Scarborough-Rouge Park community is more resilient than ever
Everywhere I go, I always tell people that Scarborough-Rouge Park is one of the strongest communities in all of Ontario. Throughout this pandemic, I have witnessed the kind hearts of residents helping each other out and making sure we get through this together. The Scarborough-Rouge Park community has embodied and truly represents the Ontario spirit we talk so much about. It is that resiliency and generosity that has enabled us to get to the point where cases of COVID-19 have been steadily decreasing and we can start getting back to ‘normal’ life, while ensuring we follow health and safety measures set out by the province. I know that many parents and kids are anxious about what the back-to-school plan will look like, so I have outlined some details below. Furthermore, many of you have also reached out to my office regarding the proposed organics plant on Coronation Rd. and I have provided an update below.
Proposed plant on Coronation
First and foremost, the health and safety of my residents is my number one priority. The Ministry of Environment, Conservations & Parks’ role in the review of this application is to ensure the proposed Coronation Organics Processing Centre and Anaerobic Digester Facility does not impact the health and safety of the public and the environment, including on-site truck traffic and any potential emissions from the site (air, noise, dust, sewage discharges). The ministry expects that the City of Toronto will also review the traffic study, as decisions on whether this is an appropriate activity for this area is the responsibility of the city. The municipal official plan and zoning by-laws allow for this type of operation at this site and the ministry does not have a role in those decisions. Questions about the city’s receipt of the study and timelines for reviewing it should be directed to City Manager Chris Murray (chris.murray@toronto.ca).
I have received numerous emails from constituents and I want to assure you that I have expressed these health and safety concerns with the ministry. The ministry has collected all the comments received through the posting on the ERO as well as emails and letters that were sent. All comments received will be considered, along with the additional reports submitted by the company, when the ministry undertakes their review of the application.
Masks for seniors
If you are a senior in urgent need of masks, please reach out to my office by email at vijay.thanigasalam@pc.ola.org or call 416-283-8448. We will try our best to get you some.
Safe reopening of schools
Let me assure you that the safety of your children is our government’s number one priority. Our government’s plan for the safe reopening of school for students, staff and school communities this September prioritizes student health and safety, provides school boards with unprecedented resources and flexibility to implement this plan.
To support the reopening of schools in September, the government is investing over $300 million in immediate investments to maximize the safety and well-being of Ontario’s 2 million students. I have highlighted some of the details below: $50 million to hire 500 nurses in schools; $50 million in Personal Protective Equipment for students and staff, $75 million to hire over 1,200 custodians, procure cleaning supplies and promote hand hygiene.
As always, our government respects parents’ choice and therefore parents will have the choice of whether or not their child will attend school in-person. Meanwhile, school boards will ensure remote learning is available for all students.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education, please reach out to my office at 416-283-8448 or email us at the address below.
Subscribe to our mailing list by emailing your contact information to vijay.thanigasalam@pc.ola.org. You can also stay updated by visiting: www.covidsupports.ca/rougepark/ to learn how the provincial and federal governments are supporting Ontarians during these challenging times. Please continue to stay safe.