February 17, 2023

Dear Family and Friends: 

I am pleased to advise that at the time of this communication there are no active outbreaks at Villa Colombo Toronto (VCT). Given that World Health Organization recently announced that the COVID-19 pandemic continues as a global health emergency, we anticipate that the Ministry and Public Health will maintain and continue with current directives, including screening and rapid testing, which are currently in place at VCT. We want to again thank everyone for their cooperation and urge all of you to continue adhering to all applicable infection prevention and control practices when you visit or take your loved one on a leave.

I am also excited to announce that the Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) has reopened their newly renovated Gift Shop, located at the 40 Playfair Avenue entrance. The shop is now open on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. This unique shop provides a place for our residents, staff and all visitors to purchase small gifts and other necessities. The VCTA is an extraordinary group of volunteers who are committed to fundraising for Villa Colombo Toronto for the direct benefit of our residents and clients. The VCTA have funded and supported several capital equipment purchases, projects and renovations over the years, including the purchase of many beds, sponsoring our annual resident Christmas parties, creation of the art room, renovations of the Fidani Wing activity rooms, purchase of iPad Pros, purchase of Tovertofel game consoles, and new bedspreads, to name a few. The VCTA plans to expand the Gift Shop hours when we are able to recruit more volunteers to assist. If you, or anyone you know would be interested in volunteering for the Gift Shop or in any capacity, please email us at [email protected]

Villa Colombo Toronto has many renovations and other projects in progress. These include the ongoing HVAC upgrades project, the completion of the renovations to the Fidani Wing activity rooms, the new reception area/conference room, the implementation of a fob entry system for seamless employee entry and exit, the installation of touchless “hand wave” door mechanisms on the ground floor, flooring repairs in many rooms and washrooms on the Fidani Wing and the replacement of resident room furniture. Unfortunately, we are experiencing some delays due to supply chain issues and want to assure you that we are working as quickly and safely as possible to get all the work completed. We apologize for any disruptions you may experience.

We have received inquiries regarding the reopening of rear entrance at 42 Playfair Avenue and wish to inform you that there are no immediate plans to reopen that entrance for visitors. From the start of the pandemic, VCT made the decision to close the rear entrance to more closely monitor and control access to and from VCT and more importantly to seamlessly implement all required screening Directives related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given our experience with the one point of access, we have decided to continue with one entrance/exit at 40 Playfair Avenue notwithstanding the COVID-19 protocols. This decision is made to provide monitored access control for our resident, staff and visitor safety.

Additionally, access to the garden will be from the internal west garden entrance doors. There will be no access from the outside gates unless authorized for special use/events.

I am pleased to share with you some good news about the Villa Colombo Toronto Family Council. Rita Battista, who has been part of Family Council since July 2021, has been elected as the new Chair of Villa Colombo Toronto Family Council. Rita is a Solution Architect and has been a family member and essential caregiver for the last 4 years. She is dedicated to the working with the Family Council, and the VCT team to improve the quality of life and well-being of residents. Please join us in welcoming her to this role. We would also like to thank Julie Perl, the outgoing Chair for her time and dedication to VCT. Julie will remain on the Council in an advisory role to assist during the transition. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Family Council, please contact Rita directly at [email protected] or (416) 729-4452.

On Tuesday, February 21, 2023 between 9:30 am and 11:30 am, the STAR (Staff Appreciation and Recognition) Committee will celebrating Shrove/Pancake Tuesday for only $5.00 you can enjoy two large pancakes, and a beverage. The STAR committee is also hosting Jamaican Patty Day on February 23, 2023. Please join us for these events if you are able. Funds raised will be used for employee social and recognition events. Attached are the event posters for your information.

This is a reminder that updated information about resident programs, events and activities at VCT are posted and available throughout Villa Colombo Toronto and also on InTouchLink. InTouchLink is a web-based communication portal that VCT uses to connect and communicate with family members and loved ones. The system is easy-to-use and will require you to enroll in the Portal. Signing up will take less than two minutes. Please see the attached instruction and information sheet on how to do so. If you need help and assistance with your enrollment, please contact us at [email protected].

Our last Family Town Hall meeting took place on Monday March 20th, 2023 at 5:00 pm. To access a recording of the Family Town Hall meeting please click here. The passcode for the meeting is kC2#zabM.