All Posts By

Stephen Dasko

ALUS Peel Pilot receives grant from Coca-Cola to support watershed health across Canada

By Resources

Peel Region and its partners have received a grant from The Coca-Cola Company in Canada to support initiatives that protect key watersheds, including the Credit and Humber Rivers.

This funding will be implemented through the ALUS Peel Pilot, which assists farmers in Peel in voluntarily addressing environmental opportunities to protect habitat, soil, and water quality through community-led, nature-based solutions.  Through projects such as tree planting, wetland restoration, soil erosion control, and livestock fencing, the ALUS Peel Pilot program strengthens farm sustainability while providing critical ecosystem services, including flood mitigation and carbon capture.

The grant will help provide annual payments to Peel farmers who undertake an ALUS Peel Pilot project, recognizing their voluntary stewardship efforts and the retirement of sensitive agricultural lands.

Since 2004, farmers in Peel have implemented over $4.7 million worth of environmental farm projects in collaboration with Peel Region, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) through the Peel Rural Water Quality Program. The ALUS Peel Pilot expands this legacy by introducing the ALUS model to further increase resources available for long-term environmental stewardship projects.

ALUS Canada, a charitable organization that helps farmers and ranchers develop nature-based solutions on their land, has been selected by The Coca Cola Company in Canada to receive a $162,500 grant to strengthen watershed health initiatives in communities where the company operates. In addition to Peel, the funding will support ALUS programs in Rocky View, Alberta, and Laurentides, Quebec, helping implement long-term environmental projects that improve water quality, build climate resilience, and enhance biodiversity.

Quotations

“Addressing climate change requires collective effort. Working in partnership with organizations that share our vision helps us advance initiatives that support environmental stewardship and promote long-term sustainability. Together, we aim to make a significant contribution to the future of our planet.”   

Kealy Dedman, Commissioner of Public Works, Peel Region   

About Peel Region

In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.

December 3, 2024
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Celebrating the contributions of persons with disabilities: December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

By Announcement

A day to celebrate the leadership, resilience and contributions of persons with disabilities in our community.

Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities – a day to celebrate the leadership, resilience and contributions of persons with disabilities in our community.

Following a press conference focused on Disability Without Poverty’s 2024 Report Card, the City of Mississauga passed a resolution on November 27 to send a letter to Prime Minster Justin Trudeau and all party leaders highlighting that the current Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is inadequate and that eligibility criteria is too narrow and restrictive. As a result, poverty rates for this group are twice as high as those without disabilities.

Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the City is required to develop a multi-year accessibility plan that outlines how Mississauga will meet its obligations under the legislation and remove barriers for people with disabilities. The City is currently on its third plan, which builds upon what has been accomplished since introducing its first multi-year plan in 2012.

The City is pleased to share its commitment to removing barriers, along with its continued progress on the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan: 2023-2028.

Recent initiatives include:

  • Property Tax Rebate Program: offered to low-income seniors (ages 65 and older) and low-income persons with disabilities who own and occupy their own home, the $400 rebate is applied to the tax account to offset property taxes.
  • Eliminating barriers at City facilities and public spaces such as the recent renovation and new addition to Burnhamthorpe Community Centre, which focused on improvements to the quality of recreational services provided to people with disabilities, while implementing higher accessibility standards.
  • Improving the accessibility of MiWay’s transit system. In 2023, 25 enhanced bus shelters were installed. These were equipped with enclosed heated areas, digital schedule information, wave sensors and digital screens. Additionally, accessibility was improved with the installation/restoration of passenger landing pads at 61 bus stop locations.
  • Reducing the unemployment rate for people with disabilities by implementing a targeted outreach strategy for recruiting people with disabilities by partnering with Discover Ability and Ready, Willing and Able to support the employment of persons with disabilities.
  • Offering a variety of recreational and sports activities in an accessible format. These adapted programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities – specifically designed for individuals with physical, cognitive or sensory disabilities.

To learn more about the City’s commitments to advancing accessibility and to read the 2023 annual status update, visit the webpage.

Quotes

“Approximately 201,000 Mississauga residents live with a disability. People with disabilities often face multiple barriers to accessing services, facilities and employment – and the need for accessible services will continue to rise as the population ages. As a City, we are committed to creating an inclusive community where everyone has equal access to these items, including offering property tax rebate programs for low-income persons with disabilities and seniors.”
– Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“The City’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan showcases our unwavering dedication to removing barriers and promoting inclusion. With guidance from our community partners and Accessibility Advisory Committee, we continue to enhance Mississauga’s programs and services, promote awareness that go beyond AODA standards. We know these are just the stepping stones towards a more inclusive future, but we remain dedicated towards inclusive growth.”
– Raj Sheth, Commissioner of Corporate Services

December 3, 2024
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Port Credit Memorial Park Skating Path is Open

By Announcement, Parks, Ward 1

Councillor Dasko is pleased to announce that the Port Credit Memorial Park Skating Path is now open for the 2024/25 winter season!

Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily.

Holiday hours, as follows:

  • Christmas Eve (December 24, 2024): 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Christmas Day (December 25, 2024): Noon – 6 p.m.
  • New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2024): 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
  • New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025): Noon – 8 p.m.

 

December 2, 2024
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Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) Program announced for Little Etobicoke Creek area

By Announcement, Issues, Resources, Ward 1

DRAO Announcement

On November 29th, 2024, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced that the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program has been activated for the Little Etobicoke Creek area in response to the July 16th and August 17th and 18th localized flooding events.

Councillor Dasko was instrumental in having the Provincial officials connect with local residents in Ward 1 for inspections, to ensure that a full understanding of the magnitude of the issues in the area were understood.  The result of which is that the area has been recognized and included in the program.

Applications for the program will be accepted until the deadline of Monday, March 31, 2025. Homeowners and residential tenants, small owner-operated businesses, and not-for-profit organizations may apply for assistance if they reside in the activation area.

Program guidelines, activation area maps, information sheets, and application forms can be found on the DRAO website.

DRAO is a program that can help with the recovery of costs after a natural disaster. Financial help from the program is limited to $250,000 per application, is subject to a $500 deductible (which may be waived for low-income households), and reimburses up to 90% of your total eligible costs with limits for emergency expenses, household appliances, and furnishings.

The DRAO program does not cover all costs. Eligible applicants may receive assistance for emergency expenses and for repair or replacement of essential property if they do not have insurance—or if their insurance is insufficient—to cover their essential costs according to the DRAO program guidelines. Damage due to sewer-backup is not eligible under the program. An exception is made for low-income households as defined by the guidelines. See details online.

In addition, eligible basement repairs are only allowed to the extent they are returned to a basic and safe state (e.g., stud walls and repairs to essential appliances such as furnaces and hot water heaters). Repairs to furnished basements are ineligible unless there is damage to an essential living space. See details online.

DRAO is a provincial program, and is not related to the various programs and initiatives that the City of Mississauga has undertaken related to localized flooding and flood recovery. Residents who do not reside in the DRAO activation area are still eligible for the other City programs and initiatives.

If you have any questions about the DRAO program, you may contact the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing program staff at: DisasterAssistance@Ontario.ca.

December 2, 2024
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Residential Compassionate Flood Relief Grant Program applications now open

By Announcement, Issues, Resources, Stephen’s Initiatives, Ward 1

The one-time grant is available to eligible homeowners or tenants in Mississauga who had flood damage from the severe weather events in July and August 2024.

December 2, 2024

Today, the City of Mississauga launched its Residential Compassionate Flood Relief Grant, a one-time payment of $1,000 to affected property owners and tenants in Mississauga, who experienced basement flooding on July 16, August 17 and August 18. Residents can only apply for the grant once, even if they own more than one eligible property or experienced flooding on more than one day.

Who is eligible

To be eligible to apply for the Residential Compassionate Flood Relief Grant, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • Be an individual, not a corporation or business entity.
  • Be a registered owner or tenant of a residential dwelling within Mississauga.
  • Have experienced flood damage to your residence from the rainfall events on July 16, August 17 or August 18, 2024.

What you need to apply

Residents must complete a grant application and submit proof of eligibility, including proof of ownership or residence and proof of flooding.

To provide proof of ownership, you must provide a copy of your City tax bill. The name on the application must match the registered owner listed on the tax bill.

To provide proof of residence, if you are a tenant, you must show proof that you live at the eligible residence. You can provide:

  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Ontario driver’s license
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Insurance policy
  • Utility, telephone or internet bill

All applicants must provide proof of flooding within a residential dwelling, such as:

  • Proof of an insurance claim made for flooding.
  • Correspondence with 311 Customer Service, a Councillor’s office or City staff.
  • Invoices, receipts or quotes for flood cleanup or repairs.
  • Photos of flooding in the residential dwelling, with the file’s metadata date stamped.

Applying online

Visit the webpage and upload the supporting documents, including proof of ownership or residence and proof of flooding.

Each file must be 5 MB or smaller and in one of the following formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF or WebP.

Applying by mail

Mail a completed Flood Relief Grant Application and supporting documents to the following address:

Residential Compassionate Flood Relief Grant Program
Transportation and Works
Environmental Services Section
300 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1

For more information about the grant, residents are asked to call 311.

Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2025.

Important facts about stormwater

There are more than 51,000 storm drains in Mississauga, 1,900 km of storm sewer pipes, 270 km of ditches, 150 km of creeks, and 80 stormwater management facilities.

Valued at more than $7 billion, Mississauga’s stormwater drainage system requires constant care. Staff continue to assess and prioritize the most effective improvements to this aging infrastructure. Installing stormwater infrastructure requires a large investment up front, and it is expensive, but important to maintain.

Rebate programs

In February 2025, the City will be launching two additional rebate programs:

  • Basement Flooding Prevention Rebate Program will provide rebates up to $6,800 for eligible flood prevention improvements.
  • Flood Resilience Rebate Program will provide rebates of 50 per cent of the invoiced cost up to a maximum of $3,000 to cover costs associated with eligible measures taken to make improvements to your home to minimize flooding impact.

Other subsidies

Region of Peel Sanitary Backwater Valve Rebate (Current): The Region provides a $1,500 rebate for eligible homeowners to cover the cost of installing a sanitary backwater valve to reduce basement flooding due to sanitary back-ups of wastewater from the sanitary sewer. For more information, visit peelregion.ca.

Useful links

Read more about the City’s stormwater infrastructure.

Learn more about how to reduce the risk of flooding on your property.

Watch the City’s Flooding Information Session video.

December 2, 2024
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Water Interruption Notice – C-603221, 696 and 700 Montbeck Crescent, Mississauga, Wednesday December 4

By Resources, Ward 1

The Peel Region Public Works department regularly maintains and repairs the water system to make sure you have a consistent supply of quality drinking water. Sometimes we must turn off your water supply while we do this work.

Your water will be turned off on Wednesday December 4th, 9:00am to 5:00pm. If we need to reschedule this work due to weather or other circumstances, we will let you know the new date and time.

Property owner/manager responsibilities during a water interruption

As a property owner/manager, it is your responsibility to:

  • Ensure maintenance, mechanical or plumbing staff are on site during the water interruption, as it may affect internal systems that rely on water such as boilers, fire suppression, and alarms.
  • Notify the fire alarm company if the interruption could affect an alarm system.
  • Have a fire watch completed during the water interruption, as the building’s sprinkler protection system will not function when the water supply is shut off.

After the water interruption

When we turn the water back on, air in the pipes may make the water cloudy and your plumbing may vibrate or make noise. We recommend removing the air by slowly turning on your taps from the lowest to the highest faucet in the building (that is, starting in the basement/first floor, and finishing on the top floor). You will likely need to run the water for 10 to 30 seconds. Run the water until it is clear, and any vibration or noise has stopped.

Important note

After the water is turned back on, we recommend checking the water meter (usually located in the basement). If it is leaking, call Water Meter Installations Dispatch at:

  • 905-791-7800 extension 3226 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Monday to Friday)
  • 905-791-7800 extension 4409 (after hours or statutory holidays)

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Construction Inspections

Engineering Technical Services Division

Operations Support, Public Works

Email: zzgetsdevadmin@peelregion.ca

Phone: 905-791-7800 extension 3246 / 3247 (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Monday to Friday)

Phone: 905-791-7800 extension 4409 (after hours or statutory holidays)

INTERRUPTION DETAILS

Date and Time: Wednesday December 4th, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Location:  696 and 700 Montbeck Cresent

Addresses Affected: 680 to 724 Montbeck Crescent

Project #:  C-603221

Regional Inspector: Phemelo Mpoloka

Telephone #    437-220-8917

 905-791-7800 ext. 3246/3247

November 29, 2024
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Water Interruption Notice – C-603602, 172 Angelene St, Mississauga, Tuesday December 3rd

By Resources, Ward 1

The Peel Region Public Works department regularly maintains and repairs the water system to make sure you have a consistent supply of quality drinking water. Sometimes we must turn off your water supply while we do this work.

Your water will be turned off on Tuesday, December 3rd, 9:00am to 5:00pm. If we need to reschedule this work due to weather or other circumstances, we will let you know the new date and time.

Property owner/manager responsibilities during a water interruption

As a property owner/manager, it is your responsibility to:

  • Ensure maintenance, mechanical or plumbing staff are on site during the water interruption, as it may affect internal systems that rely on water such as boilers, fire suppression, and alarms.
  • Notify the fire alarm company if the interruption could affect an alarm system.
  • Have a fire watch completed during the water interruption, as the building’s sprinkler protection system will not function when the water supply is shut off.

After the water interruption

When we turn the water back on, air in the pipes may make the water cloudy and your plumbing may vibrate or make noise. We recommend removing the air by slowly turning on your taps from the lowest to the highest faucet in the building (that is, starting in the basement/first floor, and finishing on the top floor). You will likely need to run the water for 10 to 30 seconds. Run the water until it is clear, and any vibration or noise has stopped.

Important note

After the water is turned back on, we recommend checking the water meter (usually located in the basement). If it is leaking, call Water Meter Installations Dispatch at:

  • 905-791-7800 extension 3226 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Monday to Friday)
  • 905-791-7800 extension 4409 (after hours or statutory holidays)

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Construction Inspections

Engineering Technical Services Division

Operations Support, Public Works

Email: zzgetsdevadmin@peelregion.ca

Phone: 905-791-7800 extension 3246 / 3247 (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Monday to Friday)

Phone: 905-791-7800 extension 4409 (after hours or statutory holidays)

INTERRUPTION DETAILS

Date and Time: Tuesday December 3rd, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Location:  172 Angelene Street

Addresses Affected: 91 to 178 Angelene St

Project #:  C-603602

Regional Inspector: Phemelo Mpoloka

Telephone #   437-220-8917

905-791-7800 ext. 3246/3247

 

November 29, 2024
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Water Interruption Notice – C-604044, 1619 Crediton Parkway, Mississauga, Thursday December 5

By Resources, Ward 1

The Peel Region Public Works department regularly maintains and repairs the water system to make sure you have a consistent supply of quality drinking water. Sometimes we must turn off your water supply while we do this work.

Your water will be turned off on Thursday December 5th, 9:00am to 5:00pm. If we need to reschedule this work due to weather or other circumstances, we will let you know the new date and time.

Property owner/manager responsibilities during a water interruption

As a property owner/manager, it is your responsibility to:

  • Ensure maintenance, mechanical or plumbing staff are on site during the water interruption, as it may affect internal systems that rely on water such as boilers, fire suppression, and alarms.
  • Notify the fire alarm company if the interruption could affect an alarm system.
  • Have a fire watch completed during the water interruption, as the building’s sprinkler protection system will not function when the water supply is shut off.

After the water interruption

When we turn the water back on, air in the pipes may make the water cloudy and your plumbing may vibrate or make noise. We recommend removing the air by slowly turning on your taps from the lowest to the highest faucet in the building (that is, starting in the basement/first floor, and finishing on the top floor). You will likely need to run the water for 10 to 30 seconds. Run the water until it is clear, and any vibration or noise has stopped.

Important note

After the water is turned back on, we recommend checking the water meter (usually located in the basement). If it is leaking, call Water Meter Installations Dispatch at:

  • 905-791-7800 extension 3226 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Monday to Friday)
  • 905-791-7800 extension 4409 (after hours or statutory holidays)

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Construction Inspections

Engineering Technical Services Division

Operations Support, Public Works

Email: zzgetsdevadmin@peelregion.ca

Phone: 905-791-7800 extension 3246 / 3247 (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Monday to Friday)

Phone: 905-791-7800 extension 4409 (after hours or statutory holidays)INTERRUPTION DETAILS

Date and Time: Thursday December 5th, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Location:  1619 Crediton Parkway

Addresses Affected: 1596 to 1649 Crediton Parkway

Project #:  C-604044

Regional Inspector: Phemelo Mpoloka

Telephone #   437-220-8917

905-791-7800 ext. 3246/3247

November 29, 2024
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Upcoming Service Disruptions in December -Lakeshore West

By Announcement, Transit, Ward 1

We hope you are doing well as we get ready to celebrate the holiday season.

We would like to share some upcoming planned service adjustments and construction updates that will impact your community

Lakeshore West: Friday evening to Sunday, Nov. 29 -Dec. 1

From late evening on Friday Nov. 29 and throughout the weekend, there will be no GO Train service between Union Station and Oakville GO due to construction along Lakeshore West. GO Trains will run between Niagara Falls and Oakville GO with minor schedule adjustments.

There will be no GO Transit service at Exhibition, Mimico, Long Branch and Port Credit GO stations.

Long Branch GO will be closed throughout the weekend due to construction. During this time, the temporary pathway from Edgeware Drive will remain open, however, access to the north platform from the temporary pathway will be closed. There will be no access to the station or the parking lot from 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 29 to Dec. 2 5:00 a.m. Reserved parking spot owners who are affected will be notified.

Learn more.

Please check your schedules before you travel.

Lakeshore West: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8

  • All Lakeshore line train service will operate on an hourly schedule.
  • For those who normally connect from the Lakeshore East service to travel west, not all trains will continue past Union Station.
  • GO bus connection times will be adjusted.
  • There will be some late night service adjustments on December 6.

Lakeshore West: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15

  • All Lakeshore line train service will operate on an hourly schedule.
  • For those who normally connect from the Lakeshore East service to travel west, not all trains will continue past Union Station.
  • GO bus connection times will be adjusted.
  • There will be some late night service adjustments on December 13.

Lakeshore West: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21-22

  • All Lakeshore line train service will operate on an hourly schedule.
  • For those who normally connect from the Lakeshore East service to travel west, not all trains will continue past Union Station.
  • GO bus connection times will be adjusted.
  • There will be some late night service adjustments on December 20.
November 29, 2024
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Service Changes Effective Dec 23: New Route 31 Ogden & Holiday Adjustments

By Announcement, Transit

Effective December 23, 2024 MiWay will make adjustments to two routes and service frequency changes in order to:

  • Respond to road construction at Dixie Mall
  • Align service with seasonal demand during the holidays

Changes to Route 5 Dixie and Launch of Route 31 Ogden

In response to Dixie Road construction, a permanent route is being introduced to provide consistent, reliable service for riders along Dixie Road and in Lakeview. Route 5 Dixie southbound will no longer service Ogden Road. Instead, the new Route 31 Ogden, operating seven days a week, will replace the temporary Ogden Shuttle, offering direct access from Dixie Outlet Mall to Long Branch GO and along Ogden Road. This change will enable riders to plan their trips online with greater accuracy and reliability.

Seasonal Adjustments for Holiday Demand

From December 23 to January 5 seasonal service frequency changes will be in place to align with holiday travel demand.This includes a reduced schedule during weekdays and special holiday service on certain routes. Key changes include:

High School Routes: Due to high school holiday closures, all 300-series routes will pause service from December 23, 2024, to January 3, 2025. Regular service resumes on Monday, January 6, 2025.

Ride Free New Year’s Eve: To encourage safe holiday celebrations, MiWay will offer free rides beginning at 7 p.m. on December 31. Several key routes will operate until 4 a.m. on January 1 to support riders getting home safely.

November 29, 2024
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