Issues

Excess Water Conditions in local Park – Warning!

By Events, Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

Current water levels along the Lake Ontario shoreline are high and are nearing the levels set in 2017, when extreme conditions caused significant damage along the lakeshore in Mississauga.  Levels in Lake Ontario are higher than usual due to higher than usual intake from Lake Erie and restriction of water outflow at the Moses-Saunders Power Dam.   Staff are regularly patrolling the City of Mississauga shoreline and report some flooding along the waterfront specifically at:

 

  • Jack Darling Park (public access closed where the water has washed over pathways)
  • C. Saddington Park
  • Marina Park (public access closed where the water has washed over pathways)
  • Public access closed at pedestrian underpass at Lakeshore Road
  • Lawrence (public access closed where the water has washed over pathways)

High water is expected to continue along the waterfront for some time and peak over the next month before slowly receding.  I have attached some pictures of current conditions for your consideration.

  • Photo 1-St Lawrence.jpg
  • Photo 2-JC Saddington.jpg
  • Photo 3-Marina Park.jpg
  • Photo 4 – Jack Darling.jpg

 

The current weather forecast indicates that rain will continue to fall today and continue until Friday with forecasted accumulation of 40 mm of precipitation by the end of the week.  In addition, we are currently experiencing high gusts of easterly winds, which directly affect wave action into the shoreline. The Works Operations and Maintenance Incident Management Team has been activated and will be meeting again this afternoon to report on conditions.  I will provide another update following this meeting.

 

Mitigation Strategies

  • City staff are on stand-by and monitoring high risk flood areas.
  • Dewatering pumps within the Lisgar district were set up as per the High Water Protocol.
  • 1,000 sand bags are ready for use, if required.
  • Crews are standing by to clear debris on affected park pathways once waves recede in preparation for the Mississauga Marathon this weekend.

The City of Mississauga has received a Lake Ontario Flood Watch from the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC). Water safety messaging is in place on the City’s website.

Should you require additional information or assistance, please contact me………….

Stephen

It’s Time for Youth to Shine – National Youth Week is May 1 to 7

By Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

It’s that time of the year, when we celebrate all things youth. May 1 to 7 is National Youth Week and the City of Mississauga will be joining celebrations across the country with a focus on youth-led activities.

There are free activities happening all week targeting youth aged 12 to 18 years-old. Check out a spring cooking class, learn archery, try out yoga or take part in a giant game of Connect Four or Jenga. Many activities are organized by youth for youth. Follow on social media using the hashtag #NYW905.

Highlights of National Youth Week Activities:

The Amazing Library Race – Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

  • At each library location, students will complete skill-testing challenges
  • Participants will travel on MiWay to visit as many of the City’s 18 library locations as possible between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Points will be awarded for completing the challenges. Bonus points will be awarded for distance travelled and completion of more difficult tasks
  • The grand finale is at the Central Library at 3 p.m., participants can gain extra points for their knowledge of Mississauga
  • Snacks will be provided at the final stop at the Central Library
  • Youth can register for free in person at any City library

Battle of the Centres Basketball Tournament – Sunday, May 5, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

  • Full-day tournament held at University of Toronto Mississauga Campus in the Recreation Athletics & Wellness Building located at 1825 Outer Circle [map]
  • Each Community Centre will send a team of 12 novice and advanced players who participate in the City’s Sauga At Play after-school drop-in program
  • Showcasing talented youth who participate in the City’s Sauga At Play after-school drop-in program
  • The tournament will be round robin style with an “all-star” experience complete with a live local disc-jockey, ping pong tables, games, refreshments

Temporary Public Art: Mural Unveiling – Tuesday, May 7, 4 – 6 p.m.

  • Held at the Sculpture Court Skate Park, Civic Centre, located at the southwest corner of Duke of York Boulevard and Princess Royal Drive [map]
  • Nine emerging Mississauga artists will work alongside Canadian artist-athlete, Mango Peeler to unveil a series of new murals inspired by the poetry of Mississauga’s Youth Poet Laureate, Pujita Verma
  • A collaboration between the City’s Culture and Recreation Division, there will be a mash-up of youth music, visual arts, poetry and athletics
  • Skateboard while listening to live music and poetry readings, and meet some of Mississauga’s up and coming artists

Check out the full list of events during National Youth Week by visiting here.

Mississauga Children’s Choir – 40th Season (September)

By Events, Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

The Mississauga Children’s Choir will be celebrating their 40th season starting in September.  They have an incredible year planning including performances with the MSO and notable Mississauga musicians.  They also have a 40th Concert scheduled for June 2020 at the Living Arts Centre.  It promises to be our strongest season yet and an incredible opportunity for children in Mississauga.

For more information please visit their site: mississaugachildrenschoir.com

 

 

Regional Governance Town Hall Meeting Hosted by Councillor Stephen Dasko – May 1st

By Events, Issues

Councillor Dasko and Councillor Ras (Ward 2) are co-hosting a town hall meeting on Wednesday, May 1st, 2019.

The meeting will be taking place at 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Port Credit Legion, 35 Front Street North.

The Guest Speaker is Janice Baker , City Manager and CAO for the City of Mississauga.  This is your opportunity to be heard,  and get informed on the issues the City of Mississauga is dealing with in regards to Region of Peel jurisdictions.

NOTE: The Province is currently seeking public input from the cities and residents that could be impacted by any regional government changes.  The public consultation period has been extended from April 23 to May 21st.  You can participate by providing comments at this link:  https://www.ontario.ca/page/regional-government-review

Hope to see you there!

Stephen

You are Welcome to Attend: Stephen Dasko invites you Ward 1 Shoreline Clean Up – Saturday, April 27th!

By Events, Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

Come out and join me to help clean up our shoreline at Port Credit Memorial Park.  Everyone is meeting at the Port Credit Library where you will be supplied with bags and gloves.  Please wear proper footwear and clothing.  Light refreshments will be available.

Hope to see you there!

Stephen 

The event page link is as follows:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2654374471257920/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&notif_id=1554861907183624

 

Spring Clean Up-Program

By Events, Issues, Resources

Now that winter is hopefully behind us, I am pleased to share with you the details of our annual Spring Clean-up Program. The Program is underway and includes the following activities:

 

  • Street Sweeping
  • Snow Plow Sod Damage Inspection and Repair
  • Pothole Repair
  • Sidewalk Repair
  • Litter Clean-up
  • Inlet and Outlet Clearing

 

Street Sweeping

The city of Mississauga was able to start spring street sweeping in the Clarkson and Mavis districts a few days early.

Please be reminded that all streets, including on-street bike lanes, are expected to be completed by April 23 (weather permitting). Boulevards and islands will be cleaned from April 29 to May 24 (weather permitting).

We know that road users become eager for the streets to be swept as soon as the weather starts warming up. We appreciate their patience and are committed to completing this work as soon as possible.

After our spring clean-up is complete, we will continue to maintain roadways through our regular Street Sweeping Program.

Snow Plow Sod Damage Inspection and Repair

Snow plow sod damage service requests are commonly reported at this time of year. Sod is prone to damage by our equipment throughout the winter when the ground is soft or if there is any over growth of grass creeping onto the sidewalk.

Residents can report snow plow sod damage by calling 3-1-1, using the PingStreet app or submitting a request online.  The area will be noted and inspected this spring to see if sod replacement or re-seeding is required. Repairs typically take place from May-June and September-October.

Pothole Repair

As soon as the weather warms up our crews begin repairing potholes around the City. Staff have been especially busy over the last couple of weeks and will continue to address potholes throughout the spring and summer.

Potholes are identified pro-actively through regular patrolling of the City’s road network in accordance with Minimum Maintenance Standards. Residents can also help by reporting potholes to us by calling 3-1-1, using the PingStreet app or submitting a request online.  The area will be inspected within three business days and made safe. If additional repairs are required, they will be completed on a priority basis as a part of our regular maintenance schedule.

Sidewalk Inspection and Repair

Each year, we hire students to inspect our sidewalk network. Starting in May, these staff will walk every sidewalk in the City and record deficiencies. Residents can also report sidewalk damage by calling 3-1-1, using the Pingstreet app or submitting a request online.  The area will be inspected within three business days and made safe. If additional repairs are required, they will be completed on a priority basis as a part of our regular maintenance schedule.

Litter Clean up

Crews have begun their regularly scheduled clean-up of debris and litter on the road allowance. Residents can also report litter or dumping on the road allowance by calling 3-1-1, using the Pingstreet app or submitting a request online.

Residents should call the Ministry of Transportation at 1-800-268-4686 to report litter on 400 series highway ramps.

Inlet and Outlet Cleaning

Crews have also begun to clear debris from inlets and outlets to ensure stormwater can flow freely. Residents can report any build-up of natural debris, such as leaves, large tree limbs or sediment, by calling 3-1-1.

Illegal Sign Blitzes

Crews from our Signs and Pavement Markings Unit and four Works yards complete two illegal sign blitzes annually in the spring and fall. Our next blitz is scheduled for April 24th, weather permitting. Residents can report illegal signs by calling 3-1-1, through the PingStreet app, or on the City’s website.

Please let me know if damage or debris in the road allowance is causing a public safety risk, residents should call 3-1-1 directly.

Sincerely, 

Stephen Dasko, Councillor Ward 1

 

 

 

Annual spring Clean up Street Sweeping Program

By Issues, Resources

 

Item Timeframe

(*weather permitting)

Streets (including bike lanes) April 8, 2019. – April 23, 2019.
Curb-faced sidewalks April 29, 2019. – May 24, 2019.
Boulevards and Traffic Islands

 

April 29, 2019. – May 24, 2019.
Splash Pads April 29, 2019. – May 24, 2019.

 

We know that road users become eager for the streets to be swept as soon as the weather starts warming up. We appreciate their excitement and will be focused on sweeping all streets and bike lanes first, before moving on to curb-faced sidewalks, boulevards and traffic islands, and splash pads.

We endeavour to schedule street sweeping as early in the spring as possible. The program requires mild temperatures to ensure that roads are clear of all snow, particularly in areas where it may have been piled. This timing also allows us to remove winter maintenance equipment from the Works yards when it is no longer needed to make space for street sweepings.

After our spring clean-up is complete, we will continue to maintain roadways through our regular street sweeping program. For more information, please visit: http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/springclean-up

In addition to these programs, emergency and scheduled street sweeping will continue to be available on an as needed basis.

Should you have any questions or concerns about this year’s Street Sweeping Program, please contact Samer Inchasi, Manager, Works Maintenance or myself.

 

Thank you,

Councillor Stephen Dasko

 

Regional Governance across Ontario – Including Peel Region

By Issues, Uncategorized

Open Letter to Residents

Many of you may have heard or read about Mississauga seeking independence from Peel Region.

To provide some background, in mid-January, the Province announced that it is reviewing Regional Governance across Ontario, including Peel Region. (News link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-regional-government-review-1.4978949)

At that point, City staff were instructed to pull together information for Council consideration and that was debated on  Wednesday, March 20, 2019  in terms of what our next steps are.

Mississauga, under previous Mayor McCallion and now Mayor Crombie, both have long held the very public views that Mississauga should be a stand-alone city with a population approaching 800,000 people.  For many years, Mississauga has paid for 60% of the Regional costs and supporting our neighbouring municipalities in their growth. At this point, it is estimated that we are supporting Brampton and Caledon by approximately $85 million per year – funds that could otherwise be reinvested into our City building. If you would like the history and details on this, there are really good reports at this link: https://www7.mississauga.ca/documents/committees/general/2019/2019_03_20_GC_Additional_Agenda.pdf

The Province is currently seeking public input from the cities and residents that could be impacted by any regional government changes. You can participate by providing comments at this link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/regional-government-review.

The deadline for public input is April 23, 2019.

Wednesday, March 20, 2019, Council supported in principle – pending public consultation – to look at becoming a stand-alone city.

There will be a public consultation meeting in the evening on April 8th, 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 City Centre Drive.

We are currently working on the possibility of additional opportunities for public input. As soon as they are confirmed, we will advise you.

Residents have been asking me where I stand on this particular issue. Based on the information I have seen to date, it would appear that Mississauga would be able to support itself with Peel Regional services such as policing, ambulance and human services moving to a utility-based model with Mississauga paying on a per capita basis.

Having said that, we do not have a clear sense of what will be examined in the Regional Government Review by the Ontario Government other than to be more efficient in decision making and the delivery of services. The Province’s options are keep the existing Regional model, amalgamation (essentially creating the City of Peel) or allowing Brampton and Mississauga to be stand-alone cities with a more rural Caledon going to Dufferin County or some variation thereof.

There are still many unknowns at this time but at the very least, any governance changes brought forward by the province, should remain cost neutral or to the benefit of Mississauga taxpayers.

At the end of day, given that municipalities are strictly under the purview of the Province, any decisions on the future governance of Mississauga and Peel Region will ultimately be at the discretion of the Province.

Now is the time to make your opinion known.

Kind regards,

 

Stephen Dasko,  Councillor Ward 1

 

Mississauga Wants to Honour the Amazing People in Your Life

By Events, Issues, Resources

March 11, 2019

Nominations are now open for the City of Mississauga’s 2019 Civic Awards of Recognition.

Starting today until May 3, you can nominate outstanding individuals, community groups and businesses whose contributions help make Mississauga a great place to live, work and play.  Achievements are recognized in the following four categories:

Voluntary Community Service:

Individuals or groups that have improved the quality of life in our community through volunteer efforts.

Youth Community and Civic Engagement:

Youth between 14 and 24 who have contributed more than 100 voluntary hours to community or civic activities.

Achievement in Sports:

Athletes or teams that have won championships at a city-wide, regional, provincial, national or international level.

Achievement in Arts:

Artists or arts groups that have won competitions, juried shows or exhibitions. Outstanding accomplishments in academic fields may also be recognized.

If someone you know is an obvious fit in one of the above mentioned categories, your next steps are simple:

  1. Visit the City’s website at ca/civicrecognition
  2. Review the award criteria
  3. Fill out the online nomination form. You can also download the form and submit it by email or mail

The City will consider the first 100 nominees and review nominations on a first come, first served basis.

Nominees who qualify will be invited to receive their awards during an official ceremony at the Mississauga Civic Centre on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.