Mississauga to Better Weather the Storm with new Winter Maintenance Contract

By Events, Issues, Resources

July 23, 2020

Yesterday, City Council approved a new eight-year winter maintenance contract for the City of Mississauga which will begin in the fall of 2021 through to the 2029 winter season. The upcoming 2020/21 winter season will be the final year of the current seven-year contract.

The new winter maintenance contract will ensure that snow clearing operations are more efficient throughout the city. This includes upgrades to snow clearing equipment and salt management practices for better service delivery. However, due to COVID-19 financial pressures, Council did not approve additional levels of service for an expanded driveway windrow program and residential sidewalks, deferring these enhancements to at least 2023 to minimize the budget impact in 2021 and 2022.

“This new contract strikes the right balance between keeping up with the growing demands for snow clearing in our City while keeping our COVID-19 financial pressures top of mind,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Thankfully, our staff have been able to identify efficiencies without impacting service levels. We will continue to find savings and apply a ‘need’ not ‘want’ lens when negotiating City service contracts moving forward.”

Beginning in the 2021/22 winter season, here is what residents can expect:

  • New snow clearing equipment that allow for plowing and salting at the same time. The City will continue to meet approved service levels and Minimum Maintenance Standards more efficiently as per the Municipal Act, 2001.
  • Continued snow clearing of bus stops and priority sidewalks at the same time as the clearing of priority roads. This level of service was introduced during the 2019 winter season to help meet accessibility needs.
  • Snow clearing operations can be amended as modes of transportation change, such as the implementation of the Hurontario LRT and additional Active Transportation initiatives for pedestrians and cyclists. This includes bike lanes as part of the Active Transportation COVID-19 Recovery Framework.

“It is vital that the City continues to take progressive steps to effectively deliver snow clearing services in Mississauga,” said Mickey Frost, Director, Works Operations and Maintenance. “While keeping financial pressures in mind, the City has managed to redirect resources to find operational efficiencies without impacting service delivery. We have also made it a priority to support effective salt management practices, as more effective plowing should require less salt usage, especially in areas monitored by local conservation authorities. Using less salt will therefore not only lead to material savings, but have a less negative impact to our environment.”

Currently, Mississauga clears 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.

For more information about the new eight-year winter maintenance contract, view the corporate report.

 

To learn more about snow clearing in Mississauga, visit mississauga.ca/snow.

 

July 23, 2020
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Outdoor water use advisory lifted

By Uncategorized

 

BRAMPTON, ON.  (July 21, 2020) Residents and businesses are advised the outdoor water use advisory for Brampton, Mississauga and Bolton has been lifted. Repairs to the Lorne Park water treatment plant have been completed to a point where enough capacity has been restored to allow normal water use. The remainder of the work will continue for the balance of the summer.

However, all Peel residents and businesses are asked to continue to practice water conservation, where possible, during the summer months. As it does every year, this will help maintain our water supply, especially while we continue to repair equipment at the Lorne Park facility.

Water saving tips include:

  • Watering in the early morning. This will help reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation.
  • Adding a 7 cm (3 in) of mulch to your garden. This will help keep moisture in the soil during dry periods.
  • Installing a rain sensor if you have an automatic irrigation system.
  • Reducing exterior surface washing. Sweep your driveway, walkway, and sidewalk instead.
  • Taking vehicles to a car wash.

The Region of Peel appreciates the support of the community while the initial repairs were made. We may, however, need to put another advisory, or other appropriate measures in place, should hot summer weather cause high water demand, or conditions change at our water treatment plant.

For information on other outdoor water tips visit watersmartpeel.ca

About the Region of Peel 

The Region of Peel works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 175,000 businesses in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on Twitter @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.

July 21, 2020
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When it Comes to the City’s 2021 Budget – What do You Want to Know?

By Events, Issues, Resources

July 20, 2020

What do you want to know when it comes to the City’s Budget? The City is looking for input to help understand and shape Budget community engagement during COVID-19 recovery. An online survey has launched to seek input from residents across Mississauga to hear ideas and opinions on the engagement related to the 2021 Budget. Community input is an important way to help shape the future of Mississauga.

Residents are invited to have their say about community engagement methods and initiatives for the 2021 Budget by filling out a survey by Friday, July 31.

What:
An online survey to determine what Mississauga residents and businesses want to hear about when it comes to the 2021 Budget and how they want the City to connect with them regarding the Budget.

Who:
Mississauga residents
Business owners
Taxpayers

Where:

To complete the survey, visit web.mississauga.ca/council/budget-and-finances/city-of-mississauga-budget/2020-budget-get-involved/

When:
Survey closes Friday, July 31, 2020

The survey results will help inform the Budget Engagement plan for 2021.

know/

July 20, 2020
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Based on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s data, the Region of Peel’s Medical Officer of Health has issued a Heat Warning* for the Region of Peel on Friday July 17, 2020. The warning will be in effect until further notice.

By Uncategorized

COVID-19 in Peel

With community spread, treat every interaction like you could be exposed.

 Symptoms of heat-related illness include rapid breathing, dizziness or fainting, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, extreme thirst, decreased urination and unusually dark yellow urine.

 During heat events, remember to check-in with family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors who live on their own. It’s best to call or video-conference – if that is not possible, practice physical distancing. Many of the locations that provided relief from heat such as shopping malls and community centres are not available due to COVID-19. If you experience any of the symptoms above, cool off as soon as possible by taking a cool bath or shower, move to a shaded area and practice physical distancing and increase your fluid intake and rest. If the symptoms persist, contact your doctor or call 911. 

 For more information on how to protect your health during the heat, visit the Heat web site or review the various Guidelines which outline steps to help prevent heat-related illnesses.

 Learn how to protect yourself and others, and stay up-to-date on COVID-19 in Peel. Some Regional services and facilities are affected or closed until further notice. Check full listing.

July 17, 2020
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Update on Our Lakeview Park Public School Site

By Issues, Resources

Lakeview has had long and rich history.  From the first Aerodrome to the Small Arms Building, and so much more; there are many aspects of our Community’s past we cherish.

Recently, the Lakeview Park Public School, built in 1923 has been a topic of renewed conversation.  This site was recently deemed surplus by the Peel District School Board. Prior to this, I had several conversations with the Community as to its importance and its future.

There is now a proposal on behalf of Habitat for Humanity to purchase the site.   The proposal, if successful, would include the original School Building on the site along with a 3 acre mix of attainable and affordable housing.

I have been very vocal in advocating for saving the original school building and affordable seniors’ housing.  At this stage, a few things to note:

  1. I have been working on this file to protect and ensure that the School site remain a fixture of the Lakeview Community and the City.
  2. Habitat for Humanity has approached the School Board about a number of possible surplus properties across Mississauga and after some conversations with the City and myself, they are interested in pursuing this particular location.
  3. In all of my conversations with the City and Habitat for Humanity I have always stressed that the original school site be saved at all cost.
  4. If successful in their bid, Habitat for Humanity has pledged to me that they will work with the Community on the site and also the original School Building in making it a wonderful part of Lakeview’s future.

Also a special thanks to the Lakeview Ratepayer Association board and the expertise of Richard Collins.  The LRA  presented  a deputation to the Heritage committee over a year ago and  came together to voice their ideas of how saving the building for future generations and the need of affordable housing for seniors to age in place.

The rich history of Lakeview is more important than ever to weave it into our future.  Another historic jewel in the Community is the Small Arms Inspection Building.  Some may recall last year, as a result of limited access to the Small Arms Inspection Building, the first investment of the Federal Gas Tax Initiative I undertook, was to install a semi-permeable parking lot to ensure that the building can better serve the Community.

Lakeview has a bright future ahead and knowing where we came from is a significant step to moving forward.

Please feel free to click on the latest article in the Mississauga News from John Stewart regarding the possible future of the Lakeview Park Public School and the site:

https://www.mississauga.com/opinion-story/10015923-can-collaboration-create-affordable-housing-habitat-in-lakeview-/

 

 

 

July 16, 2020
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Outdoor water use advisory in effect for Mississauga and Brampton

By Uncategorized

BRAMPTON, ON. (July 13, 2020) – Residents and businesses are advised that, effective immediately, an outdoor water use advisory is now in place.

The advisory is due to unexpected repairs at one of the Region’s treatment facilities and is necessary to ensure our water supply levels are maintained throughout the system. The Region of Peel will continue to maintain the integrity of our system throughout the duration of the advisory, which is expected to last for the next few days. Normal outdoor water use practices will be resumed as soon as possible.

The outdoor water use advisory asks residents and businesses to do the following:

  • Reduce all outdoor watering. This includes watering lawns, gardens and planters. Any residents or businesses with automatic irrigation are being asked to shut systems off.
  • Stop or reduce filling or topping up pools, hot tubs, ponds and decorative fountains.
  • Stop or reduce all exterior surface washing. Sweep away debris from driveways, walkways, and sidewalks.
  • Delay washing vehicles, including at car wash facilities.

The Region of Peel understands that some of our residents and businesses may be inconvenienced; however, this advisory is necessary to ensure our water supply levels are maintained throughout the system. For information on efficient outdoor water use visit watersmartpeel.ca

July 15, 2020
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A Tree-mendous Achievement as Mississauga is Recognized as a Tree City

By Issues

July 14, 2020

The City of Mississauga has been given the Tree Cities of the World designation from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Arbor Day Foundation. Mississauga joins a number of international cities that have taken steps toward investing in maintaining, preserving and creating robust and healthy city forests.

“We are a City that values the environment and the endless benefits trees provide to our community. Through receiving the Tree Cities of the World designation, we’ve joined a global network of cities who are building a more resilient and sustainable city by creating a greener and healthier community that benefits everyone,” said Mayor Crombie. “It is a major priority that we continue to preserve and invest in the health and well-being of our trees, especially in our diverse forests, woodlots, parks, trails and boulevards. Trees play a critical role in fighting climate change and making Mississauga a livable city by cleaning our air and water, providing shade and beautifying the places we live and work in.”

Mississauga is among 10 Canadian municipalities to receive the designation. The City met five core standards in order to receive the designation, which included establishing responsibility, setting rules, knowing what you have, allocating resources and celebrating achievements.

“We currently have more than 2.1 million trees planted in Mississauga and we’re working to plant one million more by 2032 through the One Million Trees program. We’re focused on maintaining and enhancing tree diversity around the city – choosing trees based on species and function while planting them in areas where they will thrive,” said Jodi Robillos, Director, Parks, Forestry and Environment. “With the help of our staff, partners and volunteers, we’ve been able to plant over 380,000 trees since starting the program in 2013. Having more trees in Mississauga will help conserve and enhance our open spaces and forested areas for future generations to enjoy.”

The international program celebrates cities across all continents that meet core standards for the care and planning of urban trees and forests.

Robillos added, “Through our Urban Forest Management Plan, we are ensuring that Mississauga trees are well cared for. We are addressing and alleviating some of the pressures our tree canopies face, like weather events stemming from climate change, mitigating invasive pests and diseases and managing urban redevelopment.”

Mississauga now joins Toronto, Auckland, Paris and New York City as Tree Cities of the World. In 2019, 68 cities internationally earned the designation.

For more information about the City’s One Million Trees program, visit onemilliontrees.ca.

 BACKGROUND

The Tree Cities of the World program is an international effort to recognize cities and towns committed to ensuring that their urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed, and duly celebrated.

For more information about the Tree Cities of the World designation, visit treecitiesoftheworld.org.

PHOTOS:

[Download hi-res photo]

CAPTION: Mayor Crombie at a tree planting event

 

[Download hi-res photo]

CAPTION: Mississauga’s tree canopy

 

 

 

July 14, 2020
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MiWay is revising Route 103 – Hurontario Express

By Issues, Planning & Development

Starting Aug. 3, 2020, MiWay is revising Route 103 – Hurontario Express as part of the second phase of routing changes along the Hurontario corridor.

The routing changes are required to help minimize impacts on service reliability due to Hurontario Light Rail Transit (HuLRT) construction, which began on March 30, 2020. The construction is expected to reduce traffic lanes south of the QEW in each direction in the coming months.

The revised Route 103 – Hurontario Express will travel between the Brampton Gateway Terminal and the Trillium Mississauga Hospital, seven days a week. While it will no longer travel south of The Queensway to Port Credit GO Station, customers can still get there by transferring from Route 103 onto Route 2-Hurontario at northbound and southbound stops at Burnhamthorpe Rd E, Elm Dr, Central Pkwy, John St, Dundas St, and Paisley Blvd.

Frequent service on Route 103 and Hurontario local Routes 2 and 17 allows for convenient transfers along the Hurontario corridor, and Route 2-Hurontario will continue to provide local service to all stops between the City Centre Transit Terminal and Port Credit GO Station.

MiWay implemented the first phase of the Hurontario corridor routing changes on April 27, 2020. The changes included replacing Route 19 Hurontario with two new routes (Route 17 Hurontario and Route 2 Hurontario), and cancelling Route 19 variants 19A, 19B and 19C while providing alternative options, including a revised Route 25 Traders Loop to service portions of the 19A and 19B.

MiWay’s planned Hurontario corridor changes are in addition to daily service adjustments being made by MiWay to provide essential transit services across Mississauga in response to COVID-19.

To learn more about these new route changes, visit www.miway.ca/hurontario.

For details about other planned service changes that take effect on Monday, Aug. 3, please visit www.miway.ca/aug3.

 

July 14, 2020
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Filming July 14, 2020 @ 1440 Lakeshore Road East

By Events, Issues, Resources

Please note that the above will be filming exterior scenes for a music video “Koffee” at the TRCA Lands at 1440 Lakeshore Rd E (Ward 1) on July 14 from 8:00am – 9:00pm.

 

Production has also been granted permission to park crew vehicles and a support vehicle at Small Arms Inspection Building parking lot (1352 Lakeshore Rd E).

 

All permitted productions are required to confirm that they will comply with health protocols outlined in the Ontario Health and Safety Act Section 21.

 

Should you have any comments, questions or concerns please contact Liza Toliao at the Film Office at 905-615-3200 x4114.

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

Mississauga Film & Television Office

T 905-615-3200 x4114

film.office@mississauga.ca | mississaugaculture.ca/film

 

City of Mississauga | Community Services Department

Culture Division

 

This e-mail is for the sole use of the intended recipient and may contain confidential or privileged information. Unauthorized use of its contents is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify sender immediately via return e-mail and then delete the original e-mail.

July 13, 2020
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City Adopts New Framework to Keep Pedestrians and Cyclists Moving Safely

By Covid-19

July 10, 2020

 

The City of Mississauga is moving forward with an Active Transportation COVID-19 Recovery Framework following approval of a report that was brought to Council this week. Starting this summer, the City will introduce more short-term and long-term active transportation options for cyclists and pedestrians that allow for safe physical distancing. Residents can look forward to Quiet Streets that limit vehicle traffic, temporary road closures that provide more space for cyclists and pedestrians and 17.9 km of new separated and on-road bike lanes that will be installed by the end of the year.

 

“Our efforts continue to build cities for people and ensure our residents can continue to travel safely and comfortably around our city while respecting physical distancing,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “It’s especially important now that we are in Stage 2 and are further reopening our economy that we provide residents with more ways to move. During this pandemic, communities like ours have seen cycling increase by as much as 60 per cent.  This framework responds to those needs and will work to provide our residents with more options to travel around our City comfortably while providing relief for our busy sidewalks, multi-use trails and enhancing access to local amenities.”

 

Throughout the spring, the City installed temporary active transportation lanes in Wards 4, 7 and 9 to give local pedestrians and cyclists more space to practise physical distancing. The framework allows for the introduction of more short-term options in the form of temporary road closures and Quiet Streets. Temporary road closures will help reduce crowding in Mississauga hotspots, particularly on weekends. Quiet Streets, which temporarily limit vehicle traffic to local traffic only, will provide more space for cyclists, walkers and runners to safely and comfortably use the road.

 

“Active transportation will shape how residents move around Mississauga during recovery and beyond,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “We’ll be expanding Mississauga’s cycling network long-term. By adding 17.9 km of new on-road bicycle lanes and separated bicycle lanes by the end of the year, we permanently increase the City’s on-road bicycle lane network by 30 per cent.”

 

Based on data from Peel Public Health and the City’s transportation planning teams, locations for the projects outlined in the framework have been selected using criteria that includes: population density, vehicle ownership per household, commute distances and potential risk of COVID-19 exposure. Locations were also chosen to help fill gaps in Mississauga’s existing cycling network.

 

In addition to consulting Peel Public Health, several key City strategic initiatives support the rapid expansion of the cycling network in Mississauga, including the Cycling Master Plan, the Climate Change Action Plan, the Transportation Master Plan and Vision Zero. The Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee was also consulted in the development of the framework.

 

“Staff from across the organization have listened to residents and we recognize the immediate need for more options to travel safely by bike or foot, in both the long-term and the short-term,” said Helen Noehammer, Director, Infrastructure Planning and Engineering Services. “We’re reprioritizing our work plans and using relatively simple materials, available budget and existing contracts in order to accelerate this work.”

 

No new funding is required for the projects identified in the framework. Estimated to cost $1.3 million, budget for the projects will come from existing funding sources, with $830,000 coming from the Federal Gas Tax Reserve Fund and $470,000 coming from the Development Charges Reserve Fund.

 

Noehammer added, “The installation of additional cycling infrastructure will lead to operational impacts. We’re continuing to finalize what dedicated year-round maintenance of this infrastructure will look like, especially in the spring and winter.”

 

 

To stay up-to-date on COVID-19 impacts on City services, visit mississauga.ca/recovery and follow the City on Twitter @citymississauga.

 

 

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Tweet: In response to #COVID19, @citymississauga is expanding its cycling network by 17.9 km and providing more options for cyclists & pedestrians that allow for #physicaldistancing, including Quiet Streets and temporary road closures. More info: http://ow.ly/3CYk50AuZKn

eCity: https://web.mississauga.ca/city-of-mississauga-news/news/city-adopts-new-framework-to-keep-pedestrians-and-cyclists-moving-safely/

Media Contact:
Megan Schabla
Communications Co-ordinator
City of Mississauga
905-615-3200, ext. 8537
megan.schabla@mississauga.ca
TTY: 905-896-5151

 

July 10, 2020
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COVID-19: Mississauga Strong and Ready with Four Pillar Recovery Plans – Corporate, Financial, Economic and Community

By Covid-19

July 9, 2020

Yesterday, City Council approved the Corporate and the Financial Pillar Recovery Plans, two of the four pillars outlined in the City’s overall COVID-19 Recovery Framework. On May 13, Council received the COVID-19 Recovery Framework, which provides a plan for what recovery operations will look like at the City of Mississauga. The framework outlines work in four key areas: Community, Economic, Financial and Corporate. The Recovery Framework supports our community and provides financial stability as the City moves from crisis to recovery. Each Pillar Recovery Plan will come to Council for review and approval before the end of July.

“Mississauga’s COVID-19 recovery plan is thoughtful, thorough, inclusive, and identifies the short and long-term actions we need to take to help our City rebound from this crisis while preventing a second wave. Residents and businesses have all felt the impacts of the pandemic over the last five months, and it’s time for us to move forward,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Recovery won’t happen overnight, and I ask that residents and businesses be patient as we work to adjust to our new normal. Our strengths as a world-class city when it comes to recovery and financial planning, innovation in technology and our willingness to adapt will be vital in our efforts to successfully recover from this crisis.  Mississauga is strong, ready and prepared to overcome any challenges before us.”

The City worked closely with Peel Public Health to develop the framework to support reopening and recovery. The City will adhere to all public health directions provided by higher levels of government in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public and employees. City staff are already engaged in recovery planning to ensure the City is prepared to restore services and respond to community needs.

“The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we work, interact and engage with residents and businesses. Through the Pillar Recovery Plans, our goal is to return the city and community to normal or near normal operations,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “Recovery actions are likely to last months or even years but we continue to adapt, improve and innovate, so we can support our local residents and businesses on our path to recovery.”

The City’s recovery plan address four pillars:

1)    Corporate Recovery Pillar (approved on July 8)

This pillar, led by Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, considers the impacts of COVID-19 on the reopening of City facilities. Highlights include:

  • Restoring full operations while keeping employees and customers safe and following public health directives as City workplaces reopen
  • Business units and facilities will be opened based on priorities of service
  • Incorporate positive changes and efficiencies such as moving the service counters to the ground floors to improve customer service
  • Managing in-person services by appointment through a new app
  • Expand online services
  • Screening of staff and members of the public when entering facilities
  • More frequent cleaning of areas such as doorknobs and service counters

 

2)    Financial Recovery Pillar (approved on July 8)

This pillar, led by Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, considers the financial impact of COVID-19 on the City. Highlights include:

  • Seven financial principals have been established to eliminate the 2020 deficit and reduce the echo effect of 2022 and beyond
  • Cost cutting options will be analyzed over the summer and discussed with Budget Committee in October 2020
  • Staff will continue to work with Council to refine the budget and look for ways to trim the proposed increases
  • The City will continue to look for cost-saving measures
  • The City will continue to advocate to higher levels of government for financial assistance

3)    Economic Recovery Pillar (coming to Council on July 22)

This pillar, led by Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building, considers the economic impacts of COVID-19 on the business community. Highlights include:

  • The City will play a key role in helping the economy and supporting businesses and community to grow and prosper through a Build Back Better campaign

o   The campaign will include the themes: buy local, a focus on the airport and preparing for a second wave

  • The City will  encourage participation and collaboration with industry and business stakeholders to take into account the needs of the entire business community through the newly formed Economic Resiliency Task Force
  • To assist with Mississauga’s economic recovery, the City will continue to advocate for financial relief and incentives from other levels of government
  • The reduction in transit ridership has resulted in significant revenue losses. The City will continue to request financial assistance from the provincial and federal governments to help fund operations and maintain appropriate service levels. This initiative, under the Economic Pillar, will be led by Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation & Works

4)    Community Recovery Pillar (coming to Council on July 22)

This pillar, led by Shari Lichterman, Commissioner, Community Services, focuses on the services, tactics and programs that are public-facing, and impact Mississauga’s residents directly. Highlights include:

  • Plans for restoring and reopening City services, including Recreation, Parks, Libraries, Arts & Culture, Events, Sports and other facilities and programs
  • Continued engagement and consultation with the community to understand the impacts of this crisis, both short and longer term, to respond with programs and services to support resident and community group recovery
  • Leveraging partnerships with other levels of government and community organizations to advance recovery and re-engage our residents in our vibrant municipal life

To stay informed on COVID-19 impacts on City services, please visit: Mississauga.ca/recovery.

 

 

July 9, 2020
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