Category

Covid-19

Virtual Press Conference: Mississauga’s COVID-19 Update for November 4, 2020

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

November 2, 2020

On Wednesday, November 4 at 3:15 p.m., media are invited to virtually attend Mayor Bonnie Crombie’s twenty-eighth weekly press conference focused on the City of Mississauga’s latest COVID-19 recovery plans.

Details

What:
Latest updates and announcements on the City’s COVID-19 plans for recovery in Mississauga

When:
Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 3:15 p.m.

Who:
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie
Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health at Region of Peel
Tim Beckett, Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management

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 Megan Schabla, megan.schabla@mississauga.ca by noon on November 4 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/recovery.

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Council Outcomes October 28, 2020: Renaming of Central Library & Motion Condemning Islamophobia

By Covid-19, Issues

Today, Council put forward a motion to condemn Islamophobia along with approving the renaming of Mississauga’s Central Library in honour of former Mayor, Hazel McCallion.

“There is no tolerance for intolerance. Mississauga, as a multicultural and dynamic community, along with all communities in Canada, must be welcoming, inclusive and safe. Places where all people, can live, work and raise a family without experiencing any form of hatred and bigotry,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “I’m also pleased that we’ll be renaming our soon-to-be renovated library in honour of former Mayor, Hazel McCallion, to mark her 100th birthday. Hazel served the Mississauga community for more than 50 years and presided over an incredible transformation that saw Mississauga grow into a vibrant, prosperous and thriving world-class City.”

Renaming of Central Library to the Hazel McCallion Central Library

In honour of former Mayor Hazel McCallion’s 100 birthday and her decades of service to Mississauga, the City of Mississauga will rename Central Library to the Hazel McCallion Central Library.

Hazel McCallion served the people of Mississauga for 53 years as Reeve and Mayor of Streetsville, and as Councillor and Mayor of the City of Mississauga, and held the title of Canada’s longest-serving Mayor. Hazel McCallion has received and conferred many awards, as a Member of the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario, the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, an Honourary Doctor of Laws from the University of Toronto, the Key to the City of Mississauga, and many other national and international awards and distinctions.

The motion was raised by Ward 6 Councillor Ron Starr. Staff will bring back a report to Council for the renaming and the new name will be unveiled for Hazel McCallion’s birthday of 100 years on February 14, 2021.

Motion condemning Islamophobia and all forms of racism
In response to the October 10, 2020 threats and violence related to a Toronto Mosque, Mississauga Council condemns all forms of Islamophobia, hate speech or threats against Muslims or Mosques and condemns all forms of racism, hatred or bigotry.

Advocating For Support of Businesses
Today, Mayor Crombie sent a letter on behalf of the Mississauga business community to the Prime Minister and Premier advocating for support and assistance including financial relief and a review of Provincial regulations.

Premier PM Letter_Small Business

COVID-19 Safety Reminders

Help Stop the Spread

Practice these core four actions supported by Peel Public Health:

  • Maintain physical distance from everyone outside your social circle
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
  • Wear a face covering or face mask
  • If you think you might have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it, you should get tested. While waiting for test results, stay home and self-isolate

You can also download the COVID Alert app that can let you know of a potential exposure.

Social gatherings
At this time, the Province and Health Officials are recommending only gathering with those in your immediate household. If you need to gather with those beyond your immediate household, you must practice physical distancing by staying at least two metres (six feet) away from others and following the gathering limits:

  • Maximum of 10 people for indoor event or gathering
  • Maximum of 25 people for outdoor event or gathering

Learn more about the gathering limits from the Ontario government.

How to report social gatherings over the limit

You can report gatherings over the limits by calling 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits).

For more information, read the City’s questions and answers.

Health Advice

If you have questions about your health, or you start to feel sick, contact your health care provider, Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000, or Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700.

Region of Peel enters into a confirmed second wave of COVID-19

By Covid-19, Issues

Peel Region is in seeing a second wave of COVID-19, and we’re asking residents to take a serious look at what we can do to reduce the spread.

The pandemic in our community has not slowed the way we anticipated. We need to make changes now, in order to get control of the spread of COVID-19. Recent trends linked with Thanksgiving have pushed us into a second wave. The pandemic is again spreading widely throughout our community. That means even our loved ones and people we see regularly could be at risk for spreading COVID-19 to us, and us to them. While we all hope for a return to reopening as soon as possible, it’s only smart to do so when it’s safe.
Until then, let’s take a second look at how all of us can reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Look at what’s essential.
You must only leave home for essentials, such as work, school, exercise, healthcare, or purchasing food and drink, gasoline, or automobile maintenance. When you do, follow the precautions of distancing, masking, and handwashing. If your trip out is non-essential, stay home. If you are sick, stay home and self-isolate.
Look at who you’re with.
You must only have close contact with people who live in your home. Close contact means interaction that doesn’t require wearing masks or physical distance.
Look at how you meet.
You must stop meeting in person, even at a physical distance. Treat every interaction with others as though you could be spreading COVID-19. Cut the chance of transmission. Turn every meeting into a virtual one.
Look at the why.
Our grandparents, friends, coworkers, local businesses, are all reasons why we need to take a serious look at limiting our interactions. Our community needs everyone to take the precautions seriously. This will help us all stay safe and bring the pandemic back under control.

Please refer to the Region of Peel’s COVID-19 website, including information on protecting yourself and others. If you wish to speak with someone directly, you can call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700. Call centre hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

GTHA Mayors and Chairs support public health officials providing a safe path forward for businesses

By Covid-19, Issues

For Immediate Release

October 26, 2020

“Today, Mayors and Chairs from the 11 largest municipal governments across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area took part in their weekly call on the ongoing response to COVID-19.

The Mayors and Chairs have been working together since March to ensure a coordinated regional response to the pandemic.

While only certain parts of the GTHA are currently in a modified Stage 2, all the Mayors and Chairs agreed that local public health officials need to work with each other and with their provincial counterparts to prepare now for post-Stage 2 reopening scenarios wherever applicable.

We want businesses to be able to reopen safely following the 28-day pause and to remain open. We need a safe path forward for restaurants and other establishments from our public health professionals assuming circumstances permit.

The Mayors and Chairs continue to urge all residents to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our area. Wear a mask, avoid gathering with people you don’t live with (beyond work and school where precautions are in place), and support your local businesses as much as possible.”

 

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Ontario Guidelines for Halloween during COVID-19

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

This year, Peel Public Health’s recommendation on celebrating Halloween takes into account the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the Peel community. The Halloween guidance reflects what is right for Peel.

In the spirit of community safety, Halloween is not cancelled but will look different this year. Peel Public Health continues to recommend keeping celebrations to close contacts within your immediate household. Trick or treating may be associated with other high-risk activities for spreading the virus, like gathering in groups, close contact and going into other people’s homes.

As such, Peel Public Health and Ontario guidelines discourages traditional door-to-door trick or treating and people should consider alternative ways to celebrate. This can include, but is not limited to:

  • Encouraging kids to dress up and participate in virtual activities and parties;
  • Organizing a Halloween candy hunt with people living in their own household;
  • Carving pumpkins;
  • Having a movie night or sharing scary stories; and
  • Decorating front lawns.

Additionally, you may wish to visit Ontario’s link on how to celebrate Halloween during COVID-19 at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-celebrate-halloween-during-covid-19

Please refer to the Region of Peel’s COVID-19 website, including information on protecting yourself and others. If you wish to speak with someone directly, you can call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700. Call centre hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Council Outcomes and COVID-19 Reminders

By Covid-19, Issues

October 14, 2020 Council Outcomes and COVID-19 Reminders

October 14, 2020

Today, Council approved support for MississaugaGives to help make a difference in the community.

“As a Council, we are proudly supporting MississaugaGives once again this year. No matter how small the gesture, many actions can go a long way to improve the lives of others when we all take part. I encourage everyone to look at what can be done to support MississaugaGives by giving back to our community,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie.

MississaugaGives

The local campaign, MississaugaGives, encourages people to give back to their community through small donations of money or food, volunteering time or supporting a charity. As approved by Council, the City of Mississauga will lend its support though its social media channels and help raise awareness of the MississaugaGives call to action.

Mississauga’s COVID-19 Reminders and Response

In response to new provincial restrictions and recommendations from Region of Peel’s Medical Officer of Health, some of the City of Mississauga’s programs were adjusted to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

“We are continuing our recovery work and reminding people of the need to stay safe and continue to be diligent. It’s important everyone continues to follow the recommendations of our Chief Medical Officers of Health – keep social gatherings to those in your immediate household, wear face covers, wash or sanitize hands often and stay home if you are feeling unwell. It is up to all of us to protect the health of our family, friends and neighbours. With COVID-19, we depend on each other and need full cooperation for us to reduce the number of cases,” Mayor Crombie added.

Mississauga Programs and Facilities

  • Registered and drop-in fitness and dance classes, sport programming and soccer leagues along with the use of weight rooms and fitness centres has been suspended until November 7.
  • Registered non-team sports, arts and learning programs are running with new limited capacities.
  • Public swimming, including lane, leisure and fun swims, public skating, and limited drop-ins for non-team sports continue to run with existing public health safety measures in place.
  • All the City’s outdoor amenities in parks and green spaces, such as skate parks, trails, BMX parks, tennis courts, basketball courts, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic shelters and playgrounds, remain open
  • Benares Historic House, Bradley Museum and Small Arms Inspection Building are open with modified access and services.
  • The Leslie Log House remains closed at this time.
  • Hammerson Hall and RBC Theatre and Meadowvale Theatre are closed as per Provincial Regulations. The film office is open and accepting film permit requests.

For a detailed list of programs visit: Recreation & Culture Program Update

For the latest updates on the City of Mississauga’s COVID-19 recovery and response visit: mississauga.ca/recovery.

Road Safety Continues to be a Priority as Students Head Back to School

By Covid-19, Issues, Resources

September 8, 2020

As students head back to school this September, the City of Mississauga wants to remind everyone to be alert and cautious when using roadways.

[Watch video]

“I’d like to wish the thousands of students across Mississauga a great first day back to school! Whether you are returning to class or participating in virtual learning, it is an exciting time for students, parents and teachers alike. Our goal is to keep students safe in the classroom and on our roadways. Back to school brings increased traffic, additional vehicles on our roads and more people walking, cycling or getting dropped off at different locations. Please stay alert and keep your eyes peeled at all times. If you’re using our roads, we ask that you be vigilant, follow the rules, obey signs and speed limits and slow down in school zones,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We are committed to keeping our roads safe for everyone, whether you walk, ride your bike or drive to school. Stay safe, stay healthy and, most importantly, have a fun first day back!”

As students head back to school, they will be greeted by crossing guards to help them safely cross the street. The City’s Crossing Guard program helps school children from kindergarten to fifth grade cross the road, for both the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and the Peel District School Board.

In addition to the Crossing Guard program, the City also has two safety advisory committees, Road Safety Committee and Traffic Safety Council that help promote awareness of road safety programs and maintain the safety of road users including students, pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and ensures they are accessible to those that use mobility devices.

“Our safety work hasn’t stopped. The Road Safety Committee along with City staff have been working hard keep our roads safe for students, cyclists and drivers,” said Pat Saito, Ward 9 Councillor and Chair of the City’s Road Safety Committee. “It’s a busy time on the roads when school starts again and we all have a responsibility to get our students safely to and from school.”

The City has adopted the Vision Zero approach, which sets the goal of zero fatal and injury-causing collisions each year.

“Delivering road safety action items from our Transportation Master Plan will advance the City’s commitment to Vision Zero,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “To achieve this, we are moving forward with numerous projects including lowering speed limits and implementing speed reduction initiatives, such as traffic calming, Community Safety Zones, and the Crossing Guard program.”

In addition to back to school initiatives, the City will be rolling out a number of road safety campaigns to create awareness around road safety initiatives such as distracted driving, pedestrian safety, neighbourhood speed limits and automated speed enforcement.

Safety tips for students and drivers when commuting:

  • Consider walking to the bus stop or different drop-off/pick-up routines by stepping out of the car and complete the journey to school by walking.
  • Plan and practice your school route as a household ahead of time; encourage children to walk or cycle with siblings and friends, depending on their age.
  • Active transportation means using people power to get where you’re going and helps reduce traffic congestion in and around school zones, which means safer streets for everyone. You can use your feet, bike, scooter or any other form of non-motorized vehicle to get you to and from school.
  • Getting ready to ride MiWay? Additional trips to high schools and universities/colleges will resume, along with high school routes (300 series). These changes take effect on September 8. Holiday schedules will be in effect on Labour Day (September 7) and Thanksgiving Day (October 12). MiWay is also changing service levels on several routes to accommodate returning customers as businesses and schools start to reopen. Learn more by visiting ca/sept7 and miway.ca/students.

Students will gradually return to school the weeks of September 8 and 14 for both Peel District and Dufferin-Peel Catholic schools in a staggered approach for the 2020 to 2021 season. This means fewer people will be in school buildings, so students and staff can focus on learning and adopt new routines and safety practices before all students return.

For more road safety information or additional safety tips, please visit mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/transportation-and-streets/traffic/.

PHOTOS:

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Select City Services Set to Reopen on September 8

By Covid-19, Issues, Resources

September 2, 2020

 As part of the City’s phased and controlled reopening plans, some limited City services will be available in-person, by appointment only beginning September 8:

In addition, the Council Chamber and Committee Rooms will reopen for meetings at the Civic Centre (300 City Centre Dr.) with reduced capacity.

“Mississauga has come a long way, working together as a community, to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We know how much our residents and businesses want to get life back to normal, but we must remain vigilant. Working alongside our public health experts, we are now in a position to gradually and safely reopen some of our counter services along with modified community programming. Thank you to everyone for continuing to do your part to stay safe and healthy. Please, wear a face covering, wash your hands, maintain physical distancing, stay home if you are feeling ill and get tested if needed.”

Health and safety protocols are in place to protect staff and the public at all City facilities. These protocols include:

  • Active screening – Staff and visitors are screened with COVID-19 assessment questions before entering a City facility.
  • Limited building access – Doors have been designated for entry and exit.
  • Mandatory masks – Face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces.
  • Physical distancing – Signage and floor markings indicate how to maintain two metres or six feet of space between others.
  • Signage – Floor decals and signage provide direction, health and safety reminders and ensure physical distancing.
  • Limited elevator capacity – Signage indicates safe and reduced capacity of elevators.
  • Stairwells – Where possible, stairwells are designated for up or down traffic.
  • Enhanced cleaning protocols – New protocols include increased cleaning and disinfecting of highly-touched surfaces and high traffic areas.

“The health and safety of our staff and the public continue to be our number one priority,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). “We have and will continue to work closely with Peel Public Health and adhere to all guidelines and regulations put out by the Government of Ontario and the Region of Peel. These limited in-person service offerings as well as modified programming at our Recreation, Library and Culture facilities form the next step in our safe and gradual reopening and recovery plans. Other city services, including development applications and building permit applications, property tax payments and more continue to be accepted online.”

Additional program and service updates:

Recreation

Beginning September 8, community centres, fitness centres, indoor pools and limited arenas will reopen with modified programs/services.

Starting September 14, C Banquets (on the 12th floor of Civic Centre) and the BraeBen Golf Course dining room will be available for bookings.

Library

All locations except Frank McKechnie (currently under renovation) will reopen on September 15 with limited service. Curbside service will continue to be offered at Frank McKechnie until the renovations are completed in mid-October. Visits are limited to one hour and services including computer access and limited study require an appointment.

Culture

Starting September 8, bookings of some spaces will reopen including the Living Arts Centre RBC Theatre, studio rentals, church and group bookings. In addition, the information desk, reception and box office will reopen.

Mississauga’s COVID-19 Recovery Framework guides the City’s reopening and recovery. The Framework is supported by four individual recovery plans – Community, Economic, Finance and Corporate – which set Mississauga’s path forward in a safe, efficient and inclusive way.

Visit mississauga.ca/recovery or call 311 for more information.

 

Select City Services Set to Reopen on September 8

By Covid-19, Issues, Resources

 

September 2, 2020

 

As part of the City’s phased and controlled reopening plans, some limited City services will be available in-person, by appointment only beginning September 8:

 

In addition, the Council Chamber and Committee Rooms will reopen for meetings at the Civic Centre (300 City Centre Dr.) with reduced capacity.

 

“Mississauga has come a long way, working together as a community, to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We know how much our residents and businesses want to get life back to normal, but we must remain vigilant. Working alongside our public health experts, we are now in a position to gradually and safely reopen some of our counter services along with modified community programming. Thank you to everyone for continuing to do your part to stay safe and healthy. Please, wear a face covering, wash your hands, maintain physical distancing, stay home if you are feeling ill and get tested if needed.”

 

Health and safety protocols are in place to protect staff and the public at all City facilities. These protocols include:

 

  • Active screening – Staff and visitors are screened with COVID-19 assessment questions before entering a City facility.
  • Limited building access – Doors have been designated for entry and exit.
  • Mandatory masks – Face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces.
  • Physical distancing – Signage and floor markings indicate how to maintain two metres or six feet of space between others.
  • Signage – Floor decals and signage provide direction, health and safety reminders and ensure physical distancing.
  • Limited elevator capacity – Signage indicates safe and reduced capacity of elevators.
  • Stairwells – Where possible, stairwells are designated for up or down traffic.
  • Enhanced cleaning protocols – New protocols include increased cleaning and disinfecting of highly-touched surfaces and high traffic areas.

“The health and safety of our staff and the public continue to be our number one priority,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). “We have and will continue to work closely with Peel Public Health and adhere to all guidelines and regulations put out by the Government of Ontario and the Region of Peel. These limited in-person service offerings as well as modified programming at our Recreation, Library and Culture facilities form the next step in our safe and gradual reopening and recovery plans. Other city services, including development applications and building permit applications, property tax payments and more continue to be accepted online.”

 

Additional program and service updates:

 

Recreation

Beginning September 8, community centres, fitness centres, indoor pools and limited arenas will reopen with modified programs/services.

Starting September 14, C Banquets (on the 12th floor of Civic Centre) and the BraeBen Golf Course dining room will be available for bookings.

 

Library

All locations except Frank McKechnie (currently under renovation) will reopen on September 15 with limited service. Curbside service will continue to be offered at Frank McKechnie until the renovations are completed in mid-October. Visits are limited to one hour and services including computer access and limited study require an appointment.

 

Culture

Starting September 8, bookings of some spaces will reopen including the Living Arts Centre RBC Theatre, studio rentals, church and group bookings. In addition, the information desk, reception and box office will reopen.

 

Mississauga’s COVID-19 Recovery Framework guides the City’s reopening and recovery. The Framework is supported by four individual recovery plans – Community, Economic, Finance and Corporate – which set Mississauga’s path forward in a safe, efficient and inclusive way.

 

Visit mississauga.ca/recovery or call 311 for more information.