Category

Uncategorized

Mississauga’s Budget Discussions are Underway

By Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

Nov 18, 2019

Today, City staff’s overview presentation of the proposed 2020 Business Plan and Budget to the Budget Committee began with an economic outlook by Andrew Grantham, Executive Director and Senior Economist, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

Grantham stated, “Tentative signs of improvement in US-China trade relations and global growth has eased some of the downside risk facing the Canadian economy and the City of Mississauga in particular. However, slower growth in Canada and Ontario specifically recently, compared to 2017, has been driven largely by softer consumer spending. With household budgets remaining stretched, with savings low and affordability concerns remaining, growth is likely to remain modest going forward.”

2020 Tax Impact

The proposed overall tax impact is a 3.84 per cent increase on the 2020 residential property tax bill. Of this, 1.74 per cent is for the City’s services and, 2.1 per cent for Region of Peel services, based on the proposed Regional budget. The proposed overall tax increase on the 2020 commercial/industrial property tax bill is 2.35 per cent. Of this, 1.07 per cent is for the City’s services, and 1.28 per cent for Region of Peel services.

“In 2020, the City continues to focus on a number of projects and plans that will align with the City’s Strategic Plan and corporate priorities,” said Jeff Jackson, Director of Finance and City Treasurer. “New services focus on quality of life for residents, quality of service, service delivery and value for money. Existing services will be maintained or improved. New initiatives will help further advance the Strategic Plan. The Public Safety Fire Program is part of Mississauga’s commitment to a high standard of public safety. We also need to continue to invest and maintain the infrastructure we already own.”

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

Mississauga has experienced strong economic growth over the past five years, with total employment growing twice as fast as our population.

  • Of Canada’s ten largest cities, Mississauga is the only city that ranks fifth or higher across key industrial sectors; Automotive, Aerospace, Food & Beverage, Life Sciences, Finance, and Information Communication Technologies
  • Mississauga’s per capita economic output is almost 40% higher than average output in Ontario.

 Stormwater

The City’s stormwater charge is a dedicated source of funding that appears on the Region of Peel water bill separate from the budget and the 2020 increase is set at 2 per cent. This amounts to $108.20 per stormwater billing unit.

Fees and Charges

The City’s Budget Committee previously considered new and increased fees and charges for 2020. This included transit fares and fees for Recreation and Parks, Forestry & Environment programs. Additional revenue of approximately $1.8 million is expected from the increases and new fees. These will also lift some pressures on the property tax rate in 2020.

Learn more about the City’s 2020 Business Plan and Budget and what they mean to you as a taxpayer:

  • Visit mississauga.ca/budgetand see what you get for your tax dollars
  • Read an overviewof the 2020 preliminary Business Plan & Budget that was presented to Budget Committee on June 26, 2019
  • Watch or attend Budget Committee deliberations scheduled for November 19, 25, 26 and 27 with a Council vote to approve the budget now expected at the December 4 Council Meeting.*

* Budget Committee meeting schedules are subject to change.

Choose from several ways to get involved and share your thoughts

 

-30-

Mississauga’s Recognized with Two Awards for Excellence for 2019 Budget 

By Uncategorized

November 18, 2019

The City of Mississauga was recognized with two awards for its 2019-2022 Business Plan and 2019 Budget.

The City’s Finance Division has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This is the 30th consecutive year for Mississauga to receive the award, the most received by a Canadian municipality.

Participants must meet nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation in order to receive this award. The GFOA assesses each budget submission for its merit as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and as a communications device.

In addition, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Canada awarded the City with a Silver Leaf Award in the Government Communications Programs category for the 2019 Budget Engagement Campaign.

The Silver Leaf is a national award that recognizes outstanding work in communications. The Silver Leaf for the 2019 Budget Engagement Campaign confirms that Mississauga has achieved communications excellence in Canada for how the City communicates to our residents about its budget.

The campaign featured communications tactics aimed at helping residents understand what they get for their property tax dollars. This was an important factor in helping decision makers prepare budgets in a transparent manner, ensuring responsiveness to residents’ needs and views.

“It’s an honour for the City’s Budget to be acknowledged for excellence with these two awards,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “These achievements reflect Council’s commitment to excellence and sets high standards among other municipalities. Our success is due to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team of City staff who contribute their expertise every year.”

Background:

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada. GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 20,500 members and the communities they serve.

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a global membership association with thousands of members from around the world. IABC serves professionals in the field of business communication, bringing together the profession’s collective disciplines. IABC delivers on the Global Standard in communication through its educational offerings, certification, awards program, resource library, online magazine and annual World Conference.

PHOTOS:[Download Hi-Res Photo]

The City of Mississauga is recognized with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for excellence in financial reporting for the 30th consecutive year from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

[Download Hi-Res Photo]

The City of Mississauga is recognized with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Canada Silver Leaf Award for the 2019 Budget Engagement campaign.

 

Ray Marentette Slow Rolls his Way!

By Uncategorized

<!– $RCSfile: contentMulti.jsp,v $ –> <!– $RCSfile: contentMulti.jsp,v $ –>

Ray Marentette Slow Rolls his Way to the Phil Green Award

Nov 13, 2019

Today, Mississauga City Council awarded Ray Marentette with the Phil Green Recognition Award for 2018. Ray began Mississauga’s first Slow Roll program in Port Credit. This is a casual group ride for riders of all levels and ages who cycle together on a biweekly basis.

The Phil Green Recognition Award is presented annually by the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee (MCAC) to a person or persons who show exceptional initiative in promoting or furthering cycling or other forms of sustainable transportation in the City of Mississauga. Phil Green is a Mississauga resident who worked tirelessly to promote safe cycling and riding as an alternative to driving. He is also the founding member of MCAC.

“Ray is a shining example of a resident who is a self-starter and a leader in promoting cycling,” said Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca, Chair of the MCAC. “He has more than tripled participation in his Port Credit Slow Roll from 13 people on his first ride to having an average of 50 riders. He has also encouraged others to begin a Slow Roll in Streetsville. He is an exceptional role model who has encouraged so many people to get on their bikes and give it a try.”

Marentette started bringing cyclists together for a biweekly casual 10 to 15 kilometre ride to enjoy the waterfront trail in Port Credit in the spring of 2018. When his rides gained popularity, he successfully received sponsorship from a local sporting goods store who supplied t-shirts for all of the Slow Roll riders.

For more information on the Phil Green award visit: mississaugabikes.ca/phil-green-award/

Photo cutline: Ray Marentette received the 2018 Phil Green Recognition award. L-R: Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Councillor Chris Fonseca, Ward 3 and chair of the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee, Stephen Dasko, Ward 1, Ray Marentette and Phil Green.

Mississauga is Ready to Clear the way this Winter

By Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

November 5, 2019

Colder temperatures and morning frosts have already made their mark in Mississauga and snow won’t be far behind. When the time comes, the City’s winter crews will be ready to take on winter.

“Mississauga is ready and prepared for whatever winter weather may come our way,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Whether it’s snow or ice on our roads, winter crews will be working around the clock to make sure roads, bike lanes, sidewalks and bus stops are safe and accessible this winter. To minimize the impact on the environment, roads are only salted when needed. I encourage residents to drive according to weather conditions and give snow plows lots of space as they work to clear our roads and keep you safe.”

Mickey Frost, Director, Works Operations and Maintenance added: “We have 378 pieces of snow clearing equipment that are ready to clear 5,600 lane kilometres of roads and on-street bike lanes, 1,600 linear kilometres of priority sidewalks, 3,400 bus stops, 95 kilometres of roadside multi-use trails and over 1,000 pedestrian crossings. Residents can get snow clearing updates using our snow plow tracker online and by following @MississaugaSnow on Twitter.”

Here is what residents need to know about snow clearing in Mississauga:

Levels of Service

 

Snowfall accumulation for: Less than 8 cm 8 to 15 cm 15 to 30 cm More than 30 cm or back-to-back storms
·       Major and priority roads

·       Priority sidewalks and designated multi-use trails

·       Bus stops

·       Pedestrian crossings

·       Salted within 12 hours after the end of a snowfall ·       Plowing and salting

·       Cleared within 12 hours after the end of a snowfall

·       Plowing and salting

·       Cleared within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall

·       Plowing and salting

·       Cleared more than 24 hours after the end of a snowfall

·       Residential and secondary roads ·       Salted within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall ·       Plowing and salting

·       Cleared within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall

·       Plowing and salting

·       Cleared within 36 hours after the end of a snowfall

·       Plowing and salting

·       Cleared more than 36 hours after the end of a snowfall

Residential roads and priority sidewalks are not cleared to bare pavement, but are made passable and safe.

Download and view highlights of what the City clears.

On-street Parking

Parked vehicles reduce the City staff’s ability to efficiently and safely clear roads. Any parked vehicles on residential roads should be removed during snow clearing. On-street parking restrictions remain in effect from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., year-round.

Temporary parking permits can be suspended at any time during winter operations and new permits will not be issued. Vehicles parked on City streets will be enforced according to the Traffic By-law and will be issued a penalty notice and be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.

Using Salt Responsibly 

The City is committed to maintaining road safety while minimizing impacts to the environment by using the right amount of road salt in the right place and time. Salt trucks are equipped with on-board technology to monitor and control salt use. Access to an advanced weather monitoring system also allows winter crews to salt only when necessary and in accordance with conditions.

Residents are also encouraged to minimize the impact of salt on the environment by following manufacturer instructions to only apply the right amount under the right conditions.

Download the Pingstreet mobile app to report over-salting at bus stops.

Significant Weather Event

During severe winter events, the City may declare a Significant Weather Event under the Ontario Municipal Act (Regulation 239/02). This allows the City’s works operations more time to deploy winter equipment to address a significant winter storm. Service level timing starts after the declaration is lifted instead of when the snow stops.

Snow Clearing Updates and Temporary Parking Permit Cancellations

  • Follow @MississaugaSnow on Twitter.
  • Visit the online Snow Plow Tracker.
  • Call 3-1-1 (905-615-4311 if outside city limits) for concerns about road conditions after snow clearing is complete.

Safety Tips 

  • Be a good neighbour by clearing your sidewalk as soon as possible after a snowfall for the safety of others, and offer to help older adults and people with disabilities who may need it.
  • Drive according to weather conditions and give snow plows and salt trucks lots of space as they clear the roads.
  • Wear appropriate footwear when outside.
  • Ensure pets are brought indoors during extreme weather conditions.

For more information about snow clearing in the city, visit mississauga.ca/snow.

 

Council Endorses Lakeview Waterfront Development Master Plan

By Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

November 6, 2019 

Today, City of Mississauga Council endorsed the Lakeview Waterfront Development Master Plan. The Plan sets out the framework for the development of the 177-acre site, formerly the Lakeview Power Generating Station lands, located in Mississauga’s Lakeview community.

Today’s approval of the Master Plan is the latest step in the multi-year project which began with Inspiration Lakeview consultations in 2010. The City can now review submitted development applications and can consider amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. Public consultation will continue throughout the process.

“I am pleased that we are one step closer to creating liveable, walkable communities connecting the lakeshore from east to west,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “The transformation of our waterfront will drive tourism, foster innovation, spur economic growth and attract a new generation to Mississauga. Few cities in the world have the opportunity to develop 250 acres of their waterfront. The potential here is enormous.  As we continue to work together, our vision to create a world-class waterfront will become a reality.”

The Plan sets out an urban framework that defines the character of Lakeview Village. It creates the foundation for the development of mixed-use, multi-modal, green and innovative neighbourhoods on the site.

“The Lakeview Waterfront Development Master Plan outlines an ideal 21st century community for our waterfront,” said Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building. “We wanted to ensure this Master Plan was in place before we considered any Official Plan amendments. The development of the Master Plan allowed us to more closely examine the built form and density. We were also able to more fully engage with the community, than what would have been possible under the original Official Plan process.”

Following presentations of earlier versions of the Master Plan to Planning and Development Committee (PDC) on April 29 and June 24, Lakeview Community Partners Limited met with City staff and the Lakeview Community Advisory Panel  (LCAP) to incorporate feedback received and revise the Plan.

“I would like to thank the community for the significant time and energy they have contributed to this process,” said Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko. “We will continue to work with our community partners to ensure we can create something for generations to enjoy.”

The Lakeview Waterfront is one of Mississauga’s three key redevelopment waterfront projects along with Port Credit West Village and 1 Port Street.

[Download the graphic]

[Link to the graphic within the Plan]

 

 

Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) Addendum QEW Credit River Bridge Replacement – November 7, 2019

By Events, Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

City of Mississauga, Region of Peel
THE PROJECT
In 2013, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) completed a study that followed the process for a Group ‘B’ project
under the Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000), and identified a
strategy to accommodate future transportation requirements for the QEW from west of Mississauga Road to west
of Hurontario Street, and address the Credit River Bridge. The Class EA study was documented in a Transportation
Environmental Study Report (TESR) and recommended the following improvements:
• New QEW Credit River Bridge directly to the north of the existing bridge
• Rehabilitation of the existing QEW Credit River Bridge
• Reconstruction and reconfiguration of the existing QEW
• Reconfiguration of the Mississauga Road interchange including replacement of the Mississauga Road overpass
• Support facilities and features including landscaping, utilities, drainage and storm water management
improvements, illumination, noise walls, Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS)
In 2019, the province chose to implement this project through a Design-Build-Finance (DBF) Public Private
Partnership (P3) procurement model. Additionally, the Province chose to take an alternative approach to life cycle
asset management through replacement of the existing QEW Credit River Bridge rather than rehabilitation.
As the 2013 Class EA considered a rehabilitation scenario only, additional work is now being carried out to assess
impacts associated with the proposed replacement of the QEW Credit River Bridge; conduct further stakeholder
consultation; and prepare and file a TESR Addendum.
MTO is also working with the City of Mississauga to incorporate the City’s active transportation initiatives for
crossings over the Credit River and the QEW, and multi-use trails.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
MTO will be hosting a Public Information Centre (PIC) to provide the public and other interested stakeholders with
an opportunity to review and discuss the TESR Addendum study with members of the Project Team. The PIC will
follow a “drop-in” format.
You’re Invited! Public Information Centre
Date: Thursday, November 7, 2019
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Anapilis Halls, Archives Hall – 2185 Stavebank Road, Mississauga
When completed, the TESR Addendum will be filed for a 30-day public review period. Additional notices will be
published in local newspapers at that time and sent to those on the project mailing list, to advertise where the
document is available for review.
To find out more about the project, please visit the project website at www.qewcreditriver.ca.

Marina of Port Credit

By Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

October 21, 2019

Thank you for your interest in this critical issue in Port Credit, in fact, Ward 1 and the City as a whole. Allow me to highlight some of the issues regarding the funding proposal for the Marina of Port Credit.

 

  • Canada Lands has conveyed the current break wall, the water lot and the land at the north-east side of the Marina to the City, provided that the project be completed or well underway within 10 years.  Otherwise the property site would revert back to Canada Lands;

 

  • The City is undergoing a significant transformation along the waterfront of Lake Ontario which is rich in its history, culture, and definitely of course tourism.  For the first time in over a generation, the waterfront will be accessible for all;

 

  • The marina is a rare entity on Lake Ontario as it has a deep water port and also provides over direct 150 jobs in the marina industry alone;

 

  • Port Credit is a dynamic and unique Village on the lake and the indirect economic benefits are measured not only by boaters, the boating industry as well, but by the thousands of tourists that visit every year to be by the water and enjoy all types of boats;

 

  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) offers an opportunity for the City to receive 27 cents on the dollar to be able to submit a proposal to keep the Port in Port Credit – maintain a working marina, have boat slips, boat storages, and have 3.5 acres of new parkland for all to enjoy;

 

-It is critical that Mississauga continues to be home to a working marina.  This comes at a time when the waterfront is going through a dramatic transformation. The City as a whole, will benefit from being known, the City with the impressive and spectacular waterfront;

 

This issue is expected to be before the General Committee meeting which on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

I would like to personally invite you to come and if you would like to make a presentation before General Committee, please contact the General Committee Coordinator:  Stephanie Smith at Stephanie.smith@mississauga.ca or by phone at 905 866-3795.  If you are unable to attend, please send me your comments on this matter and I will bring them forward to your Mayor, Commissioner of Community Services and Members of Council.

Stephen

Vacuum Leaf Collection Program 2017

By Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

Our Vacuum Leaf Collection Program will begin in late October. As you are aware, it is difficult to predict when the leaves will fall. However, in response to resident feedback, we have scheduled the program to begin one week later this year. We hope that this will allow us to collect as many leaves as possible before we have to transition to winter operations.

Streets that qualify for the program will be visited according to the following schedule:

 

  2019 Vacuum Leaf Pickup
 Yellow/Gold Flyer  Blue Flyer  Green Flyer
Oct. 28-Nov. 1 Nov. 4-8 Nov. 11-15
Nov. 18-22 Nov. 25-29 Dec. 2-6
Visit our Leaf Pickup Route Map online: http://www6.mississauga.ca/onlinemaps/tranwork/design/html/leafguide/zmap.htm

This year, 130 streets have been added to the program according to our criteria. This brings our total to 1,738 streets. Residents eligible for Vacuum Leaf Pickup will receive a postcard in the mail with their collection dates (see attached). These cards are delivered on a staggered schedule so that they arrive approximately two weeks prior to the zone’s first pickup.

Residents are instructed to rake leaves to the boulevard’s edge or into their ditch by the Sunday prior to their leaf collection dates. Leaves should not be raked onto the road as this can cause catchbasins to become blocked and impact road drainage when it rains.

Residents who miss their leaf pickup, or who have additional leaves to collect after the program has ended, can rake their leaves into open reusable containers (e.x. bushel baskets, labelled rigid plastic containers) or paper yard waste bags and place them curbside for pick up by the Region of Peel on the resident’s regular waste collection day until December 12, 2019. This option is also available to residents who do not qualify for the Vacuum Leaf Pickup Program.

 

Mississauga Comic Expo

By Events, Uncategorized

It’s a comic book fan’s dream! Mississauga Comic Expo  (MCX) returns on October 18 and 19 as part of Ontario Public Library Week. The free two-day event features local Mississauga and Greater Toronto Area (GTA) graphic artists, novelists, creators, designers and developers. This family-friendly, all-ages event, hosted by Mississauga Library, celebrates the diverse culture of comics, gaming, anime, cosplay and art.

Enthusiasts can test their skills in an escape room and in a range of board, tabletop and card games. Other activities include a costume creation station, an anime marathon, introduction to Dungeons & Dragons, local artists and exhibitors, an Instagram photo booth, sketch challenge and children’s area.

The 2019 guest lineup includes Marcus To (DC, Marvel Comics), Megan Kearney (Disney Princess), Adam Gorham (Archie Comics, Marvel Comics), Jamal Campbell (DC, Marvel Comics) and many more.

Event Details

What:
Mississauga Comic Expo

When:
Friday, October 18, 2019
4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Game Night: tabletop board and card games, Dungeons & Dragons, escape room and more.

Saturday, October 19, 2019
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Costume creation station, artist alley, exhibitors, workshops, panels, cosplay shoots, tabletop board game demos and video game free-play sessions.

Where:
Mississauga Central Library
301 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W.
Mississauga, ON
[MAP]

Cost:
Free admission