All Posts By

Stephen Dasko

Ring in 2021 with Mississauga Celebration Square’s NYE Playlist

By Events

December 11, 2020

Dance in your living room, have a New Year’s toast in your kitchen or just sit back and relax in the comforts of home – since New Year’s Eve looks a little different this year, Mississauga Celebration Square (MCS) is putting together a selection of 21 hit tracks for residents to ring in 2021 safely at home: The MCS NYE Playlist.

Available on December 31, through Spotify and Apple Music, this special playlist, in lieu of an in-person event at the Square, includes this year’s top tracks as well as hits from emerging artists from Mississauga! Residents are also encouraged to share their favourite 2020 track with @mcsevents social channels to have it featured in the playlist.

Leading up to New Year’s Eve 2021, Mississauga Celebration Square will release video interviews with some of Mississauga’s top artists as well as with Mayor Crombie. Mississauga native and Toronto Maple Leafs in-arena host, Scott Willats, will host the MCS video series. You can watch the videos on social media by following MCS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Interviewees include:

  • IAMREBELWILL – Pop artist IAMREBELWILL is influenced by the showmanship of Janet Jackson, the eclectic artistry of Prince and the sounds of Montreal-based producer, Kaytranada.
  • Shopé – With his internationally crafted sound, Shopé brings a unique energy to the global musicscape. A 2019 CBC Searchlight winner, Shopé’s unique sound skillfully blends elements of Nigerian Afrobeats with North American Hip Hop/R&B.
  • Melxdie – Bold, beautiful and impossible to ignore – that is the unforgettable world of Melxdie, an emerging pop singer currently bringing her feel-good anthems to the global stage.

Contest:

From December 31 to January 3, stream the MCS NYE Playlist, share it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram Stories and tag @mcsevents to be entered to win a $100 Tim Horton’s Gift Card!

For more information on the MCS NYE Playlist, please visit: culture.mississauga.ca/event/mcs-nye-playlist.

Region of Peel and the Province of Ontario partner to address human sex trafficking in Peel 

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 11, 2020

The Province of Ontario announced $3.1M in funding for the Region of Peel to support an integrated services hub for victims, survivors and individuals at-risk of human sex trafficking. The Region of Peel is currently implementing a three-year Strategy to Address Human Sex Trafficking. This pilot strategy was endorsed by Peel Regional Council in 2018 and provides $1.8 million per year for services for victims, survivors and those at-risk of human sex trafficking.

Human sex trafficking impacts the lives of large numbers of individuals, primarily women, with many victims facing long-lasting effects of trauma. The average age of victims is 12 to 24 years old, and Ontario accounts for more than 70% of reported cases in Canada. In addition, 62% of Canadian human trafficking cases originate in the GTA, in part due to access to major highways and an international airport.

The Region is working with all levels of Government to combat human trafficking in all its forms. The Region is addressing the issue through awareness, as well as supports, operating an emergency safe house and transitional house for victims. Peel’s strategy aligns with the Province of Ontario’s anti-human trafficking strategy 2020-2025.

This funding will support Catholic Family Services of Peel-Dufferin with the integrated services hub for children and youth (aged 12 and up) providing on-site health care, trauma counselling, addictions support, legal aid, education and employment services.

The framework addresses human sex trafficking through:

  • Prevention  – To increase awareness via learning modules and training for Regional frontline staff
  • Intervention – Coordinated support to bring services to victims. Core services include trauma counselling, health care, client and system navigation, case management and outreach.  In-kind complementary services include life and job skills, legal support and education
  • Exits – A dedicated safe house and transitional house for victims and survivors

This approach allows us to support victims, survivors and those at-risk of human sex trafficking, bridge the gap in services and provide safe housing and dedicated services.

The Region collaborates with Peel Regional Police, community partners and many organizations across Peel and the Greater Toronto Area to address human trafficking and reduce victimization. For more information on the Peel Human Trafficking Service Providers Committee, the Peel Anti-Human Sex Trafficking task force or to see the Region’s full strategy, please visit https://www.peelregion.ca/human-sex-trafficking/.

If you’re a victim or survivor of human sex trafficking or forced labour, or you know someone who is, contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.

About the Region of Peel 

The Region of Peel works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 175,000 businesses in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on Twitter @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.

Film Notice: 1560 Douglas Dr “VICAP”

By Events

Please be advised that Precious Productions Inc will be filming a TV series “VICAP” at 1560 Douglas Dr on December 15 – 17, including prep and wrap. All parking will be on private property and we will be issuing a permit to allow maximum 3-minute traffic stoppages on Douglas Dr on December 16 only under the supervision of Peel Regional Police not between the hours of 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm.

Region of Peel’s Proposed Development Charges By-law Approved

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 10, 2020

Today, Regional Council approved the 2020 Development Charge (DC) By-law and Background Study.

The new by-law includes the DC rates and policies to be applied across the Region to help pay for the infrastructure required to support population and employment growth. The new DC By-law comes into effect on January 22, 2021 and replaces the current DC By-law prior to its expiry on January 24, 2021.

The 2020 DC By-law supports Regional objectives around financial risk management and continues to support the principal that growth pays for growth.

“The Region remains committed to working with the development community, as well as local municipal partners in developing policies that support Regional objectives of planning and managing growth while promoting financial sustainability.” – Stephen VanOfwegen, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Finance, Region of Peel

Quick Facts/Additional Resources

  • DCs assist in funding capital projects required to meet the increased need for services resulting from population and employment growth and development.
  • The Draft 2020 DC Background Study and Proposed DC By-law were released to the public on September 18, 2020.
  • A statutory public meeting was held on October 8, 2020 as a part of the DC By-law review consultation process.
  • The feedback received from the public and the development community has been carefully considered in the preparation of the final 2020 DC By-law.
  • More information can be found at, peelregion.ca/finance/development-charges.asp

About the Region of Peel

The Region of Peel works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 175,000 businesses in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on Twitter @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.

REMINDER NOW: Community Virtual Meeting – 1381 Lakeshore Road East

By Planning & Development

November 12, 2020

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

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.

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.

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.