All Posts By

Stephen Dasko

Holiday Season Service and Delivery in Peel Region

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 10, 2020

Region of Peel offices and non-emergency services will be closed for the holidays from Friday, Dec. 25, 2020 to Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.

As the Region of Peel continues to support efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, certain regional facilities and services remain affected until further notice. The holiday season needs to be different this year – make new traditions. Peel’s case counts and test positivity rates remain high. We must stop the spread of the virus by staying at home as much as possible. For family and friends who live outside your home, take photos and arrange virtual calls to stay connected during this festive time and maintain physical distance. Only socialize with your immediate household and essential supports.

Waste Collection

There will be no change to your waste collection schedule due to the upcoming holiday season. Check your collection calendar to know your Exemption dates for December and January.

Community Recycling Centre (CRC) closures
All CRCs will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on December 24 and December 31. All CRCs will be closed December 25-26 and January 1. The CRCs will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. from December 27-30, 2020. Check peelregion.ca/waste for CRC locations and hours.

For Covid-19 service restrictions check:  https://www.peelregion.ca/coronavirus/affected-services.asp#waste

List of affected services:

  Service area Services not available Services resume  
  Access Peel desks

10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton
Open Dec. 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment

 

7120 Hurontario St., Mississauga
Open Dec. 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment

 

7 Wellington St. (PAMA), Brampton
Open Dec. 24, 29, 30, 31, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by appointment

 

  

December 28, 29, 30, 31

 

 

 

 

December 28, 29, 30, 31

December 28

 January 4

 

January 4

 

January 4

  
  Children’s Services Operations December 25 –
January 1		 January 4  
Baby Feeding Support Clinics (Brampton, Meadowvale, Fairview)            Closed due to COVID-19
           
  Dental Services at Peel Public Health Clinics   Closed due to COVID-19    
  Family Health Call Centre December 25-27
January 1-3		 December 21-24
December 28-31
January 4		  
  Dental Services Contact Centre December 25-27
January 1-3		 December 21-24
December 28-31
January 4		  
  Healthy Sexuality Clinic
(Fairview)		 December 25, 28 and January 1 January 4  
  Healthy Sexuality Clinics (Meadowvale, Malton,
Brampton)		 Closed due to COVID-19    
  Peel Living December 25 January 4  
  Needle Exchange Program –
Mobile Van		 December 25, 28
January 1		 December 24, 26, 29, 30, 31  

 

The Peel Works Needle Exchange Program (PWNEP) harm reduction supplies are available during regular operating hours at the Fairview clinic at 325 Central Parkway West, Mississauga. For more information, call or text the mobile van, at 647-255-1623.

Healthy Sexuality Clinic services are by appointment only at the Fairview clinic at 325 Central Parkway West, Mississauga. No appointment is needed for birth control pick up or harm reduction supply pick up.

For more information on Public Health Services and Clinics, visit https://peelregion.ca/public-health/.

Human Services

Human Services Reception and Employment Resource Centers will be closed for regular business as of 12:00 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 24th and will reopen on 8:30 a.m. Mon., Jan. 4th, 2021.

Peel Access to Housing and Rent Supplement offices will be closed at 4:30pm on Thursday Dec. 24th and reopen on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 However; applications will only be taken until 12:00 pm on Thursday, Dec. 24th, 2020. Clients can complete and submit applications online during the closure.

TransHelp

All trips for December 25, 26 and 27 must be booked by 6 p.m. on December 24.
All trips for January 1 and 2 must be booked by 6 p.m. on December 31.

On December 25 (Christmas Day), December 26 (Boxing Day) and January 1, 2020 (New Year’s Day) TransHelp will operate from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

The TransHelp office will be closed and unable to process applications, payments or feedback between December 25 and January 1.

The contact centre will close at 10 p.m. on December 24 and 31.

Public Buses

Visit Brampton Transit and Mississauga Transit for holiday schedules.

Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA)
The Access Peel counter at Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) in our Museum building is open December 29-31 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with restricted access to the public. Services will not be available on December 25-28, as well as January 1-3. For Access Peel counter access, we are asking residents to use online and phone options for inquires and payments when possible.

If an online or phone option is not available, you can make an appointment for in-person service at Access Peel by calling 905-791-7800. In-person services can include payments, document drop-off, and water sample testing kit pick-up.

In-person appointments

If you’ve made an appointment for an in-person service and are visiting a Regional building you will be:

  • Screened for symptoms of COVID-19 at Access Peel counters.
  • Asked to provide your name and phone number for contact tracing, if needed.
  • Asked to enter through the main doors and wear a mask or face covering.

PAMA’s on-site exhibitions and programs remain closed due to COVID-19 but we are offering a number of Winter Break Family Fun Activities to download and enjoy over the holidays as well as six virtual exhibitions to enjoy.

Emergencies
For urgent homelessness supports, including food, supplies, referrals and shelter, call the Street Helpline 24/7 at 1-877-848-8481. For information on emergency shelter, visit the Emergency shelter web page, or call the Region of Peel at 905-450-1996.

Maintenance Requests
For Peel Living maintenance requests, contact the 24-hour request line at 905-790-7335.

December 10, 2020
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Outdoor winter activities during Lockdown

By Events, Issues

Exercise and focusing on mental health remains a priority, even while Lockdown measures are in place.

As part of the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, Mississauga residents are reminded to limit close contact to their households only until restrictions have been lifted.

Check out some of these outdoor activities and amenities that you can enjoy safely in Mississauga.

Go for a wintery walk along one of Mississauga’s trails

The majority of the City’s trails receive regular winter maintenance and can be safely used and explored by outdoor enthusiasts. However, trails that do not receive winter maintenance are still used in the snowy months by residents who enjoy activities including snowshoeing and deep-snow hiking. This year, the City will be adding additional woodchips to the woodlot trails to help with traction. The trails will also be marked for winter use.

Take advantage of the City’s available park amenities

The below park amenities will be open this year for use by the community. Visit the City’s interactive map to search for a park by location or filter parks for specific features, including those listed below:

  • Leash-free zones
  • Toboggan hills
  • Boxed soccer (pitches will be left unlocked for community use)
  • Outdoor sport courts
  • Playgrounds
  • Picnic shelters
  • Outdoor fitness equipment
  • Secondary sports fields
  • Artificial fields (will be left unlocked for community use)

Park washrooms designed for year-round use will remain open this season with enhanced cleaning practices. Portable washrooms will also be placed later this month in high-demand locations and key trail areas. The washrooms will be winterized and accessible and will be located in areas that receive winter maintenance. See the list of public washrooms and portable washrooms here.

As close contact increases the highest risk of COVID-19 transmission, it is crucial that residents

observe outdoor etiquette to help keep everyone safe. This includes keeping their distance from others and passing safely while using the same trails and pathways. Also, even when outdoors, wear a face covering if physical distancing cannot be maintained.

For information on health and safety recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit  mississauga.ca/covid or peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

December 10, 2020
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Pedestrian Safety

By Events, Issues

Be Safe on Mississauga Roadways

We all play a role in making our communities safe for everyone.  At this time of year, it’s important to take extra precautions when our using roadways. During darker morning and evening commutes, remember to take extra care and be aware of your surroundings. Visibility can be challenging during dawn and dusk. Drivers are reminded to have their full headlights on, ensure their windshields are clear, and always look out for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians should cross at marked crosswalks to increase their visibility to drivers and avoid distractions.

December 10, 2020
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Twelve Days of Giving – Lakeview Mitten Tree

By Events

What is the Mitten Tree Project?

‘Tis the season to give. Take part in our Twelve Days of Giving this season. Come down to the Army Navy Airforce Veterans of Canada #262 location between December 12 to 24 and decorate seasonal trees with slightly used or new donated mittens, gloves, scarfs and hats. Donations will also be collected for the Compass Food Bank. All items will support local schools, families, and charities in Mississauga.

Where do I drop off Items?

Army Navy Airforce Veterans Club

765 Third St, Mississauga, ON L5E 1B8

Drop-off outdoors (south side of building, drive-thru)

You are invited to decorate the seasonal trees with donations of mittens, gloves, hats, and/or scarves, or drop them in the festive bins provided. Containers for Compass Food Bank donations will be provided onsite.

 

When can I drop off the items?

December 12 – December 24, Anytime

What type of items are accepted?

  • Mittens and gloves for Children and Adults (Thinsulate mitten/gloves preferred)
  • Hats and scarves (Children’s knitted or new scarves with keyhole slots encouraged for safety reasons)
  • Donations for the Compass Food Bank
    • Most needed items: cooking oil, baby food, cereal, baby wipes & formula, toilet paper, canned meat, body wash, oatmeal (packages), pasta sauce, canned chili or stew

Letters to Santa

Write a letter to Santa and drop it off in the special mailbox located beside the mitten trees. All letters to Santa will receive a response if return address is clearly printed.

 

Encourage folks to post a picture on social media to spread the word.

December 10, 2020
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REMINDER TODAY: Community Virtual Meeting – 1381 Lakeshore Road East

By Planning & Development

Dear Resident,

Re: Community Virtual Meeting 

1381 Lakeshore Road East

The City of Mississauga has received an application from City Park Homes to amend the official plan and rezone the property to permit a 15 storey apartment building with 252 residential units and ground floor commercial space.

The applicant is proposing to amend the Lakeview Local Area Plan to permit 15 storeys, whereas the maximum permitted height is 4 storeys, in addition to changing the land use designation from Mixed Use to Residential High Density. The applicant is also proposing to change the zoning on the site from C4 (Mainstreet Commercial) to RA5-Exception (Apartments – Exception) to implement this development proposal.

Due to the COVID pandemic, we are not able to have an in-person meeting. Therefore, we have arranged a Community virtual meeting on Thursday, December 10, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Call-in details are as follows: Join by phone: 647-484-1596, Meeting Access: 172 683 5635#, Meeting Password: ward1.

https://mississauga.webex.com/mississauga/j.php?MTID=ma760c93767400520a7bb277b31ef7972

If you would like to submit your comments, please forward to David Ferro, Planner, Planning and Development Department, 300 City Centre Drive, 6th floor, Mississauga, ON  L5B 3C1 or david.ferro@mississauga.ca.

Sincerely,

Stephen Dasko

December 10, 2020
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Council Outcomes December 9, 2020: Face Covering & Sign By-laws Extended, Outdoor Businesses & Support for New Representation Model at Regional Council

By Covid-19, Issues

December 9, 2020

At today’s meeting, City Council approved:

  • Support for a representation by population model for Region of Peel Council
  • Tow Truck Licensing By-law Amendment
  • Uptown Node Official Plan Amendment
  • Extending the City’s Mandatory Face Covering By-law
  • Preparation of a temporary use by-law to permit outdoor businesses
  • Extending the exemption period for portable signs to July 1, 2021

Region of Peel Council Composition
On November 26, 2020 the Region of Peel Council passed a resolution to change its composition. Mississauga Council supports the proposed changes that will see Brampton’s representation increasing to nine members, Caledon’s representation decreasing to three members and Mississauga remaining the same with 12 members. The proposed new structure reflects a representation by population model and retains the total of 24 members for Peel Regional Council. It is recommended that the related by-law will come into effect for the day the regional council for 2022-2026 is inaugurated.  Ward 5 Councillor Carolyn Parrish raised the motion to support the change at Mississauga City Council and had seconded the motion at the Region of Peel meeting.

Tow Truck Licensing By-law Amendment
Council approved a motion, raised by Ward 6 Councillor Ron Starr, to amend the Tow Truck Licensing By-law to authorize the City to suspend a conviction and associated demerit points and to issue a conditional licence, if the applicant or licensee provides the City with a copy of a notice of appeal with proof that it has been filed with the Ontario Court of Justice.

Uptown Node Official Plan Amendment
Council approved an Official Plan Amendment (OPA) for the Uptown Major Node Character Area. Located around Eglinton Avenue and Hurontario Street, the Uptown Node has several buildings under construction with new mixed-use developments on the horizon.

The OPA provides a framework to guide future development to ensure the area becomes a vibrant, mixed-use and connected community.  It includes a range of policies on items such as housing, road connections, park locations, retaining non-residential space, urban block sizes and development master plans.

The OPA was drafted in consultation with area stakeholders, residents and the general public. Visit the Uptown Node project page for more information.

COVID-19 Response

Mandatory Face Covering By-law
The City’s Mandatory Face Covering By-law was extended to June 30, 2021. It was originally approved by Council on July 8, 2020 and was set to expire on January 21, 2021. The by-law requires all persons (subject to some exceptions) to wear a face covering inside buildings where the public is ordinarily invited or permitted access. This includes retail stores, indoor sports and recreational facilities, apartments and condominiums to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Government of Ontario regulations for face coverings also apply in the City of Mississauga.

Sign By-law Exemption
The amended the Sign By-law was extended to July 1, 2021. It was originally amended by Council on March 23 and on June 24, Council chose to extend the exemption period to the end of 2020. The exemption provides additional advertising opportunities for businesses and community groups allowing:

  • Three additional portable signs per street front to be added without a permit
  • The maximum display period to be 30 days (extended from 21 days)
  • The number of permits per group to be 15 per year (increased from 10)

Ward 9 Councillor Pat Saito raised the motion.

Outdoor Businesses – Preparation for Recovery
Council approved a temporary use by-law to permit outdoor retail sales/displays and outdoor recreational and entertainment establishments until December 31, 2021. This temporary use by-law will enable certain businesses and charitable ventures to operate outdoors in a safe and responsible manner in compliance with provincial restrictions once the by-law appeal period expires.  These steps contribute to the City’s overall plan for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

For additional information about the City’s response to COVID-19:

Guidance and resources to help Mississauga businesses can be found online at ca/business-covid-19.

For health information, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

Find out what’s open and the status of City Services.

December 9, 2020
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City Applies for Funding Through New Stream of Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program

By Issues, Resources

December 9, 2020

Today, Council approved 11 short-term projects the City of Mississauga will submit for consideration under the new COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Government of Canada’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan (ICIP). In order to respond to the impacts of COVID-19, this new, temporary funding stream was created to provide greater flexibility to fund quick-start, short-term projects that might not otherwise be eligible under existing funding streams.

“These types of investments are important in building strong and vibrant communities that help our economy run smoothly,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Cities are the economic engines of this country. Mississauga generates $60 billion in GDP alone, every year. We’re home to more than 450,000 jobs and 94,000 businesses. This COVID-19 Resilience Stream gives us the opportunity to put forward projects on an accelerated timeline.”

The COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream is cost-shared between the Government of Canada (80 per cent) and the Government of Ontario (20 per cent).

The City of Mississauga has been allocated a total $14.8 million. While this is an allocation based program, applications are required and all projects must receive federal approval before proceeding.

Crombie added, “Access to this type of funding also allows us to complete projects without financial impact to the City, as no municipal funding contribution is required – helping us respond to the unprecedented financial impacts we’ve experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve heard from residents about their priorities and we are in a strong position to put forward projects we are confident will be approved by the federal and provincial governments.”

To be eligible, projects must fit into a specific project category and asset type:

  • Category 1: Retrofits, Repairs and Upgrades for municipal, provincial, territorial and indigenous buildings, health infrastructure and educational infrastructure
  • Category 2: COVID-19 Response Infrastructure, including building or modifying infrastructure to support physical distancing, safety retrofits and expansions
  • Category 3: Active Transportation Infrastructure, including parks and, trails, footbridges, bike lanes and multi-use pathways
  • Category 4: Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation, including natural infrastructure, flood and fire mitigation, tree planting and related infrastructure

Projects submitted and approved must begin construction no later than September 30, 2021. The projects must be substantially completed by the end of 2021 (end of 2022 in territories and remote communities).

“As a result of our deliberate and detailed business planning and capital budgeting process, we responded quickly to this new funding stream opportunity. We brought forward a list of projects that meet the criteria for Council’s consideration and approval in advance of the January 7, 2021 submission deadline,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “The next steps are for staff to complete the funding applications for the projects endorsed by Council today prior to the submission deadline.”

The projects put forward by the City, focus on municipal building infrastructure retrofits and lifecycle maintenance; active transportation infrastructure; reforestation and tree planting; and disaster mitigation infrastructure.

Background

ICIP is a ten-year federal infrastructure program designed to create long-term economic growth, build inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities and support a low-carbon economy.

Through ICIP, the federal government is providing $33 billion in federal infrastructure funding to cost-share projects under the following four streams:

  • Transit
  • Green Infrastructure
  • Community, Culture and Recreation
  • Rural and Northern Communities (the City is not eligible under this stream)

Previously, the City submitted applications totalling $980.4 million under the Public Transit and Community, Culture and Recreation streams.

December 9, 2020
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Telephone Number for Shelter Supports

By Events, Issues, Resources

At the September 24th Regional Council meeting and the October 15th Strategic Housing and Homelessness Committee meeting, members of Council requested immediate action to improve access to the shelter system, as such, staff have worked with our shelter provider, the Salvation Army, to create one new, streamlined number for shelter support: 905-450-1996.

 

Those who are in need of emergency shelter can call this number to find a place to stay at any shelter in Peel, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

Through this line, trained staff will support callers in finding the best shelter for their needs, whether that’s an adult shelter, family shelter, youth shelter or a shelter dedicated to those who are fleeing violence. This includes space in both regionally-managed shelters, and in shelters run by other organizations in Peel.

 

Call volumes will be monitored closely and any needed adjustments will be made as quickly as possible, to ensure a streamlined service experience.

December 9, 2020
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City of Mississauga Councillor Honoured with Imperial Decoration from Government of Japan

By Events

December 9, 2020

A presentation of the Order of Rising Sun from the Government of Japan to Ward 6 Councillor Ron Starr was held at today’s virtual meeting of Council.

On November 3, 2020, the Government of Japan announced recipients of its 2020 Autumn Imperial Decorations with Councillor Starr as one of three Canadians within the jurisdiction of the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto to receive the Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays.

“I congratulate Councillor Starr on receiving this well-deserved international honour. Councillor Starr received this award for his long-time work promoting friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and Canada,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Ron’s work as the Chair of the Mississauga Friendship Association (MFA) has had far-reaching impacts, especially on our relationships with our Sister City, Karyia, Japan. MFA events, cultural exchanges and homestay visits for Kariya and Mississauga students have been instrumental in strengthening the connection between our two cities.”

The Order of the Rising Sun is bestowed upon individuals of merit, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the nation or public and who have made distinguished achievements in international relations and promotion of Japanese culture. It is the third highest order presented by the Japanese government. Upon the announcement, Mr. Motegi Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, sent a congratulatory message on the honour. Councillor Starr is the second in the Region of Peel to receive the Honour. Former Mayor Hazel McCallion received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2014.

“I am humbled and honoured by the recognition,” said Ward 6 Councillor Ron Starr. “It is wonderful to experience and be part of the Japanese culture. I enjoy my work and look forward to continuing building strong relationships with Japan and our Sister City Kariya. I encourage others to become involved in organizations such as the Mississauga Friendship Association. The learnings and teachings from the exchanges to all parties are invaluable.”

2020 Autumn Conferment of Decoration on Foreign Nationals – Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto

“Mr. Starr, as Vice Chair of Mississauga City Council’s Celebration Square Events Committee, proposed and implemented a large-scale Japanese cultural event which became Japan Festival CANADA. This festival, which began in 2016, provides a comprehensive and varied overview of Japan. Its attendance reached to 90,000 for its fourth instalment in 2019, making it the largest Japan festival in North America. As well, in May 2018, his efforts helped make possible the reception hosted by the City of Mississauga celebrating the 90th anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations. When Mississauga celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Sister City relationship with Kariya in 2011, as well as the 35th anniversary in 2016, Mr. Starr took charge as City Councillor in welcoming the delegation from Kariya as well as in organizing various events.”

Mr. Starr for many years took pains to foster goodwill toward Japan and to raise awareness of the various social contributions being made by Japanese corporations. In 2019 he organized a meeting with the members from Aichi Prefectural Assembly with the aim to strengthen economic relations. Aichi is the prefecture in which Kariya, Mississauga’s Sister City, is located.

From 1978 to 1980, Mr. Starr, as Mississauga City Councillor, worked to establish a Sister City relationship between Kariya and Mississauga, which was established in 1981. In 1993, he officially established the Mississauga Friendship Association so that members of the public can assume the main role in further developing this relationship. He also served as its Chair from 2009 to 2010. Mr. Starr has also been using Kariya Park, opened in 1992 in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Mississauga-Kariya Sister City relationship, for some of the activities of the Mississauga Friendship Association. He has constantly devoted his efforts to foster goodwill toward Japan in Mississauga.”

For more information visit:

Consulate-General of Japan – Toronto

Mississauga Friendship Association

December 9, 2020
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