Wearing a mask/face covering is optional
We recommend to bring your own prayer book, sandalwood and head covering
March 23, 2022
With key public health and health system indicators continuing to improve over the coming weeks, we are happy to share that by following the timelines and changes under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) for places of worship below are the revised changes to the Mehraban Guiv Darb e Meher (MGDM) drop in visits, social and religious gatherings. All reopening changes will continue to follow public health measures and requirements i.e. proof of vaccination, face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
We continue to follow the data for all pandemic-related measures. As a result of the latest public health and medical guidance, we are now in a position to make the changes to more closely align with the latest expert advice and local guidelines into effect. Beginning on Monday, March 21st, the following changes are made to ZSO's health and safety protocols and apply to all members and non members visiting the MGDM.
Masks and Physical Distancing
Physical distancing protocols are lifted, and masks are now optional for all visiting the MGDM. As there are slightly different rules across each province and city, local public health regulations should be followed and reviewed regularly. While masking is no longer required by public health, as an organization, we are encouraging members and visitors to consider masking where appropriate, for instance in crowded places, and if you are at a higher risk of severe illness due to being immune compromised, high risk, or unvaccinated against COVID-19 – and also if you are more comfortable wearing one.
Vaccination Policy
We will continue to ask for proof of vaccination/Negative Rapid Test result for all large gatherings hosted by the ZSO i.e. Jashan, social events, etc.
Suspended Services: Food and drink sharing is prohibited
We are grateful to all our donors and well-wishers and request everyone to donate generously by visiting our website (www.zso.org).
Cash Donations |
Cheque Donations |
Drop off in the ZSO safety deposit box |
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We thank you all for your support, patience and cooperation on keeping our community safe and healthy. We continue to monitor guidance at all levels from local to provincial to federal, and closely assess any impact to our approach. You continue to have our commitment to keeping you informed, as updates are available.
Disclaimers and resources:
The province continues to remain in Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen. We are happy to share that by following the reopening timelines and changes under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) for places of worship the Mehraban Guiv Darb e Meher (MGDM) will continue to remain open for drop in visits with additional number of days per week. All public health measures will continue to follow including capacity limits, face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
As promised and communicated earlier, our approach to re-opening the MGDM will be "slow and steady" and "data driven, not date driven". This will be based on a number of factors:
As we cautiously and gradually plan the re-opening, The MGDM revised hours of operations starting, November 1st, 21 are as below:
DAY OF THE WEEK |
TIME |
Monday |
4pm – 8pm |
Wednesday |
4pm – 8pm |
Saturday |
9am – 12pm(noon) |
All visits to the MGDM will continue to be by appointment only and MUST be booked in advance, a minimum 24 hours prior to the day of the visit, by completing the online booking request form or by contacting Hoofrish Patel (email EVP@zso.org or 647-313–9805) and receiving her confirmation. Please note if you do not have an appointment/confirmation, your entry will be denied.
When planning a visit to the MGDM please be sure to follow the mandatory requirements and guidelines:
Suspended Services
We are grateful to all our donors and well-wishers and request everyone to donate generously by visiting our website (zso.org/donate).
Cash Donations |
Cheque Donations |
Drop off in the ZSO safety deposit box |
NOTE: Cheques made payable to ZSO are not acceptable by the bank and rejected
|
Lastly, we want to take this opportunity and remind everyone that vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses like COVID-19. Aligning with the Government’s announcement as of September 22, 2021, you will need to provide proof of vaccination to access MGDM as required helping further protect our community from COVID-19 and the Delta variant.
We continue to review the in-person visit and event guidelines as the Pandemic and the Government related directives evolve. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we gradually, and safely reopen, keeping the safety of our custodian and the community at large as the top priority.
Disclaimers and resources:
September 26, 2021
Earlier this month, we communicated that in line with all the federal and provincial guidelines for places of worship the Mehraban Guiv Darb e Meher (MGDM) is open with revised hours and specific conditions for drop in visits once a week ONLY on Saturdays from 9am – Noon. These conditions will continue ensuring all public health measures are in place including capacity limits, face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
Our approach to re-opening the MGDM continues to be "slow and steady" and "data driven, not date driven". Number of determining factors are:
We are happy to announce that we will be resuming some of our social gatherings to our members this fall. We have been doing a lot of work behind the scenes i.e. consulting various medical advisors and community peers to determine the best path forward for faith and religious social gatherings.
All visits to the MGDM will be by appointment only and MUST be booked in advance, a minimum 24 hours prior to the day of the visit, by completing the online booking request form or by contacting Hoofrish Patel (email EVP@zso.org or 647-313–9805) and receiving her confirmation. Please note if you do not have an appointment/confirmation, your will be denied entry.
COVID-19 Protocols:
When planning a visit to the MGDM please be sure to follow the mandatory requirements and guidelinesfor drop in visits and social gatherings:
Drop In visits |
Social Gatherings |
Submit the online booking request form or contact Hoofrish Patel (email EVP@zso.org or 647-313–9805) |
Social gatherings are restricted and limited to our members only. Attendees will be accommodated on a first come first serve basis based on the MGDM capacity requirements as outlined by public health and government guidelines. |
Vaccination Policy:
We want to take this opportunity and remind everyone that vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses like COVID-19. Aligning with the Government’s announcement as of September 22, 2021, you will need to provide proof of vaccination to access MGDM as required, helping further protect our community from COVID-19 and the Delta variant.
Suspended Services:
Since the beginning of the pandemic, your health and safety has been our top priority. Thank you to each of you who has done your part in helping to support a healthy and safe environment for all.
The Board of Directors
Zoroastrian Society of Ontario
Disclaimers and resources:
September 17, 2021
The province continues to remain in Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen. We are happy to share that by following the reopening timelines and changes under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) for places of worship the Mehraban Guiv Darb e Meher (MGDM) will be reopening for drop in visits starting Saturday, September 25, 2021, with modified hours and some specific conditions. These conditions will continue ensuring all public health measures are followed including capacity limits, face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
It has been a long time since we visited the Mehraban Guiv Darb e Meher (MGDM) and we all want to return to normal. While we're relieved with Canadians getting vaccinated, the fluctuating case counts, and the delta variant remains a big concern reminding us that the pandemic is not over. We remain cautious and will continue to be guided by our progress as a community and country.
Our approach to re-opening the MGDM will be "slow and steady" and "data driven, not date driven". This will be based on a number of factors:
As we cautiously and gradually plan, the re-opening The MGDM revised hours of operations starting, September 25, 21 are once a week ONLY on Saturdays from 9am – Noon.
All visits to the MGDM will be by appointment only and MUST be booked in advance, a minimum 24 hours prior to the day of the visit, by contacting Hoofrish Patel (email EVP@zso.org or calling (647) 313–9805 and receiving her confirmation. Please note if you do not have an appointment/confirmation, your will be denied entry.
When planning a visit to the MGDM please be sure to follow the mandatory requirements and guidelines:
Suspended Services
These past few months have been hard for all communities including ZSO in terms of revenue generation, we request everyone to donate generously by visiting our website (zso.org/donate).
Cash Donations |
Cheque Donations |
Drop off in the ZSO safety deposit box. |
NOTE: Cheques made payable to "ZSO" are not acceptable by the bank and rejected. |
Lastly, we want to take this opportunity and remind everyone that vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses like COVID-19. Aligning with the Government’s announcement as of September 22, 2021, you will need to provide proof of vaccination to access MGDM as required helping further protect our community from COVID-19 and the Delta variant.
We thank you for your patience and appreciate your cooperation as we gradually and safely reopen, keeping the safety of our custodian and the community at large as the top priority. Stay tuned for more details to follow in the coming weeks related to reopening protocols for social and religious gatherings.
Disclaimers and resources:
August 2, 2021
The province has entered Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen, and we are happy to share that by following the changes under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) for places of worship alongside the reopening guidelines the Mehraban Guiv Darb e Meher (MGDM) will be reopening for the upcoming Shahenshahi Farvardegan days (Aug 11th - 15th) with modified hours and some specific conditions. These conditions will continue ensuring all public health measures are followed including capacity limits, face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
As we cautiously and gradually plan the upcoming Shahenshai Farvardegan days, participation in religious services during these days (Aug. 11th – 15th) will be limited. The MGDM will be open for visits by appointment and during the scheduled prayer times only with health & safety protocols to follow.
The MGDM revised hours of operations starting, from August 11th – 15th, 2021 are: 6 AM to 9 PM
All the following prayers will be performed and live streamed during the Farvardegan days:
All visits to the MGDM will be by appointment only and MUST be booked in advance, a minimum 24 hours prior to the day of the visit, by contacting Hoofrish Patel (EVP@zso.org) and receiving her confirmation. Please note if you do not have an appointment/confirmation your entry will be denied.
As you all are aware this has been hard for all communities including ZSO in terms of revenue generation, we request everyone to donate generously by visiting our website (zso.org/donate). Cash donations should be dropped off in the ZSO safety deposit box. Please do not drop off any cheques in the safety deposit box. If you wish to donate by cheque, please be sure to attach the completed donation form with your cheque made payable to 'Zoroastrian Society of Ontario'. Cheques made payable to 'ZSO' will be rejected and not processed.
We thank you for your patience and appreciate your cooperation as we gradually and safely reopen, keeping the safety of our custodian and the community at large as the top priority.
Below are the COVID-19 Guidelines during the Farvardegan days as per the health and city requirements:
Do’s |
Don’ts |
|
|
Disclaimers and resources:
The province has entered Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen, and we are happy to share that by following the changes under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) for places of worship alongside the reopening guidelines the Mehraban Guiv Darb e Meher (MGDM) will be reopening very soon with modified hours and some specific conditions. These conditions will continue ensuring all public health measures are followed including capacity limits, face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
We thank you for your patience and understanding as we cautiously and gradually plan the reopening.
Stay tuned for updated communications on the reopening plans and guidelines in the upcoming weeks.
As part of the step three of Ontario’s Roadmap to reopening per the COVID-19, Government and Health Guidelines here is what will be allowed during the stage 3 of reopening:
Allowed |
Not Allowed |
|
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Disclaimers and resources:
March 18, 2021
In recent days, many of our members have reached out to the ZSO Board requesting drop in visits to the MGDM. While we empathize with you all and the community at large, at this point as your elected board we do not consider it an appropriate time to reopen the Darbe Mehr for drop in visits.
We understand this is an auspicious time in our faith and community. However, the safety of the entire community is our first priority.
We will continue to accept requests for candles and sandalwood offerings on your behalf and livestream all religious events via our YouTube channel. Click here to submit your requests and to make arrangements for sandalwood and candle offerings
We continue to keep abreast of the Government health requirements very closely and will work diligently on the reopening plans keeping safety of the community our top priority.
With best wishes for A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Norooz.
Norooz Pirooz!
Board of Directors
Zoroastrian Society of Ontario
Nov 25, 2020
With the evolving COVID-19 Pandemic and rising cases, the city of Toronto is in a lockdown. Keeping the health and safety of our custodian and members as top priority, as well as following the changes under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) for places of worship and the specific conditions which include limiting capacity and ensuring that public health measures are followed such as face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting, the ZSO Board of Directors has decided to CLOSE the Mehraban Guiv Darb e Meher (MGDM) until further notice.
MGDM is CLOSED effective immediately.
All upcoming visits to MGDM are cancelled with the exception of any death prayers with a limited capacity of 10 people including the priest and custodian. These bookings MUST be booked by contacting Hoofrish Patel (evp@zso.org).
We thank you for your patience and appreciate your cooperation.
When visiting the MGDM please be reminded of the following mandatory requirements and guidelines:
Suspended Services
Disclaimers and resources:
“All visits to the MGDM are voluntary and at the visitor’s own discretion. Visitors must comply with applicable guidelines including limits on numbers, wearing of masks and physical distancing. All visitors are responsible for their own health & safety as well as respecting the health & safety of those around them.”
"Visitors must self-screen with the ZSO volunteer present when entering the MGDM at each visit. The volunteer will record the date, their name and contact information (phone and/or email) and that will only be used for contact tracing for COVID-19 purposes and will only be kept on file for 30 days.”
Nov 18, 2020
With the evolving COVID-19 Pandemic and rising cases, the city of Toronto is listed in the Red Zone. Keeping the health and safety of our custodian and members as top priority, as well as following the changes under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) for places of worship and the specific conditions which include limiting capacity and ensuring that public health measures are followed such as face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting, the ZSO Board of Directors has decided to revise the MGDM visiting hours.
MGDM revised hours of operations effective immediately are:
Saturday 9am - 12pm
All visits to MGDM remain by appointment only and MUST be booked at least 24 hours in advance, by contacting Hoofrish Patel (evp@zso.org) and receiving her confirmation. Please note if you do not have an appointment/confirmation your entry will be denied.
We thank you for your patience and appreciate your cooperation.
When planning a visit to the MGDM please be reminded of the following mandatory requirements and guidelines:
Suspended Services
Disclaimers and resources:
“All visits to the MGDM are voluntary and at the visitor’s own discretion. Visitors must comply with applicable guidelines including limits on numbers, wearing of masks and physical distancing. All visitors are responsible for their own health & safety as well as respecting the health & safety of those around them.”
"Visitors must self-screen with the ZSO volunteer present when entering the MGDM at each visit. The volunteer will record the date, their name and contact information (phone and/or email) and that will only be used for contact tracing for COVID-19 purposes and will only be kept on file for 30 days.”
October 29th, 2020
Message from our community leaders.
The pandemic in our community has not slowed the way we anticipated. We need to make changes in order to get control of the spread of COVID-19.
Recent trends linked with Thanksgiving have pushed us into a second wave. The pandemic is again spreading widely throughout our community. That means even our loved ones and people we see regularly could be at risk for spreading COVID-19 to us, and us to them.
While we all hope for a return to reopening as soon as possible, it’s only smart to do so when it’s safe.
Until then, let’s take a second look at how all of us can reduce the risk of COVID-19.
Look at what’s essential
Please only leave home for essentials, such as work, school, exercise, healthcare, or purchasing food and drink, gasoline, or automobile maintenance.
When you do, follow the precautions as follows;
To watch Dr. Loh's latest message about COVID-19 click here
October 25th, 2020
Joint Statement from FEZANA and North American Mobed Council (NAMC)
As Zarathushti associations and groups begin to open their doors or put together their plans for limited capacity in-person worship, the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) and the North American Mobeds Council (NAMC) have joined forces to offer and reiterate guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on reducing risk exposure to COVID-19 to the greatest extent possible for our Mobeds/priests and congregations.
Click here for full statement on the NAMC website or here for downloadable PDF version.
City of Toronto Resources to support Youth and Families
Stay, Play, and Learn at Home Web Page
The City of Toronto launched a web page called: Stay, Play and Learn at Home. Here you will find a list of free, high-quality recreation, active living, arts and culture, and child development resources that will help individuals and families stay engaged and active while protecting themselves and others by staying at home. Please feel free to share information about the web page with the youth and families that use your services.
Employment Connections-Community Partners Working Together
This event, as all events during Employment Connections Justice Week 2020 are open to Toronto job seekers 18 years of age and older that identify as residing in a neighbourhood that has been impacted by violence, currently on probation or parole, have a criminal record or identify as having a conflict with the law.
Annual event with hundreds of opportunities from October 26 to 30, 2020. Daily events throughout the week, include:
Entrepreneurship Day – October 27
Labour and Trades Day – October 28
All Opportunities Day – October 29
Registered participants will be sent a follow up email by October 22, 2020 with a link to the Zoom platform and details on how to connect if you have panel questions.
If you have any questions about this event please connect with Raquel.jaworski@toronto.ca or Rita.Ratz@toronto.ca
Toronto Public Library- Career Coach in Residence
The Toronto Public Library is excited to announce the launch of their Career Coach in Residence program for younger adults (18-29). This program provides free, virtual one-on-one career counselling for younger adults ages 18-29. Please feel free to forward and share this email to any young adults or community contacts who you think would benefit from this program and other upcoming library workshops and events.
Notable upcoming, free online career related events also include:
Employment Termination: What You Need to Know
Wednesday, October 28 - 5 to 6 p.m.
Learn your rights and legal implications of quitting versus being fired
Lunch and Learn series: Navigating your Career in a Rapidly Changing World
Friday October 23 – 12 p.m.: Networking in a Virtual World
Friday October 30 – 12 p.m.: Self-care for Job Search
Friday November 6 – 12 p.m.: Navigating your Career Pathway
For more information about the program or for help booking an appointment, email ccir@tpl.ca
Access Employment-Destination Employment
Destination Employment is a free, four-week skills training program designed to help newcomers and conventional refugees find jobs in the hospitality industry.
The upcoming cohort is scheduled to start on Monday, November 30, 2020 to December 23, 2020.
Full time program: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Open to all newcomers – no previous hospitality experience is required
Eligibility:
Permanent Residents (PR) and Convention Refugees with valid work permits
A minimum of CLB level 4
What will you learn?
Introduction to the Hospitality Industry
5 certification trainings – WHIMS, Food Safety, Service Excellence, Smart Serve, and Emerit Workplace Essentials
Meet industry experts/employers to prepare for future careers
Develop strong job search skills
Pre and post-employment supports
To register for the program or for additional information, please call Beena De-Souza at 905-595-4177 or 905-454-2316 ext 3813 or e-mail to: Bde-souza@accesemployment.ca
Thursday September 19, 2020
The MGDM will be open for visits by appointment ONLY with revised hours of operations and ensuring that public health measures are followed such as face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
All appointments MUST be booked in advance, a minimum 24 hour prior to the day of the visit by contacting Afreed Mistry (evp@zso.org) and receiving a confirmation. Please note if you do not have an appointment/confirmation your entry will be denied.
Special visiting hours during COVID-19 by appointment ONLY
Weekday |
Hours |
Tuesday |
5:00pm - 8:00pm |
Saturday | 9:00AM - 12:00PM |
As you all are aware this has been a tough year for all communities including ZSO in terms of revenue generation, we request everyone to donate generously by visiting our website (www.zso.org). All cash and cheque donations should be dropped off in the ZSO safety deposit box along with the completed donation form . All cheques must be made payable to ‘Zoroastrian Society of Ontario’. Cheques made payable to ZSO will be rejected and not processed.
We thank you for your patience and appreciate your cooperation keeping the safety of our custodian and the community at large as the top priority.
Please DO NOT VISIT the MGDM if:
Below are the COVID-19 Guidelines as per the health and city requirements:
Use the online self-assessment tool before every visit to the MGDM
Allowed | Suspended Services |
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|
Disclaimers and resources:
Thursday August 06, 2020
The city of Toronto has entered stage 3 of the provincial reopening on Friday July 31st. As a result of this announcement, we are in Stage 3 of reopening by following the changes under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) for places of worship with some specific conditions. These conditions include limiting capacity and ensuring that public health measures are followed such as face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
As we cautiously and gradually plan the upcoming Shahenshai Farvardegan days, participation in religious services during these days (Aug 11th – 15th) will be limited to 50 people including the priest(s), COVID-19 dedicated volunteers and cleaning crew. The MGDM will be open for visits by appointment only with revised hours of operation and protocols to follow.
The MGDM revised hours during Farverdegan Days (Aug 11th – 15th) are daily 6 AM to 9 PM.
All the following prayers will be performed and live streamed during the Farvardegan days:
All visits to the MGDM will remain by appointment only and MUST be booked in advance, a minimum 24 hours prior to the day of the visit, by contacting Afreed Mistry (EVP@zso.org) and receiving her confirmation. Please note if you do not have an appointment/confirmation your entry will be denied.
As you all are aware this has been a tough year for all communities including ZSO in terms of revenue generation, we request everyone to donate generously by visiting our website (www.zso.org). All cash and cheque donations should be dropped off in the ZSO safety deposit box along with the completed donation form . All cheques must be made payable to ‘Zoroastrian Society of Ontario’. Cheques made payable to ZSO will be rejected and not processed.
We thank you for your patience and appreciate your cooperation as we gradually and safely reopen, keeping the safety of our custodian and the community at large as the top priority.
Below are the COVID-19 Guidelines for stage 3 as per the health and city requirements:
Use the online self-assessment tool before every visit to the MGDM
Allowed | Suspended Services |
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Disclaimers and resources:
Saturday August 01, 2020
The city of Toronto is preparing to oversee the safe restart of more businesses and services following the Province of Ontario’s announcement that Toronto can enter stage 3 of the provincial reopening on Friday July 31st. As a result of this announcement, we will enter Stage 3 of reopening by following the changes under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) for places of worship with some specific conditions. These conditions include limiting capacity and ensuring that public health measures are followed such as face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
As we cautiously and gradually plan the reopening, participation in religious services is increased to 50 people including the priest(s), COVID-19 dedicated volunteers and cleaning crew. Aligning with the social distancing and spacing guidelines, the prayer room capacity will remain at a maximum of 20 people, and the remaining numbers will be distributed accordingly in the main hall to accommodate the maximum allowed indoor limit (50 people).
The MGDM is open for drop in visits with revised hours of operation and protocols to follow.
MGDM revised hours of operations:
Tuesday 4pm - 8pm | Saturday 9am - 12pm
All visits to the MGDM remain by appointment only and MUST be booked 24 hours in advance, prior to the day of the visit by contacting Afreed Mistry (evp@ZSO.org) and receiving her confirmation. Please note if you do not have an appointment/confirmation your entry will be denied.
We thank you for your patience and appreciate your cooperation as we gradually and safely reopen, keeping the safety of our custodian and the community at large as the top priority.
Below are the COVID-19 Guidelines for stage 3 as per the health and city requirements:
Use the online self-assessment tool before every visit to the MGDM
Allowed | Suspended Services |
|
|
Disclaimers and resources:
Friday, July 17, 2020
The provincial Government has established guidelines to gradually reopen the province and ease restrictions in communities where it is safe to do so. We have entered Stage 2 of reopening by following the changes under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) for places of worship with some specific conditions. These conditions include limiting capacity and ensuring that public health measures are followed such as face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
As we cautiously and gradually plan the reopening, participation in religious services is increased from 10 to 15 people including the priest, additionally now the MGDM will be open for drop in visits with revised hours of operation and protocols to follow.
The MGDM revised hours of operations starting, July 21, 2020 are:
Tuesday 4pm - 8pm | Saturday 9am - 12pm
All visits to the MGDM will be by appointment only and MUST be booked 24 hours in advance, prior to the day of the visit by contacting Afreed Mistry (evp@ZSO.org) and receiving her confirmation. Please note if you do not have an appointment/confirmation your entry will be denied.
We thank you for your patience and appreciate your cooperation as we gradually and safely reopen, keeping the safety of our custodian and the community at large as the top priority.
Below are the COVID-19 Guidelines for Re-opening as per the health and city requirements:
Do’s |
Don’ts |
|
|
Disclaimers and resources: