Category

Parks

2024 Budget moves Mississauga forward

By Announcement, Parks, Planning & Development, Resources

Mississauga’s 2024-2027 Business Plan & 2024 Budget was adopted today by Mayor Bonnie Crombie. The 2024 Budget moves Mississauga forward by prioritizing infrastructure, building and growth while maintaining a safe and healthy community. It outlines how the City will allocate resources to meet service expectations for 13 service areas and more than 300 programs and services over the next four years, ensuring affordability for residents and businesses.

Important investments

Key capital investments in 2024 include:

  • Hybrid bus acquisitions – $87.9 million
  • New fire stations and station renovations – $24.6 million
  • Major road construction – $22.4 million
  • New park development – $41.4 million
  • Road rehabilitation – $44.6 million
  • Storm sewers – $19.2 million

“Mississauga’s 2024 Budget proposes a modest 2.3 per cent increase on the City’s portion of the tax bill compared to 3 per cent last year. This was achieved through finding $3.7 million in savings and efficiencies while being extremely measured when considering anything new,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “The budget remains prudent with tax dollars, with nearly half (2.9 per cent) of the budget increase allocated to maintaining the status quo for the 200 services provided by the City. We are exploring new opportunities to move Mississauga forward like housing, transportation, public safety and mitigating climate change. The largest investment within the budget is for transit as we look to increase service levels and support our community’s growth.”

Property taxes

More than 57 per cent of the City’s revenue comes from property tax from residents and commercial/industrial properties. This is the main revenue tool for municipalities as per the Municipal Act, 2001.

Mississauga residents will see a 2.34 per cent increase on the City portion of the residential tax bill and business owners will see a 1.59 per cent increase on the City portion of the commercial/industrial tax bill.

New initiatives

Of the 21 new initiatives proposed for 2024, 13 are funded by user fees or other revenues, or are funded from capital, and do not impact the tax rate. These initiatives include a MiWay service increase, the opening of a new fire station, parkland growth, and invasive species management programs.

“Of every property tax dollar collected, only 37 cents stays in the City of Mississauga, and we’re putting that money to good use,” said Shari Lichterman, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “We’re committed to keeping costs low by identifying operational efficiencies, securing financial support from other levels of government, and charging user fees where appropriate. At the same time, we continue to make smart investments in making the quality of life for residents better today, and into the future.”

Cost savings

The City has implemented cost containment strategies to help bring down costs. The 2024 Budget contains savings of $3.7 million (a 0.6 per cent reduction in the City’s net costs). Since 2009, the City has achieved $80.8 million in cost savings.

The Business Plan & Budget plays a significant role in shaping our city, so it’s important to take the time to read and understand it. The City’s 2024-2027 Business Plan & 2024 Budget, contains valuable information about how tax dollars are spent and highlights specific projects that will be undertaken throughout the City.

Individuals who are interested to learn more about the City’s adopted 2024 Budget and the budget process can visit mississauga.ca/budget.

2024 Budget Highlights

2024 Budget Book - Moving Mississauga Forward

December 19, 2023
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Parks Winter Operations 2023-2024

By Parks, Ward 1

Overview
The Parks Operations team performs winter maintenance that includes clearing snow and de-icing in;
 4-season parking lots,
 Community centres, arenas, libraries and/or banquet facilities
 Trails and walkways that serve a transportation link for local communities (e.g. trails, walkways and easements to school boundaries).

When snow will be cleared
The size and intensity of the storm will dictate the time required to treat and clear facilities, parking lots and pathways. The City plows when five centimetres of snow or more accumulates. If there is less than five centimetres of snow, locations are salted.

The follow chart summarizes Parks winter maintenance service levels;

When experiencing back to back storms, (e.g. over consecutive days), or significant weather events, timelines as outlined above may be extended.

In extreme weather conditions, the City may declare a significant weather event. During a significant weather event, the timing for winter maintenance crews to clear the snow resets when the event is over.

Winter salt and brine
The City uses rock salt, or sodium chloride, to clear parking lots, front entrances, pathways, easements and sidewalks. In anticipation of a snow event, the City may use brine to pre-treat priority locations; such as community centres and arena parking lots, a few days ahead of the incoming event. Brine is solution of water and salt, and is sprayed on the parking lots which makes it harder for ice to form, and makes parking lots easier to plow.

Parking Lot Closures

Seasonal parking lots (including gravel lots and lots adjacent to seasonal facilities) are closed during the winter period.
Parking lots are closed prior to the first significant snowfall. Signs will be posted notifying the public of the closure.

Winter Service Levels for Sanitation
During the winter season, seasonal sanitation containers are removed from permitted sports fields and permanent bins are relocated to entrances to ensure they are serviceable throughout the winter season.

The following chart summarizes Parks winter sanitation service levels;

 

November 24, 2023
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Mississauga receives Active Transportation funding for vital waterfront trail connections

By Announcement, Events, Parks, Ward 1

Today, it was announced that the City of Mississauga will receive $17 million for active transportation through the federal government’s Active Transportation Fund (ATF). This is a funding partnership between the Government of Canada ($17 million investment) and the City of Mississauga ($12 million investment) to expand and enhance trail connections along Mississauga’s eastern shoreline.

“I was so delighted to be part of today’s announcement for the funding of the vital waterfront trail connections…. a huge milestone for our Ward 1 residents and throughout the community”, says Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko.

“Today’s announcement turns a long-held vision of a vibrant, accessible waterfront into a reality. This shoreline trail will provide a year-round connection between Mississauga and Toronto, and an outdoor space that promotes active living,” said Charles Sousa, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Lakeshore, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Our government is committed to helping communities develop the infrastructure they need while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By investing in a trail network in the redeveloped and restored Lakeview community and Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area, we are creating a healthier, sustainable environment for everyone to enjoy.”

Charles Sousa, Acting Mayor and Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca, and Stephen Dasko, Councillor Ward 1 and member of the Credit Valley Conservation Board of Directors, announced funding that will support two major projects – the Mississauga Waterfront/Trans Canada Trail ($17 million) and the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area trail owned and operated by Credit Valley Conservation ($4 million).

“On behalf of the City of Mississauga and Members of Council, we welcome this active transportation funding announcement and thank our federal partners for this investment,” said Acting Mayor and Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca. “Investing in active transportation is an investment in the health, well-being and future of Mississauga. By prioritizing walking and cycling infrastructure, we create safer streets, reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and promote a more connected, vibrant, and sustainable city. It’s an investment in our residents’ quality of life, our environment and the long-term economic vitality of our city.”

Mississauga’s Waterfront/Trans Canada Trail will provide key trail connections to destination parks within the Lakeview Village. It will also connect to Lakefront Promenade Park to the west and the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area to the east. Highlights of the project include:

  • Development of more than 2.5 kilometres of paved, lit, cycling and pedestrian trails to close the gap in the Trans Canada Trail and Regional Waterfront Trail systems.
  • Bridge connection to allow safe crossing for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Development of community recreation and tourism connections that include access to the Western Pier and the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area.
  • Rest stations with washroom facilities.
  • Bicycle parking areas along with bench and bike repair station facilities.

“Active transportation is about all forms of movement. So along with the transit services and smart traffic management systems we are implementing in Mississauga, we also need to ensure we are planning for and building robust cycling and pedestrian networks that are safe, comfortable, connected and convenient. Today’s announcement and funding investment helps enable us to do just that,” said Shari Lichterman, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer.

This funding serves to aid Mississauga in increasing its active transportation infrastructure while supporting the City’s Climate Change Action Plan, Transportation, Cycling and Pedestrian Master Plans, as well as Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy.

Learn more about Mississauga’s Waterfront Parks Strategy, trails, cycling infrastructure and the Lakeview Village development.

From left to right: Jodi Robillos, Commissioner Community Services, Mississauga, Chris Fonseca, Acting Mayor and Councillor Ward 3, Mississauga, Quentin Hanchard, Chief Administrative Officer, Credit Valley Conservation, Charles Sousa, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Lakeshore, Lee Tovey, Stephen Dasko, Councillor Ward 1 and Member of Credit Valley Conservation Board of Directors
Mississauga’s Waterfront (current)
Mississauga’s Waterfront (planned trail upgrades)
November 17, 2023
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Parks Seasonal Washrooms 2023

By Parks
Please be advised that the following seasonal Parks washrooms are now closed, with plans to reopen in spring 2024:
  • Birchwood Park
  • Brueckner Rhododendron Park
  • Richards Memorial Park
  • Jack Darling Park East & West
  • JC Saddington Park
  • Adamson Estate
  • Lakefront Promenade, AE Crookes south
  • Douglas Kennedy Park
  • Brickyard Park
  • Dr. Martin Dobkin Park
  • Lake Aquitaine East & West
  • Meadowvale Conservation Area
  • Meadowvale Sports Park
  • Courtneypark Fields
  • Tobias Mason Park
  • Streetsville Memorial Park
  • Quenippenon Meadows Park
  • Friendship Community Park
  • Paul Coffey Park
  • Fleetwood Park
  • Mississauga Valleys Park
  • Dunton Athletic Fields
The following Parks washrooms remain open for use throughout the winter:
  • Lakeside Park
  • Jack Darling Park Leash Free Zone
  • Marina Park (managed by F&PM)
  • RK McMillan Park
  • Erindale Park
  • Riverwood (VAM Building)
  • Community Common Park
  • Lisgar Fields
  • Father Angelo Saad Park
  • Garnetwood Park
  • Mount Charles Park

 

October 31, 2023
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UPDATE: Port Credit Active Transportation Bridge over the Credit River

By Parks, Resources, Ward 1

Councillor Dasko has recently received an update from Transportation and Works staff regarding the pedestrian bridge that will span the Credit River just South of the train bridge.

Capital Works will be completing some road works on Front Street North, which will include realigning the sidewalk and constructing a parking lay-by in front of the Royal Canadian Legion. This work is in preparation for the new Port Credit Active Transportation Bridge which will connect Front St N, cross the Credit River and connect into Memorial Park.

The estimated date for this work is Spring-Summer 2024. In the meantime, an archaeological investigation is scheduled for October 2023.  The bridge construction will then commence in 2025.

Councillor Dasko will post updates as they become available.

September 27, 2023
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