Last updated: August 6, 2020 at 4:38 p.m.
On March 23, Mayor John Tory declared an Emergency in Toronto. The declaration of a municipal emergency is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the City can act and respond quickly to the pandemic and any other events.
Based on recommendations from Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, City-operated programs and access to City facilities have been modified.
The City remains prepared to respond to emergencies. Emergency response by Toronto Police, Fire Services, and Paramedic Services is not impacted.
The Accounts Payable Customer Service Desk is temporarily closed.
For information on how to submit an invoice to the City for the payment of goods and services please visit Doing Business with the City.
Accounts Payable continues to process invoices for payment from remote workplaces during the pandemic. Submit your complete invoice to apinvoice@toronto.ca for payment processing. Paper invoices are not accepted and will be confidentially shredded when regular business resumes.
Animal Services Shelters are closed to the public and only available by appointment for emergencies, adoption, pet redemption and fostering. Please call the shelters during the hours of 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. to make an appointment:
Mail, telephone and online pet licensing continues.
Animal related bylaw enforcement is continuing on-site and remotely between the hours of 7 a.m. and 1 a.m., and includes:
Trap-neuter-return program for feral cats has resumed on a limited basis and with new rules in place in response to COVID-19.
The following programs are cancelled:
Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal hearings are suspended.
Toronto Animal Services is offering advice and assistance to pet owners who are experiencing hardship and struggling to care and provide necessities for their pets due to COVID-19.
Almost all City of Toronto beaches are open. Review the list of lifeguard supervised beaches and learn how to safely enjoy the beach.
Parking restrictions will be in place starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at Marie Curtis Park, Humber Bay Park West and Cherry Beach. Parking at Bluffer’s Park and Beach will also close at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Community recreation centres are open for limited use, including indoor pools for drop-in leisure and lane swim only. Saunas and whirlpools are not open. Find an indoor pool near you and learn how to safely enjoy the pool.
All visitors to indoor pools will be asked to sign-in with their first name and an email or phone number to facilitate Toronto Public Health contact tracing, should it be required.
All outdoor pools are open, except for pools under construction. Find a pool near you and learn how to enjoy the pool safely.
All visitors to outdoor pools will be asked to sign-in with their first name and an email or phone number to facilitate Toronto Public Health contact tracing, should it be required.
Capacity at outdoor pools will be significantly reduced. Staff will prioritize leisure swims throughout the day in order to give as many swimmers as possible the opportunity to cool off, and swimmers will be limited to 45-minute sessions to allow for enhanced cleaning.
Wading pools and splash/spray pads are open.
SwimTO is a quick-start program focused on the opening of the City’s beaches, outdoor pools, wading pools and splash pads to prevent heat related-illnesses while continuing to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Also learn about recreation, parks and the Toronto Island Ferry.
Review the latest update on Development Review, Permit and Inspection Services including an at-a-glance chart.
All Toronto Building services have resumed, however they are being delivered differently to ensure the health and safety of residents and employees.
Staff continue to be available via phone and email. Contact information is available in the online staff directory (email format: firstname.lastname@toronto.ca).
Construction Site Procedures for Inspections
Inspection requests should be booked online through the Request a Building Inspection web page.
Requests for property information may be submitted by email to: bldapplications@toronto.ca. Please state “Property Information Report or Compliance letters” in the subject line.
Emergency bylaw enforcement continues for emergency orders and in response to unsafe conditions, including:
Some non-emergency bylaw enforcement has resumed. This includes service requests related to:
To make a bylaw complaint, residents should call 311.
Non-emergency bylaw enforcement and investigation services have been suspended. This includes service requests related to:
The processing of exemption permits and Property Standards Committee and Rooming House Licensing hearings are suspended.
The Province of Ontario has passed Ontario Regulation 130/20 under the City of Toronto Act, 2006 that limits the City’s ability to prohibit and regulate certain types of noise. Under the Province’s Regulation, noise made in connection with construction projects and services associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space is permitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Noise made in connection with any other construction activity is permitted between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., seven days a week. The Provincial Regulation is in effect until October 7, 2021.
CurbTO is reducing sidewalk crowding in front of essential businesses and retail locations throughout Toronto, supporting increased demand for pickup and delivery services.
With lower traffic volumes on Toronto’s roads, the City has accelerated many important construction projects.
Overall, planned construction is making repairs to Toronto’s major and local roads, sidewalks and cycling infrastructure, improving public transit infrastructure, replacing and rehabilitating watermains and sewers, and building and improving major water infrastructure that will help improve Toronto’s waterways and stormwater systems.
Use the road restrictions map to help plan your travel and learn more about planned capital construction work.
City of Toronto contractors must continue to abide by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and adhere to guidelines issued by public health authorities and the Ministry of Labour, Training & Skills Development to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safest possible environment for construction workers.
To apply to posted job opportunities at the City of Toronto, please visit Jobs at the City.
Review the latest update on Development Review, Permit and Inspection Services including an at-a-glance chart.
All City Planning services have resumed, however they are being delivered differently to ensure the health and safety of residents and employees.
Service offered in the context of current emergency parameters. Service may be online-only or via staff who are teleworking but there is limited or no impact to delivery.
The service has resumed but there may be limitations, delay or backlog to resolve.
Staff contact information is available in the online staff directory as well as the map of area City Planning staff and Heritage Planning Staff. Email is preferred (email format: firstname.lastname@toronto.ca).
All City buildings, including City Hall, Metro Hall and all civic centres are closed to public.
As all City buildings remain closed to the public, all events, meetings, film and photography shoots at the following locations are cancelled through September 30:
Payment and Enquiry counters for property tax, utilities and parking tickets are closed.
Property tax and utility bills can still be paid via online banking, in-person at your financial institution, or by mailing a cheque using the reply envelope enclosed with your bill.
Parking tickets can be paid by credit card online, or by mailing a cheque to the address on the back of your parking violation.
Learn more about property tax and utility bills and parking tickets.
The meeting cycle has resumed and meeting schedules are posted toronto.ca/council.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Provincial Government declared a State of Emergency. Court and tribunal operations are reduced and some services will not be available until the State of Emergency ends. The Chief Justice of Ontario will direct courts to reopen, and the Tribunals will direct the reopening of in-person hearings.
No in-person Provincial Offences Act proceedings will be conducted before September 14, 2020.
All Provincial Offences courtrooms, public counters and Court Services call centre services are closed in Toronto. You can direct inquiries for Toronto Court Services to POACourt@toronto.ca.
It is now easier to attend an Early Resolution meeting with the prosecutor. All early resolution meetings with the prosecutor will be available via telephone, regardless of a person’s distance from the courthouse, Persons who received a ticket can continue to request an early resolution meeting online at Court Case Look Up or by selecting the early resolution meeting option on their ticket and mailing it to the court address on the back of the ticket. All early resolution meetings with the prosecutor will be held by telephone. The City will be sending notices of early resolution meetings by mail or email to the address on file with the court.
If you had received an Early Resolution meeting notice for a meeting date on or after March 16, 2020, your meeting will now be held via telephone and you will be notified of the new date and time of your meeting via email or regular mail at the address on file with the court.
If you would like to request an in-person early resolution meeting, please contact us at POACourt@toronto.ca In-person early resolution meetings will resume at a future date.
Anyone who wants to dispute a ticket and request a trial can now apply by email or by mail. The required Notice of Intention to Appear form is available on the City’s website. Completed forms can be emailed to POACourt@toronto.ca or mailed to the address on the back of the ticket. This change applies to tickets issued on or after March 1, 2020. The information on the ticket that requires a person to attend a court office in person to file a trial request may be disregarded.
Anyone who was previously convicted without a hearing and wishes to apply to have the conviction reopened by the court can send their application by email or mail. The required forms are available on the City’s website. The completed forms can be emailed to POACourt@toronto.ca or mailed to the address indicated on the back of their ticket.
Anyone who wish to apply for an extension of time to pay a Provincial Offences fine can now apply by email or by mail. The required forms are available on the City’s website. Completed forms can be emailed to POACourt@toronto.ca or mailed to the address indicated on the back of their ticket.
Remote judicial pre-trial hearings began on June 10, 2020. If you have a judicial pre-trial postponed or ordered in Court, you will be notified directly of the date your judicial pre-trial will be proceeding.
All online services remain available to the public, including access to court forms; making a payment; looking up your court case status and requesting an early resolution meeting with the prosecutor.
The Provincial Government has extended all time limits under the Provincial Offences Act during the State of Emergency until September 11, 2020. This includes the time for you to exercise your options on the back of your ticket if you received a ticket on or after March 1, 2020, and the time for enforcement officers to file Offence Notices (tickets) into the court system.
If you want to challenge a ticket issued on or after March 1, 2020 by requesting an early resolution meeting with the prosecutor, you can use our online Court Case Look Up service. If you cannot find your case, it is likely because the enforcement officer has not yet filed your ticket with the court. You will need to try again later. You may also check the box on your ticket next to the early resolution option and mail the ticket to the address on the back of your ticket.
If you were summoned to appear in court for a provincial offence on or after March 16, 2020 and before July 6, 2020, you do not need to attend, as the matter will be rescheduled. You will be notified of the new date by mail at the address on file with the court.
If you requested a trial before March 18, 2020, we will send you a notice of a court date by mail, to the address on file with the court. Toronto Court Services cannot process changes of address at this time.
If your address has changed, please email us at poacourt@toronto.ca with your name, case number, and new address information and we will update our system. Alternatively, you can download the Change of Address form and mail the completed form to the court office indicated on your ticket or the court office where your hearing was held.
Provincial Offences court motions and payments can be submitted by regular mail to the corresponding court location listed on your notice.
City of Toronto Provincial Offences Act intake services are open for electronic written hearings for matters submitted electronically or by mail only.
For further Province of Ontario information about changes to Provincial Offences Act matters during the State of Emergency, please visit the Ontario Court of Justice website.
Tribunal staff are accessible by email and phone.
Tribunals have postponed in-person hearings. Individuals affected will be notified by email with a Notice of Postponement.
The details are as follows:
The Tribunals have started to provide some services remotely and staff are actively working on rescheduling matters that are eligible for electronic hearings.
If your matter is eligible for an electronic hearing, tribunal staff will contact you by email with information on next steps.
If you would like to proceed with an electronic hearing and have not yet received an email from tribunal staff, please contact the Tribunal by email or phone for more information:
Emergency response by Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Police Service and Toronto Paramedic Services are not impacted.
The City’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is in a Level Three activation in response to COVID-19.
The EOC is charged with planning and executing a City-wide operational response that ensures continuity of critical services as the public health situation in Toronto evolves. The response is led by Fire Chief and General Manager of the Office of Emergency Management Matthew Pegg and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa. The EOC is staffed by key managers and staff from all City divisions and agencies and is now situated within the Office of Emergency Management.
City extended the cancellation of City-led and City-permitted outdoor special events through September 30.
All outdoor special event permits through to September 30 are cancelled. This announcement includes festivals and other large gatherings held at outdoor sites managed by the City or other public locations, such as roads, parks and civic squares.
This announcement does not include outdoor sport facility permits and other permit activities issued by the City’s Parks Forestry and Recreation division in parks and other City facilities/sites which are permitted in Stage 2 of the Province of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening. Professional sporting events are also not included.
Under the Province of Ontario’s reopening plan, gatherings of more than ten people are not permitted in Stage 2. Should provincial emergency orders change, the City will adjust and issue permits in accordance with provincial direction.
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.
No new permits will be issued until there is further direction on mass gatherings from Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health.
Event organizers are encouraged to contact the relevant permitting bodies at the City or Toronto Police Service officers/liaisons they have been working with. Alternatively, event organizers can contact the City at eventpal@toronto.ca.
Flag raisings will continue on the City Hall courtesy flag pole without a ceremony. Flag raising ceremonies at other civic buildings continue to be suspended.
Letters of greeting for virtual events, celebratory scrolls and proclamations will now be issued.
The Towers at Toronto City Hall continue to shine in blue tonight and every night in support of our frontline healthcare and essential workers who continue to lead the fight against COVID-19. During commemorative lightings the sign will alternate between the two colours. Visit Lighting of City Hall Towers to make a lighting request.
The Toronto Sign will remain blue in support of frontline healthcare workers and all City of Toronto workers fighting COVID-19. During commemorative lightings the sign will alternate between the two colours. Lighting requests can be submitted by email to 3dto@toronto.ca.
All study tours are currently suspended.
As part of the City’s COVID-19 response, staff from the Access & Privacy office are not meeting in person with members of the public until further notice. However, people can make Freedom of Information requests by mail or online submission.
Get the latest information about Drop-off Depots.
Due to COVID-19, not all organizations are accepting donations of clothing and other items at this time. Please check with organizations before dropping off items and do not dump items outside of donation bins or put clothing in the Blue Bin recycling.
The City has developed a three tier approach to strengthening prevention against COVID-19 in the emergency shelter system. These tiers are prevention, mitigation, and recovery.
The City has rapidly implemented this plan, mobilizing response on an urgent basis, to be as prepared and stay one step ahead of a very rapidly evolving situation. The City is taking these steps because we know that many people experiencing homelessness have underlying chronic medical conditions that increase their risk from COVID-19 and this is a particularly vulnerable population.
For more information on the City’s COVID-19 response, please review the following:
The City of Toronto, in partnership with United Way Greater Toronto, launched a new task force of key homelessness sector stakeholders from now until June 30.
Engagement with community providers, Indigenous communities, heath sector and regional municipal partners, and the public about the actions needed will shape the next phase of the COVID-19 response for the shelter system in Toronto over the next six- to 12-month interim recovery period. The discussions will be organized around three key themes: Health Sector Integration and Infection Prevention; Housing Opportunities and Strategies; and, Shelter Capacity.
The strategy will begin to lay a new foundation for a recovery effort that can end chronic homelessness in Toronto by leveraging additional investments in supportive and affordable housing solutions.
City-administered shelters, 24-hour respite sites and 24-hour women’s drop-ins are open and services continue to be available for people experiencing homelessness. The following programs and locations have been added:
As of June 15, the City reached 100 per cent physical distancing of two metres between beds in the shelter system, including all 75 existing shelter and respite sites plus the 33 new temporary response sites. A quality assurance team conducts site visits to verify that physical distancing between client beds is being maintained.
As clients experiencing homelessness move out of some sites, including community centres, they are moved to alternate inside spaces with 100 percent physical distancing and to maintain shelter system capacity.
Updated information on program occupancy is posted weekly.
Streets to Homes outreach workers continue to proactively connect with people staying outdoors to provide support and appropriate referrals. Staff are focused on the safety of those in encampments living outdoors.
On April 29, the City’s shelter division’s Streets to Homes outreach team with other divisions and community partners started moving clients who sleep outdoors into up 125 furnished, interim housing units.
People seeking emergency shelter are asked to call Central Intake:
In-person intake is suspended.
Callers are asked to provide details on their current health and recent travel history in order to match them with the appropriate and safest available location.
Learn more about social and financial supports that are available, as well as about sanitation and washroom services that have showers, washrooms, and drinking water, for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The Access to Housing office is closed for in-person visits.
Torontonians can submit Rent-Geared-to-Income Subsidy applications by fax, online or by mail. They can also contact a Housing Help Centre for support. Please contact Housing Help Centres to confirm hours and in-person services available as organizations may have changed how they are providing services.
The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit is a new funding program providing eligible households with a Portable Housing Benefit to help with rental costs. The City of Toronto and Community Partners will contact eligible applicants about the availability of benefits.
Learn more about housing support for tenants.
On March 24, the City issued direction to more than 200 social and affordable housing providers to work with households whose income is affected due to COVID-19 and discontinue eviction-related processes.
The City is working with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) on the Rapid Housing Access Initiative to identify vacancies that can be made available immediately to people currently in the shelter system. These TCHC units will be prioritized to those vulnerable to COVID-19, particularly seniors, who are living in the emergency shelter system and referrals will be made through the Coordinated Access System.
Get the latest updates on any changes to TCHC services, measures for physical distancing and recommendations for self-isolation in TCHC buildings, information on what TCHC is doing to support tenants’ safety and wellness, and actions being taken to help stop the spread during of COVID-19.
As Toronto moves to Stage 3 of the Provincial reopening plan, the Toronto Public Library (TPL) will continue to work on the reinstatement of more library services. Beginning mid-August, TPL will begin to gradually resume adapted in-branch services in multiple phases, with relevant health and safety measures in place. Visit tpl.ca/reopening for details and current information about the library’s reopening plans.
Questions from the public can be sent to Answerline at tpl.ca/contact and via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The Licence & Permit Issuing Office at the East York Civic Centre is closed.
Businesses requiring licences and/or permits from the City of Toronto can apply via a Business Licences & Permits Online Application.
The City has started issuing Licence Renewal Notices to existing licensed businesses. Late fees will begin to be assessed as of August 4, 2020, and business licences will be cancelled for non-payment after 90 days. Existing licensees can renew their licences by mail or by email to mlsbusinesslicence@toronto.ca and complete payment online.
The Toronto Licensing Tribunal is conducting e-hearings to deal with business licensing matters.
Mail, telephone and online pet licensing continues.
Banner and temporary signage permitting activities will be suspended.
Licenced body rub parlours and holistic centres are permitted to operate with specific public health guidelines. Read the June 26, 2020 notice letter to body rub parlours and holistic centres.
See building permits and inspections for information on these services.
The issuing of new event permits is suspended. All event permits for civic centres and squares, including City Hall and Metro Hall, City of Toronto Archives, Old City Hall, and City parks, community centres, pools, picnic areas, and some arenas will be cancelled.
All Parks, Forestry & Recreation permits for farmers markets are now being reviewed to ensure they meet appropriate standards recommended by Toronto Public Health.
The City’s community gardens and allotment gardens are now open. Follow the COVID-19 public health guidelines for safe operation of community and allotment gardens.
Permits will be issued in compliance with recommendations made by municipal and provincial governments regarding the number of people who may assemble together. Municipal closures will be respected, and permits granted for locations that have subsequently closed are now cancelled. Permit requests may still be submitted through FilmPal, and office staff are available remotely to provide information and guidance on preparation and production matters.
Licensed food trucks, street food vending and ice cream trucks are permitted to operate with specific COVID-19 guidelines.
The City will resume the processing of liquor licences starting June 29. Toronto residents and business who wish to apply should review the requirements and submit application materials to liquorlicence@toronto.ca.
Registry services counters at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall and the Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough Civic Centres are closed.
Learn about serving and selling alcohol in the City of Toronto.
Learn about the City’s CaféTO program.
Lottery licence services have resumed. Application for a lottery licence or permit, event-specific report forms and eligibility documents for new licences and renewals are currently accepted by email or mail only. City Hall remains closed.
Email: lotterylicences@toronto.ca
Mail: Gaming Services
100 Queen St. W., 1st Fl. N.
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2
Lottery licence fee payments are accepted by cheque only. Please make cheques payable to the Treasurer, City of Toronto.
For more information, email lotterylicences@toronto.ca or call 416-392-7037.
The City will resume the issuance of marriage licences on an appointment-only basis starting June 22. Toronto residents who wish to apply for a marriage licence can book an appointment online and must complete their application three days before their appointment. Applicants with appointments will be served by special arrangement at the North York Civic Centre.
Registry services counters at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall and the Etobicoke and Scarborough Civic Centres are closed.
Learn about changes to weddings.
Learn about renewing your on-street residential parking permit or apply for a new one.
Online parking permit applications (temporary on-street only) will be accepted.
Licensed personal services are permitted to operate with specific public health guidelines.
The issuing of some formal photography permits is suspended.
Photography permits are being issued for City parks but are not being issued for:
Licensed restaurants and bars permitted to operate with specific public health guidelines. Restaurants and bars cannot open for dine-in services until applicable orders are passed by the Government of Ontario.
Registration is open for the CafeTO program, which aims to provide more outdoor dining areas to help some restaurants and bars create physical distancing for patrons on patios during the summer months, including looking at ways to expedite the current application and permitting process and waive fees for sidewalk and curb lane cafés.
Only emergency right of way construction permits and permits connected to large-scale public infrastructure projects will be issued or reviewed.
The Province of Ontario’s Emergency Measure Act lifted restrictions on short-term rentals in Ontario on June 5, 2020. In Toronto, all short-term rentals must comply with the Licensing and Registration Of Short-Term Rentals By-law that remains in effect.
All City of Toronto outdoor sport and multi-use fields are open for team training and permits will be issued to organizations for the remainder of the 2020 summer season.
All trade licensing activities are suspended.
Applications continue to be reviewed and the City is processing permits, exception requests and payments. Contact your district office by email to make payment arrangements. Applications and exception requests can also be submitted by mail.
Businesses requiring vehicle-for-hire licences from the City of Toronto can apply via a Business Licences & Permits Online Application.
The City has started issuing Licence Renewal Notices to existing licensed businesses. Existing licensees can renew their licences by mail or by email to mlsbusinesslicence@toronto.ca and complete payment online.
For online vehicle registration email vehicleinspection@toronto.ca
All City-operated museums, galleries and art and cultural centres are closed.
Until September 4, Toronto History Museums offers time-ticketed, guided neighbourhood walking tour experiences that connect Toronto’s communities by providing equitable and inclusive access to local history, heritage and land-based learnings.
All event permits for City-operated museums and galleries are cancelled. Refunds or credits will be issued for cancelled permits. Permit holders can contact tohistoricsites@toronto.ca.
The City is working with market organizers to safely reopen farmers markets usually located on the following City sites:
Farmers Markets in Toronto Parks
Civic Squares
Farmers Markets in Toronto Parks
Cancelled Farmers Markets
Additional market opening dates will be determined by the capacity of organizers to comply with Farmers & Fresh Food Markets Reopening information and the required permitting process. The City will prioritize areas of the city that face food insecurity.
Organizers are encouraged to contact their relevant City permitting bodies. Based on individual market site restrictions, City permitting divisions may have additional recommendations and heightened requirements where appropriate.
View a list of farmers markets. Check with individual markets for exact opening dates and protocols.
The St. Lawrence Market is open as a public food market. Enhanced disinfecting and cleaning is taking place and all indoor seating has been removed.
South Market (main Market at 91-95 Front St. E.):
Lineups for the South Market begin at the Front Street East main automatic doors for upper level access and the Market Street north entrance for lower level access. Once inside customers can move between floors freely.
Saturday Farmers Market (including indoor Market and seasonal outdoor area):
The outdoor Farmers Market will be located on Market Street between The Esplanade and Wilton Street and runs until November 14, 2020. Other farmers will continue to operate inside the temporary market at 125 The Esplanade.
Lineup areas for the indoor and outdoor farmers will continue to start on Market Street for entrance to both areas. Once inside the Farmers Market section customers can move between the indoor and outdoor area freely.
Sunday Antique Market: closed
Some St. Lawrence Market merchants, farmers and vendors may choose to close or modify their hours. Please see the full list of revised hours and closures.
Everyone entering the St. Lawrence Market Complex is required to wear a non-medical face mask or face covering. Some exceptions will be made for medical or safety reasons.
The Market may conduct screenings of all visitors, including customers, staff and delivery personnel at entrances. Screenings are intended to protect the well-being of everyone in the Market.
To help customers practice physical distancing, the Market will be limiting the number of customers inside the buildings and outdoor Farmers Market areas. Customers are reminded to keep physical distance from each other, merchants and staff.
To help perform physical distancing and stop the spread of COVID-19, St. Lawrence Market strongly recommends that customers take the following steps when shopping for food at the Market:
St. Lawrence Market asks that customers shop alone or with one other person if they need help carrying groceries. Customers are reminded to practice physical distancing and not to shop in groups or bring family along. Groups of more than two adults are discouraged from coming to the Market.
St. Lawrence Market encourages customers to reserve shopping from 10-11 a.m. daily for access for seniors and other vulnerable community members.
The Market will make best efforts to have a list of stores or stalls with the following types of shopping options:
Get the most up-to-date information on the St. Lawrence Market website.
Parking enforcement by Toronto Police Service is returning to regular, pre COVID-19, practices. Enforcement will follow a phased-in approach over the summer months.
Change-over parking: Enforcement of change-over parking, in areas where parking regulations require a change from one side of the street to the other, began on July 2. If you park in one of these areas, please move your vehicle to the permitted side of the street.
Paid on-street parking: Enforcement of paid on-street parking (pay and display, not residential on-street parking permits) began July 2.
Parking Enforcement will continue to exercise discretion in other on-street areas and enforcement will only take place when necessary to ensure the safe flow of traffic.
Residential on-street parking permit enforcement begins midnight on August 14, and the enforcement of expired vehicle license plate stickers is suspended until further notice.
CurbTO is reducing sidewalk crowding in front of businesses and retail locations throughout Toronto, supporting increased demand for pickup and delivery services.
Parking violation operations, including issuing tickets, payment processing, and the electronic dispute process, will continue.
Parking violation payments must be paid by the deadline noted on the ticket. In-person payment at civic centre Inquiry & Payment Counters is suspended. Payments can be made online or via mail.
All in-person Administrative Penalties Offices are closed. Parking violations can be disputed online.
The APS Inquiry line 416-397-4APS(4277) and apsinquiry@toronto.ca are not being monitored.
Inquiries regarding plate denial matters should be sent to apscomplaints@toronto.ca
Learn how to get a temporary on-street parking permit.
The parking permit renewal window will be a full month, from July 2 until August 3, and there will be six-month and 12-month renewal options available. Existing permit holders can renew using the online renewal system at https://www.toronto.ca/parking or by mail.
New parking permit applications will be processed by mail and, for the duration of the emergency orders, a telephone option will be available. New applicants should contact the office before mailing in an application to ensure they have the proper documents.
The City of Toronto knows how important parks are for respite and serenity as well as an escape to nature and green space in our city.
The City’s 800 playgrounds, play structures and outdoor fitness equipment are now open. Following guidance from Toronto Public Health, outdoor playground equipment will not be sanitized. If a playground is busy, Toronto Public Health recommends finding another park or coming back later. Guidelines are available for parents and caregivers.
You are encouraged to get fresh air and exercise.
Individuals need to continue being responsible and aware of their activities and interactions with other park users.
Provincial emergency orders and the City’s physical distancing by-law remain in effect. Under the City by-law, people who are not from the same household or the same social circle must maintain a physical distance of two metres apart in a park or public square.
Under the Province’s emergency orders, social gatherings and organized public events of more than 10 people are not permitted, unless all of the participants are members of a single household. The Province’s announcement about forming social circles does not increase the social gathering limitation of no more than 10 people.
At this time, City parks and some amenities are open for the following activities:
Important reminders
Learn about parking enforcement.
Park washrooms are open. In addition, the City has opened a number of facilities with showers and drinking water for individuals in need of these services.
Please note that alcohol consumption in City parks is still prohibited.
There are three relevant liquor offences under Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 608, Parks. Each offence carries a $300 fine:
The provincial Liquor Licence Act also carries $100 fines for drinking in public:
The Act also has a $50 fine for being intoxicated in a public place (31(4)).
As part of a pilot project to assist with physical distancing, Trinity Bellwoods Park has grids of painted circles roughly 10 to 12 feet apart across popular areas of the park. Environmentally-friendly athletic field marking paint was used to create the circles.
The circles are large enough for two or three people to sit or recline, but everyone should be from the same household or social circle.
If the park is crowded and circles are not available, please visit a less crowded park or return later. Parks near Trinity Bellwoods Park include Stanley Park and Alexandra Park. Bickford Park, Art Eggleton Park, Christie Pits Park and Dufferin Grove Park are also close.
The City can close a park, or any part of it, in the interests of public safety. The General Manager of Parks temporarily closed parks amenities. In addition, the Province has issued an Emergency Order and amendments to close outdoor recreational amenities and to reopen others. While in a park, residents must use park amenities or congregate in groups as directed.
Closed City park amenities include:
Allan Garden and Centennial Park conservatories are open. Review important information about visiting City conservatories during COVID-19.
The City’s golf courses open for the 2020 season. Players must stay two metres (six feet) or the length of two golf clubs apart from others. Tee times can and must be booked in advance through the City’s website or by calling the golf course. People who drop-in or walk-in will not be permitted access to the course.
Learn about permits for farmers markets.
The City’s community gardens and allotment gardens are now open. Follow the COVID-19 public health guidelines for safe operation of community and allotment gardens.
Commemorative tree and bench program applications and processing of received applications is suspended.
Tree maintenance, inspection and removal continues. This work is prioritized based on safety hazards and assisting Toronto Hydro.
Seasonal tree planting continues. All volunteer events and programs are cancelled.
Service counters are closed, however applications continue to be reviewed and the City is processing permits, exception requests and payments. Contact your district office by email to make payment arrangements. Applications and exception requests can also be submitted by mail.
Contact 311 for all other requests and inquiries related to trees.
The City has resumed reduced Toronto Island Park ferry service, as permitted by Transport Canada. Please note the following details:
Find out more about the ferry services and purchasing tickets.
Please call the customer service phone line at 416-396-7378 or email pfrcustomerservice@toronto.ca.
Also learn about recreation, summer camps, beaches, pools and splash pads.
Emergency calls (involving an immediate threat to life or property) are being responded to. Non-emergency incidents can be reported to 416-808-2222 or using the online reporting system.
Get the latest details on any changes to Toronto Police Service operations and changes to parking enforcement and read the Frequently Asked Questions.
The Toronto Police Service continues to proactively enforce traffic laws in high-collision areas. Officers from the Toronto Police Service’s Vision Zero Enforcement Team are rotating in daily shifts across the city and patrolling for motorists who are speeding or stunt driving. All red light cameras in the city are active and tickets are being issued to motorists who disobey traffic signals.
Please be extra vigilant when it comes to those trying to sell or provide products or services associated to COVID-19. If you believe that you have been approached or contacted by someone who is misrepresenting themselves in an effort sell goods or services report it to police online.
All Toronto Police Service facilities, including Headquarters, are closed to the public. This means:
All meetings and events organized by the Toronto Police Service are cancelled.
Financial assistance is available to residential and commercial property owners impacted by COVID-19.
The 60-day grace period for property tax and utility bill payments and late penalties ended on May 15. View the billing dates for the rest of 2020.
As the City is not accepting in-person pre-payment of the Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT), an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) process is now available.
Please use these EFT instructions to submit MLTT payment. Once complete, payment is confirmed and sent to incomingwire@toronto.ca. The supporting land registration transaction documents should be sent directly to John.Longarini@toronto.ca.
The 60-day grace period was accounted for on your latest utility bill. The due date reflected is accurate.
Most City of Toronto public consultations are cancelled. For details on all ongoing activities, please see the Public Consultations Calendar.
Learn about changes to beaches, pools and splash pads.
The City of Toronto began summer camps across the city on July 13 as part of its CampTO initiative. For more information on CampTO call 416-396-7378
Other than CampTO, all spring and summer programs are cancelled, including:
Registration for summer swim and skate programs, scheduled for early June, is also cancelled. A new registration date for After-school Recreation Care will be announced. ARC families can contact arc@toronto.ca with questions or concerns.
Refunds for cancelled summer programs, After-school Recreation Care and summer camps will be automatically given. Please allow up to four weeks for processing.
For more information or questions, call customer service at 416-396-7378 or email pfrcustomerservice@toronto.ca.
Refunds or credits will be issued for cancelled permits. Permit holders can contact pfrcustomerservice@toronto.ca if they have questions.
Learn about permits for sports fields and multi-use fields for sports team training.
Some community centres funded by the City of Toronto are run by volunteer Boards or Committees of Management, which employ their own staff.
The following arenas are:
Essential repairs and maintenance on roads, bridges, bikeways and sidewalks will continue.
View daily, monthly and annual pothole repairs online.
Learn about:
Routine operations including event support, and non-essential repairs and maintenance have been suspended.
Learn about traffic and parking enforcement.
All City-operated long-term care homes continue to provide 24-hour care and service.
Additional precautions have been taken in long-term care homes, including:
The Supportive Housing Program will resume on August 3.
Gradual visiting will resume as per Ministry guidelines:
In addition:
The Adult Day Programs at Bendale Acres, Cummer Lodge and Kipling Acres are suspended until further notice.
Homemakers and Nurses Services (HMNS) program will gradually resume service, starting in mid-August, spanning several weeks, until early October. Caseworkers are contacting clients to confirm arrangements.
Read the report on management of COVID-19 in the City’s 10 long-term care homes that was released on June 15. The report outlines the response by staff prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, its actions during the pandemic, and recommendations on how best to adapt the City’s 10 long-term care homes after COVID-19.
The Toronto Archives are currently closed to the public with no access to the Research Hall.
Digital materials can be accessed online and reference services are being provided to researchers by email using digital records. Researchers can contact archives@toronto.ca for this service.
Critical Toronto Public Health (TPH) services will continue, including infectious disease monitoring and leading the City’s COVID-19 response.
The following health services will be suspended:
Critical Toronto Water operations continue and include:
Toronto Water is an essential service for Toronto’s residents and businesses. Toronto’s drinking water is safe to use and drink directly from the tap. It is continuously tested, monitored and analyzed to ensure it meets the strict standards of Toronto Public Health, the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada.
All emergency repairs and response continue, including emergency watermain break repairs. Critical construction projects related to water and wastewater infrastructure will continue. Some customer service and public education activities, including the HTO To Go Water Trailer, are suspended until further notice.
For information about construction being done in your Ward, visit Ward Profiles, select your Ward from the map or list, then expand the Construction Notices accordion on your Ward page.
TTC services continue to be available with some operating changes.
Customer and employee safety are of paramount importance. Learn about mandatory masks and face coverings, changes to boarding, payments, extra buses on key routes and cleaning practices by visiting the TTC’s website.
Wheel-Trans customers are asked to only book essential trips at this time. Customers booking a trip to a hospital or COVID-19 assessment centre must call the Wheel-Trans Reservations Line at 416-393-4222 as these trips cannot be booked online.
Non-Wheel-Trans customers and local social work organizations are responsible for providing their own transportation to COVID-19 assessment centres. Please do not call Wheel-Trans. It is critical that the reservations line remain open for customers who may not have any other transportation option.
Wheel-Trans is transporting Toronto Community Housing and City shelter clients to assessment and isolation centres. These trips are not booked through the reservations line.
Learn more about Wheel-trans operations during COVID-19.
Park washrooms are open to the public. In addition, the City has opened a number of facilities with showers, washrooms and drinking water for all individuals in need of these services.
Read the guidelines for safely using public washrooms during COVID-19.
| Facility Name | Address | Amenities | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albion Arena | 1501 Albion Road | Washrooms, Showers, Water | Sunday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Harrison Pool | 15 Stephanie St. | Washrooms, Showers, Water | Monday to Sunday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
| Lamport Stadium | 1155 King Street West | Washrooms, Showers, Water | Sunday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
| Nathan Phillips Square | 100 Queen St. W. | Washrooms | Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| South Market | 91-95 Front St. Lower Level |
Washrooms | Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturday 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| The 519 Community Centre | 519 Church St. | Washrooms, Water | Temporarily only available to registered drop-in program participants.Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| The Saturday Farmers Market | 125 The Esplanade | Washrooms | Saturday 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Union Station | 65 Front St. | Washrooms | Monday to Sunday 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. |
Portable toilets are available at the following locations:
Download a map of the locations listed in the table above.
The City will resume the issuance of marriage licences on an appointment-only basis starting June 22. Toronto residents who wish to apply for a marriage licence can book an appointment online and must complete their application three days before their appointment. Applicants with appointments will be served by special arrangement at the North York Civic Centre.
Registry services counters at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall and the Etobicoke and Scarborough Civic Centres are closed.
The wedding chambers at City Hall, North York, Scarborough and York Civic Centre are closed and all existing permits are cancelled. New bookings are temporarily suspended.
Event permits for City facilities, including civic centres, recreation facilities, and parks are cancelled.
The Toronto Zoo is open. Visits must be pre-booked, and all tickets are timed. A drive-thru experience is also available.