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Stephen Dasko

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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Interim Place’s 9th Annual Steps to End Violence Against Women Walk on Saturday, September 27th, 2020.

By Events

We are pleased to invite you to join us once again for Interim Place’s 9th Annual Steps to End Violence Against Women Walk on Saturday, September 27th, 2020.

This year’s first-ever virtual walk will take place online, with a virtual fitness challenge culminating in a livestreamed Rose Vigil and Awards Ceremony on Sunday, September 27th. To learn more about the event please download our Fundraising Toolkit. To register for the event please visit:   https://interimplace.akaraisin.com/ui/STEPS2020

This walk is an opportunity to honour the lives that have been lost to gender-based violence in Peel Region over the past ten years, and the 47,000 survivors and their children who have walked through Interim Place’s doors and accessed our services.  Since last year’s walk, five women in Peel Region have lost their lives at the hands of men in their lives. Women are at significantly increased risk of gender-based violence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as such Interim Place’s two 24-hour Shelters, Emergency Crisis Lines, Community Support programming, and Sexual Violence Support Program have and will continue to remain fully operational throughout the pandemic. Due to the increased demand for supports and services, the need for fund raised dollars is greater than ever.

It would mean a great deal to us as an agency, and to the community, to have you join us as a participant in the walk to honour survivors of violence their families and help raise much-needed funds to meet the increasing demands of survivors in our community. Any support you could provide in promoting the event in your networks and/or newsletter would also be very much appreciated.

July 30, 2020
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City of Mississauga Preparing to Enter Stage 3 of Province’s Reopening Plan -July 29, 2020

By Covid-19, Resources

COVID-19 | July 29, 2020

Following the Government of Ontario’s announcement today, Mississauga as part of the Region of Peel, has been given the green light to enter Stage 3 of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening Our Province on Friday, July 31.

“Mississauga wouldn’t be entering Stage 3 if it wasn’t for the collective efforts and hard work of our healthcare professionals, our business community and most important, our residents who have sacrificed so much to stop the spread of COVID-19. We always said that we would take a team Mississauga approach to tackling this virus, and I’m proud those efforts are reflected in our progress,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “This is also exciting news for our business community, with more businesses opening their doors to the public, as well as for residents who have been looking forward to using our City facilities, including our libraries, community centres, playgrounds and more. While we are all eager to see life get back to normal and our city further reopen, we cannot get complacent. Each and every one of us must continue to take personal responsibility and practice COVID-19 prevention. Until a vaccine is developed, this will be a part of our daily lives. When you leave the house, don’t forget your keys, your wallet and your mask. Continue to keep a safe distance and practice proper hand hygiene. We need to continue to work as a team and keep up the good work to help reduce the severity of a second wave this fall.”

Stage 3 brings new restrictions on social gatherings. The limit on indoor gatherings increases from 10 people to 50 people and the limit on outdoor gatherings increases to a maximum of 100 people. In addition, businesses and public spaces will also be allowed to reopen with proper health and safety measures in place, including movie theatres, gyms, fitness studios, casinos, indoor dining and bars. For the full list of reopenings, visit ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario.

“The news that Peel Region is moving into Stage 3 this coming Friday highlights how our collective community efforts have turned the tide on COVID-19 in our community. We must remember, however, that our victory lies in continued vigilance. The Core Four behaviours remain critical: washing your hands, social distancing, wearing a mask where mandatory or where distancing is difficult, and staying home and getting tested if we are sick,” said Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health. “As businesses reopen it will also be critical for them to have a reopening plan and put precautions in place to protect staff and customers. These steps will keep us moving forward, and ensure that the sacrifices of the past few months will bear out in our continued recovery.”

Just as all businesses that reopened in Stage 2 were required to adhere to the guidelines put in place by the Government of Ontario and the Region of Peel, businesses that reopen as part of Stage 3 will be required to adhere to the same guidelines. In Mississauga, businesses must also create and implement a face covering policy, as per the City’s mandatory Face Covering By-law. Guidance and resources to help Mississauga businesses navigate reopening and recovery can be found online at mississauga.ca/business-covid-19.

Several City facilities may also reopen in Stage 3, including arenas, the Civic Centre, libraries, community centres, culture facilities, playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment.

“We’re working to safely reopen all of our City facilities and amenities, including our community centres, culture facilities, libraries, the Civic Centre and playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “As we enter Stage 3, the health and safety of our residents and staff continue to be a top priority. We will work closely with Peel Public Health and will adhere to all guidelines and regulations put out by the Province and the Region. Just as when we entered Stage 2, our reopening process for Stage 3 will be thoughtful and deliberate. We are asking the community for their continued patience.”

City Facility Reopenings

 Arenas

Limited access is currently available for ice rentals and additional facilities will reopen as demand increases. Booking requests can be directed to the Customer Service Centre at 905-615-4100.

Banquet Halls

Harding Waterfront Estate is currently available for event bookings that align with gathering limits. C Banquets will be available for bookings in the fall.

City Hall, Community Centres, C Café

The City is working toward a phased reopening of these facilities this fall, including fitness centres, indoor pools and rentals. Details will be communicated through our website and social media channels as they are confirmed.

Culture Facilities

Benares Historic House, Bradley Museum and Small Arms Inspection Building will be open starting August 4 with modified access and services. More information will be available on our website and social media channels.

Meadowvale theatre will be open to receive inquiries and issue rental agreements.

Living Arts Centre

Meeting rooms will be available as of August 17. Church group bookings, RBC Theatre, studio rentals, info desk, reception and box office will all reopen on September 8.

Hammerson Hall will reopen for rental bookings that meet provincial guidelines as of October 1 and community courses are set to resume on October 13.

Film Office 

The film office is open and accepting film permit requests.

 Libraries 

Most library locations currently offer curbside pickup by appointment and book returns. Library due dates and fines continue to be suspended until July 31. Customers can continue to use their library card or virtual card to explore our vast collection of ebooks, audiobooks, our online programming and other virtual resources. The library is actively planning for the gradual introduction of additional services permitted in Stage 3. Details on these changes and timelines will be communicated through our website and social media channels as they are confirmed.

Mississauga Provincial Offences Courthouse

The Courthouse will be open to the public as of August 4 to offer select administrative functions.

Playgrounds and Outdoor Fitness

All of the City’s playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment will open by end of day Friday, July 31.

Sport Field and Park Picnic Area Permits

As of Friday, July 31, sport fields and picnic areas will be able to be booked to accommodate larger outdoor gathering numbers as permitted by Provincial Orders. In addition, non-contact sports will be allowed to resume games.

 Closures that Remain in Effect

Major Festivals and Large Events 

All large events taking place at City facilities and parks continue to be cancelled until September 7, 2020.

Find the full list of City reopenings and closures and to stay informed on COVID-19 impacts on City services, please visit: Mississauga.ca/recovery.

 

July 30, 2020
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