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Stephen Dasko

Region of Peel and community partners raise awareness for family and intimate partner violence

By Events, Issues

Family and intimate partner violence can happen to anyone and it threatens everyone’s basic right to live free of violence.

Brampton, ON

November 25, 2020

To commemorate today’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Region of Peel and its partners have launched a public awareness campaign to raise visibility and help identify and reduce cases of Family and Intimate Partner Violence (FIPV) in the community. The Region’s partners include the City of Brampton, the City of Mississauga, Town of Caledon, Peel Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police, and more than 10 community organizations.

Recognizing the need to raise awareness and to stand in solidarity with survivors, Regional Council unanimously passed a motion in February 2020, for the Region and partners to shed light on this critical issue. Working together to coordinate, collaborate and problem-solve on a shared direction is an important step in achieving meaningful, sustained, long-term change for the well-being of Peel residents.

FIPV is any type of controlling or threatening behaviour, physical or sexual violence or abuse between intimate partners or family members.  In 2019, police in Peel responded to more than 19,000 incidents of domestic violence. On average, that’s 50 disputes every day or two each hour. These numbers are just what gets reported; most incidents are not reported.

Peel families and youth struggle to thrive due to family violence, mental health and addictions issues and systemic discrimination. Last month, Regional Council adopted Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan (CSWB). Family violence has been identified as a focus area of the plan.

To help make Peel a safe, healthy and inclusive community for all to thrive in, citizens need to live free from violence. Residents who need support, or know someone who does, can confidentially call toll-free: 2-1-1, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  In an emergency, residents are advised to call the police at

9-1-1.

To learn more about Family and Intimate Partner Violence in Peel, including statistics, resources and campaign materials, visit peelregion.ca/ItsNotOkay

 

“Those experiencing family and intimate partner violence need to know they are not alone. Together with our partners, we’ve created a campaign to promote awareness and enable increased access to services for those experiencing violence and their families. With the increased isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to build awareness of this issue and then continue working together to build a safe, equitable and connected community for all.”

Nancy Polsinelli
Commissioner of Health Services, Region of Peel

“The prevalence of domestic violence is a tragic reality for far too many in Peel. It has no color and crosses all economic lines. With this public awareness campaign, we are taking the issue of domestic violence out of the shadows. One of our first steps is to raise awareness and face this problem collectively as a community, so victims can feel empowered to seek the support they need. A safe community must fundamentally include women and children feeling safe in the place they live.”

Rowena Santos

Regional Councillor

“It is an honour to be part of the development of Peel Region’s first campaign to raise awareness of family and intimate partner violence within our community.  So often, people don’t know what to do or how to respond to the things they see in their neighborhood, workplace, community or perhaps in their own home.  In this campaign, we join together to learn and respond to the many forms of violence that can occur within families.  The abuse of women, children, and the elderly is the responsibility of the whole community.  Together, we can create a safe community for everyone.”

Sharon Mayne Devine
Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Family Services Peel-Dufferin

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.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/family-violence.html

November 25, 2020
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City of Mississauga’s Budget Discussions

By Issues, Resources

2021 Business Plan and Budget Service Area Presentations

November 24, 2020

Today at Budget Committee, the following programs and service areas presented their 2021 Business Plan and Budget.

Service area presentations are posted below.

MiWay

  • MiWay provides Mississauga with a shared travel choice that is friendly, reliable and respects the environment We help to connect people to their destinations with ease

Roads

  • Plan, develop, construct and maintain a multi-modal transportation system which efficiently and safely moves people and goods

Regulatory Services (Consent Agenda)

  • Achieve compliance with municipal by-laws and provide services in a safe and professional manner to maintain order, safety and community standards in the City

Culture

  • Culture Service Area and City of Mississauga will grow and support the creative sector, deliver cultural services and enable high quality cultural experiences

Fire & Emergency Services

  • Protect life, property and the environment in the City of Mississauga from all risks through education, enforcement, engineering, emergency response and economic incentive

Mississauga Library

  • The Library exists to provide library services to meet the lifelong informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of all citizens

Council is to approve the proposed 2021 Business Plan and Budget in 2021 following the Region of Peel Budget.

The next Budget Committee meeting is November 30, 2020. Please visit the Council and Committee Calendar Listings for up-to-date information.

November 24, 2020
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COVID-19 Lockdown: Mississauga Offers Tools and Supports for Local Small Businesses

By Covid-19, Issues

November 24, 2020

Mississauga, as part of Peel Region, entered the Grey-Lockdown level of Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework today. As such, the City has made available resources to continue to support Mississauga’s small business community.

Guidance for businesses can be found on the City’s website and includes assets such as relevant news and updates for the business community as well as free webinars to help businesses respond to the impacts of COVID-19.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and so important to the vibrancy of neighbourhoods across our city,” said Mayor Crombie. “Many business owners are our friends, neighbours and family members whose livelihoods have taken a significant hit as result of this pandemic. Our city can’t recover if our businesses can’t recover. Shopping locally, liking your favorite restaurant’s social media page or leaving a review of your local pet groomer – all these actions help.”

To help shine a light on these small businesses and to remind residents to shop locally, the City of Mississauga and Tourism Mississauga launched the Mississauga Made campaign earlier this year.

Mississauga Made is an online initiative inspired to support and promote local products, businesses, artists, stories, activities and experiences. The Mississauga Made marketplace is a free promotional advertising opportunity for all Mississauga-based businesses.

Resources offered by the City to help small businesses today can be accessed through the below links:

  • Ritual One – A 100 per cent commission-free digital ordering platform  available for all Mississauga restaurants and food service providers. Offer available for free through the end of 2020.

For information on health and safety recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

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

November 24, 2020
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Small Business Programs and Resources

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

The City of Mississauga is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes survive the impacts of the pandemic through a variety of free support services, programs and resources through the Economic Development Office (EDO).

Since the pandemic started, EDO created a COVID-19 business support web page that has become a central resource for local businesses to stay informed on latest news and updates.  The site also includes a Business Relief Portal, a self-selection tool that is updated daily that helps identify relief programs and incentives that best apply to specific business needs and links to the government source of support.

As the City enters lockdown, businesses can take advantage of Small Business Programs and Resources, including digital adoption programs and training webinars that help businesses build websites, create an e-commerce store, and use social media and other digital platforms to promote their services and products.

EDO also offers Business Advisory Services, a dedicated team that provides one-on-one expert support and guidance to entrepreneurs and business owners, including free access to professional legal, accounting, business operations, sales and marketing specialists.

For more information on how the City supports business, visit https://www.thefutureisunlimited.ca/covid-19/

November 24, 2020
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Filming Notice: 2063 Proverbs Dr

By Events

Please be advised that a permit was issued to Skin and Bones Film Co In to film a Molson commercial at 2063 Proverbs Dr  on November 26 from 7:00am – 11:00pm. Attached is the notification letter circulated to nearby residents with further details.

With the understanding that the gathering numbers have decreased as part of Level Grey – Lockdown, note the Film & Television sector has been given approval to continue work www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open#grey. As per Kevin Finnerty, Assistant Deputy Minister, Heritage, Tourism and Culture, “When a film set operates as a workplace, the limits for organized public events and social gatherings under Ontario Regulation 263/20 would not apply.” As such, the protocols do not limit the size of productions in terms of people beyond what is safe and practical for social distancing in a confined space.

Also note that to obtain a film permit, productions are required to confirm they will comply with health protocols outlined in the Ontario Health and Safety Act Section 21 (www.filmsafety.ca). These orders currently outline strict requirements on production regarding workplace social distancing, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and regular sanitation and employee testing.

Residents who witness film activity that is not in compliance with the OHSA Section 21 protocol are encouraged to report it to the Ministry of Labour at 1-877-202-0008 or webohs@ontario.ca.

November 24, 2020
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Giving Tuesday – December 1st, 2020

By Events, Issues

Giving Tuesday is a global movement unlocking the power of generosity to transform communities. After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to giving. It started as a simple idea in 2012 and is now celebrated in more than 60 countries around the world.

On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, join Mississauga Gives to celebrate the Giving Tuesday movement in Mississauga and encourage each other to do good. Donate to charity, volunteer, support a small business, fundraise, help spread the word, or perform an act of kindness – especially during these challenging times.

Learn more about the global Giving Tuesday movement at GivingTuesday.org and locally at mississaugagives.ca.

November 24, 2020
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Hurontario LRT: Virtual Open House – Nov 23-Dec 4, 2020

By Events, Hurontario LRT, Issues, Planning & Development

Today, Metrolinx launched its Fall Virtual Open House for the Hurontario LRT.  This two-week online event, continuing through to December 4, will share the work that has been done so far and what to expect in 2021 as major construction begins.  There will be photos, slideshow presentations and a video that captures the excitement of the project.

Please join at https://www.metrolinxengage.com/hulrt!

The Virtual Open House will also offer residents and businesses the opportunity to submit their questions through the Metrolinx Engage platform.

November 23, 2020
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Breakfast With Santa Foundation Contest

By Events

This year Breakfast With Santa Foundation and their on-going partner, The MPI (Meeting Professionals International) Toronto Chapter are launching a fun and inclusive event, right from your front door!

Let us bring some cheer and happy times to the families in Mississauga.

Mississauga Merry & Bright Christmas Contest is to get the whole family involved to decorate their home and bring some collective cheer to 2020 and brighten the way for our future!  Everyone in Mississauga is welcome to participate!

More information can be found at https://breakfastwithsantafoundation.ca/

November 23, 2020
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Arts on The Credit Event December 3rd

By Events

Arts on the Credit invites you to join them for the launch of our new 3D virtual art gallery, Dec. 3, 7 pm.

Grab your favourite adult beverage and join us for a stroll through our new gallery, listen to the artists sharing their stories and listen to a fabulous new recording by one of our favourite local musicians. Be among the first to visit the AOTC Virtual Gallery.

November 23, 2020
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City of Mississauga 2021-2024 Business Plan and 2021 Budget – City Portion Proposed at 1 % for Residential Property Tax

By Covid-19, Events, Issues, Resources

November 23, 2020

Today, City staff’s overview presentation of the proposed 2021-2024 Business Plan and 2021 Budget at Budget Committee began with an economic outlook by Andrew Grantham, Executive Director and Senior Economist, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

Grantham stated, “Like the rest of the country, the Mississauga economy has been severely impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, owing to the strong and swift support from governments and the central bank, the economy is well positioned to rebound from this crisis particularly after a vaccine becomes available.” 

2021 Tax Impact
The 2021 impact from the City’s portion on the residential tax bill is proposed at 1 per cent. On the commercial/industrial tax bill, the proposed amount is 0.6 per cent. This does not include impacts from the Region of Peel services.

“COVID-19 has shown the role of local government has never been more important,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and CAO. “Early on, the City took actions to mitigate the financial impact such as temporary staff layoffs, a hiring freeze, discretionary spending review and deferral of some 2020 capital projects. We greatly appreciate the $46 million allocated in August by the federal and provincial governments through the Safe Restart Agreement. Even with this funding, the City will face additional financial challenges and difficult decisions will need to be made. We will continue to seek partnerships and advocate for sustainable long-term funding from the federal and provincial governments.”

“Public health remains our first priority. In 2021, we will continue to manage the financial impacts of the pandemic and eventual recovery from it by providing necessary services that the public rely on while minimizing the property tax required,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “We expect 2021 to be another tough year economically for the community and we will continue to look for new sources of funding and savings while staying true to our long-term financial plans. Through diligent monitoring and assessing future business plans and budgets, we will continue to manage the significant financial impacts we are facing from COVID-19.”

The 2021 Budget considers financial recovery strategies, outlined to Budget Committee throughout 2020, to offset budget pressures due to the pandemic. These include:

  • Return to normal fee schedule and collection as soon as possible
  • No new material service level changes in 2021
  • Reduce discretionary spending
  • Critical assessment of capital expenditures
  • Use of reserves
  • Continued collaboration with other municipalities to seek assistance from higher levels of government
  • Increase user fees

A presentation on Mississauga’s economic growth story by Bonnie Brown, Director, Economic Development, highlighted that:

“Mississauga’s strong economic fundamentals have helped us weather and respond to the pandemic. However, it is still essential that we continue to support and advocate for our hardest hit businesses. Strategic investments in our small businesses and innovation resources will be critical to the city’s long-term recovery.”

Stormwater Charge

The City’s Stormwater Program is funded by the Stormwater Charge, a dedicated source of funding separate from property taxes. The Stormwater Charge appears on the Region of Peel water bill and in 2021 the rate increase is set at 2 per cent. This means the average residence will see an increase of $2.20 or less.

Fees and Charges
The City’s Budget Committee previously considered new and increased fees and charges for 2021. This included transit fares and fees for Recreation and Parks, Forestry and Environment programs. Additional revenue of approximately $1.9 million is expected from the increases and new fees.

Learn more about the City’s 2021 Business Plan and Budget:

  • Visit mississauga.ca/budget
  • Read an overview of the  2021 preliminary Business Plan & Budget that was presented to Budget Committee on June 24, 2020
  • Watch or attend Budget Committee deliberations scheduled for November 24, 30, December 1, 2 (Budget Committee meeting schedules are subject to change)

Choose from several ways to get involved and share your thoughts:

The Region of Peel is to present a regional budget in the New Year and the City of Mississauga’s total tax overview will follow the regional budget presentation. Council approval of the budget is to follow Region of Peel’s final budget.

November 23, 2020
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