Category

Covid-19

Economic Recovery Plan Supports Mississauga Creative Industries

By Covid-19, Resources

December 2, 2020

Today, General Committee endorsed the third industry-specific plan designed to guide the City’s economic recovery from COVID-19. The Creative Industries Economic Recovery Plan outlines specific priorities and actions to mitigate, reboot and grow Mississauga’s film, television and music sectors in the wake of the pandemic.

“Our creative industries faced an unprecedented level of uncertainty when COVID-19 closed live music venues and halted film and television production. From the outset, we worked closely with these sectors to help them manage the initial impacts of the pandemic,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie.  “While there are still unknowns about the future, with this recovery plan, the City is well-positioned to strengthen and promote our world-class creative industries, which make such important contributions to the vibrancy and economic health of Mississauga.”

Five industry-specific plans – one for each of Mississauga’s major business sectors – were outlined in the City’s Economic Recovery Pillar Framework approved by Council earlier this year. The Creative Industries Economic Recovery Plan, led by the City’s Culture Division, was developed with continuous engagement from business owners and key industry leaders.  Three themes emerged and have become priorities for the plan:

  1. Building Confidence: As the pandemic continues, re-establishing public support for creative sectors is a priority.
  2. Removing Barriers: Reviewing and updating City policies and procedures that impede creative sectors from rebooting and growing in the wake of the pandemic.
  3. Attracting Investment: Ensuring Mississauga remains competitive and attractive to film and music production is vital to our recovery efforts.

“While the impacts of COVID-19 have been severe, particularly for live music performers and venues, insights from our industry partners have also highlighted opportunities,” said Paul Damaso Director, Culture Division. “These opportunities, such as providing access to sustainable funding opportunities, digital online resources and marketing support informed our plan and will help move creative industries in Mississauga towards sustained economic prosperity.”

In total, the Creative Industries Economic Recovery Plan identifies 16 unique action items to help the film, television and music sectors through economic recovery. Key initiatives include:

  • Providing free business skills training, mentorship and grant opportunities to Mississauga music entrepreneurs through the Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre
  • Creating musical pathways for youth
  • Launching a project using input from industry stakeholders and benchmarking research to identify barriers to filming in Mississauga
  • Increasing the number of Mississauga locations on the Ontario Creates Locations Library
  • Investing efforts in continued studio expansion
  • Developing a comprehensive strategy to support and grow Mississauga’s music sector

The plan also highlights three other important culture-related recovery projects currently underway. These include the Cultural Districts Implementation Plan, the City’s Grant Program and initiatives to support Mississauga’s visual artists.

The Creative Industries Economic Recovery Plan will go to Council next week for approval.

To stay informed about the City’s COVID-19 recovery efforts, visit Mississauga.ca/recovery.

Background

The need for five industry-specific plans tailored to small business, broader industry, tourism, creative industries and the land development/real estate industry was outlined in the City’s Economic Recovery Pillar Framework. As one of four pillars guiding the City’s overall recovery efforts, the framework sets out the principles for the development of each industry-specific economic recovery plan.

Consultation and engagement with stakeholders and the business community will continue to be an important part of the City’s recovery efforts. All five industry-specific plans will be reviewed and assessed on a regular basis in consultation with the Mississauga Economic Resilience Taskforce, an advisory group established in June 2020.

December 2, 2020
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Recreational Facilities Update: Shower & Warming Access for the Homeless

By Covid-19, Issues

As a result of the lockdown, our Recreation facilities have been closed for our regular services, including relief from the cold and our Shower Pass program for homeless members of our community.  Starting this Saturday December 5th, we will be providing limited access to three of our community centres for these purposes.  Shower and lobby facilities will be available daily from Monday through Saturday, 1-4pm, at the following locations:

  • Malton Community Centre
  • Meadowvale Community Centre
  • Port Credit Arena

The Library’s Open Window Hub will be providing hygiene kits and referral resources will be made available.  The Recreation team will continue to monitor demand for these services and we are prepared to expand access if required.  In the case of an Extreme Cold Weather alert, we are also prepared to extend hours at these locations to serve as a warming centre.

December 2, 2020
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COVID-19 Lockdown – Temporary Lay – Offs for Part-Time employees in non-essential services

By Covid-19, Events, Resources

December 1, 2020

The City of Mississauga, is currently in the Grey-Lockdown level of Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework and is adhering to all recommendations and precautions set forth by the Province and Peel’s Medical Officer of Health.

Peel Region’s Grey-Lockdown level status has resulted in the closure of City community centres, including pools, fitness centres and arenas and cultural facilities such as the Small Arms Building and Museums of Mississauga, Living Arts Centre and Meadowvale Theatre. All indoor team sport activities, indoor in–person recreation programs including pools, arenas, fitness and culture programs are cancelled.

With these closures, the City of Mississauga has again made the difficult decision to temporarily lay-off approximately 1,100 part-time employees who work at these facilities effective December 7, 2020.

“This decision is especially difficult given the hard year we have all had. The City is facing significant financial pressures as a result of this second lockdown. In order to be fiscally responsible, we must take action to respond to the facility closures and their impact on our operations. This is not where we wanted to be. But I truly believe that Mississauga can come together, right here and right now, to get this situation under control. I am again urging everyone to stay home expect when going out for the essentials, and to please limit their in-person contact to just their immediate households and essential supports,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie.

“As the City had to enter a second lock-down in order to protect the health and safety of employees and residents, we made the difficult decision to lay off part time staff in non-essential services. I know that employees are under a lot of anxiety and stress, especially so close to the holiday season. Due to financial pressures we are seeing on our 2020 financial results, we have to mitigate the financial impact from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lay-offs are a direct result of City program cancellations and facility closures, not having work available for part-time employees during the shut-down of non-essential services. We will continue to assess the impact of the lockdown to City operations, communicate with those impacted and have made our employee and family assistance program available to all staff during this difficult time,” said Paul Mitcham, Chief Administrative Officer and City Manager.

The majority of lay-offs impact part-time employees in Community Services. Many employees are expected to receive benefits through the Canada Recovery Benefit.

The City will continues to deliver services including Fire, Transit, Works Operations and Maintenance, 311 and Dispatch, Parks and Forestry, Animal Services, Regulatory Services, Building Permits/Inspections, Site Plan Applications, Official Plan Amendments and Rezoning Planning Applications, Security Services as well as Administrative/Technical functions.

For information on health and safety recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

For information about the City’s response to COVID-19:

December 1, 2020
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Mississauga’s COVID-19 Update for December 2, 2020

By Covid-19, Events

November 30, 2020

On Wednesday, December 2 at 4 p.m., media are invited to virtually attend Mayor Bonnie Crombie’s weekly press conference focused on the City of Mississauga’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Details

What:
Latest updates and announcements on the City’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Mississauga.

When:
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 4 p.m.

Who:
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie

Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health at Region of Peel

Nancy Macdonald-Duncan, Acting Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management

Sam Rogers, Director, Enforcement

Where:
Online – the virtual press conference will be streamed on the City’s website at https://web.mississauga.ca/council/council-activities/council-and-committee-videos/press-conferences-and-events/

Media: All media must RSVP to Lindsay Noronha, lindsay.noronha@mississauga.ca, by noon on December 2 if they would like to participate and ask questions. Confirmed media will be provided with a WebEx meeting request and log-in details in order to join the conference.

For more information about the City’s COVID-19 response and service impacts, visit: mississauga.ca/covid.

November 30, 2020
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COVID-19 Lockdown – Week 1 Enforcement Includes Thousands of Inspections

By Covid-19, Issues

November 30, 2020

Mississauga, as part of Peel Region, has been in the Grey-Lockdown zone of the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework for one week.

In that week, there have been enhancements as to how the City’s Enforcement Division has approached the new regulations.

“We launched an ambitious proactive inspection plan designed to get ahead of violations and correct behaviours quickly and purposefully,” said Sam Rogers, Director of Enforcement for the City of Mississauga. “Enforcement Officers were re-assigned from their regular duties to double our ‘boots on the ground’ and conduct thousands of inspections.”

Rogers added that public complaints have tripled in the past week and 4,500 inspections were conducted in the first seven days of the lockdown which resulted in 57 charges and 51 notices of contravention.

“Violations were observed across all sectors including house parties, gyms, retail stores, car dealerships, pet retail, salons, furniture stores, restaurants and electronics stores,” noted Rogers. “The vast majority of people and businesses are complying but there are some out there who are intentionally breaking the rules and putting lives at risk.”

“I want to thank the vast majority of residents and businesses who are complying with the lockdown restrictions,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “These enhanced enforcement measures will allow us to better identify those who are not in compliance with the regulations and penalize those who flagrantly flout the rules. Everyone has a part to play in limiting the spread of this virus.”

Business owners and residents are being asked to take the regulations outlined by the province seriously.

“Lockdown can’t end until we change our behavior,” added Rogers. “To ensure this mindset shift happens, we will be strictly enforcing the Lockdown regulations. If you are intentionally violating the rules, we will be knocking on your door.”

Peel Region will remain in the Grey-Lockdown level for a minimum of 28 days or two COVID-19 incubation periods. The Ontario government will reassess after that period to determine if each region will stay where they are or be moved to a different level.

For information on health and safety recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

For information about the City’s response to COVID-19:

November 30, 2020
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Regional Council Motion on Equal Treatment of Small and Local Businesses

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

Today at the Region, I, along many of the Regional Councillors, worked with the Chair and the Mayor Crombie’s original motion to collaborate on  a resolution asking the Province for equal treatment of small and local businesses with the big box stores and also with stricter enforcement requirements.

Hoping that our voices are heard.

Please see the motion attached.

Kind regards,

Stephen

Regional Council Motion RE Equal Treatment for Small Businesses

 

November 26, 2020
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Council Outcomes November 25, 2020: Mississauga Tourism Budget and Business Plan, Central Library Renaming & COVID-19 Response

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

At today’s meeting, City Council approved the 2021 Tourism Mississauga Budget and Business Plan, the renaming of Central Library to be the Hazel McCallion Central Library and discussed efforts in response to the impacts of COVID-19.

Mississauga Tourism 2021 Budget and Business Plan

Council approved the 2021 budget and business plan for Tourism Mississauga presented by Shari Lichterman, Commissioner, Community Services and CEO of Tourism Mississauga and Toni Frankfurter, Tourism Mississauga Board Chair.

On October 26, 2020, the Board of Directors for Tourism Mississauga held a meeting to approve its 2021 budget and business plan to continue to promote tourism in the City of the Mississauga. According to a Tourism Mississauga by-law, Council is required to approve the final budget and business plan for Tourism Mississauga on an annual basis.

Tourism Mississauga is Mississauga’s destination marketing organization.

Central Library Renaming

Council approved plans for the renaming of Central Library, located at 301 Burnhamthorpe Road West, in honour of former Mayor Hazel McCallion.

The facility will be renamed the Hazel McCallion Central Library on February 10, 2021, ahead of its renovation. The renovation will help ensure its continued ability to meet the educational needs of Mississauga residents for years to come.

In recognition of this renaming, signage will be placed on the exterior of the library for Hazel McCallion’s 100th birthday and an exhibit highlighting her legacy will be assembled in the library to recognize her significant achievements, in keeping with COVID-19 restrictions.

Business Licensing By-law Amended For Vehicle Pound Storage Fees

The City’s Business Licensing By-law sets storage fees for owners of vehicle pound facilities. Council amended the City’s Business Licensing By-law to set the storage fee at $85 to establish consistency within the vehicle pound industry.

Towing Advisory Committee Report on Threshold for Appeals to Applicants Licensees 

Council directed staff to report to the Towing Industry Advisory Committee with recommendations related to a proposed amendment to the Tow Truck Licensing By-law. The proposed amendment  looks at setting an appropriate limit for convictions under appeal for applicants and licensees, while balancing the interests of the public related to health, safety and well-being.

The City’s current Tow Truck Licensing By-law requires the City to revoke a licence when:

  • a licensee has received a conviction, with a value of four or more demerit points, under the Highway Traffic Act
  • a licensee has been convicted of certain offences under the Criminal Code of Canada.

As amendments are being considered, it is important that the City take into account the health, safety and well-being of persons and the protection of persons and property, including consumer protection.

The City administers tow truck licences, including renewals, in accordance with the Tow Truck Licensing By-law.

Take the Pledge Peel

The City of Mississauga’s Road Safety Committee has partnered with Peel Regional Police on a road safety program called #TakeThePledgePeel. The program encourages all road users (drivers, cyclists, pedestrians – walking or rolling) to do their part to keep themselves and other road users safe. The campaign addresses three concerns on Mississauga roads:

  • Aggressive driving
  • Impaired driving
  • Pedestrian safety

The #TakeThePledgePeel advocates for drivers to slow down and encourages other road users to be aware of their surroundings on the roads. To sign up to take the pledge, visit https://forms.peelpolice.ca/Campaign-Forms/Take-The-Pledge-Peel.

For more information on road safety initiatives happening in Mississauga, visit: Traffic

Opposed to proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act

Council approved a motion raised by Ward 2 Councillor Ras regarding proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act that:

  • the Government of Ontario work with conservation authorities to address their concerns by repealing and/or amending changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act
  • the Government of Ontario delay enactment of clauses affecting municipal concerns
  • the Government of Ontario provide a longer transition period up to December 2022 for non-mandatory programs to enable coordination of Conservation Authority-municipal budget processes
  • the Province respect the current conservation authority/municipal relationships
  • the Province embrace their long-standing partnership with the conservation authorities and provide them with the tools and financial resources they need to effectively implement their watershed management role.

Proposed changes to the legislation will create more red tape and costs for the conservation authorities and their municipal partners, and potentially result in delays in the development approval process. The Province has introduced Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID 19 Act – Schedule 6 – Conservation Authorities Act. The Legislation introduces a number of changes and new sections that could remove and/or significantly hinder the conservation authorities’ role in regulating development, permit appeal process and engaging in review and appeal of planning applications.  Changes allow the Minister to make decisions without Conservation Authority watershed data and expertise.

COVID-19 Response 

Preparation for Recovery – Outdoor Businesses

Council supported staff direction to prepare a temporary use by-law to permit outdoor retail sales/display and outdoor recreational and entertainment establishments in preparation for when the City is able to move out of the Grey-Lockdown Level.

A statutory public meeting scheduled for December 9, 2020 is required to enact the temporary use by-law.

Rental Fees for Indoor Sport Amenities with Restricted Capacities

Council endorsed temporary adjustment to Recreation Fees as outlined in the report entitled “Rental Fees for Indoor Sport Amenities with Restricted Capacities.”

To support City arena and indoor turf users where capacities are limited and game play not permitted, the non-prime rate will be applied to Saturdays and Sundays. The Director of Recreation has the authority to temporarily implement fee changes in the event arenas and indoor turf facilities are reopened under the ‘Control’ stage of the provincial framework.

For additional information about the City’s response to COVID-19:

  • Visit ca/recovery
  • Follow @CityMississauga on Twitterand Facebook
  • Watch Mayor Bonnie Crombie’s weekly COVID-19 press conference
  • Contact 311 (905-615-4311)
  • Support for Business
  • Guidance and resources to help Mississauga businesses can be found online at ca/business-covid-19.

For health information, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

Status of City Services: Find out what’s open and the status of City Services.

November 25, 2020
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COVID-19 Lockdown: Mississauga Offers Tools and Supports for Local Small Businesses

By Covid-19, Issues

November 24, 2020

Mississauga, as part of Peel Region, entered the Grey-Lockdown level of Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework today. As such, the City has made available resources to continue to support Mississauga’s small business community.

Guidance for businesses can be found on the City’s website and includes assets such as relevant news and updates for the business community as well as free webinars to help businesses respond to the impacts of COVID-19.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and so important to the vibrancy of neighbourhoods across our city,” said Mayor Crombie. “Many business owners are our friends, neighbours and family members whose livelihoods have taken a significant hit as result of this pandemic. Our city can’t recover if our businesses can’t recover. Shopping locally, liking your favorite restaurant’s social media page or leaving a review of your local pet groomer – all these actions help.”

To help shine a light on these small businesses and to remind residents to shop locally, the City of Mississauga and Tourism Mississauga launched the Mississauga Made campaign earlier this year.

Mississauga Made is an online initiative inspired to support and promote local products, businesses, artists, stories, activities and experiences. The Mississauga Made marketplace is a free promotional advertising opportunity for all Mississauga-based businesses.

Resources offered by the City to help small businesses today can be accessed through the below links:

  • Ritual One – A 100 per cent commission-free digital ordering platform  available for all Mississauga restaurants and food service providers. Offer available for free through the end of 2020.

For information on health and safety recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

For information about the City’s response to COVID-19:

November 24, 2020
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Small Business Programs and Resources

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

The City of Mississauga is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes survive the impacts of the pandemic through a variety of free support services, programs and resources through the Economic Development Office (EDO).

Since the pandemic started, EDO created a COVID-19 business support web page that has become a central resource for local businesses to stay informed on latest news and updates.  The site also includes a Business Relief Portal, a self-selection tool that is updated daily that helps identify relief programs and incentives that best apply to specific business needs and links to the government source of support.

As the City enters lockdown, businesses can take advantage of Small Business Programs and Resources, including digital adoption programs and training webinars that help businesses build websites, create an e-commerce store, and use social media and other digital platforms to promote their services and products.

EDO also offers Business Advisory Services, a dedicated team that provides one-on-one expert support and guidance to entrepreneurs and business owners, including free access to professional legal, accounting, business operations, sales and marketing specialists.

For more information on how the City supports business, visit https://www.thefutureisunlimited.ca/covid-19/

November 24, 2020
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City of Mississauga 2021-2024 Business Plan and 2021 Budget – City Portion Proposed at 1 % for Residential Property Tax

By Covid-19, Events, Issues, Resources

November 23, 2020

Today, City staff’s overview presentation of the proposed 2021-2024 Business Plan and 2021 Budget at Budget Committee began with an economic outlook by Andrew Grantham, Executive Director and Senior Economist, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

Grantham stated, “Like the rest of the country, the Mississauga economy has been severely impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, owing to the strong and swift support from governments and the central bank, the economy is well positioned to rebound from this crisis particularly after a vaccine becomes available.” 

2021 Tax Impact
The 2021 impact from the City’s portion on the residential tax bill is proposed at 1 per cent. On the commercial/industrial tax bill, the proposed amount is 0.6 per cent. This does not include impacts from the Region of Peel services.

“COVID-19 has shown the role of local government has never been more important,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and CAO. “Early on, the City took actions to mitigate the financial impact such as temporary staff layoffs, a hiring freeze, discretionary spending review and deferral of some 2020 capital projects. We greatly appreciate the $46 million allocated in August by the federal and provincial governments through the Safe Restart Agreement. Even with this funding, the City will face additional financial challenges and difficult decisions will need to be made. We will continue to seek partnerships and advocate for sustainable long-term funding from the federal and provincial governments.”

“Public health remains our first priority. In 2021, we will continue to manage the financial impacts of the pandemic and eventual recovery from it by providing necessary services that the public rely on while minimizing the property tax required,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “We expect 2021 to be another tough year economically for the community and we will continue to look for new sources of funding and savings while staying true to our long-term financial plans. Through diligent monitoring and assessing future business plans and budgets, we will continue to manage the significant financial impacts we are facing from COVID-19.”

The 2021 Budget considers financial recovery strategies, outlined to Budget Committee throughout 2020, to offset budget pressures due to the pandemic. These include:

  • Return to normal fee schedule and collection as soon as possible
  • No new material service level changes in 2021
  • Reduce discretionary spending
  • Critical assessment of capital expenditures
  • Use of reserves
  • Continued collaboration with other municipalities to seek assistance from higher levels of government
  • Increase user fees

A presentation on Mississauga’s economic growth story by Bonnie Brown, Director, Economic Development, highlighted that:

“Mississauga’s strong economic fundamentals have helped us weather and respond to the pandemic. However, it is still essential that we continue to support and advocate for our hardest hit businesses. Strategic investments in our small businesses and innovation resources will be critical to the city’s long-term recovery.”

Stormwater Charge

The City’s Stormwater Program is funded by the Stormwater Charge, a dedicated source of funding separate from property taxes. The Stormwater Charge appears on the Region of Peel water bill and in 2021 the rate increase is set at 2 per cent. This means the average residence will see an increase of $2.20 or less.

Fees and Charges
The City’s Budget Committee previously considered new and increased fees and charges for 2021. This included transit fares and fees for Recreation and Parks, Forestry and Environment programs. Additional revenue of approximately $1.9 million is expected from the increases and new fees.

Learn more about the City’s 2021 Business Plan and Budget:

  • Visit mississauga.ca/budget
  • Read an overview of the  2021 preliminary Business Plan & Budget that was presented to Budget Committee on June 24, 2020
  • Watch or attend Budget Committee deliberations scheduled for November 24, 30, December 1, 2 (Budget Committee meeting schedules are subject to change)

Choose from several ways to get involved and share your thoughts:

The Region of Peel is to present a regional budget in the New Year and the City of Mississauga’s total tax overview will follow the regional budget presentation. Council approval of the budget is to follow Region of Peel’s final budget.

November 23, 2020
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