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Stephen Dasko

Learn about Mississauga’s Transit and Road Infrastructure Plan at a Virtual On-Demand Meeting

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 4, 2020

How do you make your trip into, around or out of Mississauga? The City of Mississauga is doing a study to develop a long-term plan for its transit and road network – Transit and Road Infrastructure Plan (TRIP). The study will look at transit and road infrastructure priorities to meet the needs of Mississauga residents, businesses and visitors, now and into the future.

A virtual on-demand meeting is now live (until December 20) for the public to provide input 24/7 – on topics such as the modes of transportation they use to the issues they face on the road. Project information and materials are also available for the public to learn more about the study.

What:

Virtual on-demand meeting: mississaugatrip.ca

Who:

  • Transit and road users, including cyclists and pedestrians
  • Community groups
  • Stakeholder groups
  • Residents, business owners, workers and visitors of Mississauga

When:

The virtual on-demand meeting is now open until December 20, 2020.

Background

In 2019, Council approved Mississauga’s Transportation Master Plan – an overarching guide on the future of transportation in Mississauga. The City of Mississauga has now initiated the Transit and Road Infrastructure Plan study to help achieve the City’s transportation vision. The study will complement other infrastructure plans and guidelines including the Cycling Master Plan, the Pedestrian Master Plan and the Changing Lanes study.

Learn more about the Transit and Road Infrastructure Plan and sign up for email updates by visiting the public engagement page: yoursay.mississauga.ca/transit-and-road-infrastructure-plan

 

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December 4, 2020
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Beer Label for Front Line Heroes

By Events

In a collaborative effort with Stonehooker Brewery and Fair Grounds Coffee, I am pleased to announce this terrific initiative, a competition among local artists to design a beer label as a special edition to recognize our front line workers.

This morning, Ann Ivy Male, of Pixie Blue Studio, Stonehooker Brewery and I awarded Joanne Feely DeGraaf as the winner of the competition.

Also in attendance was:

  • Imran Hasan and Ron Duquette, representing the Mississauga Arts Council
  • Brian Sutherland from Argo Development Corporation representing the Lakeview Community Village Partners
  • Jeff Stinson, collaborator at Fair Grounds Coffee
  • Adam Cherry, Stonehooker Brewmaster

Joanne has elected to donate half of her prize back to The Compass, and together Fair Grounds and Stonehooker have agreed to donate another $500 to the cause.

Seen below is the winning artwork:

Message from the winner, Joanne Feely DeGraff:

“One of the most remarkable things about the Covid-19 experience is how it has highlighted the impact
small things can have. While this is true of the virus itself, it is also true of our collective human
experience. The small choices and acts we participate in send positive or negative waves out into our
communities. Regardless of their personal sacrifices, front line workers have contributed so much to
keep us collectively moving in a positive direction. The designs I submitted for the Front Line Heroes
project are meant to visualize some of their large and small acts of everyday heroism that mean so
much to so many. The design is meant to build awareness of their efforts and sacrifices as well as
give thanks to our Front Line Heroes.

The small white icons are meant to illustrate many of the activities and services that front line workers
have provided since our lives changed with Covid-19. These icons were scratched by hand onto a
material called scraper board. This media simulates the ancient “sgraffito” technique. Scraper board
allows me to capture the motion of drawing, which in turn conveys a sense of action in the images. I
hoped to capture the myriad of activities Front Line Heroes have provided in a way that conveys the
spirit and action of the people they represent.

The original hand drawn art was then scanned and edited digitally. Other elements such as the lines
and colours were then added to pull the design together and add some visual structure. I wanted
these elements to be reminiscent of an athletic logo as I feel it suggested team spirit. I hope this
communicates how we are each working together to face the challenges of Covid-19, but in a way that
celebrates how our Front Line Heroes are leading the way.”

 

December 4, 2020
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Region of Peel Remains Committed to Continuous Improvement

By Issues

December 3, 2020

The Region of Peel continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing services that are effective and efficient, which provide value for the residents’ tax dollars. This commitment ensures that the Region remains innovative in order to improve community outcomes.

The Region developed a Continuous Improvement Program to ensure client needs and user experiences are the focus of improvement initiatives which help to save and avoid costs. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the Region to find ways to adapt and transform service delivery to ensure the health and safety of the community, while continuing to drive positive outcomes.

Over the past 11 months, 40 improvement initiatives were completed – with cost savings of $2.47 million and cost avoidance of $3.91 million. Some of the initiatives completed include:

  • Leveraging existing channels to deliver Peel Infant Parent Program (PIPP) and the Learning in Our Neighborhood (LION) programs through EarlyON service providers resulting in a cost avoidance of $639,000;
  • Achieving $364,000 cost avoidance using Call Back Technology and avoiding the hiring of additional staff to maintain service levels with COVID-19 inquiries;
  • Shifting to on-line education and outreach to students in the Waste service, saving $350,000 annually;
  • Removing generators in Suite A and using an oversized generator in Suite B to power up both buildings to 100 per cent capacity, resulting in $700,000 in capital savings;
  • Managing external Legal resources roster with $85,000 in cost avoidance;
  • Achieving $360K cost savings for the procurement of energy with multiple suppliers vs. single supplier and an estimated $170,000 cost avoidance through the benefit of competitive supplier prices; and,
  • Achieving $261,000 cost avoidance in time saved through an improved on-boarding process.

The financial benefits achieved from the program will be reflected in the 2021 budget report to Council on Jan. 28, 2021.

“Reducing the need for increased taxes on residents and businesses in Peel, while ensuring that services are delivered effectively and efficiently is what the Region of Peel strives for,” said Kathryn Lockyer, Interim Commissioner of Corporate Services. “These initiatives lead to improved client experience, enhanced staff well-being, and positive community outcomes, which all contribute to the Region’s vision to build a Community for Life in Peel.”

“Due to the immediate challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, new process adaptions were identified and implemented. Throughout this challenging year, 40 Continuous Improvement Initiatives were completed with $2.47M in cost savings and $3.91M in cost avoidance,” said Stephen Van Ofwegen, Commissioner of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. “The Region has remained committed to delivering services that provide value to taxpayers.”

 

December 3, 2020
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MiWay Participates in Unique Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Bus Pilot

By Resources

December 3, 2020

In 2021, MiWay will participate in a hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus pilot project. MiWay is partnering with the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) on the pilot project – the only one of its kind in Canada. Fuel-cell buses use hydrogen fuel cells as their power source, providing a clean, consistent and environmentally friendly source of electricity. During the pilot, MiWay will understand how hydrogen-electric technology can help advance the City of Mississauga’s commitment to a zero-emission bus fleet in support of the Climate Change Action Plan.

“A major priority for Mississauga is fulfilling the actions outlined in our Climate Change Action Plan. Participating in this pilot project will advance our understanding of sustainable transportation, helping us make sound decisions for our fleet in the future,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “At the City, we’re committed to looking for innovative and low-emissions solutions to reach our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Mississauga by 40 per cent by 2030.”

Hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus technology is unique and does not produce any harmful tailpipe emissions. Electrical energy is generated on the bus through an electro-chemical reaction with a fuel cell and hydrogen fuel. The electrical energy is stored in battery packs on the bus, which is used to power the motor and electrically-driven accessories. The only by-product of this process is water vapor, making hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus technology zero-emission.

“While many transit agencies in Canada are conducting small scale battery-electric bus trials, none of them currently involve hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus technology. This would make Mississauga the only city in Canada to undergo a pilot like this,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “Hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus technology offers the same benefits as the battery-electric bus technology; however, they are lighter and quieter, have more fuel capacity and can also deliver the critical operational benefits a transit system needs to serve customers in a practical way, particularly on longer distance routes.”

The pilot project will happen in two phases. In the first phase, a feasibility study will be completed to understand four key components in applying the technology: Local hydrogen fuel supply and storage; Vehicle design and implementation logistics; Economic and financial viability; and Greenhouse gas reduction opportunities. In the second phase, MiWay will work with CUTRIC to secure the required funding for the project through provincial and federal governments. The funding will allow the partnership to buy and operate 10 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses, applying the knowledge acquired through the first phase.

“Taking part in the pilot program will help us learn how hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus technology will operate in MiWay’s fleet, particularly with the winter weather conditions, and how it performs compared to battery electric technology. This pilot is important and necessary to examine the feasibility of introducing this low-carbon technology into our fleet,” said Geoff Marinoff, Director, Transit. “In addition to the hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus pilot, MiWay is already preparing to enter into service 11 hybrid-electric buses that are convertible to full battery power. MiWay is also conducting a Transit Electrification Study to understand battery-electric bus conversion opportunities. Based on all of these new and innovative technologies, MiWay will learn which technology is more efficient, affordable and will achieve the targets outlined in the Climate Change Action Plan.”

For more information about MiWay’s fleet, visit miway.ca.

Background
The City’s Climate Change Action Plan identifies 21 key actions over the next 10 years to be taken by the corporation, as well as actions for the community, which include advancing sustainable transportation through low-carbon opportunities and low-emissions mobility for the City’s corporate fleet. The main goals are to: support the shift towards lower-emission modes of transportation, such as transit, cycling; accelerate the adoption of zero emissions vehicles (light and heavy duty); decrease greenhouse gas emissions from the City’s corporate and transit fleet and equipment . For more information about the City’s Climate Change Action Plan, visit mississauga.ca/publication/climate-change-action-plan.

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December 3, 2020
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Region of Peel Waste Collection Calendars

By Resources

The Region of Peel has made an adjustment on the distribution of waste collection calendars to residents.  Residents have the following options to gain access their waste collection calendars:

  1. The Peelregion.ca website, with options to view a calendar online or print an electronic copy of it;
  2. Free waste reminders via email, text or phone that residents sign up to receive; or
  3. A paper copy that is mailed by request.

For the 2021 calendar year, the Region will continue to fulfill any requests for paper copies as they come in, however, in an effort to reduce paper consumption and Peel’s carbon footprint, those residents who request for paper copies will be encouraged to sign up to receive free waste reminders and/or access their waste collection calendar online in the future.

As of 2022, paper copies will be designated for the small number of residents who may not have a computer or smart phone and are unable to access the online version or receive email, text or telephone reminders. In these instances, staff will assist these residents one-on-one to meet their needs and provide them with a paper copy.

December 3, 2020
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Join the 12 Days of Christmas with the Clemons

By Events

The Pinball Clemons Foundation provides marginalized youth with educational resources and options to integrate into the mainstream of society. The Foundation wants to ensure all youth are graduating from high school ready for post-secondary education.

For more information on the Pinball Clemons Foundation, please visit their website at https://www.pinballfoundation.ca/. Join the 12 Days of Christmas with the Clemons, in support of the Pinball Clemons Foundation, at https://www.christmaswiththeclemons.ca/

December 3, 2020
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COVID-19 Lockdown: How to Stay Safe in Mississauga While Accessing the Outdoors

By Covid-19, Issues

December 2, 2020

As part of the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework Mississauga residents are reminded that it is crucial they stay home and limit close contact to their households, only leaving their homes except for essential reasons.

In terms of necessity, exercise and focusing on mental health remains a priority, even while lockdown measures are in place.

“As both COVID-19 fatigue and positive cases continue to rise, it is essential that all Mississauga residents do everything they can to stay safe while still looking after their physical and mental health,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “With more than 500 parks in Mississauga, there is plenty of space for families from the same households and individuals to get outside and get some fresh air and exercise.”

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.

Local outdoor amenities available this winter

Mississauga Celebration Square (MCS)

MCS has transformed into the Great Bright North with vibrant and festive lighting. An example of one new lighting installation is Chimes. Every movement of the central wind chime triggers an unique light and sound reaction in this 7,000 sq. ft. artwork. Chimes is a creation of Collectif Blackbox and a coproduction of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and Spectra (Illuminart). It was created for the Fête des Lumières of Lyon in 2017 and is being displayed for the first time in the GTA at MCS.

Guests planning to walk through the Square must keep within their household groups and maintain a safe physical distance of two metres at all times.

Community Outdoor and Natural Rinks

Skating can take place at one of 26 outdoor ice rinks, including those highlighted below. The outdoor community rinks are free to the public and open daily from sunrise to 11 p.m., weather permitting.

  1. Mississauga Celebration Square – Opening in December. There are currently no restrictions or pre-reservation requirements in place. Public washrooms on Celebration Square will be open to the public. The Celebration Square ice rink will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  2. Burnhamthorpe Community Centre Outdoor Rink – Opening by Monday December 7, weather permitting. The rink will be open to the public Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop-in skating activities are being planned and pre-reservation will be applicable for each activity at activemississauga.ca. Change rooms will be not be available at this location. Public washroom access will be available.
  3. Woodhurst Outdoor Rink – Opening mid-December, weather permitting. The rink will be open to the public Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop-in skating activities are being planned and pre-reservation will be applicable for each activity at activemississauga.ca. Change rooms will be not be available at this location.

View the full list of natural ice rinks here

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.

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)

Public Washrooms

Park washrooms designed for year-round use will remain open this season with enhanced cleaning practices. Also, many of the parks and trails connect into local community centres and/or arenas that are normally open for washroom access. Local food establishments normally available within community centres and arenas will remain closed at this time.

Year round washrooms can be found at the below locations.

  1. Lakeside Park
  2. Jack Darling Memorial Park (adjacent to the leash-free area)
  3. Marina Park (inside the lighthouse)
  4. R.K. McMillan Park
  5. Erindale Park
  6. Father Angelos Saad Community Park (formerly known as Fallingbrook Park)
  7. Garnetwood Park
  8. Mount Charles Park
  9.       Community Common Park
  10. Mississauga Celebration Square
  11. The Riverwood Conservancy (inside the Visual Arts Mississauga building)

In addition to the year-round washrooms mentioned above, portable washrooms will also be placed later this month in high-demand locations and key trail areas. These washrooms will be in place until indoor amenities open for public access. The washrooms will be winterized and accessible and will be located in areas that receive winter maintenance. Portable washroom locations can be found in the list below.

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

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

December 2, 2020
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City Seeks to Implement New Interim e-Scooter Strategy

By Issues, Resources

December 2, 2020

Today, members of General Committee supported the recommendation to implement a new interim e-scooter strategy. The strategy responds to the presence of personally-owned electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) currently being operated in Mississauga.

“Devices such as e-scooters can connect residents to their destinations by helping them complete the first or last kilometre of their travel, whether it’s to a bus stop, carpool lot or their final destination,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “This interim strategy will create opportunities for us to collect resident feedback, which will inform whether shared e-scooter systems should become part of Mississauga’s greater transportation system in the future.”

On January 1, 2020, the Province of Ontario launched a five-year e-scooter pilot program to evaluate whether e-scooters are suitable to be operated on roadways. The pilot allows for the operation of e-scooters, so long as municipalities opt-in to the program by adopting or amending their by-laws to regulate their use. Currently, e-scooters are banned in Mississauga on the basis that the City has not yet adopted or amended its by-laws to regulate their use.

As part of the interim strategy, the Parks By-law and Traffic By-law would be amended to regulate where e-scooters can be operated within the city. This will allow staff to evaluate how residents use e-scooters. It will also help inform future decisions about the City’s micro-mobility program, which is examining how a shared program of publicly available bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters could be used for travel in Mississauga.

“Once amended, our City by-laws would allow e-scooters to operate on public roadways with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h or less and on cycling infrastructure, including bicycle lanes and multi-use trails along roadways,” said Helen Noehammer, Director, Infrastructure Planning and Engineering Services. “They will not be allowed within parks, on trails within parks or other City-owned land not designated as public roadways.”

When determining how the use of e-scooters should be regulated in the city, staff considered best practices in other cities, the consistency between e-scooters and similar devices on the road, road safety, accessibility, maintenance standards and the public education that would be required.

Noehammer added, “When developing the interim e-scooter strategy and preparing our recommendations for regulating e-scooter use, staff also consulted with the City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, Road Safety Committee and Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee to obtain their feedback and address any concerns.”

The amended by-laws will be brought to Council for approval in early 2021. Once in effect, residents will be invited to share their feedback on their experiences operating their e-scooters in the manner set out by the by-laws, and their experiences interacting with others operating e-scooters.

The City’s interim e-scooter strategy and the recommendation that staff amend the Parks by-law and Traffic by-law will go to Council for approval on December 9, 2020.

For more information about the City’s micro-mobility program, visit mississaugabikes.ca/micromobility/.

Background: 

The City’s Transportation Master Plan recommended that a shared system of bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters be created in Mississauga. In October 2019, General Committee supported the recommendation for City staff to look at how a program of shared bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters could be used for travel in Mississauga, at which point the Ontario Highway Traffic Act did not allow e-scooters on roads and sidewalks.

December 2, 2020
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Economic Recovery Plan Supports Mississauga Creative Industries

By Covid-19, Resources

December 2, 2020

Today, General Committee endorsed the third industry-specific plan designed to guide the City’s economic recovery from COVID-19. The Creative Industries Economic Recovery Plan outlines specific priorities and actions to mitigate, reboot and grow Mississauga’s film, television and music sectors in the wake of the pandemic.

“Our creative industries faced an unprecedented level of uncertainty when COVID-19 closed live music venues and halted film and television production. From the outset, we worked closely with these sectors to help them manage the initial impacts of the pandemic,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie.  “While there are still unknowns about the future, with this recovery plan, the City is well-positioned to strengthen and promote our world-class creative industries, which make such important contributions to the vibrancy and economic health of Mississauga.”

Five industry-specific plans – one for each of Mississauga’s major business sectors – were outlined in the City’s Economic Recovery Pillar Framework approved by Council earlier this year. The Creative Industries Economic Recovery Plan, led by the City’s Culture Division, was developed with continuous engagement from business owners and key industry leaders.  Three themes emerged and have become priorities for the plan:

  1. Building Confidence: As the pandemic continues, re-establishing public support for creative sectors is a priority.
  2. Removing Barriers: Reviewing and updating City policies and procedures that impede creative sectors from rebooting and growing in the wake of the pandemic.
  3. Attracting Investment: Ensuring Mississauga remains competitive and attractive to film and music production is vital to our recovery efforts.

“While the impacts of COVID-19 have been severe, particularly for live music performers and venues, insights from our industry partners have also highlighted opportunities,” said Paul Damaso Director, Culture Division. “These opportunities, such as providing access to sustainable funding opportunities, digital online resources and marketing support informed our plan and will help move creative industries in Mississauga towards sustained economic prosperity.”

In total, the Creative Industries Economic Recovery Plan identifies 16 unique action items to help the film, television and music sectors through economic recovery. Key initiatives include:

  • Providing free business skills training, mentorship and grant opportunities to Mississauga music entrepreneurs through the Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre
  • Creating musical pathways for youth
  • Launching a project using input from industry stakeholders and benchmarking research to identify barriers to filming in Mississauga
  • Increasing the number of Mississauga locations on the Ontario Creates Locations Library
  • Investing efforts in continued studio expansion
  • Developing a comprehensive strategy to support and grow Mississauga’s music sector

The plan also highlights three other important culture-related recovery projects currently underway. These include the Cultural Districts Implementation Plan, the City’s Grant Program and initiatives to support Mississauga’s visual artists.

The Creative Industries Economic Recovery Plan will go to Council next week for approval.

To stay informed about the City’s COVID-19 recovery efforts, visit Mississauga.ca/recovery.

Background

The need for five industry-specific plans tailored to small business, broader industry, tourism, creative industries and the land development/real estate industry was outlined in the City’s Economic Recovery Pillar Framework. As one of four pillars guiding the City’s overall recovery efforts, the framework sets out the principles for the development of each industry-specific economic recovery plan.

Consultation and engagement with stakeholders and the business community will continue to be an important part of the City’s recovery efforts. All five industry-specific plans will be reviewed and assessed on a regular basis in consultation with the Mississauga Economic Resilience Taskforce, an advisory group established in June 2020.

December 2, 2020
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