Resources

Your Last Words Shouldn’t Be a Text: Distracted Driving is a Major Concern in Mississauga

By Events, Issues, Resources

                                                                                                                    

August 31, 2020

The next time you are driving and decide to use your phone – think again, it’s illegal. Distracted driving is dangerous for all road users like road users including pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, commuters, mobility-device users and other methods of active transportation. The Distracted Driving law applies to the use of any handheld communications device and display screens like a phone, tablet or gaming console. The City, in partnership with the Road Safety Committee, is rolling out a campaign this September to remind Mississauga road users about the dangers of distracted driving.

“Far too many drivers continue to be distracted on Mississauga roads. It only takes seconds to cause a life-altering crash that can impact you, your passenger and others on the road. Whether you’re setting a GPS route or talking and texting, using your phone while driving just isn’t worth it. Last year, Peel Regional Police issued a total of 1,140 distracted driving tickets, 500 of which were in Mississauga,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Keeping our roads safe here in Mississauga is one of our top priorities. Any death or injury on our roads is unacceptable. This campaign will help educate and ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers and ensure they continue to move safely and freely around our city.”

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) reports that you’re four times more likely to have a crash when you’re distracted while driving and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) reports that one in three drivers in Ontario engages in distracted driving with a mobile device. Additionally, research from the MTO, Traffic Injury Research Foundation and CAA found that young drivers under the age of 44 are more engaged in distracted driving.

Awareness of distracted driving is an important aspect of the Road Safety Committee’s 2020 goal to develop awareness and educate Mississauga residents about road safety initiatives, programs and issues.

“The Road Safety Committee is focusing its efforts on distracted driving in September with a goal of creating more awareness around this dangerous habit,” said Ward 9 Councillor Pat Saito, Road Safety Committee Chair. “The statistics tell a story. They are staggering and we need to make our roads safer by sending a strong message to our residents that distracted driving is dangerous.”

The Committee has been largely driven by the Vision Zero Framework. The framework focuses on the prevention of fatalities and injuries due to motor vehicle collisions.

“Our Transportation Master Plan has a goal of safety for all travellers on our roads,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “Vision Zero is a key component of the Transportation Master Plan and the plan proposes 26 actions to achieve the safety goal. We are working in partnership with the Road Safety Committee, and raising awareness of distracted driving is one example of us working toward preventing fatalities and injuries on our roads.”

For a first distracted driving offence, you’ll receive a $615 fine up to $1,000, three demerit points and a three-day licence suspension. Second-time distracted driving offenders will receive a minimum $615 fine up to $2,000, six demerit points and a seven-day licence suspension.

To learn more about road safety in Mississauga, visit: https://web.mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/transportation-and-streets/traffic/

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Mississauga joins Canada United to Support Local Businesses and Accelerate Small Business Recovery

By Events, Issues, Resources

August 26, 2020

Today, Mayor Bonnie Crombie announced that the City of Mississauga is joining Canada United, a national movement that brings fellow Canadians together to show their support for local businesses.

Canada United is a national movement to support local businesses in communities across the country. Canadians and Mississauga residents alike are encouraged to participate in the social movement with their views, likes, shares and follows in support of small and local businesses. Every social action will result in a donation of five cents by Royal Bank of Canada toward small business recovery grant funding.

“During these challenging times, our local businesses have shown compassion, empathy, concern and charity and now it is our opportunity to give back and stand together as a country and a community,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “This is also why we launched Mississauga Made, our very own buy and shop local campaign back in June. Small businesses are essential to our economy and need our help now more than ever. I encourage everyone to stand behind our vibrant small business community and help them recover by shopping and dining locally, especially during Canada United Weekend from August 28 until August 30, 2020.”

Mississauga Made is a free online marketplace where local businesses, artists and vendors can promote their products and services. The initiative inspires residents to support and promote local products, businesses, local artists and experiences within our community.

The Mississauga Made marketplace features over 100 local listings from a variety of business categories with new listings being added daily. The easy-to-use website means residents can search to find new and local businesses in their neighbourhood. From local restaurants to nearby salons, or freelance photographers and one-of-a-kind shops – Mississauga Made is committed to bringing business and community members together to support everything local.

You can support Mississauga Made by:

  • Joining the movement and +Add Your Listing to MississaugaMade.ca
  • Joining the conversation online with #MississaugaMade
  • Buying from local restaurants, shops and businesses
  • Sharing your favourite local businesses on social media

In addition to supporting Mississauga Made, residents are encouraged to Show Up for Canada United by giving local businesses your business from August 28 until August 30, 2020.

“The Mississauga Board of Trade is a strong supporter of Canada United and Mississauga Made.  These programs highlight the great businesses we have in our City and encourage all of us to shop local.  We hope the people of Mississauga will do so on Canada United Weekend,” said David Wojcik, President and CEO of Mississauga Board of Trade.

Residents can also watch the Canada United videos online at GoCanadaUnited.ca, like posts from @GoCanadaUnited on social media and use #CanadaUnited to help raise funds to provide grants to local businesses.

Visit mississaugamade.ca to discover and connect with Mississauga businesses or follow @visitsauga on Twitter.

Mayor Crombie drops in to show her support for local businesses in Port Credit who have reopened their doors following the pandemic. Pictured above is Scoops Ice Cream and Zest For Living.

Mayor Crombie drops in to show her support for local businesses in Port Credit, alongside Beatrice Moreira-Laidlow and Jake Pedler, representatives from the Port Credit BIA.

 

 

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

 

 

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.

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 InstagramFacebook and Twitter.

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

City of Mississauga Preparing to Enter Stage 3 of Province’s Reopening Plan -July 29, 2020

By Covid-19, Resources

COVID-19 | July 29, 2020

Following the Government of Ontario’s announcement today, Mississauga as part of the Region of Peel, has been given the green light to enter Stage 3 of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening Our Province on Friday, July 31.

“Mississauga wouldn’t be entering Stage 3 if it wasn’t for the collective efforts and hard work of our healthcare professionals, our business community and most important, our residents who have sacrificed so much to stop the spread of COVID-19. We always said that we would take a team Mississauga approach to tackling this virus, and I’m proud those efforts are reflected in our progress,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “This is also exciting news for our business community, with more businesses opening their doors to the public, as well as for residents who have been looking forward to using our City facilities, including our libraries, community centres, playgrounds and more. While we are all eager to see life get back to normal and our city further reopen, we cannot get complacent. Each and every one of us must continue to take personal responsibility and practice COVID-19 prevention. Until a vaccine is developed, this will be a part of our daily lives. When you leave the house, don’t forget your keys, your wallet and your mask. Continue to keep a safe distance and practice proper hand hygiene. We need to continue to work as a team and keep up the good work to help reduce the severity of a second wave this fall.”

Stage 3 brings new restrictions on social gatherings. The limit on indoor gatherings increases from 10 people to 50 people and the limit on outdoor gatherings increases to a maximum of 100 people. In addition, businesses and public spaces will also be allowed to reopen with proper health and safety measures in place, including movie theatres, gyms, fitness studios, casinos, indoor dining and bars. For the full list of reopenings, visit ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario.

“The news that Peel Region is moving into Stage 3 this coming Friday highlights how our collective community efforts have turned the tide on COVID-19 in our community. We must remember, however, that our victory lies in continued vigilance. The Core Four behaviours remain critical: washing your hands, social distancing, wearing a mask where mandatory or where distancing is difficult, and staying home and getting tested if we are sick,” said Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health. “As businesses reopen it will also be critical for them to have a reopening plan and put precautions in place to protect staff and customers. These steps will keep us moving forward, and ensure that the sacrifices of the past few months will bear out in our continued recovery.”

Just as all businesses that reopened in Stage 2 were required to adhere to the guidelines put in place by the Government of Ontario and the Region of Peel, businesses that reopen as part of Stage 3 will be required to adhere to the same guidelines. In Mississauga, businesses must also create and implement a face covering policy, as per the City’s mandatory Face Covering By-law. Guidance and resources to help Mississauga businesses navigate reopening and recovery can be found online at mississauga.ca/business-covid-19.

Several City facilities may also reopen in Stage 3, including arenas, the Civic Centre, libraries, community centres, culture facilities, playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment.

“We’re working to safely reopen all of our City facilities and amenities, including our community centres, culture facilities, libraries, the Civic Centre and playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “As we enter Stage 3, the health and safety of our residents and staff continue to be a top priority. We will work closely with Peel Public Health and will adhere to all guidelines and regulations put out by the Province and the Region. Just as when we entered Stage 2, our reopening process for Stage 3 will be thoughtful and deliberate. We are asking the community for their continued patience.”

City Facility Reopenings

 Arenas

Limited access is currently available for ice rentals and additional facilities will reopen as demand increases. Booking requests can be directed to the Customer Service Centre at 905-615-4100.

Banquet Halls

Harding Waterfront Estate is currently available for event bookings that align with gathering limits. C Banquets will be available for bookings in the fall.

City Hall, Community Centres, C Café

The City is working toward a phased reopening of these facilities this fall, including fitness centres, indoor pools and rentals. Details will be communicated through our website and social media channels as they are confirmed.

Culture Facilities

Benares Historic House, Bradley Museum and Small Arms Inspection Building will be open starting August 4 with modified access and services. More information will be available on our website and social media channels.

Meadowvale theatre will be open to receive inquiries and issue rental agreements.

Living Arts Centre

Meeting rooms will be available as of August 17. Church group bookings, RBC Theatre, studio rentals, info desk, reception and box office will all reopen on September 8.

Hammerson Hall will reopen for rental bookings that meet provincial guidelines as of October 1 and community courses are set to resume on October 13.

Film Office 

The film office is open and accepting film permit requests.

 Libraries 

Most library locations currently offer curbside pickup by appointment and book returns. Library due dates and fines continue to be suspended until July 31. Customers can continue to use their library card or virtual card to explore our vast collection of ebooks, audiobooks, our online programming and other virtual resources. The library is actively planning for the gradual introduction of additional services permitted in Stage 3. Details on these changes and timelines will be communicated through our website and social media channels as they are confirmed.

Mississauga Provincial Offences Courthouse

The Courthouse will be open to the public as of August 4 to offer select administrative functions.

Playgrounds and Outdoor Fitness

All of the City’s playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment will open by end of day Friday, July 31.

Sport Field and Park Picnic Area Permits

As of Friday, July 31, sport fields and picnic areas will be able to be booked to accommodate larger outdoor gathering numbers as permitted by Provincial Orders. In addition, non-contact sports will be allowed to resume games.

 Closures that Remain in Effect

Major Festivals and Large Events 

All large events taking place at City facilities and parks continue to be cancelled until September 7, 2020.

Find the full list of City reopenings and closures and to stay informed on COVID-19 impacts on City services, please visit: Mississauga.ca/recovery.