Dear residents,

I hope this finds you and your family healthy and well under the unprecedented circumstances we all find ourselves in. 

I’ve been reading the emails in my inbox- the many hundreds of them every day. In the midst of a global pandemic, every person has their own story and real challenges. 

While it’s necessary to be at a physical distance right now, we can love and support each other through this journey we’re on together.

This is the most surreal and challenging event most of us have ever experienced in our lifetimes. I know it can feel suffocating, frustrating, depressing and even devastating.

I spoke with a resident who lost his dad this week to COVID-19. His mom, who can’t even receive a hug while she’s mourning, says that people who are ignoring calls to practice social distancing bear responsibility for her husband’s death. It’s heartbreaking.

I’ve spoke with so many people who feel suffocated, like their existence feels like they’re under house arrest, with no known date for release. I know so many people who have had to put their life plans on hold. I’ve spoken with many tenants, and small to medium size landlords, who need a plan from the provincial government to make it through rent day. I’ve listened to many local business owners who might lose everything they’ve invested. I’ve spoken with fellow parents who are worried about their kids. And seniors, who are especially vulnerable to this disease, nowhere more so than in our long-term care homes. I’m advocating for them.

I want to remind you of something very important. Each and every one of us can save lives and be part of the solution, rather than be the problem ourselves. Every choice we make could contribute to saving lives and ensuring our public spaces, civil liberties and quality of life returns back to something more “normal” sooner.

The latest provincial models show that if we had done nothing, there could’ve been 100,000 deaths in Ontario due to COVID-19 over the next 2 years. If we do everything we can, it could still be in the thousands. If we stay home, practice safe physical distancing when out for a walk, wash our hands & follow expert advice, we can continue to bring down these horrible numbers. 

I know it’s extremely difficult, but what we’re all doing every day has a meaningful purpose.  In fact, we’ve never had a higher calling. We are staying home, and physically distancing, so that more us us can get through this together. We are saving lives.

Along with our collective efforts, I want to make a heartfelt point of thanking our heroic healthcare workers who are making enormous sacrifices to be on the front lines to protect and care for us.

I understand the next few weeks will be especially difficult for them, as the surge of COVID-19 cases challenges the capacity of our healthcare system. People throughout our neighborhoods drum pots and pans every evening to cheer them on.

And I’m so deeply grateful to everyone of our essential workers keeping society functional- from the grocery clerks, to waste collectors, emergency services and more. We appreciate you.

And to all of you, the community I love so much, I wish you and your family very good health, mentally and physically. We will get through this together.

I do hope you find my latest update to you helpful and informative. You can read previous ones here. Always feel very welcome to let me know if I can do anything to support you.

In friendship,

Josh

P.S. My daughter, Molly, asked me to share her message to her fellow kids out there. Please click here to watch her public service announcement

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