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Stephen Dasko

COVID-19 Response Continues

By Covid-19

COVID-19 Response Continues: Community & Economic Recovery Frameworks, Restarting Community Recognition, Cashless Payments at Cashiers and Creation of National Urban Cycling Infrastructure Fund

COVID-19 | July 22, 2020

Today, Mississauga City Council reviewed and approved initiatives in relation to COVID-19 including: Community and Economy Pillar Recovery Plans, restarting the Community Recognition program, cashless payments at cashiers and supporting the creation of a national urban cycling infrastructure fund as part of a COVID-19 economic response.

“Mississauga has taken a strategic and thoughtful approach to our recovery efforts, which are well underway. Our goal is to ensure residents and businesses continue to have the supports they need and the ability to access networks and resources to thrive,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Working with our BIAs, community service organizations, youth and older adult groups, ratepayer and resident associations, our business community and many, many more, we are actively engaging our community to ensure our recovery efforts meet their needs and that how the City conducts business meets the demands of a changing environment. By working together, we will recover from this pandemic and be in a better position than we were before. We are Building Back to Better.”

Economic Recovery Framework

The framework of the Economic Pillar from the Council endorsed “COVID19 Recovery Framework” on May 13, 2020 will serve as a guiding document for five industry specific plans (Major Business, Small Business, Creative Industry, Tourism Industry, and Land Development.) The framework reflects the challenges heard through stakeholder engagement and consultation with more than 600 organizations and businesses from all sectors. Underpinning the framework is a campaign – Building Back to Better – which is a sustained and coordinated effort by the City over the next two years. It will be organized around three phases of recovery, and guided by an overarching set of eight principles and 10 strategic goals, supported by a series of tactics deployed in each phase. According to the report, as the City moves into a more mature state of recovery and gains a full understanding of the longer-lasting impacts to the business community, five industry plans outlining specific tactics for recovery will be brought forward for Council endorsement.

Economic Recovery Plans Phases

Three key phases will guide activities and provide milestones.

Mitigate: Mitigation efforts in the initial impact and transition through the re-opening phases of the economy and any future restrictions.

Reboot: Economic recovery in this phase of virus containment measures, including physical distancing, testing, and contact tracing. is focused on assisting businesses, workers, and residents to adapt and innovate within the ‘new normal’ of COVID-19.

Grow: Post-COVID-19 vaccine or effective treatment period. The growth priorities outlined in the Economic Development Strategy 2020-2025 will be used to inform priorities within this phase.

Strategic Goals

The City’s focus on recovery will be guided by the City’s Strategic Plan and the five pillars – green, prosper, move, belong, and connect – as well as master plans and strategies which have been adopted by Council. For each of the five industry-specific plans that will be developed, the following goals serve as a basis for the development of future goals, objectives and tactics:

Goal 1: Meet Employment Needs

Goal 2: Develop Talent

Goal 3: Attract Innovative Business

Goal 4: Create Partnerships for Innovation

Goal 5: Strengthen Art & Culture

Goal 6: Build Healthy Communities

Goal 7: Ensure Affordability & Accessibility

Goal 8: Provide Quality Programs & Services

Goal 9: Make Informed Decisions

Goal 10: Practice Fiscal Prudence

Mississauga Economic Recovery Taskforce

One of the key deliverables is to create the Mississauga Economic Recovery Taskforce (MERT) under the fourth goal. This taskforce will be comprised of key stakeholders in the community, City staff and Council. It will act as an enhanced and focused Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) that is specifically focused on economic recovery. This group will advise Council and staff in the short term and over the entire recovery period. The MERT will have representation from the business sector, creative industries, academia, public health, Toronto Pearson, and the small and independent business sector, among others. It will be designed as a working committee with the goal of addressing the needs of each sector in our City.

Community Pillar Recovery Plan

An overarching plan for the Community Pillar will focus on public-facing services, tactics and programs. The first major phase of recovery entails the reopening and restoration of services to the community and involves detailed operational plans to ensure they are restored in a safe manner. Recovery planning will also involve a review of the Culture and Community Grants program for 2021.

Next steps in the Community Pillar Recovery Plan:

  • Continue to reopen services and facilities as regulations permit, developing plans to ensure compliance with new public health guidelines
  • Consult and communicate with groups and stakeholders impacted with each reopening plan
  • Begin the review of key strategic plans and community support programs to identify changes or additions based on recovery impacts
  • Fall 2020 follow-up engagement with community groups once recovery is further underway, to understand longer term issues and opportunities
  • Identify opportunities to continue supporting the community through partnerships – leverage existing organizations, funding sources and people resources – to advance recovery and return to ‘normal’
  • Incorporate longer term initiatives with financial impact into future budget and planning

Community Recognition – Restarting the Program

Council approved lifting the suspension of the Community Recognition Program to begin receiving community requests on August 1, 2020.The clock tower lighting will remain yellow on days that do not have Community Recognition lighting booked once the program resumes. For community requests that were cancelled or not processed due to the suspension, groups will be offered a new date for their flag raising or lighting after August 1 (pending program availability).

As part of the reopening of the Civic Centre, Council approved discontinuing cash payments at Cashiers. Cash transactions processed by cashiers represent less than two per cent of total revenue processed and there is a trend to fewer cash transactions. Cash payments for property taxes can be made at any financial institution. Other forms of payment are accepted for all transactions processed at cashiers.

National Urban Cycling Infrastructure Fund

Council approved a motion supporting the creation of a national urban cycling infrastructure fund as part of a COVID-19 economic response.The motion included that the Mayor on behalf of the City of Mississauga write a letter to the Federal Government supporting the creation of a national urban cycling infrastructure fund of at least $265 million as part of a COVID-19 economic stimulus package to be distributed over the next two years to Canadian cities.

For details view: Motion calling on the Federal government to create a national urban cycling infrastructure fund as part of a COVID-19 economic stimulus package

To stay informed on COVID-19 impacts on City services, please visit: mississauga.ca/recovery or call 311.

 

July 23, 2020
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Mississauga to Better Weather the Storm with new Winter Maintenance Contract

By Events, Issues, Resources

July 23, 2020

Yesterday, City Council approved a new eight-year winter maintenance contract for the City of Mississauga which will begin in the fall of 2021 through to the 2029 winter season. The upcoming 2020/21 winter season will be the final year of the current seven-year contract.

The new winter maintenance contract will ensure that snow clearing operations are more efficient throughout the city. This includes upgrades to snow clearing equipment and salt management practices for better service delivery. However, due to COVID-19 financial pressures, Council did not approve additional levels of service for an expanded driveway windrow program and residential sidewalks, deferring these enhancements to at least 2023 to minimize the budget impact in 2021 and 2022.

“This new contract strikes the right balance between keeping up with the growing demands for snow clearing in our City while keeping our COVID-19 financial pressures top of mind,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Thankfully, our staff have been able to identify efficiencies without impacting service levels. We will continue to find savings and apply a ‘need’ not ‘want’ lens when negotiating City service contracts moving forward.”

Beginning in the 2021/22 winter season, here is what residents can expect:

  • New snow clearing equipment that allow for plowing and salting at the same time. The City will continue to meet approved service levels and Minimum Maintenance Standards more efficiently as per the Municipal Act, 2001.
  • Continued snow clearing of bus stops and priority sidewalks at the same time as the clearing of priority roads. This level of service was introduced during the 2019 winter season to help meet accessibility needs.
  • Snow clearing operations can be amended as modes of transportation change, such as the implementation of the Hurontario LRT and additional Active Transportation initiatives for pedestrians and cyclists. This includes bike lanes as part of the Active Transportation COVID-19 Recovery Framework.

“It is vital that the City continues to take progressive steps to effectively deliver snow clearing services in Mississauga,” said Mickey Frost, Director, Works Operations and Maintenance. “While keeping financial pressures in mind, the City has managed to redirect resources to find operational efficiencies without impacting service delivery. We have also made it a priority to support effective salt management practices, as more effective plowing should require less salt usage, especially in areas monitored by local conservation authorities. Using less salt will therefore not only lead to material savings, but have a less negative impact to our environment.”

Currently, Mississauga clears 5,600 lane kilometres of roads and on-street bike lanes; 1,600 linear kilometres of priority sidewalks; 3,400 bus stops; 95 kilometres of roadside multi-use trails; and over 1,000 pedestrian crossings.

For more information about the new eight-year winter maintenance contract, view the corporate report.

 

To learn more about snow clearing in Mississauga, visit mississauga.ca/snow.

 

July 23, 2020
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Outdoor water use advisory lifted

By Uncategorized

 

BRAMPTON, ON.  (July 21, 2020) Residents and businesses are advised the outdoor water use advisory for Brampton, Mississauga and Bolton has been lifted. Repairs to the Lorne Park water treatment plant have been completed to a point where enough capacity has been restored to allow normal water use. The remainder of the work will continue for the balance of the summer.

However, all Peel residents and businesses are asked to continue to practice water conservation, where possible, during the summer months. As it does every year, this will help maintain our water supply, especially while we continue to repair equipment at the Lorne Park facility.

Water saving tips include:

  • Watering in the early morning. This will help reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation.
  • Adding a 7 cm (3 in) of mulch to your garden. This will help keep moisture in the soil during dry periods.
  • Installing a rain sensor if you have an automatic irrigation system.
  • Reducing exterior surface washing. Sweep your driveway, walkway, and sidewalk instead.
  • Taking vehicles to a car wash.

The Region of Peel appreciates the support of the community while the initial repairs were made. We may, however, need to put another advisory, or other appropriate measures in place, should hot summer weather cause high water demand, or conditions change at our water treatment plant.

For information on other outdoor water tips visit watersmartpeel.ca

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.

July 21, 2020
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When it Comes to the City’s 2021 Budget – What do You Want to Know?

By Events, Issues, Resources

July 20, 2020

What do you want to know when it comes to the City’s Budget? The City is looking for input to help understand and shape Budget community engagement during COVID-19 recovery. An online survey has launched to seek input from residents across Mississauga to hear ideas and opinions on the engagement related to the 2021 Budget. Community input is an important way to help shape the future of Mississauga.

Residents are invited to have their say about community engagement methods and initiatives for the 2021 Budget by filling out a survey by Friday, July 31.

What:
An online survey to determine what Mississauga residents and businesses want to hear about when it comes to the 2021 Budget and how they want the City to connect with them regarding the Budget.

Who:
Mississauga residents
Business owners
Taxpayers

Where:

To complete the survey, visit web.mississauga.ca/council/budget-and-finances/city-of-mississauga-budget/2020-budget-get-involved/

When:
Survey closes Friday, July 31, 2020

The survey results will help inform the Budget Engagement plan for 2021.

know/

July 20, 2020
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Based on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s data, the Region of Peel’s Medical Officer of Health has issued a Heat Warning* for the Region of Peel on Friday July 17, 2020. The warning will be in effect until further notice.

By Uncategorized

COVID-19 in Peel

With community spread, treat every interaction like you could be exposed.

 Symptoms of heat-related illness include rapid breathing, dizziness or fainting, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, extreme thirst, decreased urination and unusually dark yellow urine.

 During heat events, remember to check-in with family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors who live on their own. It’s best to call or video-conference – if that is not possible, practice physical distancing. Many of the locations that provided relief from heat such as shopping malls and community centres are not available due to COVID-19. If you experience any of the symptoms above, cool off as soon as possible by taking a cool bath or shower, move to a shaded area and practice physical distancing and increase your fluid intake and rest. If the symptoms persist, contact your doctor or call 911. 

 For more information on how to protect your health during the heat, visit the Heat web site or review the various Guidelines which outline steps to help prevent heat-related illnesses.

 Learn how to protect yourself and others, and stay up-to-date on COVID-19 in Peel. Some Regional services and facilities are affected or closed until further notice. Check full listing.

July 17, 2020
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Update on Our Lakeview Park Public School Site

By Issues, Resources

Lakeview has had long and rich history.  From the first Aerodrome to the Small Arms Building, and so much more; there are many aspects of our Community’s past we cherish.

Recently, the Lakeview Park Public School, built in 1923 has been a topic of renewed conversation.  This site was recently deemed surplus by the Peel District School Board. Prior to this, I had several conversations with the Community as to its importance and its future.

There is now a proposal on behalf of Habitat for Humanity to purchase the site.   The proposal, if successful, would include the original School Building on the site along with a 3 acre mix of attainable and affordable housing.

I have been very vocal in advocating for saving the original school building and affordable seniors’ housing.  At this stage, a few things to note:

  1. I have been working on this file to protect and ensure that the School site remain a fixture of the Lakeview Community and the City.
  2. Habitat for Humanity has approached the School Board about a number of possible surplus properties across Mississauga and after some conversations with the City and myself, they are interested in pursuing this particular location.
  3. In all of my conversations with the City and Habitat for Humanity I have always stressed that the original school site be saved at all cost.
  4. If successful in their bid, Habitat for Humanity has pledged to me that they will work with the Community on the site and also the original School Building in making it a wonderful part of Lakeview’s future.

Also a special thanks to the Lakeview Ratepayer Association board and the expertise of Richard Collins.  The LRA  presented  a deputation to the Heritage committee over a year ago and  came together to voice their ideas of how saving the building for future generations and the need of affordable housing for seniors to age in place.

The rich history of Lakeview is more important than ever to weave it into our future.  Another historic jewel in the Community is the Small Arms Inspection Building.  Some may recall last year, as a result of limited access to the Small Arms Inspection Building, the first investment of the Federal Gas Tax Initiative I undertook, was to install a semi-permeable parking lot to ensure that the building can better serve the Community.

Lakeview has a bright future ahead and knowing where we came from is a significant step to moving forward.

Please feel free to click on the latest article in the Mississauga News from John Stewart regarding the possible future of the Lakeview Park Public School and the site:

https://www.mississauga.com/opinion-story/10015923-can-collaboration-create-affordable-housing-habitat-in-lakeview-/

 

 

 

July 16, 2020
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Outdoor water use advisory in effect for Mississauga and Brampton

By Uncategorized

BRAMPTON, ON. (July 13, 2020) – Residents and businesses are advised that, effective immediately, an outdoor water use advisory is now in place.

The advisory is due to unexpected repairs at one of the Region’s treatment facilities and is necessary to ensure our water supply levels are maintained throughout the system. The Region of Peel will continue to maintain the integrity of our system throughout the duration of the advisory, which is expected to last for the next few days. Normal outdoor water use practices will be resumed as soon as possible.

The outdoor water use advisory asks residents and businesses to do the following:

  • Reduce all outdoor watering. This includes watering lawns, gardens and planters. Any residents or businesses with automatic irrigation are being asked to shut systems off.
  • Stop or reduce filling or topping up pools, hot tubs, ponds and decorative fountains.
  • Stop or reduce all exterior surface washing. Sweep away debris from driveways, walkways, and sidewalks.
  • Delay washing vehicles, including at car wash facilities.

The Region of Peel understands that some of our residents and businesses may be inconvenienced; however, this advisory is necessary to ensure our water supply levels are maintained throughout the system. For information on efficient outdoor water use visit watersmartpeel.ca

July 15, 2020
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A Tree-mendous Achievement as Mississauga is Recognized as a Tree City

By Issues

July 14, 2020

The City of Mississauga has been given the Tree Cities of the World designation from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Arbor Day Foundation. Mississauga joins a number of international cities that have taken steps toward investing in maintaining, preserving and creating robust and healthy city forests.

“We are a City that values the environment and the endless benefits trees provide to our community. Through receiving the Tree Cities of the World designation, we’ve joined a global network of cities who are building a more resilient and sustainable city by creating a greener and healthier community that benefits everyone,” said Mayor Crombie. “It is a major priority that we continue to preserve and invest in the health and well-being of our trees, especially in our diverse forests, woodlots, parks, trails and boulevards. Trees play a critical role in fighting climate change and making Mississauga a livable city by cleaning our air and water, providing shade and beautifying the places we live and work in.”

Mississauga is among 10 Canadian municipalities to receive the designation. The City met five core standards in order to receive the designation, which included establishing responsibility, setting rules, knowing what you have, allocating resources and celebrating achievements.

“We currently have more than 2.1 million trees planted in Mississauga and we’re working to plant one million more by 2032 through the One Million Trees program. We’re focused on maintaining and enhancing tree diversity around the city – choosing trees based on species and function while planting them in areas where they will thrive,” said Jodi Robillos, Director, Parks, Forestry and Environment. “With the help of our staff, partners and volunteers, we’ve been able to plant over 380,000 trees since starting the program in 2013. Having more trees in Mississauga will help conserve and enhance our open spaces and forested areas for future generations to enjoy.”

The international program celebrates cities across all continents that meet core standards for the care and planning of urban trees and forests.

Robillos added, “Through our Urban Forest Management Plan, we are ensuring that Mississauga trees are well cared for. We are addressing and alleviating some of the pressures our tree canopies face, like weather events stemming from climate change, mitigating invasive pests and diseases and managing urban redevelopment.”

Mississauga now joins Toronto, Auckland, Paris and New York City as Tree Cities of the World. In 2019, 68 cities internationally earned the designation.

For more information about the City’s One Million Trees program, visit onemilliontrees.ca.

 BACKGROUND

The Tree Cities of the World program is an international effort to recognize cities and towns committed to ensuring that their urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed, and duly celebrated.

For more information about the Tree Cities of the World designation, visit treecitiesoftheworld.org.

PHOTOS:

[Download hi-res photo]

CAPTION: Mayor Crombie at a tree planting event

 

[Download hi-res photo]

CAPTION: Mississauga’s tree canopy

 

 

 

July 14, 2020
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MiWay is revising Route 103 – Hurontario Express

By Issues, Planning & Development

Starting Aug. 3, 2020, MiWay is revising Route 103 – Hurontario Express as part of the second phase of routing changes along the Hurontario corridor.

The routing changes are required to help minimize impacts on service reliability due to Hurontario Light Rail Transit (HuLRT) construction, which began on March 30, 2020. The construction is expected to reduce traffic lanes south of the QEW in each direction in the coming months.

The revised Route 103 – Hurontario Express will travel between the Brampton Gateway Terminal and the Trillium Mississauga Hospital, seven days a week. While it will no longer travel south of The Queensway to Port Credit GO Station, customers can still get there by transferring from Route 103 onto Route 2-Hurontario at northbound and southbound stops at Burnhamthorpe Rd E, Elm Dr, Central Pkwy, John St, Dundas St, and Paisley Blvd.

Frequent service on Route 103 and Hurontario local Routes 2 and 17 allows for convenient transfers along the Hurontario corridor, and Route 2-Hurontario will continue to provide local service to all stops between the City Centre Transit Terminal and Port Credit GO Station.

MiWay implemented the first phase of the Hurontario corridor routing changes on April 27, 2020. The changes included replacing Route 19 Hurontario with two new routes (Route 17 Hurontario and Route 2 Hurontario), and cancelling Route 19 variants 19A, 19B and 19C while providing alternative options, including a revised Route 25 Traders Loop to service portions of the 19A and 19B.

MiWay’s planned Hurontario corridor changes are in addition to daily service adjustments being made by MiWay to provide essential transit services across Mississauga in response to COVID-19.

To learn more about these new route changes, visit www.miway.ca/hurontario.

For details about other planned service changes that take effect on Monday, Aug. 3, please visit www.miway.ca/aug3.

 

July 14, 2020
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Filming July 14, 2020 @ 1440 Lakeshore Road East

By Events, Issues, Resources

Please note that the above will be filming exterior scenes for a music video “Koffee” at the TRCA Lands at 1440 Lakeshore Rd E (Ward 1) on July 14 from 8:00am – 9:00pm.

 

Production has also been granted permission to park crew vehicles and a support vehicle at Small Arms Inspection Building parking lot (1352 Lakeshore Rd E).

 

All permitted productions are required to confirm that they will comply with health protocols outlined in the Ontario Health and Safety Act Section 21.

 

Should you have any comments, questions or concerns please contact Liza Toliao at the Film Office at 905-615-3200 x4114.

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

Mississauga Film & Television Office

T 905-615-3200 x4114

film.office@mississauga.ca | mississaugaculture.ca/film

 

City of Mississauga | Community Services Department

Culture Division

 

This e-mail is for the sole use of the intended recipient and may contain confidential or privileged information. Unauthorized use of its contents is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify sender immediately via return e-mail and then delete the original e-mail.

July 13, 2020
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