Since March 2020, the City of Toronto’s Emergency Operations Centre has been activated in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next few weeks, the City will mark a number of COVID-19 milestone dates that are significant to Torontonians and remind us of the importance of our continued efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
These dates offer an opportunity for Toronto to mourn the lives lost as a result of the virus, reflect on the past year, support those who have lost loved ones, recognize the contributions of frontline and essential workers, acknowledge all the sacrifices made, and lift those who continue to struggle with long-term health impacts as a result of the virus.
Dates of significance and commemoration activities include:
Over the last 12 months, the City has made significant strides to contain the spread of the virus and support the recovery and rebuild of the city. Key accomplishments the City has delivered this year that have helped our restart and recovery include:
These are just some of the accomplishments that were in addition to all the other regular frontline services the City continued to deliver all year long including bylaw enforcement, TTC, police, fire services and paramedic services, along with major road construction, Toronto Water, and other infrastructure projects.
A detailed list of accomplishments over the last 12 months is available in the backgrounder.
These milestones, as well as videos and photographs gathered from the past year, will be shared in our media briefings, on the City’s website and social channels.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid19 for the latest information.
Quote:
“While the good news around vaccines provides us with comfort and a sense of hope, we must also reflect and acknowledge that the past 12 months have been tremendously difficult. Our city faced an unimaginable loss over the past year. These were grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, children, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and neighbours – all lost to this terrible virus. Throughout this month, we will be recognizing our frontline and essential workers, including our City workers, who have all risen to the challenge of the pandemic. We also acknowledge the residents and businesses who have made tremendous sacrifices this past year in order to save lives and keep people healthy. Thank you to all Toronto residents for their ongoing commitment to helping people throughout this year.”
– Mayor John Tory
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
This news release was updated on March 10 at 11:20 a.m.