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Food for thought

Mississauga honoured for two projects that contribute to the city’s economy

By Announcement, Food for thought

The City of Mississauga’s Economic Development Office (EDO) has been recognized for its contributions supporting the economy of the city. Last week, the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) presented the City of Mississauga’s EDO with one prestigious award for innovative and impactful projects that support economic development and, by extension, the city’s economy. The two projects recognized are:

  • Equity and Diversity Collaborative (EDC) – Received the  Award of Excellence in the category of Inclusive Based Initiatives & Programming
    • In 2021, the City of Mississauga’s Economic Development Office (EDO), in collaboration with the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (Canada Region), established the Equity & Diversity Collaborative (EDC) – a consortium of healthcare and life sciences companies dedicated to driving gender equity and diversity. EDC’s mission is “To achieve gender parity (50 per cent) and significant representation (30 per cent) of other under-represented groups, including racialized persons, people living with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2 community at all levels of organizations and on Canadian board(s).”
  • IDEA Square One – We were recognized as finalists in the category of Building Initiatives, Brick and Mortar projects
    • Launched in May 2023, IDEA Square One is a central entrepreneur hub that brings together a network of supports to help entrepreneurs grow, scale and commercialize their ideas and businesses. The hub reduces barriers to entrepreneurship and increases the access and visibility of Mississauga’s Innovation assets to all businesses and residents.

“This award and recognition indicates the City of Mississauga is making in economic development as leaders in the field,” said Acting Mayor Joe Horneck. “Our Economic Development team works hard to identify actions and opportunities that contribute to Mississauga’s business community and economy. They work to create an environment where businesses of all sizes can grow and succeed. I congratulate them on this prestigious recognition.”

“As an organization committed to advancing equity and inclusion, the HBA is proud that HBA Canada’s work as part of the Equity and Diversity Collaborative is being honored by EDCO. Beyond the significant impact of the EDC’s work, the visibility that comes from recognition of the award will help to raise greater awareness of the critical importance that inclusion and belonging play in the workplace and in the greater community,” said Mary Stutts, CEO, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association.

The EDCO Awards of Excellence

The EDCO Awards of Excellence is an annual program that aims to seek distinctive ideas and initiatives that can become future economic development best practices. Recipients of the EDCO Awards of Excellence are viewed as leaders in economic development and are often asked to present their efforts and accomplishments at speaking engagements, including the EDCO Conference and Showcase.

This recognition among our peers validates our work and its positive impact on our business community” said Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Economic Development. “With Council’s strong support and direction, the City of Mississauga’s Economic Development team is dedicated to providing programs and resources that help our businesses grow and prosper while also contributing to our strategic priorities.”

The team provides site location assistance, sector development support, research, industry analysis and marketing as well as offering guidance and support to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

About EDCO

The Economic Developers Council of Ontario supports the economic development profession through a variety of learning events and conferences. Each year they have an awards call-out to communities and organizations to submit new, innovative and impactful projects that support economic development.

To learn more about growth and development opportunities and why businesses continue to choose Mississauga, visit thefutureisunlimited.ca.

For more information about supports for small business, visit ideamississauga.ca

Staff winning an award
Left: Christina Kakaflikas, Director of Economic Development, and Right: Donna Heslin, Manager of Small Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
February 13, 2024
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Celebrate Safely this Lunar New Year

By Events, Food for thought

Mississauga is a vibrant and diverse city that always has something to celebrate. As the Lunar New Year approaches, families across the city are getting ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon with food, fireworks, decorations, music, lanterns, gifts and more.

Lunar New Year is one of the largest celebrations for Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Southeast Asian communities around the world, including Mississauga. Families and friends will come together to give thanks for the blessings of the year, exchange gifts and celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

Follow these safety reminders to ensure your Lunar New Year celebrations are safe and enjoyable for everyone:

Fireworks

The City of Mississauga has a Fireworks By-law to regulate the lighting of fireworks within Mississauga. Fireworks for Lunar New Year are allowed at home on your private property on Saturday, February 10 from dusk until 11 p.m.

To use fireworks on a public street or park, you must obtain a permit from the City or call 905-896-5908.

To dispose of used or unused fireworks, completely submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out, and dispose of them in your garbage bin.

Lights and décor

If you’re planning to use candles, remember to keep them in a sturdy holder on a heat-resistant surface. Keep flames a safe distance from curtains, lanterns, furniture, decorations and loose clothing. Keep children and pets away from all sources of heat and flames.

Stay safe in the kitchen

Lunar New Year brings families together. If you plan to cook, remember to stay safe:

  • Turn your hot appliances off if you have to leave the kitchen.
  • Keep towels and clothes away from the stovetop and never cook or barbecue in your garage.
  • If you’re frying or cooking with oil, you must be careful. Hot oil can catch fire easily – use a deep fryer with a temperature gauge that will make sure the fat does not get too hot.

Additional information

  • Having guests over who plan to stay a while? Consider applying for a temporary parking permit.
  • Visit Mississauga’s fire prevention page for more tips on how to prevent a fire.
  • Submit a complaint for illegal use of fireworks on private property, sidewalks, boulevards and residential roads by calling 311 or online.
  • To report fireworks in City parks or school properties call the Facility Watch Program at 905-615-4060
  • To report fireworks on major public roadways or unsafe fireworks use, residents should contact Peel Regional Police using the non-emergency number: 905-453-3311. Please do not call 911 for fireworks complaints.
February 5, 2024
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City recognizes Dana Wilson and four Mississauga schools for their efforts in promoting traffic safety

By Announcement, Food for thought

On January 31st, Mississauga City Council, on behalf of Mississauga School Traffic Safety Action Committee, awarded the 2023 Dr. Arthur Wood Award to Dana Wilson, Principal of Hillside Public School. Four Mississauga schools also received the 2023 Wilde Wood School Safety Zone Award including St. Basil Elementary School, St. Dominic Catholic Elementary School, Darcel Avenue Senior Public School and Nahani Way Public School.

“Congratulations to this year’s award winners for prioritizing student road safety and encouraging active travelling by walking and biking,” said Acting Mayor John Kovac. “Your hard work and commitment towards promoting traffic safety for students is truly remarkable and serves as an inspiration for others to strive for. You’ve helped make our schools safer for students travelling to and from school. Thank you for being a role model for us all!”

Since 2016, the Mississauga School Traffic Safety Action Committee (MSTSAC) has focused on recognizing schools who promote active transportation and traffic safety around schools. The Wilde Wood Award was named after James Wilde and Arthur Wood who co-founded the Kiss and Ride concept in Mississauga. It is awarded to schools from the Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.

Dr. Arthur Wood Award

Dana Wilson, Principal of Hillside Public School, has received the Dr. Arthur Wood Award for her work advocating and promoting traffic safety for students. Her efforts at Hillside Public School, including the School Walking Routes Program and the School Streets Pilot Project (that took place in May 2022), have greatly improved the safety of students. Wilson’s efforts also emphasize active travelling as she encouraged cycling to school, organized bike skills and drills sessions and secured new bike racks for Hillside Public School.

Members of Council, School Board Trustees and members of MSTSAC present Dana Wilson with the 2023 Wilde Wood School Safety Zone Award.

Wilde Wood School Safety Zone Award

Four schools received the Wilde Wood School Safety Zone Award for their outstanding leadership and dedication in promoting school zone safety and active transportation.

Significant highlights from each school:

St. Dominic Catholic Elementary School

  • Organized a week-long walk and bike to school event to encourage active travel.
  • Implemented safety reminders as a part of their monthly newsletters.
  • Installed bike racks to encourage biking to school.
Members of Council, School Board Trustees and members of MSTSAC present St. Dominic Catholic Elementary School with the 2023 Wilde Wood School Safety Zone Award.

St. Basil Catholic Elementary School

  • Promoted Bike to School Day and Walk to School Day to encourage active travel.
  • Installed bike racks to encourage biking to school.
  • Partnered with the City’s Enforcement staff and Peel Regional Police to keep school areas safe.
  • Dedicated staff and student ambassadors acted as active transportation champions.
Acting Mississauga Mayor and Councillors presenting award to St. Basil Catholic Elementary School.
Members of Council and members of MSTSAC present St. Basil Catholic Elementary School with the 2023 Wilde Wood School Safety Zone Award.

Darcel Avenue Sr. Public School

  • Promoted community walks and education on active transportation to encourage active travel.
  • Dedicated staff and student ambassadors acted as active transportation champions.
  • Installed bike racks to encourage biking to school.
Darcel Avenue
Members of Council, School Board Trustees and members of MSTSAC present Darcel Avenue Sr. Public School with the 2023 Wilde Wood School Safety Zone Award.

Nahani Way Public School

  • Promoted active transportation through newsletters and assemblies.
  • Organized Kiss and Ride to keep traffic moving efficiently and ensure student safety.
Members of Council, School Board Trustees and members of MSTSAC present Nahani Way Public School with the 2023 Wilde Wood School Safety Zone Award.

Learn more about school walking routes, the crossing guard program, cycling and the Mississauga School Traffic Safety Action Committee.

February 1, 2024
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Councillors take part in CPR and AED training during Regional Council

By Food for thought, Resources

Thursday, Jan. 25, councillors took part in a CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training session during Regional Council. The training session was delivered by Peel Regional Paramedic Services in anticipation of Heart Month in February.

1800 people experience cardiac arrest in Peel Region each year. The chance of survival increases significantly if the person receives bystander CPR within 60 seconds of collapsing.

So far this month, two people in Peel Region have received a second chance at life because of bystander CPR, underscoring the importance of everyone learning this life-saving skill.

To further promote bystander CPR, Peel Regional Paramedic Services has placed hundreds of AEDs in public places, together with the GTAA, Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. It is also participating in a Volunteer Community Responder pilot project with Sunnybrook Hospital to see if crowdsourcing CPR can save more lives in Peel. With more than 200 citizen volunteers, the pilot project has helped 20 people receive life-saving care.

For more information about Peel Regional Paramedic Services’ PAD program, visit https://peelregion.ca/paramedics/defibrillator-program/create/

For more information about the Volunteer Community Responder Pilot Project, visit https://www.peelregion.ca/paramedics/programs/volunteer-community-responder.asp

January 25, 2024
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City remains committed to reducing single-use plastics

By Food for thought, Issues

Plastic can take more than 1,000 years, or 100 decades, to decompose and break down. The plastic you throw away today will start to decompose in 3024. Unfortunately, much of this waste ends up in landfills or as litter, causing harm to Mississauga’s environment and wildlife. To help reduce plastic waste, the City has proposed the Reduction of Single-use Items in City Facilities and Operations policy to limit single-use items purchased in all City facilities and operations.

“We’re dedicated to reducing plastic waste at the City,” said Acting Mayor John Kovac. “That’s why this policy is so important. Reducing single-use plastics is not just beneficial for the environment but also crucial for Mississauga’s future. Simple changes like swapping to reusable cutlery, straws and water bottles and making use of compostable bags can have a big impact. We can significantly decrease the amount of plastic waste in landfills, creeks, green spaces and natural habitats. Action is needed today for a better tomorrow.”

What are single-use plastics?

Single-use plastics refer to plastic materials intended for one-time use and are generally discarded after their use. Single-use plastics prioritize convenience over durability and repeated use. Examples of single-use plastic include plastic grocery bags, product packaging, straws, coffee cups and lids, plastic cutlery, fast food containers and plastic sandwich bags.

The Reduction of Single-use Items in Facilities and Operations policy is intended to:

  • Limit the purchase and use of single-use items in City facilities and operations.
  • Educate City staff on environmentally sustainable alternatives to single-use items.
  • Communicate the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
  • Identify roles and responsibilities in reducing the purchase and use of single-use items.

“According to the Government of Canada, about three million tonnes of plastic waste is discarded every year, with less than nine percent of it being recycled,” said Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services. “While single-use plastics are still accessible for purchase in Canada, including things like resealable plastic bags, garbage bags and zip ties, the City is committed to reducing plastic waste and recommending alternatives to plastic products. The City will also continue to educate and promote waste reduction, as well as reduce the use of non-recyclable, single-use plastics in internal operations where feasible.”

The environment and single-use plastics

Plastic waste pollution has a severe impact on the City’s ecosystems. It poses a threat to Mississauga’s wildlife – as many animals find themselves entangled or mistakenly ingesting plastic thinking it’s food. This can lead to animals getting trapped or injured, or even dying due to ingestion. Decomposing plastic can also release toxic chemicals that can harm aquatic life and contaminate water sources including soil, creeks and rivers.

Actions to reduce plastic waste

By making small changes to our day-to-day lives, you can help reduce plastic waste. Here are some easy ways to limit your plastic consumption:

  • Carry reusable bags when shopping.
  • Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic bottles. Try out a water bottle filling station available at all community centres.
  • Use a reusable cutlery set instead of disposable plastic utensils.
  • Choose to buy items with less plastic packaging.
  • Pack lunches and snacks in reusable containers instead of plastic bags.
  • Shop at bulk food stores to reduce packaging waste when possible.
  • Cook at home instead of ordering takeout (takeout food often comes in single-use packaging).
  • Bring coffee or a hot drink from home in a reusable mug.
  • Switch to bar soaps instead of bottled shampoos and body washes.
  • Repurpose old plastic containers and bottles.
  • Recycle items properly.
  • Participate in local city-wide litter clean-up
  • Avoid littering. Throw your waste in the proper waste bin available throughout the city.

These actions along with other actions like reducing your waste, shopping local and eating more plant-based foods can make a positive impact on the environment.

On June 20, 2018, City Council passed Motion 15.4 to request the Federal Government to develop a strategy to reduce plastic pollution. The Federal Government implemented the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations, which came into effect in 2022. Late last year, Canada’s Federal Court overturned the Federal ban on single-use plastics. This court ruling has no impact on the City’s proposed Reduction of Single-use Items in City Facilities and Operations policy.

This policy is an action within the Climate Change Action Plan. Learn more about the City’s Climate Change Action Plan and its progress.

The Reduction of Single-use Items in City Facilities and Operations policy was endorsed by the Environmental Action Committee on November 7, 2023 and will go to Council with final approvals on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

Learn more about the City’s efforts to manage waste or actions you can take by visiting: ownyourlitter.ca

January 24, 2024
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Ontario Rental Registry

By Food for thought, Resources

Learn about the new rental registry 

The Ontario Rental Registry is an online database where tenants can anonymously register their rents. The purpose of the registry is to track rising rents across the province. This will lead to better, publicly-available housing data that can help protect and create more affordable housing. You can access the registry by going to rental registry.ca.

The Rental Registry was created by a Montreal based non-profit, Vivre en Ville, with support from CMHC. The registry was first introduced in Quebec and has over 30,000+ rents voluntarily registered. The rental registry is easy, quick and secure as it was designed to be compliant with SOC2 cybersecurity standards.

Why ACORN supports the Ontario Rental Registry: 

  • Greater transparency for renters so they can make informed decisions about where they choose to live
  • Better housing data can help inform affordable housing policies
  • Over time, the rentalregistrywill track increases in the rents of individual units. This data will ensure tenants are not being charged more than the legal amount in cases where tenants’ rights are often not respected. For example: when tenants try to exercise the right to return to their unit at the same rent after major renovations (ie. renovictions) OR when a tenant has finished paying an ‘Above-the-Guideline-Increase’ (AGI) and their rent is supposed to be reduced. Better enforcement of these current provincial housing laws will help preserve existing affordable housing.
January 16, 2024
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We want to hear from you on projects in Mississauga

By Events, Food for thought, Issues, Planning & Development, Ward 1

We want to work together to create a better Mississauga for everyone. There are many ways you can be involved and share your ideas and opinions on the different projects around the city. Your input can help shape our vision for Mississauga!

Graphic reads Let's Hear Your Ideas, yoursay.mississauga.ca

Upcoming opportunities

Dixie Outlet Mall Policy Review

The City is moving forward with next steps to help guide the future redevelopment of the Dixie Outlet Mall site. On January 29, city staff will share draft Official Plan policies for community input. Policies around areas such as housing, parks, transportation, retail, office, commercial and community uses will be used as a framework for future development.

Here’s how to get involved:

1. Join one of our in-person community meetings at the Small Arms Inspection Building (1352 Lakeshore Rd E) on Monday, January 29 from 3-5 p.m. or 6-8 p.m.

2. If you are unable to attend the in-person meetings, the presentation will be posted on Dixie Outlet Mall Policy Review website. Comments and questions are welcome anytime.

Visit Your Say – Dixie Outlet Mall Policy Review to register for the meeting, share your feedback and sign up for updates.

Streetsville Heritage Conservation District

We are approaching the end of Phase 1 of the Streetsville Heritage Conservation District Study. The consulting team has completed an evaluation of the study area. It has been determined that the study area includes property which meets the legislated criteria for identifying a potential Heritage Conservation District under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. A recommended Heritage Conservation District boundary has been identified.

Now that data has been collected and recommendations are being drafted, we are looking to the community for input. Information provided to the consultants at the upcoming community meeting will feed into a report prepared by the Consultants. This report will be brought forward to Council in late winter 2024 to determine whether or not the study should proceed to Phase 2.

Join us at our next community meeting:

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Vic Johnston Community Centre
Hazel McCallion Hall
335 Church Street, Mississauga

Reminder

An Evening with Brent Toderian

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

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Brent Toderian, renowned urbanist and city planner, as he shares his insights and experiences in shaping vibrant cities.

This in-person event will take place on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre.

More information

The city plans to continue its community engagement efforts and is always looking for new ways to involve residents in the decision-making process. For more information on community engagement initiatives in Mississauga, please sign up on this site.

January 12, 2024
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