are starting to sprout here and there. I have seen bright yellow daffodils are starting to grow and pussy willows have started growing their cute little balls. Pretty soon we will be looking for fruit blossoms to cheer us up.

Blue Jays Opening Day at Home 2020

Let's Play Ball. Today was the planned start of Major League Baseball unfortunately there is a scary pandemic that has other ideas. Well MLB isn't going to give up without a fight, or a flashback, so they are bringing out some classic games available across a variety of viewing platforms. Enjoy these Social Distancing baseball games on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

MLB says; "Even though we're apart, we can come together. Opening Day is about hope, belief and community - exactly what we need right now. Even though the start of our season is postponed, baseball can bring people together. Carry out your traditions, put on your favorite team's gear and reach out to your friends, family and teammates who share a love for this game. Today is Opening Day at Home. Today is unlike any Opening Day in Major League Baseball’s long history. We need to call on the optimism that is synonymous with Opening Day and the unflinching determination required to navigate an entire baseball season to help us through the challenging situation currently facing us all."

You can find old games on Youtube as well

Blue Jays vs Astros

"While we aren’t on the field today, there still will be plenty of baseball for you to watch. In addition to programming on MLB Network, ESPN2, and FS1, we have made thousands of games available for free to you through MLB.TV, MLB.com, and MLB’s YouTube accounts. We also are hosting Opening Day at Home, a selection of 30 memorable games, one for each Club, that you can enjoy today across MLB’s digital platforms. While we wait for players to take the field, I hope this brings us together as fans and engages us in conversation through social media."

Mayor Tory declares a State of Emergency in the city of Toronto

Today, Mayor John Tory declared a State of Emergency in the city of Toronto after receiving advice this morning from Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health and the Office of Emergency Management. The emergency comes as Toronto has 239 positive cases of Covid-19 with 14 in the hospital and one death. On the same day Premier Doug Ford introduced new measures to protect the People of Ontario - All non-essential workplaces to close.

Here is the province's press release.

"TORONTO — To further contain the spread of COVID-19, the Ontario Government will order the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. This closure will be in effect for 14 days with the possibility of extending this order as the situation evolves. A full list of businesses that are permitted to stay open will be released tomorrow.

"This was a tough decision, but the right decision, as this is no time for half measures," said Premier Doug Ford. "But I have said from day one we will, and we must, take all steps necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of every Ontarian must come first. The health of you, your children, your grandparents and friends depends on all of us doing our part."

Businesses that can continue operations with employees working remotely, or through other contingency measures, are being given approximately 36 hours to prepare and adapt. Essential services may continue their operations to maintain supply chains and ensure the people of Ontario have access to necessities, including groceries, medicines and other essential products.

A 1-800 number and website will be made available on Wednesday for any inquiries.

"Based on the advice of Dr. Williams, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, and the experts at our Command Table, Ontario is taking further action to contain the spread of COVID-19," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "These enhanced measures are necessary to protect the health and well-being of Ontarians. Nothing is more important."

"Our top priority must be to protect the health of the people of Ontario," said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. "Slowing the spread of COVID-19 will allow the people and the businesses of Ontario to move forward from this unprecedented situation."

This is the City's press release dated March 23, 2020.

"Through his office, the Mayor has also been in communication with the members of City Council, and has spoken to both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford.

The declaration of a municipal emergency is part of the City's ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and will ensure the municipal government can continue to act and respond quickly to the pandemic and any other events that arise in the weeks ahead.

We know the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase in our city and that the next few days are absolutely critical in our ongoing efforts to slow down the spread of COVID-19. In making this declaration, Mayor Tory strongly encourages our residents to continue taking every precaution in protecting themselves – stay home, stay safe, and only venture out to buy essential supplies once a week. Even better, order online if at all possible.

While the Mayor thanks the residents and businesses who are listening to public health advice and practising social distancing, we know from our public health professionals that there are many who are continuing to put their health and the health of our community at risk.

This declaration sends the strongest possible message to our residents to stay home and to change their behaviour.

This decision was not taken lightly. It is part of an overall collaborative effort and cooperation with the Government of Canada led by Prime Minister Trudeau and the Government of Ontario led by Premier Ford – both of whom the Mayor has worked very well with throughout this crisis.

It also comes after we learned on the weekend about the first death of a Toronto resident related to COVID-19. It is a tragic reminder that we are confronting a deadly virus. That is why it is so important that we all continue to do everything we can to keep COVID-19 from continuing to spread.

The Mayor continues to ask all non-essential businesses to close – as the Medical Officer of Health has urged publicly – and as the Government of Ontario has ordered. To further contain the spread of COVID-19, the Ontario Government has ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. Mayor Tory supports this action by the province and has been clear that he will support further recommendations and orders from the Medical Officer of Health and the provincial and federal governments if people do not comply with the need to stay home.

Later this afternoon, Dr. Eileen de Villa and Chief Matthew Pegg will outline, in greater detail, what this declaration means for essential and critical workers, and how it assists in the City’s operations as it works to protect Torontonians.

Right now across Toronto, our healthcare workers are confronting the reality of COVID-19. The Mayor is making this emergency declaration in support of our healthcare workers and all City workers focused on this crisis, to make sure we flatten the curve, and protect our healthcare system.

While the declaration does not change the Level 3 status of the City’s Emergency Operations Centre, it does provide City staff with the necessary flexibility to access resources in a more timely way so it can continue to keep the city functioning and safe.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports, and economic recovery measures. Check https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

Quote:

"We are declaring a State of Emergency as part of the City's ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the municipal government can continue to act and respond quickly to the pandemic and any other events that arise in the weeks ahead. I know this is an incredibly tough time for residents across our city. I want them to know that we are doing everything we can at the City to fight this virus while continuing to deliver our essential and critical services. I remain confident that we will get through this pandemic by continuing to work together and all following the advice of our public health professionals."
- Mayor John Tory"

Future Retrospectives by DesignTO

Harbourfront's art gallery has some fun and free exhibitions throughout the year and while currently shutdown, the Centre had the Future Retrospectives curated by DesignTO on from January 17 to March 29, 2020. Harbourfront will remain closed due to the Covid-19 virus precautions through till April 5, 2020 at the earliest. What is right and what is left at top.

This is a group exhibition with eleven artists, both local and international, trying to predict the future - what it will look like and how did we get there? I didn't get that by looking at the pieces, but maybe you can.

DesignTO says; "Creative acts are, by their nature, future-oriented. Creativity brings to fruition that which did not previously exist and, in doing so, builds the future. What is this future-world that we are building? What does it look like and how does it work? How do we prepare for it? ‘Future Retrospectives’ proposes that in order to have a meaningful understanding of relationships in the future and our role in them as creators of material culture, we have to look at how the past, present, and future are interconnected. By considering the past, we are able to holistically imagine the future. The exhibition features the work of Graysha Audren, Mia Cinelli, Hannah Claus, Cassandra Ferguson, Tsēmā Igharas, Andreas Krätschmer, SHATTERED MOON ALLIANCE, Studio Björn Steinar, Adhavan Sundaramurthy, Sage Szkabarnicki-Stuart, and Jessica Thalmann."