Category

Announcement

Introducing the Sauga Neighbourhood Arts Program – also known as SNAP! 

By Announcement
SNAP! is MAC’s new co-funding initiative that provides financial support to community-led arts programs in celebration of Mississauga’s 50th Anniversary this year.
Arts Groups/Organizations, Festivals, Service/Community Groups, and Neighbourhood Associations based in Mississauga can apply anytime before November 1, 2024 for co-funding support of projects that serve their neighbourhood.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Activate your community! Learn moreat macarts.ca/snap

On Duty: photography exhibition gives unfiltered glimpse into the lives of Mississauga firefighters

By Announcement, Events, Ward 1

Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) have a responsibility to keep the City’s residents safe from hazards every day. This February, you are invited to experience the inside world of firefighting through the lens of Stephen Uhraney, an award-winning local photographer. Uhraney has been recognized by many publications and was recently named as a finalist in Canadian Firefighter’s inaugural photo contest.

‘On Duty’ includes 36 of 7,500 photos Uhraney captured of firefighters from Mississauga’s Fire Station 104. Attendees will receive a rare glimpse into the activities of Mississauga firefighters during critical moments when urgent help is required for individuals or properties in danger.

What

This photography exhibit provides an intimate look into the lives of Mississauga firefighters represented by A Shift, located at Fire Station 104 in Port Credit.

Uhraney initiated this project and looks forward to share this powerful photography experience with the public.

When

Opening night event: Thursday, February 1, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

There will be a short presentation and remarks on opening night.

Exhibition dates: February 1 – February 29, 2024

Where

St. Lawrence Starch Building in Port Credit, located at 141 Lakeshore Rd E.

Please enter the FRAM building and use the front entrance. The showroom is adjacent to the main lobby reception.

Accessibility note: There are short stairs outside and a couple of steps inside where the show will be.

The St. Lawrence building is open to the public Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; you do not need a ticket for these timings. Stephen Uhraney will be at the exhibit on the weekends, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Cost

This event is free; however, Eventbrite tickets are required for opening night.

Tickets are not required for the remainder of the month.

A firefighter on scene of an emergency, surrounded by plants.
A photo by Stephen Uhraney

Nominations are open for the second annual Black Excellence Awards

By Announcement, Events

In recognition of Black History Month, starting today until February 10, nominations for the 2024 Black Excellence Awards, presented in partnership by the City of Mississauga and the Black Caucus Alliance, are now being accepted. The awards focus on the efforts and achievements of Mississauga’s Black residents and volunteers.

Mississauga residents can be nominated in one of nine categories:

Youth

Nominees must be between the ages of 15 and 24 and have volunteered for at least two consecutive years. They must act as role models for other young people and demonstrate all-around positive community involvement.

Business

Nominees must be currently engaged in business as an owner and/or entrepreneur. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a combination of the following criteria:

  • Entrepreneurial spirit and success in owning and managing a business
  • Significant contribution of new ideas, innovative practices, processes or inventions, or created employment opportunities
  • Demonstrate a commitment to fairness and equality

Community Service

Nominees should possess an outstanding record of significant community involvement and service. Candidates must also demonstrate a strong commitment to enriching the lives of others as well as building relationships and collaborating meaningfully with the individuals and communities they serve.

Education

Nominees for this award are being recognized for exemplary contributions to the well-being of students and/or community members through their active involvement in education at the school, board, in extracurricular activities or at the community level.

Health Services

Nominees for this award are being recognized for their involvement in the creation and/or promotion of methods that keep the physical health or mental wellbeing of Black communities. Ideal candidates must be employed or studying in the field of health sciences. Exhibits leadership in healthcare management administration.

Arts and Culture

Nominees for this award are being recognized for their involvement in and/or promotion of developing arts and culture within the community. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a combination of the following criteria:

  • Have demonstrated a commitment to and/or focus on community-engaged art and/or expressions of culture in Mississauga.
  • Have experience in the area of art and/or culture for a minimum of three years.
  • Have completed and/or been involved in one significant arts and culture project in the last 12 months.

Sports

Nominees for this award are being recognized for their model contribution to sports at the community or national level as an athlete or official.

Hospitality and Food Services

Nominees for this award are being recognized for the best in food, drink and/or hospitality in African-Caribbean products and/or services. The nominee will have received positive reviews and feedback from customers and peers demonstrating their commitment to customer service and satisfaction. The nominee will also have demonstrated leadership and management in hospitality operations, commitment to sustainable and ethical practices in the hospitality industry and be actively involvement in their local community.

Legacy – Lifetime Achievement

This is the highest community-based honour bestowed on an individual whose continued commitment has uplifted the lives of others.

Nominees are individuals who have made significant contributions to the Black community for 15 years or more. Candidates would have improved the quality of life for citizens or brought recognition to the City of Mississauga through their accomplishments.

Eligibility and nomination process

To be eligible, the nominee must:

  • Live and/or work in Mississauga
  • Identify as being Black
  • Stand as a role model for others
  • Inspire volunteerism and civic engagement

If you know someone deserving of an award, the steps to recognizing eligible residents include:

  1. Review the award criteria and descriptions above to determine the most appropriate category.
  2. Email BlackExcellenceAwards@mississauga.ca
  3. In your email, please include the following information:
    • Full name of the nominee, including their preferred pronouns
    • Nominee’s email and home address
    • Category for nomination (please only choose one category)
    • A brief explanation indicating why the individual should be nominated
  4. Please note that only completed nomination forms will be evaluated.

Nominees who qualify will be invited to receive their award during an evening ceremony at Mississauga City Hall on Friday, February 23 at 7 p.m.

Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services expands fleet with state-of-the-art vehicles

By Announcement, Resources

Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) has welcomed two anticipated, state-of-the-art heavy rescue vehicles. This purchase is a significant milestone for MFES as it marks the first time it has acquired heavy rescue vehicles of this calibre. It also marks a notable advancement in the City’s commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety measures and preparedness for its residents and neighbourhoods.

Red Heavy Rescue Vehicle
One of the two new heavy rescue vehicles

“These new heavy rescue vehicles represent a substantial investment in the safety and well-being of our community,” said Deryn Rizzi, Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management. “They are integral to our mission of providing prompt and effective emergency response services, ensuring that our highly skilled firefighters have the necessary resources to handle complex and challenging situations efficiently.”

What is a heavy rescue vehicle?

Heavy rescue vehicles provide Mississauga’s highly skilled and trained firefighters with state-of-the-art resources to efficiently respond to challenging and complex situations. They are uniquely designed to carry specialized equipment used for complex emergency scenarios such as:

  • Light and heavy vehicle collisions
  • Trench rescues
  •  High and low angle rope rescues
  • Confined space rescues
  • Industrial, machine and elevator accidents
  • Structural fires
  • Medical emergencies

Heavy rescue vehicle features

In addition to firefighting gear, these heavy rescue vehicles are equipped with a variety of technical rescue tools, including:

  • Battery-powered hydraulic extrication tools
  • Stabilizing struts used to provide structural shoring and vehicle stabilization
  • Rope rescue devices
  • Confined space equipment
  • Trench rescue tools
  • Rigging hardware
  • Machinery and elevator rescue tools, among many others

The heavy rescue vehicles will be strategically deployed across Mississauga to maximize coverage and improve response times, further enhancing MFES’s ability to protect lives and property. These new vehicles will also provide support for emergencies such as structure fires, atmospheric testing, medical crises, and motor vehicle collisions.

Technical specifications of the heavy rescue vehicle

Make: Pierce Manufacturing, Appleton WI

Cab: Five passenger, extended cab with interior storage cabinets

Body:

  • 24’ Walk-in Rescue, 78” interior height
  • Fixed front bumper 12,000 lb winch & 9,000 lb mobile winch – To assist with the pulling and stabilizing of vehicles.
  • Eight rope rescue anchor points – This assists with both low and high angle rope rescue manoeuvers.
  • Onan 25kW PTO driven on-board generator – This will provide auxiliary electrical power for various on-board tools and equipment.
  • 200’ electric and air hose reels.
  • Will-Burt Night Scan Chief Roof Mounted LED Light Tower – This provides lighting at night, during emergencies.
  • Atlas-Copco 16.7 CFM @175 psi on-board air compressor – This provides compressed air for pneumatic tools and equipment.

Future additions to the MFES fleet: electric-powered pumper vehicle

In addition to the heavy rescue vehicles, MFES will also add its first-ever electric-powered pumper vehicle to its fleet this year. The vehicle will support the City in lowering its carbon emissions while boasting eco-friendly features that minimize noise and exhaust emissions. The electric range of the EV pumper is expected to be approximately 100 km. The vehicle will require a 90-minute charging cycle to fully power up the battery using a DC fast charger.

Example of a Pierce EV Powertrain

About the MFES vehicle fleet

The heavy rescue vehicles are a valuable addition to the MFES fleet, which will now consist of 17 Pumpers, eight Aerials, four Squads, two Heavy Rescues, one electric-powered Pumper (due to arrive in August 2024) and several other support vehicles including a Hazardous Response Vehicle, Air Rehab Unit, Command Post and three District Chief Command vehicles.

On average, MFES responds to 30,000 emergency calls annually, making it essential to have a robust fleet of emergency vehicles that can handle any situation at a moment’s notice.

For more information on the MFES fleet and services, please visit mississauga.ca/fire.

“Mississauga” by emerging rapper, Mikey Bloom wins the 50th Anniversary Anthem Contest!

By Announcement, Music, Stephen’s Initiatives

Watch 50Th Anniversary Anthem Press Conference Highlights

Mississauga Arts Council (MAC), Metalworks Studios, and SoundsUnite are pleased to announce the 50th Anthem Anniversary Contest winner, an emerging rapper who grew up in Mississauga, Mikey Bloom with his anthem “Mississauga”.

“I am truly honoured and thankful for this opportunity to be a part of Mississauga’s history,” says Mikey Bloom, 50th Anthem Anniversary Contest Winner. “This song is our collective celebration and is shared by us all. To those hearing my music for the first time, this is the greatest introduction I could ask for and I’m glad we could meet this way. Mississauga made me and now I made “Mississauga”.

“Some time ago, I had a vision to do something exceptional and special to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the City of Mississauga, this is where the 50th Anniversary Anthem Contest idea came to life,” says Ward 1 Councillor, Stephen Dasko, “My initiative was received with open arms by Metalworks Studios, SoundsUnite, Mississauga Arts Council, and the creative industries at the City of Mississauga, who collectively came together to host this song contest. I am very excited with the song selected and my heartfelt congratulations to the artist Mickey Bloom who will now be a part of Mississauga’s history.”

“As we mark five decades of growth and unity in Mississauga, our 50th Anniversary Anthem stands as a testament to the city’s evolution,” notes Gil Moore, Founder and CEO of Metalworks Studios, “By weaving the unique narratives of each neighbourhood into a dynamic composition, Mikey Bloom’s song is a timeless reflection of our shared history. This anthem is a musical celebration and a statement of Mississauga’s boundless potential.”

Jurors Murray Daigle, Music Producer, Songwriter, and Mixer; Demetrius Nath, Owner of antiskeptic entertainment and Mississauga Music, and Liberty Silver, Juno-award winning singer, were collectively impressed with Mikey’s demo, stating that it had clever songwriting, a great hook and that they can see audiences singing along to it.

“Mikey Bloom has connected many Mississauga neighbourhoods and even the spelling into a story song that represents our city’s new era at 50 years young,” says Mike Douglas, Executive Director MAC,” Congratulations Mikey if this is just the beginning of your introduction to Mississauga, we can’t wait to see where your career goes from here!”

“Mississauga” by Mikey Bloom is available on all streaming platforms as of January 20, 2024.

Listen on YouTube


About Mikey Bloom

Mikey Bloom is an emerging musician who grew up in Mississauga. He creates a diverse range of music, including pop, dancehall, R&B and hip-hop, with his main focus being a rapper. Mikey is also a producer and songwriter, crafting all of his music and writing for others. He was inspired to write music after it helped him through difficult times in his life and he aims to create music that can help others in the same way it has helped him. Learn more: instagram.com/mikeybloom

About 50th Anthem Anniversary Contest

In 1974, the year of the City of Mississauga’s incorporation, the great Country singer/songwriter Tommy Hunter wrote and recorded “Mississauga”, a song to celebrate and uplift the newly formed city. On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the City of Mississauga, the 50th Anniversary Anthem contest searched for an iconic anthem for a new era to celebrate community pride. Inspired by a vision by Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko, it was hosted by Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) in partnership with Metalworks Studios and SoundsUnite. Juried by a panel of music business peers, winner, Mikey Bloom, received a free recording and mixing session at the prestigious Metalworks Studios and had his anthem named “Mississauga’s 50th Anniversary Anthem”. Learn more: macarts.ca/anthem

Read the Insauga Article

Port Credit Memorial Park Skating Trail Opening Friday January 19th

By Announcement, Events, Parks, Stephen’s Initiatives, Ward 1

Councillor Stephen Dasko is pleased to announce the opening of an initiative that is near and dear to his heart.

Port Credit Memorial Park Skating Trail
will open starting
Friday January 19th at 4:30 pm

Enjoy a special, inaugural skate and hot chocolate with Councillor Stephen Dasko!  Check out and test the new skating trail prior to the Official Grand Opening.

Mark your calendar

Official Grand Opening Event
will take place on
Saturday February 17th 4:30 to 7 pm 

This FREE event will feature Figure Skating Club performances, ribbon cutting, Fire & Ice demonstrations, ice sculptures, interactive children’s activities, a DJ playing favourite tunes, food vendors, skate rentals, contests and much more!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Mississauga’s Next 50 years: An evening with Brent Toderian, renowned urbanist and city-planner

By Announcement, Events

Get your free ticket for an evening of engaging discussion about Mississauga’s future.

The City of Mississauga is hosting an unforgettable evening with Brent Toderian, renowned urbanist and city planner who will be sharing his insights and experiences in shaping vibrant cities as we look ahead at Mississauga’s future.

He will be delving into the art of creating livable and sustainable cities, discussing innovative urban design, transportation solutions and community engagement. So whether you are a city enthusiast, urban planner or simply curious about the future of our city, this event is perfect for you.

Do not miss the opportunity to hear from one of the leading experts in urban planning. Gain valuable insights, ask questions and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for creating better cities.

What

An evening with Brent Toderian

When

Wednesday, January 17, 2024
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where

Living Arts Centre, Hammerson Hall
4141 Living Arts Drive
Mississauga, L5B 3C1

Tickets

This is a free event. Tickets can be obtained through Eventbrite

So be sure to mark your calendars and be prepared for an inspiring evening filled with thought-provoking discussions.

About Brent Toderian

Brent Toderian is a national and international thought-leader on better cities and a leading global practitioner in city planning, transportation, urban design and advanced city-building. He advises cities, governments, non-profits & best-practice developers across Canada and all around the world.

Brent’s establishment of TODERIAN UrbanWORKS in 2012 followed 6 years of significant achievement as Chief City Planner for Vancouver BC, and 6 years as a transformative planning leader and manager in Calgary. He started his career as an award-winning city planning consultant in Ontario. Brent is the past/founding President of the Council for Canadian Urbanism; a regular voice on cities in national and international media; and a writer for Fast Company, CityLab, the Huffington Post & many other publications. In both 2017 and 2023 he was voted one of the 100 most influential global urbanists of all time by Planetizen.

For more information, visit https://www.mississauga.ca/events-and-attractions/events-calendar/7930

Nominate someone inspired by nature for a Conservation Award

By Announcement, Events, Resources

It’s that time of year when we ask for your nominations to honour local environmental champions through our Friends of the Credit Conservation Awards program.

The program is an opportunity for the CVC to celebrate those who deserve recognition for their important work in the watershed. We ask that you nominate deserving candidates whose contributions support a thriving environment that protects, connects and sustains the Credit River Watershed.

Nominations are open to individuals, companies and groups in the following nine categories:

  • Youth Achievement
  • Outstanding Volunteer
  • Environmental Awareness
  • Landowner Stewardship
  • Corporate Leadership
  • Green Cities
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership
  • Legacy Donor
  • Watershed Excellence

Examples of eligible projects include:

  • Landowners who’ve taken action to protect and restore nature on their property.
  • Local businesses, municipalities or regional government who have adapted new approaches or green infrastructure.
  • Individuals or businesses that donate land or funds to purchase land for its long-term protection.
  • Individuals that generously donate their time through on-the-ground environmental work, education or outreach efforts.

Nominations for the Friends of the Credit Conservation Awards are open until February 20, 2024.

For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit cvc.ca/friends-of-the-credit-conservation-awards/

Upcoming NAV CANADA Flight Checks: First semi-annual test

By Announcement

NAV Canada regularly conducts instrument landing system (ILS) check at Toronto Pearson. This is a routine operation that ensures the accuracy and safety of the country’s navigation aids and instrument approach procedures. The ILS is a precision approach system that provides navigational guidance signals and information on a cockpit display to guide pilots accurately to the point of landing in periods of poor visibility.

The first semi-annual test of 2024 will take place between January 15-16 from approx. 11:30PM to 4:00AM (weather contingencies on January 17-19) and will involve all runways at Toronto Pearson. It will take approximately 20 minutes per runway.

Pre-approved flights do operate in the overnight hours in accordance with the Night Flight Restriction program in effect between 12:30AM and 6:30AM. However, given that the flight checks will involve flight patterns of repeated approaches for the runways at varying combinations of height, speed, and direction, we wanted to inform you that there might be noise impacts in your riding.

We have already posted the information on our Noise Advisory Calendar, and will also be posting a message on WebTrak.

Affected residents can feel free to reach out to the Toronto Pearson Noise Management Office directly if they have any questions or wish to submit a noise complaint:

  • Online using WebTrak or the complaint form
  • By phone 416-247-7682