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Stephen Dasko

MiWay Participates in Unique Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Bus Pilot

By Resources

December 3, 2020

In 2021, MiWay will participate in a hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus pilot project. MiWay is partnering with the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) on the pilot project – the only one of its kind in Canada. Fuel-cell buses use hydrogen fuel cells as their power source, providing a clean, consistent and environmentally friendly source of electricity. During the pilot, MiWay will understand how hydrogen-electric technology can help advance the City of Mississauga’s commitment to a zero-emission bus fleet in support of the Climate Change Action Plan.

“A major priority for Mississauga is fulfilling the actions outlined in our Climate Change Action Plan. Participating in this pilot project will advance our understanding of sustainable transportation, helping us make sound decisions for our fleet in the future,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “At the City, we’re committed to looking for innovative and low-emissions solutions to reach our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Mississauga by 40 per cent by 2030.”

Hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus technology is unique and does not produce any harmful tailpipe emissions. Electrical energy is generated on the bus through an electro-chemical reaction with a fuel cell and hydrogen fuel. The electrical energy is stored in battery packs on the bus, which is used to power the motor and electrically-driven accessories. The only by-product of this process is water vapor, making hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus technology zero-emission.

“While many transit agencies in Canada are conducting small scale battery-electric bus trials, none of them currently involve hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus technology. This would make Mississauga the only city in Canada to undergo a pilot like this,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “Hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus technology offers the same benefits as the battery-electric bus technology; however, they are lighter and quieter, have more fuel capacity and can also deliver the critical operational benefits a transit system needs to serve customers in a practical way, particularly on longer distance routes.”

The pilot project will happen in two phases. In the first phase, a feasibility study will be completed to understand four key components in applying the technology: Local hydrogen fuel supply and storage; Vehicle design and implementation logistics; Economic and financial viability; and Greenhouse gas reduction opportunities. In the second phase, MiWay will work with CUTRIC to secure the required funding for the project through provincial and federal governments. The funding will allow the partnership to buy and operate 10 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses, applying the knowledge acquired through the first phase.

“Taking part in the pilot program will help us learn how hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus technology will operate in MiWay’s fleet, particularly with the winter weather conditions, and how it performs compared to battery electric technology. This pilot is important and necessary to examine the feasibility of introducing this low-carbon technology into our fleet,” said Geoff Marinoff, Director, Transit. “In addition to the hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus pilot, MiWay is already preparing to enter into service 11 hybrid-electric buses that are convertible to full battery power. MiWay is also conducting a Transit Electrification Study to understand battery-electric bus conversion opportunities. Based on all of these new and innovative technologies, MiWay will learn which technology is more efficient, affordable and will achieve the targets outlined in the Climate Change Action Plan.”

For more information about MiWay’s fleet, visit miway.ca.

Background
The City’s Climate Change Action Plan identifies 21 key actions over the next 10 years to be taken by the corporation, as well as actions for the community, which include advancing sustainable transportation through low-carbon opportunities and low-emissions mobility for the City’s corporate fleet. The main goals are to: support the shift towards lower-emission modes of transportation, such as transit, cycling; accelerate the adoption of zero emissions vehicles (light and heavy duty); decrease greenhouse gas emissions from the City’s corporate and transit fleet and equipment . For more information about the City’s Climate Change Action Plan, visit mississauga.ca/publication/climate-change-action-plan.

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December 3, 2020
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Region of Peel Waste Collection Calendars

By Resources

The Region of Peel has made an adjustment on the distribution of waste collection calendars to residents.  Residents have the following options to gain access their waste collection calendars:

  1. The Peelregion.ca website, with options to view a calendar online or print an electronic copy of it;
  2. Free waste reminders via email, text or phone that residents sign up to receive; or
  3. A paper copy that is mailed by request.

For the 2021 calendar year, the Region will continue to fulfill any requests for paper copies as they come in, however, in an effort to reduce paper consumption and Peel’s carbon footprint, those residents who request for paper copies will be encouraged to sign up to receive free waste reminders and/or access their waste collection calendar online in the future.

As of 2022, paper copies will be designated for the small number of residents who may not have a computer or smart phone and are unable to access the online version or receive email, text or telephone reminders. In these instances, staff will assist these residents one-on-one to meet their needs and provide them with a paper copy.

December 3, 2020
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Join the 12 Days of Christmas with the Clemons

By Events

The Pinball Clemons Foundation provides marginalized youth with educational resources and options to integrate into the mainstream of society. The Foundation wants to ensure all youth are graduating from high school ready for post-secondary education.

For more information on the Pinball Clemons Foundation, please visit their website at https://www.pinballfoundation.ca/. Join the 12 Days of Christmas with the Clemons, in support of the Pinball Clemons Foundation, at https://www.christmaswiththeclemons.ca/

December 3, 2020
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COVID-19 Lockdown: How to Stay Safe in Mississauga While Accessing the Outdoors

By Covid-19, Issues

December 2, 2020

As part of the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework Mississauga residents are reminded that it is crucial they stay home and limit close contact to their households, only leaving their homes except for essential reasons.

In terms of necessity, exercise and focusing on mental health remains a priority, even while lockdown measures are in place.

“As both COVID-19 fatigue and positive cases continue to rise, it is essential that all Mississauga residents do everything they can to stay safe while still looking after their physical and mental health,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “With more than 500 parks in Mississauga, there is plenty of space for families from the same households and individuals to get outside and get some fresh air and exercise.”

As close contact increases the highest risk of COVID-19 transmission, it is crucial that residents observe outdoor etiquette to help keep everyone safe. This includes keeping their distance from others and passing safely while using the same trails and pathways. Also, even when outdoors, wear a face covering if physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Local outdoor amenities available this winter

Mississauga Celebration Square (MCS)

MCS has transformed into the Great Bright North with vibrant and festive lighting. An example of one new lighting installation is Chimes. Every movement of the central wind chime triggers an unique light and sound reaction in this 7,000 sq. ft. artwork. Chimes is a creation of Collectif Blackbox and a coproduction of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and Spectra (Illuminart). It was created for the Fête des Lumières of Lyon in 2017 and is being displayed for the first time in the GTA at MCS.

Guests planning to walk through the Square must keep within their household groups and maintain a safe physical distance of two metres at all times.

Community Outdoor and Natural Rinks

Skating can take place at one of 26 outdoor ice rinks, including those highlighted below. The outdoor community rinks are free to the public and open daily from sunrise to 11 p.m., weather permitting.

  1. Mississauga Celebration Square – Opening in December. There are currently no restrictions or pre-reservation requirements in place. Public washrooms on Celebration Square will be open to the public. The Celebration Square ice rink will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  2. Burnhamthorpe Community Centre Outdoor Rink – Opening by Monday December 7, weather permitting. The rink will be open to the public Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop-in skating activities are being planned and pre-reservation will be applicable for each activity at activemississauga.ca. Change rooms will be not be available at this location. Public washroom access will be available.
  3. Woodhurst Outdoor Rink – Opening mid-December, weather permitting. The rink will be open to the public Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop-in skating activities are being planned and pre-reservation will be applicable for each activity at activemississauga.ca. Change rooms will be not be available at this location.

View the full list of natural ice rinks here

Trails

The majority of the City’s trails receive regular winter maintenance and can be safely used and explored by outdoor enthusiasts. However, trails that do not receive winter maintenance are still used in the snowy months by residents who enjoy activities including snowshoeing and deep-snow hiking. This year, the City will be adding additional woodchips to the woodlot trails to help with traction. The trails will also be marked for winter use.

Available Park Amenities

The below park amenities will be open this year for use by the community. Visit the City’s interactive map to search for a park by location or filter parks for specific features, including those listed below:

  • Leash-free zones
  • Toboggan hills
  • Boxed soccer (pitches will be left unlocked for community use)
  • Outdoor sport courts
  • Playgrounds
  • Picnic shelters
  • Outdoor fitness equipment
  • Secondary sports fields
  • Artificial fields (will be left unlocked for community use)

Public Washrooms

Park washrooms designed for year-round use will remain open this season with enhanced cleaning practices. Also, many of the parks and trails connect into local community centres and/or arenas that are normally open for washroom access. Local food establishments normally available within community centres and arenas will remain closed at this time.

Year round washrooms can be found at the below locations.

  1. Lakeside Park
  2. Jack Darling Memorial Park (adjacent to the leash-free area)
  3. Marina Park (inside the lighthouse)
  4. R.K. McMillan Park
  5. Erindale Park
  6. Father Angelos Saad Community Park (formerly known as Fallingbrook Park)
  7. Garnetwood Park
  8. Mount Charles Park
  9.       Community Common Park
  10. Mississauga Celebration Square
  11. The Riverwood Conservancy (inside the Visual Arts Mississauga building)

In addition to the year-round washrooms mentioned above, portable washrooms will also be placed later this month in high-demand locations and key trail areas. These washrooms will be in place until indoor amenities open for public access. The washrooms will be winterized and accessible and will be located in areas that receive winter maintenance. Portable washroom locations can be found in the list below.

For information on health and safety recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

For information about the City’s response to COVID-19:

December 2, 2020
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City Seeks to Implement New Interim e-Scooter Strategy

By Issues, Resources

December 2, 2020

Today, members of General Committee supported the recommendation to implement a new interim e-scooter strategy. The strategy responds to the presence of personally-owned electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) currently being operated in Mississauga.

“Devices such as e-scooters can connect residents to their destinations by helping them complete the first or last kilometre of their travel, whether it’s to a bus stop, carpool lot or their final destination,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “This interim strategy will create opportunities for us to collect resident feedback, which will inform whether shared e-scooter systems should become part of Mississauga’s greater transportation system in the future.”

On January 1, 2020, the Province of Ontario launched a five-year e-scooter pilot program to evaluate whether e-scooters are suitable to be operated on roadways. The pilot allows for the operation of e-scooters, so long as municipalities opt-in to the program by adopting or amending their by-laws to regulate their use. Currently, e-scooters are banned in Mississauga on the basis that the City has not yet adopted or amended its by-laws to regulate their use.

As part of the interim strategy, the Parks By-law and Traffic By-law would be amended to regulate where e-scooters can be operated within the city. This will allow staff to evaluate how residents use e-scooters. It will also help inform future decisions about the City’s micro-mobility program, which is examining how a shared program of publicly available bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters could be used for travel in Mississauga.

“Once amended, our City by-laws would allow e-scooters to operate on public roadways with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h or less and on cycling infrastructure, including bicycle lanes and multi-use trails along roadways,” said Helen Noehammer, Director, Infrastructure Planning and Engineering Services. “They will not be allowed within parks, on trails within parks or other City-owned land not designated as public roadways.”

When determining how the use of e-scooters should be regulated in the city, staff considered best practices in other cities, the consistency between e-scooters and similar devices on the road, road safety, accessibility, maintenance standards and the public education that would be required.

Noehammer added, “When developing the interim e-scooter strategy and preparing our recommendations for regulating e-scooter use, staff also consulted with the City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, Road Safety Committee and Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee to obtain their feedback and address any concerns.”

The amended by-laws will be brought to Council for approval in early 2021. Once in effect, residents will be invited to share their feedback on their experiences operating their e-scooters in the manner set out by the by-laws, and their experiences interacting with others operating e-scooters.

The City’s interim e-scooter strategy and the recommendation that staff amend the Parks by-law and Traffic by-law will go to Council for approval on December 9, 2020.

For more information about the City’s micro-mobility program, visit mississaugabikes.ca/micromobility/.

Background: 

The City’s Transportation Master Plan recommended that a shared system of bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters be created in Mississauga. In October 2019, General Committee supported the recommendation for City staff to look at how a program of shared bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters could be used for travel in Mississauga, at which point the Ontario Highway Traffic Act did not allow e-scooters on roads and sidewalks.

December 2, 2020
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Economic Recovery Plan Supports Mississauga Creative Industries

By Covid-19, Resources

December 2, 2020

Today, General Committee endorsed the third industry-specific plan designed to guide the City’s economic recovery from COVID-19. The Creative Industries Economic Recovery Plan outlines specific priorities and actions to mitigate, reboot and grow Mississauga’s film, television and music sectors in the wake of the pandemic.

“Our creative industries faced an unprecedented level of uncertainty when COVID-19 closed live music venues and halted film and television production. From the outset, we worked closely with these sectors to help them manage the initial impacts of the pandemic,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie.  “While there are still unknowns about the future, with this recovery plan, the City is well-positioned to strengthen and promote our world-class creative industries, which make such important contributions to the vibrancy and economic health of Mississauga.”

Five industry-specific plans – one for each of Mississauga’s major business sectors – were outlined in the City’s Economic Recovery Pillar Framework approved by Council earlier this year. The Creative Industries Economic Recovery Plan, led by the City’s Culture Division, was developed with continuous engagement from business owners and key industry leaders.  Three themes emerged and have become priorities for the plan:

  1. Building Confidence: As the pandemic continues, re-establishing public support for creative sectors is a priority.
  2. Removing Barriers: Reviewing and updating City policies and procedures that impede creative sectors from rebooting and growing in the wake of the pandemic.
  3. Attracting Investment: Ensuring Mississauga remains competitive and attractive to film and music production is vital to our recovery efforts.

“While the impacts of COVID-19 have been severe, particularly for live music performers and venues, insights from our industry partners have also highlighted opportunities,” said Paul Damaso Director, Culture Division. “These opportunities, such as providing access to sustainable funding opportunities, digital online resources and marketing support informed our plan and will help move creative industries in Mississauga towards sustained economic prosperity.”

In total, the Creative Industries Economic Recovery Plan identifies 16 unique action items to help the film, television and music sectors through economic recovery. Key initiatives include:

  • Providing free business skills training, mentorship and grant opportunities to Mississauga music entrepreneurs through the Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre
  • Creating musical pathways for youth
  • Launching a project using input from industry stakeholders and benchmarking research to identify barriers to filming in Mississauga
  • Increasing the number of Mississauga locations on the Ontario Creates Locations Library
  • Investing efforts in continued studio expansion
  • Developing a comprehensive strategy to support and grow Mississauga’s music sector

The plan also highlights three other important culture-related recovery projects currently underway. These include the Cultural Districts Implementation Plan, the City’s Grant Program and initiatives to support Mississauga’s visual artists.

The Creative Industries Economic Recovery Plan will go to Council next week for approval.

To stay informed about the City’s COVID-19 recovery efforts, visit Mississauga.ca/recovery.

Background

The need for five industry-specific plans tailored to small business, broader industry, tourism, creative industries and the land development/real estate industry was outlined in the City’s Economic Recovery Pillar Framework. As one of four pillars guiding the City’s overall recovery efforts, the framework sets out the principles for the development of each industry-specific economic recovery plan.

Consultation and engagement with stakeholders and the business community will continue to be an important part of the City’s recovery efforts. All five industry-specific plans will be reviewed and assessed on a regular basis in consultation with the Mississauga Economic Resilience Taskforce, an advisory group established in June 2020.

December 2, 2020
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Bora Pharmaceuticals Selects Mississauga for its North American Headquarters

By Events

December 2, 2020

Bora Pharmaceuticals, a leading international contract development and manufacturing organization, has selected Mississauga as the location for its first manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters in North America.

“By choosing Mississauga for its flagship North American facility, Bora Pharmaceuticals has reinforced what so many other notable companies already know – that the life sciences sector is thriving in our city and it’s the perfect location to call home,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “As the second largest life sciences sector in Canada, the talent pool of scientists, experts and engineers in Mississauga is driving technologies and innovations used worldwide. I’m thrilled to welcome Bora Pharmaceuticals to this illustrious group.”

Establishing the Mississauga site as part of its global manufacturing network is key to Bora Pharmaceuticals’ growth strategy.  From its new facility, Bora Pharmaceuticals is now positioned to produce 50 different products for 100 markets worldwide.

“This expansion into North America brings us closer to many of our customers and adds the capabilities to welcome new ones onboard,” said Bobby Sheng, CEO of Bora Pharmaceuticals. “The Mississauga site strengthens our existing state-of-the-art manufacturing network, whilst adding a number of talented colleagues that will help us develop further in the region.”

Through its acquisition of GSK’s Mississauga facility, which is now complete, the company has taken a major step forward with its expansion into North America. Bora Pharmaceuticals will employ approximately 400 skilled manufacturing employees from their Mississauga site and plans to recruit additional employees to further strengthen its technical and operations team.

“We are so pleased that Bora Pharmaceuticals’ North American operations will be headquartered in Mississauga,” said Bonnie Brown, Director of Economic Development.  “With more than 470 businesses and over 25,000 employees already working in our thriving life sciences sector – including key contract development and manufacturing organizations – we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a sustainable environment that supports bringing medical innovation to market in Mississauga that will benefit the world.”

About Mississauga’s Life Sciences Sector
Mississauga is a leading location for life sciences companies that employ over 100 employees. With more than 470 businesses employing 25,000 employees, the City’s talent pool of scientists, experts and engineers has grown 25 per cent in the past 10 years.  Today, Mississauga’s life sciences businesses account for $2.7B of the City’s real GDP. For more information about Mississauga’s life sciences sector, please visit www.thefutureisunlimited.ca/industries/life-sciences/

 

December 2, 2020
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Recreational Facilities Update: Shower & Warming Access for the Homeless

By Covid-19, Issues

As a result of the lockdown, our Recreation facilities have been closed for our regular services, including relief from the cold and our Shower Pass program for homeless members of our community.  Starting this Saturday December 5th, we will be providing limited access to three of our community centres for these purposes.  Shower and lobby facilities will be available daily from Monday through Saturday, 1-4pm, at the following locations:

  • Malton Community Centre
  • Meadowvale Community Centre
  • Port Credit Arena

The Library’s Open Window Hub will be providing hygiene kits and referral resources will be made available.  The Recreation team will continue to monitor demand for these services and we are prepared to expand access if required.  In the case of an Extreme Cold Weather alert, we are also prepared to extend hours at these locations to serve as a warming centre.

December 2, 2020
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3rd annual Streetsville Christmas Breakfast fundraiser

By Events

The 3rd annual Streetsville Christmas Breakfast fundraiser is a series in the ‘twas The Bite events being held in benefit of the local Mississauga food centre, Eden Food For Change (www.EdenFFC.org). As in previous years, this is a collaboration between Community Stakeholders including Institutions, First Responders, Businesses, Media, Local Artists and the Public.

To ensure COVID-19 physical distancing and safety protocols can be respected, this will be a CONTACTLESS drive thru (curb side pick-up) experience held in the parking lot at Drake, A Firkin Pub (Derry Road/Mississauga Road).

As always, kids eat FREE + this year each family receives a FREE Christmas Wreath + each kid receives a FREE NBA basketball. (quantities are limited)

Thanks to generous in-kind donations, this initiative continues to be organized at a ($0) cost ensuring (100%) of the proceeds benefit the charity. In 2019, through sponsorships and ticket sales, the community raised over ($12,000). http://www.neighbourhoodmagazine.ca/streetsville-christmas-breakfast-2019/

Kindly encourage family, friends and neighbours to visit www.Streetsville.org to order a meal or make a donation. Thank you for helping raise the spirit of giving and supporting the community in need during this fragile time.

December 2, 2020
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Community Virtual Meeting: 958-960 East Avenue (File OZ 20/005 W1) TONIGHT

By Events, Issues, Planning & Development

Dear Resident,

Re: Community Virtual Meeting 

958-960 East Avenue (File OZ 20/005 W1)

The City of Mississauga has received an application from Peel Housing Corporation to redevelop their existing property at the southwest corner of East Avenue and Lakeshore Road with a 7 storey rental apartment building containing 151 residential units.

In order to implement their plans, the applicant is proposing to amend the Official Plan designation from Mixed Use and Residential Low Density II to Residential High Density.  In addition, the applicant is proposing to rezone the property from RM8-14 (Back to Back and/or Stacked Townhouses – Exception), and R3-75 (Detached Dwellings – Typical Lots – Exception) to RA2 – Exception (Apartments – Exception).

Due to the COVID pandemic, we are not able to have an in-person meeting. Therefore, we have arranged a Community virtual meeting on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Call-in details are as follows: Join by phone: 647-484-1596, Meeting Access: 172 960 9925#, Meeting Password: ward1.

When it’s time, join your Webex meeting here.

Meeting number (access code): 172 960 9925

Meeting password: ward1 (92731 from video systems)

Join meeting

If you would like to submit your comments, please forward to Paul Stewart, Planner, Planning and Development Department, 300 City Centre Drive, 6th floor, Mississauga, ON  L5B 3C1 or paul.stewart@mississauga.ca.

Sincerely,

Stephen Dasko

December 2, 2020
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