Issues

Aug 24 2020
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One More Chance to Have Your Say on Noise in Mississauga

By Events, Issues, Resources

August 24, 2020

When should certain types of noise be permitted in Mississauga? How much noise is acceptable in a growing urban centre? As the City moves ahead in updating its Noise Control By-law, a new online survey is now available to get residents’ thoughts on how to manage noise now and for the future.

Your input will help shape the new by-law to ensure it is more responsive to resident and community needs.

We invite residents to share their thoughts and complete the survey by September 30, 2020.

What:
An online survey to determine acceptable permitted periods for various noise types as part of the City’s Noise Control By-law Review.

Who:
Mississauga residents

Business owners

Taxpayers

How:

To complete the survey, visit mississauga.ca/noise-control

When:
Survey closes September 30, 2020

 

 

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Aug 24 2020
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Lakefront Promenade boardwalk construction update

By Events, Issues, Resources
  • Construction of Area 9 boardwalk has resumed. Area 9 is located at Douglas Kennedy Headland by the spray pad and playground –see below. Completion of the boardwalk is anticipated end of October, pending steady flow of wood supply.
  • Construction of Area 1 boardwalk is still on hold. Area 1 is by the large parking lot at A.E. Crookes parking lot – see below. Supply of wood decking is anticipated within 3 weeks. Completion of Area 1 would take approximately  6 weeks once the contractor mobilizes.  I will keep you updated of any new developments.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Aug 18 2020
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Computer Access, Expanded Hotspot Lending Now Available at Select Mississauga Libraries

By Issues, Resources

August 18, 2020

Starting today, customers can access in-library computers by appointment at Burnhamthorpe and Central Libraries. Computer visits are on a limited basis at first to ensure customer and employee safety. Access to computers includes use of the internet, Microsoft Office, scanning and limited printing and photocopying.

“I am pleased that we are able to resume these important services at select library locations across our City,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Access to technology – from online education and resources to job search assistance and even connecting with friends and loved ones – is one way we can help promote health and wellness while ensuring our residents stay connected to opportunity. In an increasingly digital world, access to free technology will be vital in our efforts to ensure all residents and businesses have the tools and supports they need to thrive in a post-pandemic world.”

Computer access is available at Burnhamthorpe and Central Libraries on:

  • Tuesdays                   2 – 4:30 p.m.; 5:30 – 8 p.m.
  • Wednesdays             10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 5 p.m.
  • Thursdays                  1:30 – 4:30 p.m.; 5:30 – 8 p.m.
  • Fridays           10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 4:30 p.m.

Customers can book an appointment online through MyPC, by calling the Virtual Call Centre at 905-615-3500 or in-person at Burnhamthorpe or Central during service hours. Staff will be on hand to direct each user to their computer station upon arrival.

“We welcome customers to use the computers at our Burnhamthorpe and Central locations,” said Jennifer Stirling, Acting Director, Mississauga Library. “We remind everyone that masks must be worn indoors at all times. We are currently limiting appointments to one booking per person per day, with a limit of one person per computer station. Please have your library card number available. We continue to take all the necessary steps to protect public health and safety. These include implementing stricter cleaning and sanitization procedures and observing physical distancing protocols. We look forward to reopening additional locations and services in September.”

 Visit mississaugalibrary.ca/computers for more details.

 

Mississauga Library also has more Wi-Fi hotspots that can be loaned for one week and returned to any location’s open outdoor drop box. Customers can place a hold on hotspots through the Library’s catalogue.

Customers can continue to use their library card or virtual card to explore our vast collection of ebooks, audiobooks and other online virtual resources.

For more information, visit mississaugalibrary.ca and follow Mississauga Library on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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Aug 13 2020
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Mississauga Allocated $46 million from Province of Ontario

By Covid-19, Issues, Resources

Mississauga Allocated $46 million from Province of Ontario Economic Response – COVID-19

COVID-19 | August 12, 2020

Today, the Province of Ontario announced Phase 1 of funding as part of the Safe Restart Agreement between the Federal government and the Provinces and Territories.

Mississauga Allocations for Phase 1 $46.083M

  • Mississauga – Phase 1 Funding – $14.997M to help municipalities respond to local priorities
  • Mississauga – Phase 1 Transit Funding – $31.086M to keep the transit system running

“This is great news for our City, and I want to thank Premier Ford for being a champion for cities and for coming to the table to advocate for our needs,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “I also want to thank Prime Minister Trudeau and the Federal government for their unprecedented financial commitment. This funding will help Mississauga address the approximately $60 million deficit we face in 2020 and recognizes that a strong economic recovery requires healthy cities. COVID-19 will bring additional financial pressures to future years, and we look forward to working with the province to determine how Phase 2 funding can best support large, urban cities like Mississauga.”

The City of Mississauga is receiving a total $46.083 million in Fall 2020 as part of the Ontario Economic Response in the first round of funding through the Safe Restart Agreement.

“As a large Ontario municipality we have been advocating for funding to do the work that is needed to carry out our recovery plans and be able to deliver the key services our residents rely on,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer.  “We will still face challenges as we implement our recovery, but this funding will help us continue to provide the essential services our residents and businesses need.”

The government is providing the City of Mississauga over $14 million to help respond to local priorities and $31 million in the first phase of transit funding.  The transit funding will be provided through a base amount and an additional allocation based on transit ridership. The funding can be used to provide immediate relief from transit pressures, such as lower ridership, as well as for new costs due to COVID-19, such as enhanced cleaning and masks for staff. In the second phase, additional allocations will be provided based on expenses incurred to ensure the funding meets the needs of municipalities.

“This is welcome news as we continue to work on our 2021 Budget to manage the deficit from the pandemic while providing services and programs,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “Staff will continue to innovate with Council and with the public being fully engaged. We look forward to reaching out to the public on our budget in the Fall to give Council the input and information they need.”

Background

The Premier will be consulting with municipal partners at Association of Municipalities of Ontario AMO conference next week. In Fall 2020, Ontario’s 444 municipalities will receive $695 million in Phase 1 funding to help address municipal operating pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will be allocated on a per household basis and would be shared 50/50 between upper- and lower-tier municipalities. Up to $695 million in additional funding will be available through Phase 2 to eligible municipalities after municipalities have provided the province with information on their estimated COVID-19 related financial pressures.

 

Aug 13 2020
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MiWay Honours Veterans with Free Transit on August 22

By Events, Issues

August 13, 2020

Next week, MiWay will offer free transit for Canadian Armed Forces veterans and their companions on Saturday, August 22 in honour of their service.

Although the Warriors’ Day Parade, held annually since 1921, was cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MiWay will continue the annual tradition of providing free transit service on the event day to recognize those who have served in the Canadian military.

“We are proud to honour our country’s veterans with complimentary transit service on August 22 to thank them for the sacrifices they have made for our country – COVID-19 doesn’t diminish everything they have done for us,” said Geoff Marinoff, Director, Transit. “Veterans are able to travel on MiWay anywhere in Mississauga to their destination for free with one companion.”

Veterans are asked to identify themselves to the transit operator by wearing their uniform, showing a medal or their Veteran’s Service Card. A companion accompanying a veteran may also ride for free.

Wearing a non-medical mask or face covering is now mandatory on MiWay under the City’s face covering by-law. Children under the age of two and people with disabilities or other medical conditions that prevent them from wearing any mask will not be required to wear one.

For more information, visit miway.ca/coronavirus.

Aug 12 2020
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Mississauga Allocated $46 million from Province of Ontario Economic Response

By Covid-19, Issues, Resources

| August 12, 2020

Today, the Province of Ontario announced Phase 1 of funding as part of the Safe Restart Agreement between the Federal government and the Provinces and Territories.

Mississauga Allocations for Phase 1 $46.083M

  • Mississauga – Phase 1 Funding – $14.997M to help municipalities respond to local priorities
  • Mississauga – Phase 1 Transit Funding – $31.086M to keep the transit system running

“This is great news for our City, and I want to thank Premier Ford for being a champion for cities and for coming to the table to advocate for our needs,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “I also want to thank Prime Minister Trudeau and the Federal government for their unprecedented financial commitment. This funding will help Mississauga address the approximately $60 million deficit we face in 2020 and recognizes that a strong economic recovery requires healthy cities. COVID-19 will bring additional financial pressures to future years, and we look forward to working with the province to determine how Phase 2 funding can best support large, urban cities like Mississauga.”

The City of Mississauga is receiving a total $46.083 million in Fall 2020 as part of the Ontario Economic Response in the first round of funding through the Safe Restart Agreement.

“As a large Ontario municipality we have been advocating for funding to do the work that is needed to carry out our recovery plans and be able to deliver the key services our residents rely on,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer.  “We will still face challenges as we implement our recovery, but this funding will help us continue to provide the essential services our residents and businesses need.”

The government is providing the City of Mississauga over $14 million to help respond to local priorities and $31 million in the first phase of transit funding.  The transit funding will be provided through a base amount and an additional allocation based on transit ridership. The funding can be used to provide immediate relief from transit pressures, such as lower ridership, as well as for new costs due to COVID-19, such as enhanced cleaning and masks for staff. In the second phase, additional allocations will be provided based on expenses incurred to ensure the funding meets the needs of municipalities.

“This is welcome news as we continue to work on our 2021 Budget to manage the deficit from the pandemic while providing services and programs,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “Staff will continue to innovate with Council and with the public being fully engaged. We look forward to reaching out to the public on our budget in the Fall to give Council the input and information they need.”

Background

The Premier will be consulting with municipal partners at Association of Municipalities of Ontario AMO conference next week. In Fall 2020, Ontario’s 444 municipalities will receive $695 million in Phase 1 funding to help address municipal operating pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will be allocated on a per household basis and would be shared 50/50 between upper- and lower-tier municipalities. Up to $695 million in additional funding will be available through Phase 2 to eligible municipalities after municipalities have provided the province with information on their estimated COVID-19 related financial pressures.

 

Aug 10 2020
Love0

“Noisemakers” Not Welcome in Mississauga Under Amended Noise Control By-Law

By Issues

August 5, 2020

The City of Mississauga is taking strong action to address vehicle noise after Council approved a proposed amendment to the Noise Control By-law.

The amended by-law will prohibit anyone from making unnecessary noise in both stationary and moving motor vehicles. This includes unreasonable noise caused by sounding a horn, playing loud music from their vehicle, revving an engine or squealing tires. It also prohibits drivers from creating unreasonable noise from mufflers, exhaust or emission control systems. This prohibition applies to all motor vehicles, including motorcycles.

“Mississauga is urbanizing and we recognize that as our city gets busier, noise levels inevitably increase. That being said, we need to do whatever we can to discourage unnecessary noise, especially from vehicles,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. Excessive vehicle noise disrupts our resident’s quality of life, whether they are being awakened in the middle of the night or startled while driving on our streets. As we continue to modernize our approach to noise control, we‘re taking action to ensure that anyone who modifies or “soups” up their vehicles to disrupt our streets and neighbourhoods will face fines. Let’s continue to work together to ensure our city remains enjoyable for all.”

 Under the amended by-law, the City will request the Ministry of the Attorney General to approve a higher set fine from the current rate of $110 to $500. Both the City and Peel Regional Police will have the authority to charge violators under the amended by-law.

On July 8, City staff presented Council with a proposed updated Noise Control By-law. Council identified vehicle noise as a priority and directed staff to come back with amendments to the Noise Control By-law for immediate action.

“Vehicle noise is one of the top noise concerns for residents,” said Sam Rogers, Director, Enforcement. “We know that Peel Regional Police has seen a lot of success with their Project Noisemaker program with a total of 339 charges. As of July 31, approximately 170 charges have been laid in Mississauga alone for vehicle noise offences. Approval of the amended by-law and a proposed increased set fine amount means that the City and Peel Regional Police will be able to issue higher fines to violators. We are taking action to protect the quality of life for Mississauga residents.”

The amended Noise Control By-law will come into effect on August 6, 2020.

In addition to the amended by-law, Ward 2 Councillor Karen Ras put forward a motion today at Council which passed unanimously. The motion calls on the Province to request that the portion of the Highway Traffic Act dealing with tampering of emission control systems on motor vehicles, be put in force immediately.

 

Aug 06 2020
Love0

The Compass – Walk the Walk – September 2020

By Events, Issues, Resources

Every year volunteers, clients, friends and other residents of Ward 1 and 2 come together to Walk the Walk for our local food bank. The Compass distributed over 486,000 lbs of food last year to locals in need. The Compass provides more than just food, they are also a community for their clients who participate in programs such as men and women’s groups, movie night, tax help and many other services. With only 3 part time staff the Compass is powered by local volunteers and funding from local donors. The Walk is the major fundraising event adn this year it’s going to be virtual – I urge you to go to thecompass.ca/walk and sign up to Walk the Walk in your neighbourhood or your backyard for a neighbour in need.

Please see my video message in support of this event!

The Compass Video 2020

 

Jul 28 2020
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MiWay Changes Express Route on Hurontario due to LRT Construction 

By Covid-19, Hurontario LRT, Issues

July 28, 2020

Effective August 3, MiWay will revise Route 103-Hurontario Express as part of its second phase of routing changes along the Hurontario corridor. These adjustments are required to help minimize service impacts due to the Hurontario Light Rail Transit (HuLRT) construction, which began in late March.

Due to the anticipated reduction of traffic lanes south of the QEW in the upcoming months, Route 103 will no longer travel south of The Queensway to the Port Credit GO Station and instead, will travel between the Brampton Gateway Terminal and Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital, seven days a week.

Frequent service on Route 103 and other local routes on Hurontario (Routes 2 and 17) allow for convenient transfers along the Hurontario corridor. Route 2 will continue to provide local service to all stops between the City Centre Transit Terminal (CCTT) and Port Credit GO Station, and Route 17 travels between the Highway 407 Park and Ride and the CCTT, continuing to provide 24-hour service during weekdays.

MiWay reminds passengers that wearing a face covering or non-medical mask is now mandatory when riding on MiWay and inside transit terminal buildings. Children under the age of two and people with disabilities or other medical conditions that prevent them from wearing any mask are not be required to wear one. Fare collection and front door boarding have also resumed.

MiWay implemented its first phase of the Hurontario corridor routing changes in April. For details about other service changes that take effect on August 3, please visit miway.ca/aug3.

To learn more about these service changes, visit miway.ca/hurontario. For more information on MiWay’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit miway.ca/coronavirus.

Jul 23 2020
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City’s Cashiers Desk at Civic Centre Goes Cashless

By Covid-19, Issues

July 22, 2020

Today, City Council approved cashless payments at the Cashiers Desk, located on the ground floor of the Civic Centre. The Cashiers Desk is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions; however, cashless payments will take effect upon its reopening as a health and safety measure to protect residents and staff.

“The Cashiers Desk has seen a shift towards digital payment methods over cash. Cash transactions account for approximately 30 per cent of the transactions processed at Cashiers while it only accounts for two percent of the revenue,” said Gary Kent, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner, Corporate Services. “Removing cash payments does help to eliminate the risk of theft, counterfeit money transactions, tax evasion and money laundering.”

As a result of removing cash payments, the City will see the following benefits:

  • Receiving and depositing payments faster
  • Reducing theft and counterfeit transactions
  • Eliminating the need for armoured car services
  • Eliminating the need to balance cash, prepare cash deposits or exchange cash
  • Promoting a healthier and safer work environment

“At the City, cash is mainly used to pay property taxes, despite there being other ways to pay taxes,” said Connie Mesih, Director of Revenue & Materiel Management. “We’re encouraging residents to make electronic payments as they provide additional levels of convenience, the ability to monitor payment activities and control risks.”

The majority of the revenue processed at the Cashiers Desk is for Development Charges and for Revenue such as property taxes, accounts receivable invoices or the Mississauga Accommodation Tax.

Mesih added, “We’re making our Cashiers Desk cashless to help reduce costs associated with offering cash as a payment method. By doing so, we’re eliminating the need for counting and processing cash, preparing bank deposits, ensuring we have correct change, security, and transporting cash to the bank.”

Residents, business owners and City employees may still make payments at the Cashiers Desk using the following methods:

  • Cheque
  • Debit
  • Credit (excluding property taxes)

For property taxes, payments may also be made using:

  • Online or mobile banking
  • Telephone banking
  • In-person cash payments at a financial institution
  • Pre-authorized payments
  • Post-dated cheques, mailed, dropped off in-person or in the after-hours drop box

For more information, visit web.mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/property-taxes/contact/.