All Posts By

Stephen Dasko

Fall garbage exemption period is suspended across Peel

By Issues, Resources

September 8, 2020

BRAMPTON, ON (September 8, 2020) – The Region of Peel advises residents that the fall garbage exemption period (originally scheduled from Sept 14-25, 2020) is suspended in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to minimize manual collection and ensure worker safety, while maintaining services for the long term.

Residents are reminded that:

  • Unlimited amounts of garbage will not be collected.
  • You can place only up to 2 extra bags on your garbage collection day. No garbage tags needed.
  • Additional bags beyond the 2-bag limit will not be collected.
  • Bulky items continue to be collected at the curb and accepted at Peel Community Recycling Centres.

If residents must leave their home to dispose of extra garbage bags, residents can take it to any Peel Community Recycling Centre, where disposal fees may apply. Check peelregion.ca/waste for locations and hours of operation.

Residents are encouraged to check peelregion.ca/waste for information or sign up to receive free weekly waste notification reminders.

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.

 

Select City Services Set to Reopen on September 8

By Covid-19, Issues, Resources

September 2, 2020

 As part of the City’s phased and controlled reopening plans, some limited City services will be available in-person, by appointment only beginning September 8:

In addition, the Council Chamber and Committee Rooms will reopen for meetings at the Civic Centre (300 City Centre Dr.) with reduced capacity.

“Mississauga has come a long way, working together as a community, to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We know how much our residents and businesses want to get life back to normal, but we must remain vigilant. Working alongside our public health experts, we are now in a position to gradually and safely reopen some of our counter services along with modified community programming. Thank you to everyone for continuing to do your part to stay safe and healthy. Please, wear a face covering, wash your hands, maintain physical distancing, stay home if you are feeling ill and get tested if needed.”

Health and safety protocols are in place to protect staff and the public at all City facilities. These protocols include:

  • Active screening – Staff and visitors are screened with COVID-19 assessment questions before entering a City facility.
  • Limited building access – Doors have been designated for entry and exit.
  • Mandatory masks – Face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces.
  • Physical distancing – Signage and floor markings indicate how to maintain two metres or six feet of space between others.
  • Signage – Floor decals and signage provide direction, health and safety reminders and ensure physical distancing.
  • Limited elevator capacity – Signage indicates safe and reduced capacity of elevators.
  • Stairwells – Where possible, stairwells are designated for up or down traffic.
  • Enhanced cleaning protocols – New protocols include increased cleaning and disinfecting of highly-touched surfaces and high traffic areas.

“The health and safety of our staff and the public continue to be our number one priority,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). “We have and will continue to work closely with Peel Public Health and adhere to all guidelines and regulations put out by the Government of Ontario and the Region of Peel. These limited in-person service offerings as well as modified programming at our Recreation, Library and Culture facilities form the next step in our safe and gradual reopening and recovery plans. Other city services, including development applications and building permit applications, property tax payments and more continue to be accepted online.”

Additional program and service updates:

Recreation

Beginning September 8, community centres, fitness centres, indoor pools and limited arenas will reopen with modified programs/services.

Starting September 14, C Banquets (on the 12th floor of Civic Centre) and the BraeBen Golf Course dining room will be available for bookings.

Library

All locations except Frank McKechnie (currently under renovation) will reopen on September 15 with limited service. Curbside service will continue to be offered at Frank McKechnie until the renovations are completed in mid-October. Visits are limited to one hour and services including computer access and limited study require an appointment.

Culture

Starting September 8, bookings of some spaces will reopen including the Living Arts Centre RBC Theatre, studio rentals, church and group bookings. In addition, the information desk, reception and box office will reopen.

Mississauga’s COVID-19 Recovery Framework guides the City’s reopening and recovery. The Framework is supported by four individual recovery plans – Community, Economic, Finance and Corporate – which set Mississauga’s path forward in a safe, efficient and inclusive way.

Visit mississauga.ca/recovery or call 311 for more information.

 

Brueckner Rhododendron Park

By Issues

This fall, a city contractor crew will be working to remove invasive non-native plant species and plant native trees, shrubs and meadow plants in existing naturalized areas in Brueckner Rhododendron Park. This work is part of the City’s efforts to improve and create habitat in the City’s natural areas.

Selective herbicide treatment will occur during (the month of September) to remove non-native invasive plants. Herbicide will be applied directly to the base of plants to minimize impacts to surrounding area. The contractor will post signage at all entrances to the area at least 24 hours before treatment and will remove signs 48 hours after treatment.

In addition, native plants will be planted in these areas. These native plants will not only provide food and habitat for wildlife (such as birds, bees and butterflies), but they will help with water uptake, CO2 intake, and air quality.

 

Any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Stephen or the office.

 

Information Technology and Mississauga Library Team Up to Support Student Success

By Issues, Resources

September 4, 2020

Information Technology (IT) and Mississauga Library are working together to support student success this fall.

Through its Smart City framework, IT  has teamed up with the library  to repurpose 100 gently-used laptop computers. The City is donating the laptops to the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and the Peel District School Board for distribution to at-risk families.

“As students return to learning this fall, they are using technology more now than ever,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “By making laptops available to those families in need, we are able to increase their access to technology and provide students with the resources they need to succeed and thrive at school.”

The laptop donation project is one of many resources the Library offers students. These include textbook and hotspot lending, virtual services and online reference support.

“Bridging the digital divide through equal access to technology is a priority,” said Jennifer Stirling, Acting Director, Mississauga Library. “The laptop donation project, supported with funding from the Library’s P. and L. Odette Charitable Foundation grant, is part of the City’s Community Recovery Framework. This framework focuses on providing programs and services that have a direct impact on the community’s quality of life.”

“The Smart City framework is a great fit for this collaborative effort,” said Shawn Slack, Director, Information Technology and Chief Information Officer (CIO). “As a Smart City, Mississauga is known for helping students succeed. From a city-wide network of free wireless hotspots, to open data and eduroam – the free education roaming service for post-secondary students – we are creating a Smart City for everyone.”

For more information about the Library’s programs and services, visit mississaugalibrary.ca and follow Mississauga Library on InstagramFacebook and Twitter.

To learn more about Smart City, visit smartcity.mississauga.ca/.

 

Applewood Creek Erosion Control EA Study

By Issues, Resources

September 23, 2020

Our Environmental Assessment Study for erosion control along Applewood Creek through the Lakeview Golf Course has been completed.

A Project File Report (PFR) has been prepared and is being placed on the public record for review for 45 days.  The PFR will be available on the City’s stormwater projects website beginning September 3rd, 2020:

http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/stormwater/new-projects

Please let me know if you have any questions, or require any further information.

Filming Indian Valley Trail – September 15, 2020

By Uncategorized

Please be advised that a new Netflix series “Sex/Life” (Poutine Productions ULC) has submitted an application to film interior and exterior scenes at 259 Indian Valley Tr as follows:

  • Prep: Mon Sept 14, 7am – 7pm
  • Filming: Tues Sept 15, 12pm –  Wed Sept 16, 2am
  • Wrap: Wed Sept 16 – 7am – 7pm

 

In keeping with the film policy (06-03-02), Production is requesting approval from residents to allow for:

  • Afterhours filming and vehicle movement
  • Overnight parking
  • Lighting and/or generators to be oriented towards neighbouring residences

 

The production has also been strongly encouraged to contact the Credit Reserve Association to give back to the community through a donation or otherwise.

 

Your Last Words Shouldn’t Be a Text: Distracted Driving is a Major Concern in Mississauga

By Issues

                                                                                                                       

August 31, 2020

The next time you are driving and decide to use your phone – think again, it’s illegal. Distracted driving is dangerous for all road users like road users including pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, commuters, mobility-device users and other methods of active transportation. The Distracted Driving law applies to the use of any handheld communications device and display screens like a phone, tablet or gaming console. The City, in partnership with the Road Safety Committee, is rolling out a campaign this September to remind Mississauga road users about the dangers of distracted driving.

“Far too many drivers continue to be distracted on Mississauga roads. It only takes seconds to cause a life-altering crash that can impact you, your passenger and others on the road. Whether you’re setting a GPS route or talking and texting, using your phone while driving just isn’t worth it. Last year, Peel Regional Police issued a total of 1,140 distracted driving tickets, 500 of which were in Mississauga,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Keeping our roads safe here in Mississauga is one of our top priorities. Any death or injury on our roads is unacceptable. This campaign will help educate and ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers and ensure they continue to move safely and freely around our city.”

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) reports that you’re four times more likely to have a crash when you’re distracted while driving and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) reports that one in three drivers in Ontario engages in distracted driving with a mobile device. Additionally, research from the MTO, Traffic Injury Research Foundation and CAA found that young drivers under the age of 44 are more engaged in distracted driving.

Awareness of distracted driving is an important aspect of the Road Safety Committee’s 2020 goal to develop awareness and educate Mississauga residents about road safety initiatives, programs and issues.

“The Road Safety Committee is focusing its efforts on distracted driving in September with a goal of creating more awareness around this dangerous habit,” said Ward 9 Councillor Pat Saito, Road Safety Committee Chair. “The statistics tell a story. They are staggering and we need to make our roads safer by sending a strong message to our residents that distracted driving is dangerous.”  As a member of this committee, Councillor Dasko shares these concerns as well.

The Committee has been largely driven by the Vision Zero Framework. The framework focuses on the prevention of fatalities and injuries due to motor vehicle collisions.

“Our Transportation Master Plan has a goal of safety for all travellers on our roads,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “Vision Zero is a key component of the Transportation Master Plan and the plan proposes 26 actions to achieve the safety goal. We are working in partnership with the Road Safety Committee, and raising awareness of distracted driving is one example of us working toward preventing fatalities and injuries on our roads.”

For a first distracted driving offence, you’ll receive a $615 fine up to $1,000, three demerit points and a three-day licence suspension. Second-time distracted driving offenders will receive a minimum $615 fine up to $2,000, six demerit points and a seven-day licence suspension.

To learn more about road safety in Mississauga, visit: https://web.mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/transportation-and-streets/traffic/

[Download hi-res photo]

 

Select City Services Set to Reopen on September 8

By Covid-19, Issues, Resources

 

September 2, 2020

 

As part of the City’s phased and controlled reopening plans, some limited City services will be available in-person, by appointment only beginning September 8:

 

In addition, the Council Chamber and Committee Rooms will reopen for meetings at the Civic Centre (300 City Centre Dr.) with reduced capacity.

 

“Mississauga has come a long way, working together as a community, to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We know how much our residents and businesses want to get life back to normal, but we must remain vigilant. Working alongside our public health experts, we are now in a position to gradually and safely reopen some of our counter services along with modified community programming. Thank you to everyone for continuing to do your part to stay safe and healthy. Please, wear a face covering, wash your hands, maintain physical distancing, stay home if you are feeling ill and get tested if needed.”

 

Health and safety protocols are in place to protect staff and the public at all City facilities. These protocols include:

 

  • Active screening – Staff and visitors are screened with COVID-19 assessment questions before entering a City facility.
  • Limited building access – Doors have been designated for entry and exit.
  • Mandatory masks – Face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces.
  • Physical distancing – Signage and floor markings indicate how to maintain two metres or six feet of space between others.
  • Signage – Floor decals and signage provide direction, health and safety reminders and ensure physical distancing.
  • Limited elevator capacity – Signage indicates safe and reduced capacity of elevators.
  • Stairwells – Where possible, stairwells are designated for up or down traffic.
  • Enhanced cleaning protocols – New protocols include increased cleaning and disinfecting of highly-touched surfaces and high traffic areas.

“The health and safety of our staff and the public continue to be our number one priority,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). “We have and will continue to work closely with Peel Public Health and adhere to all guidelines and regulations put out by the Government of Ontario and the Region of Peel. These limited in-person service offerings as well as modified programming at our Recreation, Library and Culture facilities form the next step in our safe and gradual reopening and recovery plans. Other city services, including development applications and building permit applications, property tax payments and more continue to be accepted online.”

 

Additional program and service updates:

 

Recreation

Beginning September 8, community centres, fitness centres, indoor pools and limited arenas will reopen with modified programs/services.

Starting September 14, C Banquets (on the 12th floor of Civic Centre) and the BraeBen Golf Course dining room will be available for bookings.

 

Library

All locations except Frank McKechnie (currently under renovation) will reopen on September 15 with limited service. Curbside service will continue to be offered at Frank McKechnie until the renovations are completed in mid-October. Visits are limited to one hour and services including computer access and limited study require an appointment.

 

Culture

Starting September 8, bookings of some spaces will reopen including the Living Arts Centre RBC Theatre, studio rentals, church and group bookings. In addition, the information desk, reception and box office will reopen.

 

Mississauga’s COVID-19 Recovery Framework guides the City’s reopening and recovery. The Framework is supported by four individual recovery plans – Community, Economic, Finance and Corporate – which set Mississauga’s path forward in a safe, efficient and inclusive way.

 

Visit mississauga.ca/recovery or call 311 for more information.