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Stephen Dasko

MiWay Changes Express Route on Hurontario due to LRT Construction 

By Covid-19, Hurontario LRT, Issues

July 28, 2020

Effective August 3, MiWay will revise Route 103-Hurontario Express as part of its second phase of routing changes along the Hurontario corridor. These adjustments are required to help minimize service impacts due to the Hurontario Light Rail Transit (HuLRT) construction, which began in late March.

Due to the anticipated reduction of traffic lanes south of the QEW in the upcoming months, Route 103 will no longer travel south of The Queensway to the Port Credit GO Station and instead, will travel between the Brampton Gateway Terminal and Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital, seven days a week.

Frequent service on Route 103 and other local routes on Hurontario (Routes 2 and 17) allow for convenient transfers along the Hurontario corridor. Route 2 will continue to provide local service to all stops between the City Centre Transit Terminal (CCTT) and Port Credit GO Station, and Route 17 travels between the Highway 407 Park and Ride and the CCTT, continuing to provide 24-hour service during weekdays.

MiWay reminds passengers that wearing a face covering or non-medical mask is now mandatory when riding on MiWay and inside transit terminal buildings. Children under the age of two and people with disabilities or other medical conditions that prevent them from wearing any mask are not be required to wear one. Fare collection and front door boarding have also resumed.

MiWay implemented its first phase of the Hurontario corridor routing changes in April. For details about other service changes that take effect on August 3, please visit miway.ca/aug3.

To learn more about these service changes, visit miway.ca/hurontario. For more information on MiWay’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit miway.ca/coronavirus.

July 28, 2020
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Provincial Offences Court Update – 950 Burnhamthorpe Road West

By Covid-19, Resources

COVID-19 | July 23, 2020

The Provincial Offences Court located at 950 Burnhamthorpe Road West will be reopening on August 4, 2020 for administrative functions only, including:

  • Filing for a trial date
  • Filing for an early resolution date
  • Filing for a screening appointment
  • Paying a penalty notice
  • Paying a provincial offence certificate
  • Applying for a reopening of a case
  • Applying for an extension of time to pay
  • General inquiries

All Provincial Offences Act (POA) matters (e.g., traffic tickets and offences under provincial legislation) scheduled from March 16, 2020 through to and including September 11, 2020 will be adjourned and rescheduled to a later date. If you have a matter scheduled during this time, do not attend court. This applies to all POA courts in Ontario. A notice of your new court date will be sent to you by mail to the address on file with the court.

The Government of Ontario extended all time limits under the Provincial Offences Act until September 11, 2020. A copy of the order is available at EMPCA.

Updated information about court proceedings at the Ontario Court of Justice can be found on the Court’s website at Ontario Court of Justice.

 

July 24, 2020
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City’s Cashiers Desk at Civic Centre Goes Cashless

By Covid-19, Issues

July 22, 2020

Today, City Council approved cashless payments at the Cashiers Desk, located on the ground floor of the Civic Centre. The Cashiers Desk is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions; however, cashless payments will take effect upon its reopening as a health and safety measure to protect residents and staff.

“The Cashiers Desk has seen a shift towards digital payment methods over cash. Cash transactions account for approximately 30 per cent of the transactions processed at Cashiers while it only accounts for two percent of the revenue,” said Gary Kent, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner, Corporate Services. “Removing cash payments does help to eliminate the risk of theft, counterfeit money transactions, tax evasion and money laundering.”

As a result of removing cash payments, the City will see the following benefits:

  • Receiving and depositing payments faster
  • Reducing theft and counterfeit transactions
  • Eliminating the need for armoured car services
  • Eliminating the need to balance cash, prepare cash deposits or exchange cash
  • Promoting a healthier and safer work environment

“At the City, cash is mainly used to pay property taxes, despite there being other ways to pay taxes,” said Connie Mesih, Director of Revenue & Materiel Management. “We’re encouraging residents to make electronic payments as they provide additional levels of convenience, the ability to monitor payment activities and control risks.”

The majority of the revenue processed at the Cashiers Desk is for Development Charges and for Revenue such as property taxes, accounts receivable invoices or the Mississauga Accommodation Tax.

Mesih added, “We’re making our Cashiers Desk cashless to help reduce costs associated with offering cash as a payment method. By doing so, we’re eliminating the need for counting and processing cash, preparing bank deposits, ensuring we have correct change, security, and transporting cash to the bank.”

Residents, business owners and City employees may still make payments at the Cashiers Desk using the following methods:

  • Cheque
  • Debit
  • Credit (excluding property taxes)

For property taxes, payments may also be made using:

  • Online or mobile banking
  • Telephone banking
  • In-person cash payments at a financial institution
  • Pre-authorized payments
  • Post-dated cheques, mailed, dropped off in-person or in the after-hours drop box

For more information, visit web.mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/property-taxes/contact/.

 

July 23, 2020
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COVID-19 Response Continues

By Covid-19

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

COVID-19 | July 22, 2020

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

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

Economic Recovery Framework

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

Economic Recovery Plans Phases

Three key phases will guide activities and provide milestones.

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

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

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

Strategic Goals

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

Goal 1: Meet Employment Needs

Goal 2: Develop Talent

Goal 3: Attract Innovative Business

Goal 4: Create Partnerships for Innovation

Goal 5: Strengthen Art & Culture

Goal 6: Build Healthy Communities

Goal 7: Ensure Affordability & Accessibility

Goal 8: Provide Quality Programs & Services

Goal 9: Make Informed Decisions

Goal 10: Practice Fiscal Prudence

Mississauga Economic Recovery Taskforce

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

Community Pillar Recovery Plan

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

Next steps in the Community Pillar Recovery Plan:

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

Community Recognition – Restarting the Program

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

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

National Urban Cycling Infrastructure Fund

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

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

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

 

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

By Events, Issues, Resources

July 23, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

July 23, 2020
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Outdoor water use advisory lifted

By Uncategorized

 

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

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

Water saving tips include:

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

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

For information on other outdoor water tips visit watersmartpeel.ca

About the Region of Peel 

The Region of Peel works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 175,000 businesses in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on Twitter @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.

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

By Events, Issues, Resources

July 20, 2020

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

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

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

Who:
Mississauga residents
Business owners
Taxpayers

Where:

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

When:
Survey closes Friday, July 31, 2020

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

know/

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

By Uncategorized

COVID-19 in Peel

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Issues, Resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

By Uncategorized

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

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

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

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

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

July 15, 2020
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