Category

Announcement

City to boost MiWay service through 57,000 additional service hours; maintenance enhancements

By Announcement, Resources

City Council has voted to boost MiWay route service by an additional 57,000 service hours and over 2,400 hours of additional maintenance and repair service.

May 15, 2024

Mississauga City Council has voted to boost MiWay route service by an additional 57,000 service hours and over 2,400 hours of additional maintenance and repair service to meet the growing demands for transit service in Mississauga.

There will be more buses on the road more often and on the routes that need them the most, ensuring dependable, on-time service for riders.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for transit services in our City and we’re increasing service to match,” said Ward 8 Councillor and Acting Mayor, Matt Mahoney. “The addition of new drivers and maintenance workers will allow us to build the kind of capacity that our residents need and expect from MiWay. Through the Dedicated Gas Tax Fund for Public Transportation program, these improvements will do exactly what they’re designed to do and contribute greatly to improved quality of life for our residents.”

The Dedicated Gas Tax Fund for Public Transportation Program provides municipalities with the means to support and improve transportation services. Mississauga’s allocation of this funding to MiWay will lead to continued growth, which is key as ridership continues to increase.

Since the end of the COVID-19 Pandemic, MiWay ridership has surpassed 2019 levels by nearly 10 per cent as of 2023. While there was a 4 per cent allowance for increased service hours in the City’s 2024 Budget, the City continues to see significant growth in ridership in 2024.

“The ability for us to increase the service on some of the busiest routes in Mississauga means residents can get to their destinations quicker and with even more dependability — something MiWay prides itself on and strives for every day,” said Eve Wiggins, Director of Transit. “We’ve listened to our riders and are taking action to meet their needs, while continuing with our mission to continually grow transit service and ridership in Mississauga.”

The additional funding will increase service and maintenance through the addition of 44 new transit operators and 11 new maintenance staff. These additions will help ensure service is increased with a focus on the following routes:

  1. Burnhamthorpe Express: Route 126
  2. University of Toronto (UTM) Routes 44 and 110
  3. Kipling Bus Terminal Route 11 – Westwood Mall

Service will also be improved by redirecting 60-foot buses (with greater passenger capacity) to busier corridors such as Mavis Road (Route 61) and McLaughlin Road (Route 66).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more about MiWay routes and ways we are improving for residents

A new tune for Mississauga musicians with Musician Fair Pay policy

By Announcement, Music, Resources

The policy is one of the first in Canada to set a minimum payment for musicians that perform at City-produced events and results directly from the City’s first Music Strategy: 2022-2026.

May 15, 2024

Today in Council, the City of Mississauga’s first Musician Fair Pay Policy was approved, marking a significant step towards recognizing and valuing the contributions of musicians within the local art scene.

The policy is one of the first in Canada to set a minimum payment for musicians that perform at City-produced events and results directly from the City’s first Music Strategy: 2022-2026. The strategy identifies 32 actions over the next five years to support the growth and development of Mississauga’s music industry.

“Musicians are the foundation of a strong music economy and help contribute to our city’s lively music scene,” says Kristina Zietsma, Director, Culture and Recreation. “By setting these standards, Mississauga not only acknowledges the professional status of musicians, but also sets a precedent for other municipalities to follow. This policy aims to ensure that all performers are compensated fairly for their talents and efforts, fostering a more sustainable and vibrant cultural ecosystem for years to come.”

Noted in a corporate report, the policy applies to City-produced events where musicians are contracted by staff for live performances and outlines clear guidelines for equitable remuneration. It was developed in collaboration with the local music community and industry stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of musicians’ needs. It also reflects a broader commitment to supporting the arts, recognizing the essential role that music plays in enriching the community’s cultural life. This transparent approach aims to eliminate ambiguity, ensuring that artists are compensated appropriately for their work.

Rates are based on a minimum scale set in the current Tariff of Fees by the Toronto Musicians’ Association, Local 149 (TMA) – the local union branch of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) for musicians in the Greater Toronto Area. The rates established by TMA 149 serve as the industry standard minimum payment rates for professional musicians.

The City’s Musician Fair Pay Policy will be posted in the coming weeks on the City’s website.

Escape the couch! Free summer events are back at Mississauga Celebration Square

By Announcement, Events, Resources

From diverse festivals and outdoor fitness sessions to captivating movies and lively concerts, there’s something for everyone.

Summer is almost here! So dust off the BBQ and get ready to head over to Mississauga Celebration Square (MCS) with the family for some fun, free activities and events. There’s so much to enjoy now until the end of October.

From diverse festivals and outdoor fitness sessions to captivating movies and lively concerts, there’s something for everyone—including Mississauga’s new Sauga Savings Pass, which offers discounts at some of the city’s most popular spots.

What’s on tap this season:

  • The Fountain: cool off at the City’s biggest wading pool. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun steps away from the big screens, food trucks and exciting live events. View hours of operation 
  • Festivals: check out a variety of festivals happening every weekend and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Mississauga’s cultural offerings. View event calendar
  • Fresh Air Fitness: get your sweat on and take part in outdoor fitness classes every Wednesday – including Zumba®, Bollywood, yoga, strength and stretch, led by highly-qualified City fitness instructors. View schedule
  • Lions Farmers Market: support local every Wednesday and pick-up produce, sweet treats and artisan goods from local businesses. Learn more
  • Open Air Storytime: enter a world of imagination and adventure through interactive live readings of children’s books at the Amphitheatre on Wednesday mornings as you watch stories come to life. View story line-up
  • Movie Nights: grab a blanket and head over to the City’s largest outdoor movie theatre to enjoy an incredible movie line-up under the stars, featuring everything from animated hits to live action blockbusters. View movie schedule
  • Amphitheatre Unplugged: it’s time for open mic night! Enjoy local talent close to home. From live music to comedy acts, it’s the perfect way to support Mississauga’s up-and-coming artists. Learn more
  • Sporting events on the big screen: calling all sports fans, check out a variety of games on the MCS screens all summer long. Select screenings of international soccer tournaments and summer games will be shown. Screening schedule will be posted soon – stay tuned on celebrationsquare.ca for more details.

Are you a youth or know someone between the ages of 12 and 16? Take advantage of the Sauga Summer Pass and enjoy free MiWay rides to all these activities from June 28 to September 2, 2024.

For more information about upcoming activities and events, including National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day, visit the webpage.

City proposes plan to get more affordable rental housing built in Mississauga

By Announcement, Planning & Development

The plan recommends financial incentives for developers and homeowners who want to build affordable rental housing citywide.

The City is working on a plan to encourage the construction of more affordable rental housing in Mississauga. If approved, the plan will offer grants and financial incentives for a variety of rental units – from larger-scale apartment buildings to additional residential units like garden suites and basement apartments. The need for affordable housing is an important issue, affecting one in three households in Mississauga. For renters, housing affordability is especially challenging.

Creating more affordable rental units is an important part of Mississauga’s Action Plan for New Housing. Encouraging purpose-built rental housing is important because:

  • Rental properties are more attainable for those who are new to the housing market or who have moderate incomes.
  • Properties that are built specifically for the rental market provide more security for tenants over the long term (as they are more likely to remain rental stock).
  • Increasing rental housing supply is important but the City needs a variety of housing types to meet the needs of our diverse community.

Public Meeting

The City is holding a public meeting at Planning and Development Committee, to give an overview of our proposed Affordable Rental Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and take feedback. A CIP is a tool under the Ontario Planning Act that allows the City to provide incentives such as grants and loans to help encourage development.

The CIP will be funded, in part, through funds received from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. In December 2023, the Government of Canada and the City of Mississauga announced a $112.9 million agreement under the fund to help deliver more homes and improve affordability.

Meeting details

When

Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 6 p.m.

Where

Planning and Development Committee

Council Chambers, Civic Centre

Participate

Watch the live stream on the City’s website (without registering) or join in person at City Hall. Instructions on how to register to share your feedback at the meeting are included in the Planning and Development Committee meeting agenda.

Background

The Affordable Rental Housing CIP is a key action under Growing Mississauga: An Action Plan for New Housing. This action plan identifies steps the City is taking to get more homes built, streamline building approvals and make homes more affordable. It builds on the success of the City’s previous housing plans including Making Room for the Middle: An Affordable Housing Strategy for Mississauga.

Visit the City’s Affordable Rental Housing CIP webpage to learn more and sign up for project updates.

SCHEDULED WATER INTERRUPTION NOTICE – Tuesday, May 14th, from approximately 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

By Announcement, Resources

INTERRUPTION DETAILS

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 14th, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Location: 845 Seventh St

Addresses Affected: 833-856 Seventh St

Project #:  C-603469

Regional Inspector:  Phemelo Mpoloka

Telephone #  

437-220-8917

905-791-7800 ext. 3246/3247

 

The Region of Peel 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, May 14th, from approximately 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. If we need to reschedule this work due to weather or other circumstances, we will let you know the new date and time.

If this interruption may affect an alarm or maintenance company, it is your responsibility to notify them.  During the time that the water supply is interrupted, the building’s sprinkler protection system will not function.  A fire watch should be performed as necessary during time period.

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). Flush the toilets as well. 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 your water meter (usually located in the basement).  If it is leaking, call Water Meter Installations Dispatch at:

  • (905) 791 – 7800 Ext. 3226 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Monday to Friday)
  • (905) 791 – 7800 Ext. 4409 (After hours or Statutory Holidays)

Yours truly,

Michael Torchia

Foreperson, Construction Inspections

Engineering Technical Services

Operations Support Division

Public Works

2 Copper Road, Brampton ON, L6T 4W5

(905) 791-7800 Ext. 4831

Mississauga stands in solidarity with Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit individuals

By Announcement, Events

This day aims to recognize and raise awareness about the alarming rate of violence and abuse that Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people face in Canada.

On Sunday, May 5, the City of Mississauga will recognize the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), also known as Red Dress Day. This day aims to recognize and raise awareness about the alarming rate of violence and abuse that Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people face in Canada.

“We stand solid in our commitment to the families who are still impacted by these horrific crimes and to bring awareness and education to the public,” said Ogimma-kwe Claire Sault, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. “We can’t change the past, but we can certainly change the future for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals who have been devasted by violence or are still missing. We need to be a voice for those we’ve lost and a strength to those who are left behind. For survivors, we need to continue to create safe spaces that allows them to tell their story.”

The 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action report identified 94 steps to address the damaging impact of residential schools in Canada. One of these steps, Call to Action #41, focuses on the issue of disproportionate violence against Indigenous women and girls and proposes the creation of a public inquiry into this crisis, which remains an urgent matter of concern.

“Today, Mississauga stands in solidarity with the Indigenous community and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals who have been impacted by violence or have gone missing,” said Acting Mayor, Matt Mahoney. “We pause to reflect and acknowledge the pain and suffering they have experienced and to show our support for them and their families. We honour the strength and courage of the survivors who have shared their stories with us.”

On May 5, the City will recognize these tragic moments in Canada’s Indigenous history, by:

  • Dimming the Clock Tower at Mississauga City Hall
  • Lowering the Every Child Matters flag at City Hall to half-mast

The community is encouraged to show their support and raise awareness of MMIWG2S by wearing red, joining the conversation online, viewing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s report and other related material. Additional information and resources can be found on the City’s webpage.

SCHEDULED WATER INTERRUPTION NOTICE – Tuesday, May 7th, from approximately 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

By Announcement, Resources

INTERRUPTION DETAILS

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 7th, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Location: 536 Lynd Ave

Addresses Affected: 1426-1473 Radcliffe Blvd; 529-581 Lynd Ave; 1481, 1495 Garnet Ave   

Project #:  C603651

Regional Inspector:  Phemelo Mpoloka

Telephone #  

437-220-8917

905-791-7800 ext. 3246/3247

The Region of Peel 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, May 7th, from approximately 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. If we need to reschedule this work due to weather or other circumstances, we will let you know the new date and time.

If this interruption may affect an alarm or maintenance company, it is your responsibility to notify them.  During the time that the water supply is interrupted, the building’s sprinkler protection system will not function.  A fire watch should be performed as necessary during time period.

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). Flush the toilets as well. 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 your water meter (usually located in the basement).  If it is leaking, call Water Meter Installations Dispatch at:

  • (905) 791 – 7800 Ext. 3226 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Monday to Friday)
  • (905) 791 – 7800 Ext. 4409 (After hours or Statutory Holidays)

 

Discover Mississauga like never before on a Community Bike Ride

By Announcement, Resources

Community Rides are free, guided bike rides that take place across various neighbourhoods in Mississauga.

We often see our city through the windshield of a car and miss so much in the process. So, why not discover Mississauga on two wheels, make new friends and strengthen your ties with the community by joining the City’s Community Rides as part of Mississauga’s 50th anniversary? The guided bike rides are free and are a wonderful way to discover Mississauga’s neighbourhoods while staying active. All you need is a bike and a helmet! So, come on out and join in the fun!

Starting Saturday, May 4, Community Rides will be taking place every two weeks until the end of October. Rides are for all ages and cycling ability levels, and happen in different Mississauga neighbourhoods. They are between eight and 16 kilometres. If you can’t make it to one of the rides, you can still cycle the routes at your convenience using our online route map.

A yellow background with a logo and text

Event details:

What:

Community Rides are free, guided bike rides that take place across Mississauga. These bike rides are an excellent way to experience the city’s cycling infrastructure. From on-road bike lanes to shared pathways and multi-use trails, there’s always something new to discover.

Who:

Mississauga residents of all ages and cycling abilities who want to be active outdoors and are interested in seeing their neighbourhood and city by bike.

Where/when:

Community Rides will take place every two weeks between June and October.

Those interested in participating in the group-style rides must register and be at the starting location for the start time. City staff will be onsite at the starting location to help guide participants and answer any questions.

Pre-season ride

Planned 2024 Community Rides:

Registration for these in-person guided rides is required.

A group of people riding bicycles on a road

Mississauga 50 for 50

As part of Mississauga’s 50th anniversary, we are encouraging residents to give back to the community by participating in the 50 for 50 challenge. You can do your part by showing your appreciation for the benefits of cycling – whether you bike 50 kilometres or bike for 50 minutes to help reduce your carbon emissions or simply stay active. Once you complete the challenge, download your 50 for 50 certificate to show off your civic pride.

A group of people riding bicycles

Learn more about Community Rides and register for rides mississauga.ca/communityrides.

Come celebrate the IDEA Square One Entrepreneurship Hub’s first birthday!

By Announcement, Resources

Join us at an open house to celebrate IDEA Square One Entrepreneurship Hub’s first year of operations on May 2

You’re invited to join the City of Mississauga’s Economic Development team on Thursday, May 2 from 4-6 p.m. to celebrate the first birthday of IDEA Square One – Mississauga’s anchor entrepreneurship hub – a place for Mississauga’s small business, start-up and scale-up community to connect, learn, and grow their businesses.

What

IDEA Square One first birthday

Where

IDEA Square One
100 City Centre Dr., 2nd floor
Mississauga

When

Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 4 – 6 p.m.

  • Meet IDEA Square One clients as they showcase their businesses and offerings, from baking to cashmere scarves, from 3D printing to mocktails
  • Learn more about how IDEA Square One services can support your small business

Agenda

  • 4 – 4:30 p.m.: Registration
  • 4:30 p.m.: Opening Remarks by Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Economic Development
  • 4:35 p.m.: Remarks by Ward 4 Councillor John Kovac and City staff
  • 4:40 – 6 p.m.: Networking and IDEA client showcase

Register for the IDEA Square One First Birthday Celebration here.

Media please RSVP to media@mississauga.ca.

Learn more about IDEA Mississauga at ideamississauga.ca.

Make summer more affordable with a Sauga Summer Pass

By Announcement, Resources, Youth

Summer is right around the corner and the City of Mississauga is helping youth (ages 12-16) have fun, for free.

The warm weather is on its way and families are filling in their calendar for the months ahead – perhaps with a budget in mind. Mississauga parents, guardians and youth residents are encouraged to make the most out of the Sauga Summer Pass. The pass, which is available for free, makes it easier for youth to spend time within the City without worrying about transportation.From June 28 – September 2, 2024, youth ages 12-16 can use the Sauga Summer Pass to access free rides on MiWay within Mississauga and free participation in fun swims at the City’s indoor and outdoor pools. Youth ages 14-16 can also use the pass to get free fitness centre access (some restrictions may apply).

 

How to apply:

Starting today Mississauga youth 12 to 16 years can now register for a Sauga Summer Pass, here’s how:

  • Download, print and complete the Sauga Summer Pass application form.
  • Submit the completed form at any City community centre.
  • Bring a physical piece of identification with you to verify your date of birth.
  • Fitness centre access can be added to your pass by completing additional steps with a parent/guardian at any community centre.

Good to know:

  • Sauga Summer Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the program reaches capacity.
  • A photo must be taken by City customer service staff to add to the pass. As a result, the pass should only be utilized by the person for whom the application was approved; pass-back or sharing is not allowed.
  • Pass holders can access City swimming pools during designated drop-in fun swimming times only. To view scheduled pool times, visit Active Mississauga or inquire at the pools.
  • Check out the fitness amenities where the pass can be used.
  • The Sauga Summer Pass is only valid on MiWay. If you’re transferring to a different transit system, you’ll need to pay the applicable fare.

Passholders must show a valid Sauga Summer Pass to the Transit Operator when boarding a MiWay bus to ride for free.

Plan a MiWay trip online or call 905-615-INFO (4636) for route and schedule information.

For more information about the Sauga Summer Pass, please visit mississauga.ca/summerpass.