All Posts By

Stephen Dasko

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
Love0

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
Love0

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
Love0

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
Love0

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
Love0

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
Love0

Waste collection updates for the holiday season

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 9, 2020

Residents are advised of changes to their waste collection schedule for the upcoming holiday season.

Holiday waste collection schedule
There will be no change to your waste collection schedule during the upcoming holiday season.

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.

Get your 2021 calendar
Residents are encouraged to sign up to get free weekly collection reminders by email, text message, or phone call.

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.

December 9, 2020
Love0

COVID-19 Lockdown: Sweet Home Mississauga – How to Safely Enjoy the Holiday Season

By Covid-19, Issues

December 9, 2020

Although the message from the Government of Ontario is focused on staying home to stay safe over the holidays, that certainly doesn’t mean boredom needs to set in.

The City of Mississauga is offering many virtual options this winter that are not only engaging and entertaining but will also get families and individuals up and moving.

“We all know that the holidays are going to look very different this year and that some of our annual holiday traditions have to be adjusted,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “But I encourage residents to make new traditions this year, perhaps by exploring a new hobby or catching up on personal interests that help keep you motivated and active. Regardless of what it is, please celebrate safely.”

While Mississauga is in the Grey-Lockdown phase of the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, it’s important to become familiar with both the activities that will keep the City in this zone and the behaviours that will help Mississauga emerge from the grey.

“The message is simple, only celebrate in-person with the people you live with and celebrate virtually with everyone else,” said Mayor Crombie. “Avoid parties and large dinners with guests and think of new ways to make the holidays special while remaining safe.”

Naughty list

As part of the Lockdown measures, the following are not permitted in Peel Region, which includes Mississauga:

  • Indoor social gatherings, except for a gathering of members of a single household or a gathering that includes members of a household and one other person from outside that household who lives alone.
  • Outdoor gatherings are permitted with 10 people or less with physical distancing.

Nice list

Mississauga is making it easy to keep residents on the nice list this year by offering plenty of fun activities that can be done from the comfort and safety of home sweet home.

At-home learning, entertainment and fitness options that will fit in any stocking

Current interests and new hobbies

  • The Mississauga Symphony Orchestra will be livestreaming its holiday concert on Sunday, December 20
  • A virtual tour of the WAR Flowers exhibition is available. WAR Flowers is an exhibit focused on 10 flowers picked by Canadian soldier Lieutenant-Colonel George Stephen Cantlie during the First World War. The virtual tour includes Cantlie’s letters, specially commissioned optical crystal sculptures and original flower-based scents, interwoven with the personal stories of 10 Canadians directly involved in the war.
  • In support of the WAR Flowers exhibition, an online speaker series will also be available. participants in the series include:

o   Viveka Melki and Alexander Reford on Creating WAR Flowers

o   Lawrence Hill in conversation with Natasha Henry in an Online Author’s Talk

o   Darin Wybenga on the Veterans of the Mississaugas of the Credit

o   Pardeep Singh Nagra on Brothers in Arms – The Sikhs in WWI

o   Matthew Wilkinson on Our Boys – Mississauga Remembers the First World War

Staying apart, together

  • Starting on December 10, the Museums of Mississauga will be spreading holiday cheer virtually, with bake-along videos and downloadable recipes of classic Christmas desserts including gingerbread and Christmas pudding.
  • Story time with family has always been a favourite, safe holiday activity. To keep this warm tradition alive, starting the week of December 14, Mississauga Library will feature five live story times and will be posting short holiday-themed videos on the City’s YouTube channel. The story times and videos will feature songs, stories and rhymes with broad and inclusive festive themes. The story times will be live on the Mississauga Library Facebook channel and will remain on the site for one week following the live airing.

Entertain me

  • Need music and movies to make the holiday season merrier? Mississauga Library can grant that streaming wish with Hoopla. Hoopla has all members of the family covered so no one can complain they’re bored this winter. From holiday movie favourites, Christmas romance classics and kid-friendly comedies to memorable holiday tunes, classic, seasonal jazz and family celebration books, this holiday is going to be an unforgettable one.
  • Mississauga Celebration Square invites residents to ring in 2021 in style at home with a special New Year’s Eve playlist available December 31 on Spotify and Apple Music. The “♥MCS NYE Playlist” will feature this year’s top tracks, including music from Mississauga artists. Listeners are encouraged to tag @mcsevents in all social posts when sharing the playlist from December 31 to January 3 for a chance to win a $100 Tim Horton’s gift card.

Active and relaxed

  • Mississauga’s Recreation Division has developed their Stay Home Stay Active program designed to get every member of the family up and moving or calm and relaxed depending on your holiday state of mind. Check the site for workouts, meditation and movement, nutrition and lifestyle tips and virtual activities for older adults.
  • If extra encouragement is needed, the City’s recreation team offers live Virtual Fitness Classes with certified fitness instructors. Try one class or join for all the sessions, there’s something for everyone ranging from beginners to advanced fitness levels.
  • Don’t close the Stay Home Stay Active webpage without first checking out the Family Fun Corner to see all of the creative and easy recreational activities that can be done at home.

Worship safely

  • Attend holiday services virtually or by livestream only.

Gifts and donations

  • Shop local and support small businesses. Ask about curbside pick-up, delivery, and online shopping options.
  • If you’re sharing gifts with people outside your home, exchange online gifts to avoid physical contact. Check #MississaugaMade for options.
  • Not only is buying local great and necessary for the city’s small businesses, with the help of a new contest, it’s also an amazing option for the buyer. From now until December 30, shoppers who buy or order from local businesses either online or in-person can enter for a chance to win one of 20 $100 VISA pre-paid gift cards. Shoppers enter online and indicate which local business they supported.

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

December 9, 2020
Love0

REMINDER TOMORROW: 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 9, 2020
Love0