Dear drivers,

We are getting one step closer to winning a parking permit for precarious delivery drivers in Toronto! After a successful petition with over 900 signatures, Councillor Layton will be bringing forward our issue to the City’s Infrastructure and Development Committee on Wednesday, April 28th (https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-165754.pdf

The motion is item 21.18 ‘Supporting Precarious Delivery Workers and Bike Couriers in Toronto’:http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2021.IE21.18

 

In the lead-up to next Wednesday, we need to make sure that the other Councillors on the committee hear from us to support item 21.18! Please take a few minutes NOW to call or email these Councillors and use our handy script (remember to add your own personal spin!)

 

Chair of the Committee: Councillor Jennifer McKelvie:councillor_mckelvie@toronto.ca / 416-338-3771

 

Councillor Mike Colle: councillor_colle8@toronto.ca / 416-338-2500

 

Councillor Anthony Perruzza: councillor_perruzza@toronto.ca / 416-338-5335

 

Councillor James Pasternak: councillor_pasternak@toronto.ca / 416-392-1371

 

What you can say and please put it in your own words.  We need phone calls or emails to go out by Tuesday April 27 at the extreme latest,

 

Dear Councillor ______,

 

My name is ______, and I am a delivery driver in Toronto on the apps _____. I am contacting you today to ask you to please support item 21.18 ‘Supporting Precarious Delivery Drivers and Bike Couriers in Toronto’.

 

Throughout the pandemic, I have continued to work as an essential worker to deliver food and goods to Torontonians so that they can stay at home. The work we do is important and should be honoured for the role we have played to make it possible for others to stay home. However, what we face is a disaster in parking and the constant threat of parking ticket fees. As precarious workers, one parking ticket can wipe out an entire days pay.

 

The reality is the demand for delivery has never been higher and this will continue beyond the pandemic. We urgently need the City to acknowledge this change and to help us be able to do our deliveries that Torontonians rely on.

 

The City of Ottawa allows for a special parking permit for delivery workers. We are asking for a similar measure in Toronto and an expansion of the spaces that would allow us to find parking.

 

Please support item 21.18 and help us continue to play the important role that we do.

 

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,