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Stephen Dasko

Mississauga Library to Offer Curbside Pickup at Select Locations

By Covid-19, Events, Issues, Resources

June 12, 2020

Mississauga Library will offer returns at all locations except Mississauga Valley Library starting on June 17 and curbside pickup for holds as of June 23 at select locations across the city. This is part of the library’s phased approach to resuming services following the Government of Ontario’s announcement on May 14 allowing public libraries to offer curbside pickup.

“As we continue to take a measured approach to reopen City facilities, we are proceeding with returns and curbside pickup services for our library customers,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Based on the best advice of Peel Region’s Medical Officer of Health, we are moving ahead to provide these services in a way that protects the health and safety of residents and our employees. We are slowly returning to business as usual to provide residents with the services they need.” 

Starting June 23, curbside pickup will be available at the Burnhamthorpe, Central, Lorne Park, Malton and Meadowvale libraries. Additional locations will be phased in when it is considered safe to do so.

Curbside pickup will be scheduled by appointment in keeping with physical distancing protocols.

Visit mississaugalibrary.ca for more details, the hours of curbside pickup service and for information on how to book your appointment.

Drop-off boxes at all locations except Mississauga Valley Library will open to accept returns starting June 17.

“Customers will be able to pick up their holds at the curb at selected libraries and drop off returns at all locations, with the exception of Mississauga Valley Library,” said Jennifer Stirling, Acting Director, Mississauga Library. “We are taking all the necessary steps to protect public health and safety. These include implementing stricter cleaning and sanitization procedures and observing physical distancing protocols. We also continue to encourage customers to explore our extensive range of virtual resources as we prepare to resume additional services in the future.”

Library due dates and fines continue to be suspended until further notice.

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.

 

June 12, 2020
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MiWay Fares & Mandatory Masks, Summer Camps, Farmer’s Market & Food Trucks, Temporary Zoning-Bylaw & Virtual Mississauga Pride 2020

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

City of Mississauga COVID-19 Response Continues: MiWay Fares & Mandatory Masks, Summer Camps, Farmer’s Market & Food Trucks, Temporary Zoning-Bylaw & Virtual Mississauga Pride 2020

COVID-19 | June 10, 2020

Today, Mississauga City Council reviewed and approved initiatives in relation to COVID-19 including: MiWay Fares & Mandatory Masks, Summer Camps, Farmer’s Market & Food Trucks, Temporary Zoning By-law & Virtual Mississauga Pride 2020.

“We are taking steps to safely and responsibly reopen our City in consultation with our Chief Medical Officer of Health,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We know people are eager to get life back to normal, but we will continue to take a measured and gradual approach to reopening, which will help us reduce our risk of a resurgence and keep our City healthy. Mississauga will rise and shine again; it’s just a matter of time.”

Celebration Square Farmers’ Market and Food Trucks Reopening Plan

Council approved a reopening plan for daily food trucks and the Lions Farmers Market at Celebration Square as outlined in the Corporate Report Celebration Square Farmers’ Market and Food Trucks Reopening Plan.

The reopening plan was developed in consultation with key stakeholders to ensure the safety of residents visiting Celebration Square. Details will be shared on City channels at a later date.

MiWay Fares & Mandatory Face Masks

MiWay staff reported to Council regarding returning to fare collection and mandatory face masks for all passengers and employees. A staff report MiWay – Resumption of Fare Collection and Mandatory Face Masks, indicated that effective:

  • June 24, 2020, MiWay will reopen the City Centre Transit Terminal fare booth in advance of the resumption of fare collection.
  • July 2, 2020, MiWay will resume fare collection by re-introducing front door boarding, mandating the use of non-medical masks or face coverings by passengers and employees and increasing the loading limit on buses to 50 per cent seated capacity.

On March 21, 2020, in response to COVID-19, MiWay began rear-door only boarding and temporarily provided free transit. Physical distancing on MiWay buses has been encouraged with caution tape on bus seats and restrictions on the numbers of customers allowed to board a bus. MiWay has encouraged customers to wear non-medical masks or face coverings which will become mandatory on MiWay along with a 50 per cent seated load standard on July 2. The MiWay Maintenance team is currently completing installation of bio barriers on buses for mid-June 2020.

Summer Camps Planning

A staff presentation was shared with Council on plans for reopening City-run camps. Details will be shared on City channels at a later date.

Temporary Zoning By-law

Council passed a resolution to schedule a public meeting to address the potential use of a temporary zoning by-law to allow for restaurant patios on public and private property to accommodate additional seating for customers as a result of requirements for social distancing.  The meeting date is to be confirmed.

Mississauga Pride 2020

The City is supporting Mississauga Pride 2020 through various activities.

  • Virtual flag raising ceremony
  • Library activities and social media

Details will be shared on City channels at a later date.

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

 

June 11, 2020
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Masks Mandatory when Travelling on MiWay and Fares Reinstated Starting July 2

By Covid-19, Events, Issues, Resources

June 10, 2020

Effective July 2, wearing a non-medical mask or face covering will be mandatory when travelling on MiWay, at stops and at transit terminals to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. Children under the age of two, people with disabilities or other medical conditions that prevent them from wearing any mask will not be required to wear one. Fare collection and front door boarding for all customers will also resume on July 2.

“To help keep our riders and drivers safe and following the strong recommendation of Peel Public Health and the Governments of Ontario and Canada, we will be mandating transit riders to wear masks while riding MiWay,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Additional safety measures, including the installation of plexiglass barriers, will enable us to resume fare collection and front door boarding next month. These measures will help our City recover much-needed revenue as a result of this crisis while ensuring the safety of riders. We are taking a thoughtful and phased approach to recovery that prioritizes health and safety, and reduces the risk of a second wave.”

In addition, MiWay will reopen the City Centre Transit Terminal (CCTT) fares booth on June 24 to provide customers with the opportunity to purchase PRESTO fares in advance of the resumption of fare collection. The booth will be open Monday to Friday from 11:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice with appropriate physical distancing measures in place. PRESTO customers are strongly encouraged to load their cards online to avoid congestion at the terminal.

With the introduction of mandatory use of non-medical masks or face coverings by passengers and employees, all MiWay buses will operate at 50 per cent seated capacity to continue to allow for physical distancing.

“The health and safety of our customers and transit operators is our top priority at MiWay,” said Geoff Marinoff, Director, Transit. “We have put several measures in place to ensure a safer commute when travelling on MiWay and we remain committed to providing city-wide transit service during this time. We support the physical distancing efforts recommended by Peel Public Health, and the provincial and federal governments but acknowledge this is not always possible on public transit. We are all in this together and by limiting transit use to essential travel only and wearing your face covering will help us all flatten the curve.”

For more information, visit miway.ca/coronavirus.

June 10, 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 for conditions starting tomorrow, June 9th, 2020. The warning will be in effect until further notice.

By Covid-19

 

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.

 

 

 

June 8, 2020
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Mississauga Continues Its Path towards Accessibility for All through Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

By Issues

June 8, 2020

As part of its 2018-2022 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, the City of Mississauga has delivered on its 2019 initiatives, helping to remove barriers for the nearly 25 per cent of Mississauga residents with disabilities.

“Our commitment to increasing accessibility will help ensure we can serve all our residents better while improving the quality of life for those living with disabilities in our community,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “I’m proud of our achievements, and I look forward to continuing to make progress on our efforts to ensure Mississauga remains a welcoming place where everyone can participate in all that we have to offer.”

As the City continuously works to go above and beyond the requirements for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), City staff has provided an update to residents on the current status of the City’s second multi-year plan. Accessibility requirements under the Act are grouped into five standards: Customer Service, Information and Communications, Employment, Transportation and Design of Public Spaces.

“Every year that we make improvements to accessibility throughout Mississauga is another year advancing towards the ultimate goal of an accessible Ontario by 2025,” said Ward 8 Councillor and Accessibility Advisory Committee member, Matt Mahoney.

This year’s annual status update includes three key achievements made by the City in 2019:

  • Raising awareness through hosting and participating in accessibility-themed events.
  • Accessibility improvements through the Civic Centre’s Great Hall Modernization Project.
  • The City filing its fourth fully compliant accessibility compliance report with the Government of Ontario.

“I’m particularly pleased with our efforts to increase awareness in the community by promoting City services and programs,” said Councillor Pat Saito, Ward 9, Accessibility Advisory Committee member. “Our involvement last year in the Inclusion by Design Conference, Connections Resource Fair, the City of Mississauga’s Smart City Idea Jam and the Annual Seniors’ Fair that I host in my ward has helped create exposure on the issue of accessibility.”

In step with other accessibility projects in Mississauga, MiWay is improving the City’s transportation system through planned and completed work, ensuring its services and operations are accessible to everyone.

“These accessibility advancements could not have happened without the dedication of the City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee and our impassioned City staff,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner, Corporate Services, & Chief Financial Officer. “Together, we continue to remove barriers and build a more accessible Mississauga.”

The 2019 annual status update is available in an accessible format on the City’s website: http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/accessibility

June 8, 2020
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Metrolinx will be holding a Virtual Open House from June 15 – July 3

By Events, Hurontario LRT, Issues, Resources

Metrolinx will be holding a Virtual Open House from June 15 – July 3 to share information about Hurontario LRT. It has been shifted to a virtual format to protect staff and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. It can be accessed at www.metrolinxengage.com/hulrt. Members of the public will be able to ask questions that the project team will answer.

If you have any questions about this or any part of the project, please let our LRT Project Office know.

Tim Lai

Manager, LRT Stakeholder Communications

T 905-615-3200 ext.4816

tim.lai@mississauga.ca

 

 

June 8, 2020
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Marriage Licences and Library Recovery Plan

By Covid-19, Events, Issues, Resources

June 3, 2020

Marriage Licences

The City will resume issuing marriage licences effective June 10, 2020 at the Provincial Offences Courthouse, 950 Burnhamthorpe Road West by appointment. For details please visit: mississauga.ca/marriagelicences. 

Library Recovery Plan

Council endorsed a phased re-opening plan for library facilities.

The library will use a phased approach to resuming services following the Government of Ontario’s announcement on May 14 allowing public libraries to offer curbside pickup. Details on timing and the service will be shared on City channels at a later date.

Library due dates and fines continue to be suspended until further notice.

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.

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

June 8, 2020
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Virtual Committee Meetings & Library Recovery Plan

By Covid-19, Events, Issues, Planning & Development

June 3, 2020

City of Mississauga COVID-19 Response Continues: Virtual Committee Meetings & Library Recovery Plan

COVID-19 | June 3, 2020

Today, Mississauga City Council approved several initiatives in relation to COVID-19 including virtual meetings for Planning and Development Committee (PDC) and Committee of Adjustment and a Library recovery plan.

“We are very pleased to be taking further steps toward recovery in Mississauga. Our Library has plans to reopen in a phased approach and our Planning and Development Committee and Committee of Adjustment meetings will resume in a virtual format. Enhanced public notification will complement the change of format,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “I would like to note our Planning and Legislative Services staff have remained fully operational during the pandemic and will resume holding required public meetings in association with development and Committee of Adjustment applications in order to keep our City moving.”

During the pandemic, on April 22, 2020 Council suspended PDC and Committee of Adjustment meetings. Since the closure of City Hall, Planning and Building Department services have remained fully operational, including accepting and processing development and building permit applications with online submission processes including fee payments and scheduling building and site inspections. Public meetings will resume in association with development and Committee of Adjustment applications. PDC meeting notices provide a range of options for residents and businesses to access additional information, including how to contact the city planner and how to provide written comments by mail or email.

Planning and Development Committee and Committee of Adjustment Virtual Meetings

Virtual PDC meetings will occur in the same format that Council is currently meeting with public engagement through telephone, computer or mobile device. Applicants will be able to present their development proposals to PDC and the public and respond to questions or comments from Council and registered deputants. Information reports will outline resident concerns received up until the report is prepared. Recommendation reports will continue to summarize and respond to resident concerns. PDC meetings will be held in evenings at 6 p.m. The first virtual PDC meeting will be tentatively held on July 13, 2020. Visit the Council and Committees Calendar for updates.

Which Applications Can Proceed to a Virtual PDC Meeting?

Development applications and City-initiated projects that are eligible can be scheduled for a virtual PDC meeting. Only applications deemed to be non-controversial or expected to attract limited public interests will be advanced. If public interest is limited, an information report with enhanced public notice would proceed to a PDC meeting. If additional public engagement is required during the public meeting, the committee may direct staff to either hold a second public meeting once in-person meetings resume or provide full public notice when the Recommendation report is presented at a later PDC meeting. Recommendation Reports for development applications and/or City-initiated projects that have already had a public meeting and which generated minimal resident concern should also be scheduled for a virtual PDC meeting. If the committee subsequently determines that additional public engagement is needed during the recommendation report meeting, it may defer the matter to a later meeting once in-person meetings resume.

Committee of Adjustment Meetings

Similar to Council and PDC, the Committee of Adjustment virtual meetings will allow the public and applicants to engage in the process and meeting through telephone, computer or mobile device. The public notices will provide details about how to register as a deputant to speak at a meeting or other means of providing input about an application. The next Committee of Adjustment meeting will start the week of June 22, 2020. The committee is to meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays to address applications. Visit the Council and Committees Calendar for updates.

Electronic application submission and payment has continued since the closure of the Civic Centre.  Details related to the Committee of Adjustment can be found at https://web.mississauga.ca/council/committees/committee-of-adjustment

June 8, 2020
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New Ambassador and Police Enforcement Programs for the Community

By Covid-19, Events, Issues, Resources

Dear Residents,

I wanted to update you regarding the litter, noise and speeding that has been problematic in the neighbourhood.

  1. Regarding St. Lawrence Park: I have been and continue to work with City Staff and also the Mayor’s office to address the litter issue and excessive parking even in the “No Parking” areas.  The result is that some of the parking lots to the City’s parks around the City  have been opened to provide alternatives to people from all coming to the waterfront and parking in our community.   I have asked staff for parking enforcement to be continually undertaken in the “No Parking” areas.

Also, the leash free dog parks have been re-opened with protocols and signage to assist with those needing to exercise their dogs, but also discourage people from using ordinary parks where dogs have to be on a leash as leash free areas.  I have been in the area as well, on a regular basis and have also picked up litter to assist with the state of the park and will continue to do so.

  1. The City has implemented a Park Ambassador Program effective immediately.  This involves additional City Staff in identifiable uniforms patrolling all the parks throughout the communities.   Their responsibility is to monitor and inform of any infractions that are taking place. This includes proper social distancing and appropriate conduct.  Having a presence in our community will undoubtedly have a positive impact.   Also, the Peel Regional Police will be coming out soon patrolling our neighbourhoods on bicycles to ensure community safety.
  1. I have been working with City Staff and Peel Regional Police regarding noise by-laws and speeding issues.

At Council this past Wednesday, June 3, 2020,  I have again asked the Commissioner of Transportation and Works to look at options for the Port Street area and also Lakeshore to come up with ways to mitigate speed and to discourage people with modified vehicles from gathering in the neighbourhood.

A pilot program will commence shortly by City staff and Peel Regional Police to have By-law Officers accompany Police Officers to issue noise related tickets directed at loud vehicles in the  Port Credit areas.

Finally, the City’s Noise by-law review will be coming before Council in the near future and I will be advocating to have it passed.  I’ve made my position quite clear to Council and staff and residents that this issue is a top priority of mine.

Please feel free to email me or call me on the contact numbers below at anytime.  This type of activity and behaviour has no place in our community and I will continue to work with you to ensure a quality of life in our active and vibrant Port Credit is enjoyable.

Please feel free to circulate my email to those you feel have an interest or concern with this matter.

Kind regards,

Stephen

 

 

 

Stephen Dasko

Councillor, Ward 1

T 905-896-5100| M 647-289-2922

stephen.dasko@mississauga.ca

www.stephendasko.ca

 

 

June 5, 2020
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Select park amenities and parking lots June 3, 2020

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

Select park amenities and parking lots

Reopened amenities include leash-free zones (Union Park and Community Common remain closed), BMX/skate parks, tennis courts, community tennis clubs, picnic shelters, park benches and seasonal washrooms. View the full list

Golf courses

  • BraeBen will open on May 16
  • Lakeview will open on May 21

Visit mississauga.ca/golf for more information and to book tee times.

Community gardens

Mississauga’s nine community gardens are scheduled to reopen on May 22, 2020 to registered garden members only including Garden of the Valley, Hillside Community Garden, Malton Community Garden, Parkway Green Generation Garden, Forest Glen Community Garden, Hancock Community Garden, Churchill Meadows Community Garden, Small Arms Community Garden and Iceland Teaching Garden.

Closures

  • Active living centres
  • All public counters
  • Arenas (including Vic Johnston Arena)
  • Banquet halls (C Banquets and Harding Waterfront Estate)
  • City Hall
  • Community centres (impacts on memberships and programs)
  • Film Office
  • Fitness centres
  • Indoor pools
  • Libraries (online resources still available)
  • Living Arts Centre
  • Meadowvale Theatre
  • Mississauga Provincial Offences Courthouse
  • Mississauga Seniors’ Centre
  • Museums (Benares and Bradley)
  • Outdoor rinks (Burnhamthorpe, Celebration Square, Woodhurst)
  • Paramount Fine Foods Centre
  • Park facilities such as playgrounds, sports courts and sports fields (parks and trails remain open)
  • Provincial Offences Courthouse
  • Small Arms Inspection Building

Regional facilities

The Region of Peel has also announced closures and restrictions for accessing regional buildings.

June 4, 2020
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