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Stephen Dasko

Computer Access, Expanded Hotspot Lending Now Available at Select Mississauga Libraries

By Issues, Resources

August 18, 2020

Starting today, customers can access in-library computers by appointment at Burnhamthorpe and Central Libraries. Computer visits are on a limited basis at first to ensure customer and employee safety. Access to computers includes use of the internet, Microsoft Office, scanning and limited printing and photocopying.

“I am pleased that we are able to resume these important services at select library locations across our City,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Access to technology – from online education and resources to job search assistance and even connecting with friends and loved ones – is one way we can help promote health and wellness while ensuring our residents stay connected to opportunity. In an increasingly digital world, access to free technology will be vital in our efforts to ensure all residents and businesses have the tools and supports they need to thrive in a post-pandemic world.”

Computer access is available at Burnhamthorpe and Central Libraries on:

  • Tuesdays                   2 – 4:30 p.m.; 5:30 – 8 p.m.
  • Wednesdays             10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 5 p.m.
  • Thursdays                  1:30 – 4:30 p.m.; 5:30 – 8 p.m.
  • Fridays           10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 4:30 p.m.

Customers can book an appointment online through MyPC, by calling the Virtual Call Centre at 905-615-3500 or in-person at Burnhamthorpe or Central during service hours. Staff will be on hand to direct each user to their computer station upon arrival.

“We welcome customers to use the computers at our Burnhamthorpe and Central locations,” said Jennifer Stirling, Acting Director, Mississauga Library. “We remind everyone that masks must be worn indoors at all times. We are currently limiting appointments to one booking per person per day, with a limit of one person per computer station. Please have your library card number available. We continue to take all the necessary steps to protect public health and safety. These include implementing stricter cleaning and sanitization procedures and observing physical distancing protocols. We look forward to reopening additional locations and services in September.”

 Visit mississaugalibrary.ca/computers for more details.

 

Mississauga Library also has more Wi-Fi hotspots that can be loaned for one week and returned to any location’s open outdoor drop box. Customers can place a hold on hotspots through the Library’s catalogue.

Customers can continue to use their library card or virtual card to explore our vast collection of ebooks, audiobooks and other online virtual resources.

For more information, visit mississaugalibrary.ca and follow Mississauga Library on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

–

August 18, 2020
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Mississauga Allocated $46 million from Province of Ontario

By Covid-19, Issues, Resources

Mississauga Allocated $46 million from Province of Ontario Economic Response – COVID-19

COVID-19 | August 12, 2020

Today, the Province of Ontario announced Phase 1 of funding as part of the Safe Restart Agreement between the Federal government and the Provinces and Territories.

Mississauga Allocations for Phase 1 $46.083M

  • Mississauga – Phase 1 Funding – $14.997M to help municipalities respond to local priorities
  • Mississauga – Phase 1 Transit Funding – $31.086M to keep the transit system running

“This is great news for our City, and I want to thank Premier Ford for being a champion for cities and for coming to the table to advocate for our needs,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “I also want to thank Prime Minister Trudeau and the Federal government for their unprecedented financial commitment. This funding will help Mississauga address the approximately $60 million deficit we face in 2020 and recognizes that a strong economic recovery requires healthy cities. COVID-19 will bring additional financial pressures to future years, and we look forward to working with the province to determine how Phase 2 funding can best support large, urban cities like Mississauga.”

The City of Mississauga is receiving a total $46.083 million in Fall 2020 as part of the Ontario Economic Response in the first round of funding through the Safe Restart Agreement.

“As a large Ontario municipality we have been advocating for funding to do the work that is needed to carry out our recovery plans and be able to deliver the key services our residents rely on,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer.  “We will still face challenges as we implement our recovery, but this funding will help us continue to provide the essential services our residents and businesses need.”

The government is providing the City of Mississauga over $14 million to help respond to local priorities and $31 million in the first phase of transit funding.  The transit funding will be provided through a base amount and an additional allocation based on transit ridership. The funding can be used to provide immediate relief from transit pressures, such as lower ridership, as well as for new costs due to COVID-19, such as enhanced cleaning and masks for staff. In the second phase, additional allocations will be provided based on expenses incurred to ensure the funding meets the needs of municipalities.

“This is welcome news as we continue to work on our 2021 Budget to manage the deficit from the pandemic while providing services and programs,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “Staff will continue to innovate with Council and with the public being fully engaged. We look forward to reaching out to the public on our budget in the Fall to give Council the input and information they need.”

Background

The Premier will be consulting with municipal partners at Association of Municipalities of Ontario AMO conference next week. In Fall 2020, Ontario’s 444 municipalities will receive $695 million in Phase 1 funding to help address municipal operating pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will be allocated on a per household basis and would be shared 50/50 between upper- and lower-tier municipalities. Up to $695 million in additional funding will be available through Phase 2 to eligible municipalities after municipalities have provided the province with information on their estimated COVID-19 related financial pressures.

 

August 13, 2020
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MiWay Honours Veterans with Free Transit on August 22

By Events, Issues

August 13, 2020

Next week, MiWay will offer free transit for Canadian Armed Forces veterans and their companions on Saturday, August 22 in honour of their service.

Although the Warriors’ Day Parade, held annually since 1921, was cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MiWay will continue the annual tradition of providing free transit service on the event day to recognize those who have served in the Canadian military.

“We are proud to honour our country’s veterans with complimentary transit service on August 22 to thank them for the sacrifices they have made for our country – COVID-19 doesn’t diminish everything they have done for us,” said Geoff Marinoff, Director, Transit. “Veterans are able to travel on MiWay anywhere in Mississauga to their destination for free with one companion.”

Veterans are asked to identify themselves to the transit operator by wearing their uniform, showing a medal or their Veteran’s Service Card. A companion accompanying a veteran may also ride for free.

Wearing a non-medical mask or face covering is now mandatory on MiWay under the City’s face covering by-law. Children under the age of two and people with disabilities or other medical conditions that prevent them from wearing any mask will not be required to wear one.

For more information, visit miway.ca/coronavirus.

August 13, 2020
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Mississauga Allocated $46 million from Province of Ontario Economic Response

By Covid-19, Issues, Resources

| August 12, 2020

Today, the Province of Ontario announced Phase 1 of funding as part of the Safe Restart Agreement between the Federal government and the Provinces and Territories.

Mississauga Allocations for Phase 1 $46.083M

  • Mississauga – Phase 1 Funding – $14.997M to help municipalities respond to local priorities
  • Mississauga – Phase 1 Transit Funding – $31.086M to keep the transit system running

“This is great news for our City, and I want to thank Premier Ford for being a champion for cities and for coming to the table to advocate for our needs,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “I also want to thank Prime Minister Trudeau and the Federal government for their unprecedented financial commitment. This funding will help Mississauga address the approximately $60 million deficit we face in 2020 and recognizes that a strong economic recovery requires healthy cities. COVID-19 will bring additional financial pressures to future years, and we look forward to working with the province to determine how Phase 2 funding can best support large, urban cities like Mississauga.”

The City of Mississauga is receiving a total $46.083 million in Fall 2020 as part of the Ontario Economic Response in the first round of funding through the Safe Restart Agreement.

“As a large Ontario municipality we have been advocating for funding to do the work that is needed to carry out our recovery plans and be able to deliver the key services our residents rely on,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer.  “We will still face challenges as we implement our recovery, but this funding will help us continue to provide the essential services our residents and businesses need.”

The government is providing the City of Mississauga over $14 million to help respond to local priorities and $31 million in the first phase of transit funding.  The transit funding will be provided through a base amount and an additional allocation based on transit ridership. The funding can be used to provide immediate relief from transit pressures, such as lower ridership, as well as for new costs due to COVID-19, such as enhanced cleaning and masks for staff. In the second phase, additional allocations will be provided based on expenses incurred to ensure the funding meets the needs of municipalities.

“This is welcome news as we continue to work on our 2021 Budget to manage the deficit from the pandemic while providing services and programs,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “Staff will continue to innovate with Council and with the public being fully engaged. We look forward to reaching out to the public on our budget in the Fall to give Council the input and information they need.”

Background

The Premier will be consulting with municipal partners at Association of Municipalities of Ontario AMO conference next week. In Fall 2020, Ontario’s 444 municipalities will receive $695 million in Phase 1 funding to help address municipal operating pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will be allocated on a per household basis and would be shared 50/50 between upper- and lower-tier municipalities. Up to $695 million in additional funding will be available through Phase 2 to eligible municipalities after municipalities have provided the province with information on their estimated COVID-19 related financial pressures.

 

August 12, 2020
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“Noisemakers” Not Welcome in Mississauga Under Amended Noise Control By-Law

By Issues

August 5, 2020

The City of Mississauga is taking strong action to address vehicle noise after Council approved a proposed amendment to the Noise Control By-law.

The amended by-law will prohibit anyone from making unnecessary noise in both stationary and moving motor vehicles. This includes unreasonable noise caused by sounding a horn, playing loud music from their vehicle, revving an engine or squealing tires. It also prohibits drivers from creating unreasonable noise from mufflers, exhaust or emission control systems. This prohibition applies to all motor vehicles, including motorcycles.

“Mississauga is urbanizing and we recognize that as our city gets busier, noise levels inevitably increase. That being said, we need to do whatever we can to discourage unnecessary noise, especially from vehicles,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. Excessive vehicle noise disrupts our resident’s quality of life, whether they are being awakened in the middle of the night or startled while driving on our streets. As we continue to modernize our approach to noise control, we‘re taking action to ensure that anyone who modifies or “soups” up their vehicles to disrupt our streets and neighbourhoods will face fines. Let’s continue to work together to ensure our city remains enjoyable for all.”

 Under the amended by-law, the City will request the Ministry of the Attorney General to approve a higher set fine from the current rate of $110 to $500. Both the City and Peel Regional Police will have the authority to charge violators under the amended by-law.

On July 8, City staff presented Council with a proposed updated Noise Control By-law. Council identified vehicle noise as a priority and directed staff to come back with amendments to the Noise Control By-law for immediate action.

“Vehicle noise is one of the top noise concerns for residents,” said Sam Rogers, Director, Enforcement. “We know that Peel Regional Police has seen a lot of success with their Project Noisemaker program with a total of 339 charges. As of July 31, approximately 170 charges have been laid in Mississauga alone for vehicle noise offences. Approval of the amended by-law and a proposed increased set fine amount means that the City and Peel Regional Police will be able to issue higher fines to violators. We are taking action to protect the quality of life for Mississauga residents.”

The amended Noise Control By-law will come into effect on August 6, 2020.

In addition to the amended by-law, Ward 2 Councillor Karen Ras put forward a motion today at Council which passed unanimously. The motion calls on the Province to request that the portion of the Highway Traffic Act dealing with tampering of emission control systems on motor vehicles, be put in force immediately.

 

August 10, 2020
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Face Covering By-law for Condominiums and Apartments

By Covid-19

COVID-19 Response Continues: Amendments to the Face Covering By-law for Condominiums and Apartments, Limits to Restaurant Capacities, Film &Television Reopening Plan, Resumption of Council and Committee Meetings and Parks By-law Review

COVID-19 | August 5, 2020

Today, Mississauga City Council reviewed and approved initiatives in relation to COVID-19 including: Amendments to the Face Covering By-law for condominiums and apartments, Limits to Restaurant Capacities, Film and Television Reopening Plan, Resumption of Council and Committee Meetings and  Parks By-law Review.

“Today we took the step to amend a by-law to make face coverings mandatory in common areas of condominiums and apartments, similar to others. We want to protect the health and safety of residents wherever possible and this action will help us to remain diligent and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “As part of our recovery efforts and to return to normal, we will be resuming our usual Council and Committee schedule beginning in September and allowing for virtual participation into August 2021. This will allow us to evaluate the hybrid model and determine how best to proceed on a permanent basis. And, we will be resuming our film and television activities and reviewing our Parks By-law to better reflect to ensure our parks are used properly and for their intended purpose.”

Face Coverings Required in Common Spaces in Condominiums and Apartments
Council approved amending the Face Covering By-law by requiring face coverings in enclosed common areas of residential apartment buildings and condominiums to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  The Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel has recommended face coverings for these areas where physical distancing may not be possible. Residential owners and operators of these buildings will be required to adopt a face covering policy in accordance with the face covering by-law. For more information: Motion

Limits to Restaurant Capacities
Also passed by Council was a by-law to cap restaurant capacities at 100 patrons and to limit the number of people that can be seated at a table in a restaurant/bar to 10 people.

Film and Television Reopening Plan
Council reviewed a reopening plan for film and television with Mississauga home to six major film studios and more than 850,000 square feet of studio space. 2019 was a record year for filming in Mississauga, with a total of 1,463 filming days and more than $720,000 in City revenues.

As part of Mississauga’s Film Office re-opening plan an number of measures will be taken such as:

  • COVID-19 Protocols will be added to neighbourhood film notification letters
  • Production companies will provide residents with written notices that will direct them to indicate any objections to filming by either phone or email.
  • Updates will be made to the City’s website, noting any City of Mississauga specific guidelines for filming as they pertain to COVID-19
  • Flexibility will be requested for requests to close City rights-of-way to allow for sufficient physical distancing among casts and crew

Council and Committee Meetings Resume
Council and Committee meetings will resume with their regular schedule effective September 8, 2020 and the Council Procedure By-law will be amended to allow electronic participation at all Council and Committee meetings until August 1, 2021 as allowed under the Province’s Bill 197 legislation.

By extending the electronic participation provisions in the City’s Procedure By-laws until August 1, 2021, it provides Council and staff with the opportunity evaluate and review if these provisions should be made permanent. Staff will report to Governance Committee prior to July 2021.

For more information: Bill 197 and the Resumption of Council and Committee Meetings

Parks By-law Review
A new draft by-law was reviewed to govern activities in City parks and open spaces. The new by-law is expected to come into effect in September 2020 and will better reflect and regulate the range of activities which occur in City parks and open spaces. Changes include hours of operation, commercial activities and other considerations such as age restrictions for children in leash-free zones and alignment with the Region of Peel’s Outdoor No Smoking or Vaping By-law. Community organizations affected by changes to the by-law have been consulted throughout the process.

 

August 6, 2020
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The Compass – Walk the Walk – September 2020

By Events, Issues, Resources

Every year volunteers, clients, friends and other residents of Ward 1 and 2 come together to Walk the Walk for our local food bank. The Compass distributed over 486,000 lbs of food last year to locals in need. The Compass provides more than just food, they are also a community for their clients who participate in programs such as men and women’s groups, movie night, tax help and many other services. With only 3 part time staff the Compass is powered by local volunteers and funding from local donors. The Walk is the major fundraising event adn this year it’s going to be virtual – I urge you to go to thecompass.ca/walk and sign up to Walk the Walk in your neighbourhood or your backyard for a neighbour in need.

Please see my video message in support of this event!

The Compass Video 2020

 

August 6, 2020
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Update on Port Credit GO Station

By Planning & Development

July 30,2020

Metrolinx will be enhancing accessibility and safety features at Port Credit GO station starting August 4, 2020. This will include new yellow tactile edging along the platform to remind customers how far back they should stand; upgrading elevators on the island and the south platform; and adding/upgrading accessible ramps that lead to the south platform. 

The work will take approximately one year to complete and the Metrolinx crew will be utilizing 15 parking spaces near Stavebank Road.

Any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Stephen

 

Port Credit Construction Notice July 2020

July 30, 2020
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The Compass Annual Walk the Walk – September 13-19, 2020

By Events

Every year volunteers, clients, friends and other residents of Ward 1 and 2 come together to Walk the Walk for our local food bank. The Compass distributed over 486,000 lbs of food last year to locals in need. The Compass provides more than just food, they are also a community for their clients who participate in programs such as men and women’s groups, movie night, tax help and many other services. With only 3 part time staff the Compass is powered by local volunteers and funding from local donors. The Walk is the major fundraising event and this year it’s going to be virtual – I urge you to go to thecompass.ca/walk and sign up to Walk the Walk in your neighbourhood or your backyard for a neighbour in need.

July 30, 2020
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