All Posts By

Stephen Dasko

City Provides Additional Financial Assistance for Taxpayers during COVID-19

By Covid-19, Issues, Resources

May 6, 2020

 

Today, Council unanimously agreed to provide further financial assistance to taxpayers to help ease financial pressures as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 by:

  • deferring final tax instalments for 90 days
  • stopping late payment charges and fees related to tax payment requests for changes

 

Council previously provided cash flow assistance by deferring the April to June interim tax instalment dates by 90 days and is again asking all landlords to pass this additional financial relief on their tenants.

 

“We are doing what we can as a City to provide as much relief to residents and businesses as possible,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Today’s decision to defer property tax instalments and waive penalty fees will help taxpayers recovering from the shock of this crisis manage their cash flow in a difficult time. As a City, we do not have the financial resources of the federal and provincial governments to offer full relief, but we are doing what we can within our power while remaining financial prudence.”

 

The City of Mississauga is looking at all options available for recovering and balancing its 2020 operating and capital costs as a result of the impacts from COVID-19 and as required by-law.

 

“With the support and approval of Council, we are working to try and ease some of the economic impacts and financial hardships being faced by many families and businesses in Mississauga as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “At the same time, we are carefully monitoring the City’s operating and capital budgets and identifying opportunities for cost avoidance, including potentially deferring some of our capital spending this year. We are thankful to both the Region of Peel and the Government of Ontario for deferring the upper-tier and education tax payments which is greatly assisting the City during this challenging time. We are however, still facing significant revenue shortfalls. We need and are seeking, financial assistance from both the provincial and federal governments.”

 

Interim Tax Payment Schedules

 

As decided at the March 20 meeting of Council, interim property tax payments were deferred for 90 days. Notices were distributed to taxpayers at the end of March.

 

  1. Regular Instalment Payments

For those paying by regular instalment, interim property tax payments of April 2 and May 7 were deferred to July 2 and August 6.

 

New Interim Payment Schedule Due Dates July 2, 2020 August 6, 2020

 

  1. Monthly Pre-Authorized Payments

For those paying by monthly pre-authorized payments with the City, interim property tax payments in April, May and June were deferred to July, August and September.

 

Residential and Non-Residential
New Interim Payment Schedule Due Dates July 2020 August 2020 September 2020

 

Final Tax Payment Schedules

 

The timing of final tax payments for residential and non-residential property owners will depend on their chosen method of payment and if they continued with their interim tax payments as originally billed.

 

  1. Regular Instalment Payments

Final tax payments have been deferred by 90 days for taxpayers currently paying by instalments. Payments will now be made in October, November and December.

 

Residential and Non-residential
New Final Payment Schedule Due Dates

– final tax instalments

October 1, 2020 November 5, 2020 December 3, 2020

For residential properties, final tax instalments would normally be due in July, August and September.

For non-residential properties, final tax instalments normally would be due as one single payment in August.

 

  1. Monthly Pre-Authorized Payments – Interim Payments were Deferred

For taxpayers who had monthly withdrawals deferred, final payments will be made in three equal withdrawals one in October, one in November and one in December.

 

Residential and Non-Residential
New Final Payment Schedule Due Dates

– if Interim tax payments were deferred

October 2020 November 2020 December 2020
  Withdrawal payment Withdrawal payment Withdrawal payment

 

  1. Monthly Pre-Authorized Payments – Payments Continued

Taxpayers who have chosen to continue to make regular monthly payments for their interim taxes will continue with monthly withdrawals on their normal schedule.

 

Residential and Non-residential
Payment Schedule Unchanged

Interim tax payments continued

July 2020

*residential only

 

Monthly withdrawal

August 2020

 

Monthly withdrawal

September 2020

 

Monthly withdrawal

October 2020

 

Monthly withdrawal

November 2020

 

Monthly withdrawal

December 2020

 

Monthly withdrawal

 

Property assessment is determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). These assessments are updated every four years and increases are phased-in over a four-year period. The last re-assessment was conducted in 2016. The next MPAC reassessment was planned to be completed this year for the 2021 taxation year; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Ontario postponed the assessment update. This means the property assessment used for the 2021 tax year will be the same as the 2020 tax year.

 

In addition, to the COVID-19 assistance, the City of Mississauga is also continuing with its annual tax rebate for low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities. For 2020, the annual rebate has been increased to $436.

 

Read the full report: 2020 Final Levy Taxation Addressing COVID-19 Impacts

 

Learn more about the City of Mississauga’s taxes and assessment processes.

 

Stay Positive, Active and Entertained with Mississauga’s Virtual Programs

By Covid-19, Events, Resources

May 6, 2020

The City of Mississauga offers a range of online activities during COVID-19 to help every member of the household stay positive, active and entertained at home.

“We understand it is difficult to keep everyone busy and active as we all continue to stay at home and practise physical distancing,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “That’s why we have put together a range of free virtual programs and resources to help boost the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents. Keeping fit, staying healthy, and enjoying fun activities will help us maintain a positive mindset as we work to overcome this virus together.”

Keep Fit

Visit Mississauga Recreation for virtual fitness classes and meditation sessions, and for nutrition and lifestyle information. The first live virtual fitness class is Cardio Kick Box on May 7 at 12:15 p.m.

Follow the #StayHomeStayActive campaign on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

Grow a Garden

  • Starting the week of May 11, order up to three varieties of seeds from the new online Mississauga Seed Library. Simply complete the online form and the seeds will arrive by mail. Visit ca/seeds for more information.

Enjoy Family Fun

“As it gets harder to stay in and keep spirits up, we want to make it easier by offering virtual activities and resources everyone can enjoy,” said Paul Mitcham, Commissioner, Community Services. “The physical and emotional well-being of all our residents is important and we encourage people of all ages to try out a fitness class, live stream a concert and have some fun with their kids or grandkids.”

Older Adult Activities

  • Older adults can take part in a variety of virtual programs available four days each week. Residents can enjoy a yarn crafters meet-up, coffee talks, fitness breaks and weekly hot topics provided by the Mississauga Senior Centre. Participants can join via computer, tablet or phone. Follow Recreation on social media @MississaugaRec for up-to-date information.

Be Entertained

  • Mississauga Culture and the Living Arts Centre present an #ArtsAtHomeprogram to bring the arts into the home while supporting the City’s creative communities and industries. You can live stream virtual concerts and follow @saugaculture and @livingartsctr on social media for the latest in creative news and activities.
  • Stream or download an album through Freegal with your library card, or enjoy free movies and TV shows on your digital devices through Hoopla.
  • Paramount Fine Foods Centre (PFFC) is sharing content from event partners and more. The #PFFCentreAtHome web page offers live music with scheduled live streams, Canadian sing-a-longs and playlists. Live streams include Tyler Shaw, Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day, and Juanes, all of whom have performed here over the past 20 years. Their fun activity page includes virtual backgrounds to bring (PFFC) into your next online Zoom or Webex mobile meeting. Enjoy educational programs from the Harlem Globetrotters, and colouring pages and origami from Baby Shark Live! New content is added regularly and shared across @PFFCentre social media channels.
  • Watch “Rise Up Mississauga – Concert of Hope” at 7 p.m. on May 8 via Facebook Live on Mississauga Arts Council’s Facebook page. Enjoy free virtual entertainment featuring 25 Mississauga-based artists singing inspirational songs.
  • Join Mississauga Library on May 15 at 7 p.m. for a talk by award-winning Canadian author Kenneth Oppel.  Starting on May 18, check out the library’s website and social media for interactive book clubs, film discussion clubs, English conversation circles and more.

Book Corner

 

Tax Deferral, Online Penalty Notice Screening and Prohibiting Fireworks

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

City of Mississauga COVID-19 Response Continues: Tax Deferral, Online Penalty Notice Screening and Prohibiting Fireworks

COVID-19 | May 6, 2020

Today, Council approved further actions in response to COVID-19 including, tax deferral, allowing online administrative penalty screening and prohibiting the sale and use of fireworks.

“Mississauga continues to run efficiently and deliver key services in the face of this pandemic,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “That includes continuing to take measures to keep Mississauga safe and provide cash flow relief to our residents. Prohibiting fireworks is the right thing to do at this time to help discourage large groups from gathering, keep our City safe and ensure our firefighters and enforcement teams are focused on the task at hand, that’s fighting COVID-19.”

Tax Deferral
To provide further financial assistance to taxpayers and help ease financial pressures as a result of the impacts of COVID-19, Council agreed to postpone regular final tax instalments and eliminate late payment charges and fees related to tax payment requests for changes. The City is requesting that landlords pass the tax deferral on to their tenants. Details

Virtual Fireworks Only
Council voted to prohibit the sale and use of fireworks until further notice to reduce the potential for large crowds and continue to promote resident safety for the duration of the emergency related to COVID-19 as declared by the Province of Ontario and ensure existing resources are available and used for resident safety.  While fireworks are currently banned in Mississauga, please enjoy a virtual display this year with highlights from previous Mississauga firework events presented by Tim Hortons: https://youtu.be/cy7B2SL1zcc

Three by-laws were amended to prohibit the use and sale of fireworks in Mississauga:

  1. Fireworks Residents By-law – Regulating the use of fireworks by the public including restrictions on dates, times and permit requirements.
  2. Fireworks Vendors By-law – Regulating the licensing for the ownership and operation of portable firework display units within the City.
  3. Business Licensing By-law – Regulating the licensing and sale of fireworks from inside a building (not portable).

Online Screening Reviews of Administrative Penalties
Council voted to amend the Administrative Penalty By-law and Licencing Administrative Penalty By-law to allow for written submissions for online screening reviews of administrative penalties. During the current Provincial Court closure period, the by-law amendments allows the screening review process to continue as an option for anyone seeking a review of their penalty notice, which was previously only allowed in-person.

This online option will be available later this spring for the following administrative penalties related:

For those who have already submitted requests for screening reviews, a notice will be mailed to the address that the court has on file providing the opportunity to have their dispute heard by way of online written submissions.

For those who chose to continue with an in-person review, their matters will be dealt with once the Court offices re-open. For all new penalty notices, the defendant will be given the option of paying the penalty, or choosing an online submission or in-person review of their penalty notice.

To stay informed on COVID-19 impacts on City services, please visit: Mississauga.ca/coronavirus.

 

No fireworks are allowed in #Mississauga until further notice. As #VictoriaDay approaches, do not light or buy #fireworks. With emergency orders in place due to #COVID19, we want to do our part to keep our community safe. Report non-compliance to 311. http://ow.ly/Zf1f50zyZYP

 

.@CityMississauga #COVID19 response continues keeping #Mississauga safe & providing cash flow relief: tax relief, online Administrative Penalty Screening & prohibiting the sale & use of Fireworks. http://ow.ly/Zf1f50zyZYP

 

Link to eCity:

https://web.mississauga.ca/city-of-mississauga-news/news/city-of-mississauga-covid-19-response-continues-tax-deferral-online-penalty-notice-screening-and-prohibiting-fireworks/

 

Rise Up Mississauga – Concert of Hope – Friday, May 8, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m.

By Covid-19, Events, Resources, Uncategorized

An entrepreneur in  his own right, Ron Duquette, has taken the initiative to put together  an amazing concert of outstanding local performers from all around Mississauga.   

His message is below and I hope you will enjoy it!                                          Stephen

************************************************************************************************************

Hi Folks,

I hope you are all safe and sound and COVID-19 free in your homes, practising all the things we’ve been

told to do by our leaders across the country.

I’ve been working on a special project to stave off boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic lock down.

Recently, great talents from around the world and across Canada have performed to thank health care

workers and people in food supply, along with our essential service heroes, in this unprecedented time.

After watching Andrea Bocelli deliver his magnificent live performance in the Duomo in Milan on Easter Sunday

I got to thinking….why not here in Mississauga. That was my inspiration and “AHA” moment.

Teaming up with my colleagues at the Mississauga Arts Council, the result is “Rise Up Mississauga” – Concert of Hope, a 40-minute virtual concert featuring some of Mississauga’s finest home grown musicians, along with our local politicians, all coming together with a message of solidarity. Two of the artists wrote original songs for this production.

If you aren’t doing anything on Friday, May 8th at 7:00p.m. (EST) I hope you can tune in and enjoy the show.

Stay safe everyone.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES.

Ron

 

https://youtu.be/spQxyjOH-ZE

Mississauga’s Construction Projects Move Forward in Compliance with Provincial Regulations

By Resources

April 29, 2020

 

The City of Mississauga’s construction season is now underway following Council approval of a staff report that concluded that all construction projects within the Roads and Stormwater Capital Programs are essential under Ontario Regulation 82/20 – Closure of Places of Non-Essential Businesses. In total, there are 21 planned construction projects and eight projects continuing from 2019. These projects include road resurfacing, sidewalk and multi-use trail construction, bridge repairs, creek and erosion control work and construction of new stormwater management facilities.

“In the midst of COVID-19, it is critically important that we are able to move people and goods safely and efficiently through our city. It will also be key to our competitiveness once we restart the economy,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “As Mississauga continues to grow and mature, it’s important that our key infrastructure be kept in good repair. Thanks to residents who are doing their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying home, our roads are experiencing lighter traffic, making this an ideal time to give them the attention they deserve while making progress on other key construction projects.”

Construction projects within the City’s Roads and Stormwater Capital Programs involve repair and maintenance of critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges and stormwater management ponds. With pot hole filling, sidewalk and curb repair and spring clean-up efforts already underway, the City is now moving forward with its busy road construction season.

“The health and safety of our workers and contractors is our top priority,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “We will be closely monitoring and working with our contractors to ensure that all projects operate according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations as well as the on-site best practices recommended by public health officials.”

Ongoing work is also being done to maintain the City’s 5,600 kilometres of roads. This includes monitoring road conditions year-round and repairing pot holes when the weather is appropriate.

“While road improvements are underway, residents are asked to be patient and are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternate routes to avoid traffic delays,” said Helen Noehammer, Director, Infrastructure Planning and Engineering Services. “If out walking or cycling, residents are reminded to use extra caution around construction sites, not to enter work sites which have been closed to the public, respect all work site barricades and signage and practice physical distancing around workers and others at all times.”

For more information and to use the construction map to see where projects are happening in Mississauga, visit mississauga.ca/construction.

BACKGROUND

2020 Planned Construction Projects

  • Residential road resurfacing – approximately 87 streets amounting to 29.5 km
  • Major and industrial road resurfacing – approximately 16 streets amounting to 12.1 km
  • Creek and erosion control work:
    • Cooksville Creek (four different locations)
    • Mary Fix Creek
    • Etobicoke Creek
  • Dredging and maintenance of six stormwater management ponds
  • Construction of two new stormwater management facilities located at:
    • Sandalwood Park
    • Tacc Drive and Winston Churchill Boulevard
  • Trunk sewer rehabilitation
  • Repair of four bridges:
    • Brookhurst Road bridge over Sheridan Creek
    • Pedestrian bridge over Central Parkway East (south of Bloor Street)
    • Financial Drive bridge over Levi Creek
    • Lushes Avenue bridge over Sheridan Creek
  • Other work:
    • Construction of  823 m of new noise walls
    • Construction of 3.98 km of new sidewalks
    • Construction of 4.3 km of new multi-use trails
    • Construction of Low Impact Development to manage stormwater runoff – Erindale Village

 

List of locations within the Region of Peel that have Free Public Wi-Fi. 

By Covid-19, Resources

Free Public Wi-fi resources:

East Avenue Paramedics Station, 938 East Avenue **Ward1**

Tall Pines LTC, 1001 Peter Robertson Blvd, Brampton

Malton Village LTC, 7075 Rexwood Road; Mississauga

Peel Manor LTC, 525 Main St N; Brampton

Davis Centre LTC, 80 Allan Dr; Bolton

Sheridan Villa LTC, 2460 Truscott Dr

Mississauga-Fairview Clinic, 325 Central Parkway West

Mississauga-Meadowvale Clinic, 6975 Meadowvale Town Centre

Brampton-Bramalea Clinic, 150 Central Park Drive, Brampton

Mississauga-Malton Clinic, 7205 Goreway Drive, Mississauga

Lynch Ambulance, 55 Trueman Street, Brampton

Streetsville Reporting Station, 2492 Thomas Street

Tedlo Paramedics Station, 2355 Tedlo Street, Unit 4

Mavis TransHelp / Paramedics, 3190 Mavis Road

Rising Hill Paramedics Station, 25 Rising Hill Ridge, Brampton

Sheridan Park Paramedics Station, 2230 Sheridan Park Drive

Lorne Park Paramedics Station, 1188 Lakeshore Road West

Province starts to re-open some businesses

By Uncategorized

As of Monday May 4th, the following will be able to operate:

  • Garden centres and nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only;
  • Lawn care and landscaping;
  • Additional essential construction projects that include:
    • shipping and logistics;
    • broadband, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure;
    • any other project that supports the improved delivery of goods and services;
    • municipal projects;
    • colleges and universities;
    • child care centres;
    • schools; and
    • site preparation, excavation, and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development;
  • Automatic and self-serve car washes;
  • Auto dealerships, open by appointment only;
  • Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public; and
  • Marinas may also begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.

 

Although certain businesses are being permitted to reopen, it is critical that people continue to stay home, practise physical distancing and only go out for essential reasons, to pick up groceries, prescriptions or to keep a medical appointment.

City of Mississauga COVID-19 Response Continues: Keeping our City Moving and Safe

By Covid-19

Roads and Stormwater Projects Proceed, Temporary Bike Lanes Added, MiWay Protective Measures Expanded and Noise by-law Suspended for Call to Prayer

COVID-19 | April 29, 2020

Today, Council discussed further actions in response to COVID-19 including, proceeding with essential roads and stormwater projects, installing temporary bike lanes and protective barriers on MiWay buses and suspending the noise by-law temporarily for call to prayer.

“Mississauga continues to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and a changing environment. City workers continue to deliver essential services to residents, despite this pandemic. While there are physical distancing measures in place, work on roads and stormwater projects will continue to ensure Mississauga is safe and accessible. As well, new, temporary bike lanes are being opened to allow people to stay physically active. This is critical work that keeps our City running and our residents healthy. While people are home, now is a good time to do this work and minimize disruption,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Federal and provincial case projections are promising, but we need to remain vigilant and stay home. We have begun planning for recovery, including new measures to keep transit drivers and riders safe, but we will only get there if everyone remains strong and does their part.”

Roads and Stormwater Capital Programs

Council voted to proceed with construction projects in the Roads and Stormwater Capital Programs report as they are an essential service under Ontario Regulation 82/20 – Closure of Places of Non-Essential Businesses.

The projects noted in the report have approved capital budgets and involve repair and maintenance of critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges and stormwater management ponds.

Under the Regulation, contractors are to comply with all applicable health and safety laws, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the advice and instructions of public health officials, including physical distancing. Notices will be distributed in the communities impacted by construction with contact information and to advise residents and property owners of the COVID-19 precautions that contractors are required to comply with.

With pot hole filling, sidewalk and curb repair and spring clean-up efforts already underway, the City is now moving forward with its busy road construction season.

MiWay

MiWay will be adding temporary biohazard barriers on buses to provide additional protection for operators in advance of a return to front door customer boarding. The barriers are expected to be installed by end of June. MiWay transit operators, maintenance and administration staff are receiving reusable face coverings and disposable gloves to use where physical distancing is not feasible. The use of face coverings and gloves is a personal choice by the employee.

The barriers and face coverings are in addition to the following protection measures which have been in place since March on all MiWay buses:

  • rear-door boarding only, unless use of the ramp is required
  • restricted access to the front of the bus
  • no fare payment
  • select seats on MiWay buses taped off to encourage physical distancing

MiWay patrons are being asked to continue to practice physical distancing at bus stops and on the bus. For more information visit MiWay.

Bike Lanes

The City is installing temporary lanes for cycling in response to COVID-19 to promote physical activity in a way that allows for physical distancing.

King Street was the first location that the City installed temporary bike lanes. City staff continue to investigate other locations with the safety of residents as the top priority.

General criteria for temporary walking and cycling lanes includes:

  • Areas with higher density
  • Road corridors parallel to trails
  • Areas that have lower access to or nearby available parkland or open spaces

These temporary lanes are not recreational amenities and are intended for use by local residents to address needs based on the criteria outlined above. Enforcement of Emergency Orders is in effect for the lanes.

Wireless Mississauga Available to those in need

Wireless Mississauga is a city-wide network of free wireless hotspots available for public use. These locations are helping provide internet service to those in need, who may not have easy access, while allowing for physical distancing.

To view a map of free wireless hotspot locations, visit http://ow.ly/4TtF30qBJ3W.

The City is enforcing four Emergency Orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. This includes enforcement around gatherings larger than five people and closures of recreational facilities in City parks including playgrounds, benches, parking lots, sport courts and picnic areas. Emergency Orders and physical distancing guidelines – staying a safe distance of two metres away from other people – apply and must be followed at all Wireless Mississauga hotspots.

Noise Control By-law Suspended – Evening Call to Prayer

Council passed a resolution that the enforcement of the Noise Control By-law be suspended to allow for the broadcasting of the evening call to prayer from local mosques and other non-residential buildings regularly used for worship. This resolution is for the period of Ramadan, up to May 24, 2020, provided the ‘call’ is broadcast only once per day in the evening for a maximum of five minutes and that it is not a call for people to physically gather in contravention of Emergency Orders and physical distancing guidelines.

Wireless Locations in Ward 1

By Uncategorized

Marina Area

  • Lakefront Marina
  • Marina Dockside

Lakeshore Rd. Splash Pad Area

  • Lakefront Depot
  • Lakefront Volleyball Areas (P1, P5, P6)
  • Lakefront Promenade Drive
  • Lakefront Promenade Splash Pad Area

Port Credit Library

  • Port Credit Library Rooftop (Memorial Park)

Port Credit BIA Intersections

  • Lakeshore Rd. & Cawthra Rd.
  • Lakeshore Rd. & Meadow Wood Rd.
  • Lakeshore Rd. & Shawnmarr Rd.
  • Lakeshore Rd. & Stavebank Rd.
  • Mississauga Rd. & Lakeshore Rd.
  • Hurontario St. & High St.
  • Hurontario St. & Inglewood Dr.
  • Hurontario St. & Lakeshore Rd.
  • Hurontario St. & Park St.
  • Lakeshore Rd. & Beechwood Ave.
  • Lakeshore Rd. & Cumberland Dr.
  • Lakeshore Rd. & Elizabeth St.
  • Lakeshore Rd. & Elmwood Ave.
  • Lakeshore Rd. & Hampton Crescent
  • Lakeshore Rd. & Hiawatha Dr.
  • Lakeshore Rd. & Inverhouse Dr.
  • Lakeshore Rd. & John St.
  • Lakeshore Rd. & Maple Ave.

Lakeshore Rd. & Shaw Dr.