City of Toronto programs and services update

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  February 8, 2013          
         
City of Toronto programs and services update

Most City of Toronto offices, programs and services continue to operate as usual; however, there are some impacts due to current weather conditions.

Community centres, permits and recreation programs, including those at Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) locations, will proceed this afternoon and this evening as scheduled.  Participants may wish to contact their local centre for any program specific updates before heading out.

Indoor arenas and the City's Ski and Snowboard Centres at Earl Bales Park and Centennial Park remain open, with all scheduled programs and permits operating.

Some outdoor artificial ice rinks may close due to the heavy snowfall.  Every attempt will be made to ensure outdoor artificial ice rinks are open tomorrow as usual.

City of Toronto child care centres remain open and staff will remain at child care centres until all children are picked up.

Regularly scheduled waste collection is underway. Solid Waste crews are out, however, due to conditions routes may not be completed until tomorrow.  Residents are asked to leave their waste out at the curb.

Transportation crews are plowing continuously on the main routes, and are beginning to plow local roads this afternoon.  Residents are asked to take public transport and avoid driving if possible.  If it is necessary to drive, residents are reminded to do so cautiously and slowly.  Drivers are asked to avoid parking on streets where possible so plows can get through.

When shovelling, residents are reminded not to over-exert themselves, consider their fitness level, and take frequent breaks.  Those who are able to do so, please offer to help elderly neighbours or those individuals who may need some assistance.  Please do not push snow back out onto the roadway.

The City's Extreme Cold Weather Alert remains in effect and the City advises homeless people outdoors to seek shelter. An Extreme Weather Alert is called to trigger additional homelessness services.  To get an emergency shelter bed any day, any hour, call 311 or directly contact the City of Toronto's Central Intake line within the Greater Toronto Area toll-free at 1-877-338 3398, or go in person to the Streets to Homes Assessment and Referral Centre, located at 129 Peter St. (at Richmond Street).

The Streets to Homes Assessment and Referral Centre is always open and has 24-hour street respite for those who do not want a shelter bed, as well as walk-in access to shelter beds throughout the system. Housing workers are available Monday to Friday to assist street-involved people to find permanent housing.

If you see someone whom you think requires street outreach assistance, call 311. It is not an emergency number. In an emergency, dial 911.

The Extreme Cold Weather Alert remains in effect until further notice.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Wynna Brown, Strategic Communications, 416-919-6503, wbrown1@toronto.ca