Dear Downtown Yonge BIA members,
 
The staff and board of the Downtown Yonge BIA are engaged and actively working to support the membership during this time, working closely with the City of Toronto, relevant agencies and other BIAs throughout the city to ensure the health and safety of all our community stakeholders.

We believe our primary role in this time of crisis it to ensure the Downtown Yonge community can access accurate, up-to-the-minute information from the appropriate, expert sources. As stewards of the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood, we are focused on making sure our members and stakeholders can navigate the current situation as quickly and effectively as possible.
 
Below is a round-up of critical links and resources:
Call to Suppliers: Help Canada combat COVID-19
Are you a business that can supply products and services in support of Canada’s response to COVID-19? Click here to learn more about what you can do to help.
Government of Ontario List of Essential Workplaces allowed to remain open
Please note that all non-essential workplaces have been ordered by the Government of Ontario to close down for 14 days as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59pm. To see the newly released list of essential workplaces released by the Government of Ontario, please click here.
Social Services in Urgent Need of Takeout Containers
To allow for continued service while practicing social distancing, many social services such as Seeds for Hope and Sanctuary Ministries have turned to offering meals through takeout, however they are in need of takeout containers. If you or your business would like to donate your containers, please reply to this email letting us know.
Ontario Together: Help Fight Coronavirus
The Government of Ontario needs help from businesses and organizations who can supply emergency products and innovative solutions to support our response to COVID-19. Click here to learn more about what you can do to help.
BlogTO List of Restaurants offering Takeout and/or Delivery
If your restaurant or foodservice establishment is offering takeout and/or delivery, please click here to find BlogTO's map and to add your business name.
Government of Ontario Interactive Self-Assessment Tool
If you think you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use the Government of Ontario's new interactive self-assessment tool to help determine how to seek further care.
CAMH Mental Health Resources
To access virtual mental health resources provided by CAMH, please click here.
Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
For information on the newly released Economic Response Plan from the Government of Canada, which includes financial support initiatives for Canadian businesses and employees, please visit the Department of Finance Canada's website.
Mayor's Economic Support and Recovery Task Force survey on local business priorities
To share your input in the Mayor's Local Business Priorities: Responding to COVID-19 survey, please click here.
Retail Council of Canada's "Planning Checklist for Retailers"
For an informational checklist on what to do as a business in Canada dealing with COVID-19, please visit the Retail Council of Canada's "Planning Checklist for Retailers".
Toronto Public Health
For any updates on the City of Toronto's COVID-19 response, please visit the Toronto Public Health website.
City of Toronto
For any updates related to the City of Toronto's News Releases, please visit the City of Toronto's website.
Trade Commissioner of Canada
For any information on key considerations as a business operating in Canada, please visit the Trade Commissioner of Canada's website.
Employment and Social Development Canada
For any information on how to receive support as a Canadian with COVID-19, please visit the Employment and Social Development Canada website.
City of Toronto Economic Support and Recovery Task Force
For more information on the City of Toronto's Economic Support & Recovery Task Force, please click here.
Tips for Businesses dealing with temporary closures or hour modifications
The Toronto Police Service 51 Division and 52 Division have shared some tips for businesses when preparing for a temporary closure. These include;

  1. Remove all cash on hand in the store
  2. Lock all visible goods in a storage space not visible from the storefront
  3. Empty till should be visible from the storefront
  4. Post notice on front door stating "No cash or goods on hand"
Downtown Yonge BIA Updates
A reminder to Downtown Yonge BIA members that the Community Engagement Team and the Clean Streets Team are off the street until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For any issues or concerns in the public realm, or if you see someone who you believe needs assistance, call 311.

In case of an emergency, call 911.

For the most up-to-date information on the Downtown Yonge BIA, please follow us on social media @DowntownYonge on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
We encourage members to reach out if they have any questions or concerns.
Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area
 
T: 416-597-0255