Stephen Dasko – Page 2 – Councillor Stephen Dasko, Ward 1

Amid rising flu cases, Peel Public Health reminds residents of the importance of getting vaccinated.

By Stephen DaskoFood for thought

Children and teens under 18 currently make up the highest number of lab-confirmed influenza cases in Peel.

BRAMPTON, Ont. – December 17, 2025. Flu cases are rising in Peel region and are projected to continue increasing over the next several weeks.

Peel Public Health is actively monitoring this increase and is especially concerned with the growing number of cases among children. Currently, children 0 to 4 years account for 27% of all lab-confirmed influenza cases in Peel.

Additionally, Peel hospital visits and admissions due to influenza-like illness are increasing. This trend is a reminder that the flu is not just a mild illness, but can cause serious complications, even in healthy individuals.

Residents can protect themselves and their loved ones from getting sick from the flu by following public health recommendations.

Get vaccinated

We strongly recommend all individuals 6 months and older get vaccinated as soon as possible against the flu. It can take up to 2 weeks for the influenza vaccine to provide full protection.

Parents and caregivers play a key role in protecting children by getting vaccinated themselves and reducing household transmission.

Where to get a flu shot

Flu shots are still available. They are free for anyone 6 months or older who lives, works or studies in Peel region.

Pharmacies:Most pharmacies offer walk-in or appointment options. Check with your local pharmacy for availability.
Healthcare Providers:Vaccines are available for children under 5, their household members, and individuals without OHIP coverage.

Practice prevention

Residents can help stop the spread of respiratory infections by following these simple steps:

Stay home when sick.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover coughs and sneezes with your upper sleeve or elbow.
If you’re sick and can’t stay home, wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public spaces and avoid contact with vulnerable individuals.

“With flu cases rising in Peel and the upcoming holiday season, it’s important for residents to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. The flu is not just a cold. It can cause severe illness, especially in younger children and older adults. It’s important for all residents 6 months and older to stay up to date with their flu vaccinations to stay safe and healthy.”

Dr. Monica Hau, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Peel Region

Know where to go for care

During this time of year, hospital emergency rooms experience a high volume of patients, resulting in longer than usual wait times.

If you or a family member are experiencing a medical emergency or serious injury, visit your nearest emergency department or call 911 immediately.

If you’re unsure whether to go to the emergency department, you can:

Call your doctor or primary care provider.
Book an appointment with a nurse practitioner at the Regional Virtual Urgent Care Clinic to address issues virtually.
Call Health Connect Ontario at 811 or chat online with a nurse 24/7.
Access an Urgent Care clinic for non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

Explore more options in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga to find the proper care for you and your family.

You can also use the interactive tool from Central West OHT to easily find and view nearby healthcare facilities across Peel region, including walk-in clinics, urgent care centres, pharmacies and more.

For the most current respiratory virus trends and data in Peel, visit https://peelregion.ca/health/diseases-infections/respiratory-virus-report.

December 18, 2025

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Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season, Ward 1!

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement

As we come to the close of another remarkable year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our residents for your continued engagement, support, and community spirit. It is an honour to serve such a caring and vibrant community.

This festive season, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas filled with warmth, and special moments. Whether you’re gathering with family, exploring winter activities in our neighbourhoods, or simply enjoying a restful break, I hope this time brings you peace and happiness.

As we look ahead to a new year, I’m excited for the work we will continue together—building a stronger, safer, and even more welcoming Ward 1. Thank you for everything you do to make our community, our home.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

Office staff Angie Dell and Amber Robertson

December 18, 2025

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Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services will receive over $368,000 to enhance firefighter safety

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement, Resources

Funding was received from the Government of Ontario through the Fire Protection Grant to support MFES in advancing its Firefighter Cancer Prevention Program.

December 12, 2025

Today, it was announced that the City of Mississauga will receive over $368,000 through the Government of Ontario’s Fire Protection Grant program. Silvia Gualtieri, Parliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General and Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville, along with Deputy Mayor Matt Mahoney and Mississauga Fire Chief Stephane Malo, announced the funding to strengthen firefighter safety and emergency response.

This marks the second consecutive year that Mississauga has received funding through the program, supporting Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) in advancing its Firefighter Cancer Prevention Program, focused on reducing exposure to harmful contaminants and improving protective equipment.

The funding received will be used to purchase decontamination units to remove carcinogenic substances from gear and equipment, and PFAS-free firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

The Fire Protection Grant program began in 2024 and was expanded in 2025 to help municipal fire departments expand cancer prevention initiatives, and improve emergency response to lithium-ion battery related incidents.

December 12, 2025

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MTO Update: Opening of QEW Toronto-Bound On-Ramps (New)

By Stephen DaskoConstruction, Ward 1

Update received from the Ministry of Transportation:

We are pleased to inform you that, as of 11:30 AM today, Friday, December 12, 2025, the new ramps providing access to the Toronto-bound direction from Dixie Road are now open to traffic.

We appreciate your patience and support during the construction phase and thank you for your continued cooperation.

December 12, 2025

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Credit Valley Conservation’s Draft Updated Regulations Mapping Open for Public Consultation

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement, Resources

December 11, 2025 – Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) has prepared draft regulations mapping to conform to requirements under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24. Property owners in the Credit River Watershed can now review and comment on the draft updated regulation mapping until January 18, 2026 at cvc.ca/RegulationMappingUpdate.

CVC has a provincially delegated responsibility to regulate development in areas subject to natural hazards in order to avoid and prevent the loss of life and damage to property due to flooding and erosion.

“Regulation mapping is a tool CVC uses to show where regulated natural hazards and regulated features such as wetlands and valley lands are located in the Credit River Watershed,” said Jakub Kilis, Senior Manager, Infrastructure and Regulations at Credit Valley Conservation. “Updates to regulation mapping ensure natural hazard limits are kept up to date to inform the planning and permit process to protect people and property. Landowners with property located within a regulated area, may require approval (a permit) from CVC before starting their project.”

Residents and landowners in the Credit River Watershed are encouraged to review CVC’s draft updated regulation mapping. If there are inconsistencies between the features on their property and the draft updated regulated area mapping, they are invited to submit comments. Comments received will be reviewed by staff, and refinements may be made to the mapping where deemed appropriate and in keeping with current legislation and best available information.

For more information, visit CVC’s website at cvc.ca/RegulationMappingUpdate.

December 12, 2025

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Ready, set, roll: Tickets for the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts are on sale

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement, Events

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts happening in Mississauga next month. Don’t miss out on tickets to see the tournament live at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre.

December 11, 2025

This year, curling fans from coast to coast are rolling with excitement for the action-packed tournament which promises to deliver a rock-solid performance. As the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts sweeps into town from January 23 to February 1, 2026, Mississauga will transform the Paramount Fine Foods Centre into the heart of Canadian curling action.

Photo credit: Curling Canada/Andrew Klaver

For the first time ever, the GTA will host this iconic national championship, welcoming 18 of the best women’s curling teams from across the country.

The standard schedule for weekday and round-robin play typically features draws at 9 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). The championship final is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Hurry hard before tickets sell out

Whether you love to play curling, enjoy watching it on TV or are new to the sport, nothing beats watching a game live to experience strategy, sportsmanship, and unforgettable highlights. With an anticipated attendance of thousands and a strong ticket response, particularly for Championship Weekend Packages, fans are encouraged to act quickly as tickets are selling fast.

With affordable options like single-draw tickets to family packages to group seating, the ticket options are endless! Tickets start at just $21 for single-draw tickets, with special youth pricing at $10 for those under 18 and post-secondary students with valid ID.

Single-draw tickets

Draws 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16 – starting at $21
Draws 2, 4, 6, 12, 15 – starting at $26
Draws 1, 5, 17, 18, 19, 20 – starting at $36
Draws 3, 21, 22, 23 – starting at $45
Draw 24 (Final) – starting at $60

Ticket packages

Curling fans and sports lovers alike can take advantage of packages during the tournament, which include:

Full Event package – access to every draw, tickets range from $420–$480
Championship Weekend package (January 30 to February 1) – final 6 draws, tickets range from $228–$240
Opening Weekend package (January 23 to January 25) – first 6 draws, tickets starting from $108
Weekday package – three draws on your chosen weekday, $60–$72
- Monday Day package – three draws (Monday, January 26)
- Tuesday Day package – three draws (Tuesday, January 27)
- Wednesday Day package – three draws (Wednesday, January 28)
- Thursday Day package – three draws (Thursday, January 29)
Group and premium seating options are also available.

Please note, tickets are subject to standard facility and ticket service fees. All sales are final. For all draw times, please click here.

Paramount Fine Foods Centre is an accessibility-friendly venue (e.g., wheelchair access, family-friendly amenities), committed to removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility and inclusion.

Tickets are selling fast. Secure your tickets soon at curling.ca/tickets or at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre box office during regular hours (Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

For questions or more information, please call 905-305-6000 or email Ticket.operations@mississauga.ca

Swept up with excitement: matches to look forward to

Photo credit: Curling Canada/Andrew Klaver

The 10-day event is set to attract thousands of attendees and spectators from across the country and the world. The tournament will showcase a round-robin format, with the top teams advancing to the playoffs. The winning team will be the national champion and will go on to represent Canada at the BKT World Women’s Curling Championship from March 14-22 in Calgary, and return to next year’s Scotties Tournament of Hearts as Team Canada.

While most of the scheduled games won’t be known until the 14 provincial and territorial champions are decided, game times for Team Canada, the host team from Ontario and the other pre-qualified teams are now locked in.

Fierce matchups include a Saturday night showdown between Team Canada (Kerri Einarson) and the host Ontario hometown heroes on January 24 at 7 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time).

From the hack, down the ice to the final hammer, the excitement continues with a highly anticipated rematch between Team Alberta (Kayla Skrlik) and Team Nova Scotia (Christina Black), last year’s playoff opponents, guaranteeing some stone-cold competition on the sheet.

A big hit and roll for Mississauga

The event, hosted at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, is more than just a tournament. The Scotties Tournament of Hearts is one of Canada’s largest curling events, with national and international exposure.

Visit Mississauga, in collaboration with the Toronto Curling Association, is thrilled to host this prestigious event, projecting significant local economic impacts, including more 2,500 hotel room bookings and upwards of $6 million in economic benefit.

Join us in celebrating one of Canada’s premier curling events and get ready to see some amazing shot rocks!

For more updates and information, visit curling.ca or follow @VisitMississauga on social media.

December 11, 2025

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The Mississauga Santa Claus Parade ‘sleighed’ expectations

By Stephen DaskoEvents

The first Santa Claus Parade in 24 years made a festive comeback to the city centre, bringing good tidings and spreading holiday cheer throughout Mississauga!

December 10, 2025

On November 22, the City of Mississauga hosted the annual Light Up the Square event at Celebration Square, presented by TD, along with its first Santa Claus Parade in the downtown core. City roadways were packed, as people lined the streets with excitement. It is estimated the evening attracted more than 40,000 onlookers from across Mississauga and beyond, all smiling and waving in celebration. Events like this help bring the community together and support local retailers, restaurants and downtown businesses.

Light Up the Square delivered

Celebration Square transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland, featuring a stunning Christmas tree, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, beautiful twinkling lights and festive decorations.

The event was emceed by local media favourites Liem Vu and Jaden Lee-Lincoln from Global News Toronto. Families and friends gathered to enjoy the live entertainment, featuring performances by Soul Sublime, SHOUT! The Band and the captivating LED hoop dancing by Theland Kicknosway. The Square’s outdoor ice rink welcomed skaters of all ages, adding to the holiday atmosphere.

Santa Claus really did come to town

Themed, “Shine Bright, Sauga!” the Santa Claus Parade was decked out with more than 58 participating groups featuring bright and colourful LED lights, five marching bands and hundreds of participants in festive costumes. The parade route weaved through the crowded downtown streets, led by Santa himself.

Starting at Rathburn Drive and Living Arts Drive, the parade travelled along Living Arts Drive, turned left onto City Centre Drive, and finished at City Centre Drive and Kariya Gate. As the parade made its way through Celebration Square, Santa lit the towering 35-foot Christmas tree, filling the area with even more festive spirit.

The Holiday Express Stop at Living Arts Drive and Princess Royal Drive offered guests a chance to hop aboard and enjoy trackless train rides, illuminated art displays and taste delicious treats from the local food trucks, all while experiencing incredible views of the parade. Candy Cane Corner at Square One featured bustling busker performances, interactive musical bikes and more festive food options.

Mayor Carolyn Parrish and Deputy Mayor John Kovac served as co-parade marshals and led the parade through the city centre.

Santa Claus Parade boosts holiday spirit

Previously hosted by the Mississauga Auto Mall, Mississauga’s Santa Claus Parade has a proud legacy of spreading joy to the community. With the support of Council, Mayor Parrish volunteered to take the reins to organize the event as a major downtown attraction this year, with support from City staff, non-profit groups and other local community partners.

In early November, Council approved $100,000 from the City’s portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) reserve to fund the 2025 Santa Claus Parade. This investment aimed to help enhance tourism, support local businesses and restaurants, while contributing to the City’s downtown revitalization by providing seasonal programming.

With large crowds and a big turnout, local restaurants, shops and businesses were bustling with increased activity before and after the parade.

As a pilot event for the City, the parade served as an example of how future holiday events can attract residents and draw visitors to Mississauga’s downtown. It highlights the importance of ongoing investment and growth to generate positive economic benefits.

The parade’s success was made possible thanks to the incredible support of our partners. A special thank you to Mississauga Auto Mall and Square One for their major contributions which helped bring this celebration to life. The City also appreciates Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited for sponsoring Photos with Santa.

December 11, 2025

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Peel Region’s 2026 Budget approved by Council

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement

BRAMPTON, ON (December 11, 2025) – Today, Regional Council approved Peel Region’s 2026 Operating and Capital Budget with investments balanced between the needs of residents and businesses and the infrastructure requirements of the broader community.

Recognizing the affordability crisis, Peel Region’s Continuous Improvement Program achieved $8.1 million in cost savings and $3.4 million in cost avoidance during 2025. View the full Efficiencies, Service Improvements and Innovations 2025 report and Appendix.

In addition, through 4 days of deliberation, Peel Regional Council reduced the proposed property tax increase by 20%. The overall 2026 property tax impact for Peel Region services is 1.53%, Peel Regional Police 1.77% and other agencies 0.06% for a total average property tax increase of 3.36%.

The development of Peel Region’s 2026 Budget was anchored to Peel’s Strategic Plan and the community priorities recommended for consideration prior to the budget.

The 2026 Budget includes investments of $7.4 billion, making critical investments for Peel’s growing community to support population-driven service demand, build homes faster, develop deeply affordable housing, enhance community safety and well-being, keep Peel Region’s infrastructure assets in good repair, and manage the impacts of funding shortfalls.

Peel Service investments to support the needs of the community include:

To build homes faster, a capital investment of $1.9 billion to support our backbone infrastructure, water supply and wastewater
To address public safety, the addition of 175 officers and 25 civilian professionals to address historical underinvestment in staffing, regional growth (population, households, registered vehicles and calls to 9-1-1), growing community needs and demands, increasing complexity of crime and the commitment to community safety
Investing $38 million for enhancements and state of good repair for ambulances, other paramedic fleet, and ambulance equipment
Adding 40 paramedics to support a growing and aging population, increased call volumes, and to manage system pressures
Investing $203.9 million in capital for state of good repair for Peel Living, Community Housing Providers loans, and Peel owned shelters and buildings
Continuing to implement the Peel Community Housing Development Program with a capital investment of $16.5 million
Ensuring safe and sustainable wraparound care at the Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor with a $3.3 million investment
Investments of $23 million for installation and upgrades of boilers, air conditioners, and HVAC systems at Sheridan Villa and Malton Village, and $2.5 million for tub and shower renovations at Tall Pines, and Malton Village
A capital investment of $341.3 million for road construction, intersection improvements, and active transportation
Coordinating a systems response to increased immigration and refugees in Peel and advocating for resources and greater coordination for Anti-Human Sex Trafficking supports
Protecting residents from environmental hazards through programs and urgent response plans, and catching up on routine school immunization, and record screening and enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act, 1990

More information is available at peelregion.ca/budget.

December 11, 2025

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Celebrate responsibly: Don’t let impaired driving ruin the holidays

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement, Food for thought

The City of Mississauga reminds drivers to stay sober and alert on the roads to prevent collisions.

Local government | December 9, 2025

The holiday season is one of the most joyful times of the year, but one mistake on the road can turn joy into sorrow. The City of Mississauga continues to see road collisions due to impaired driving, and it gets worse during the holidays. The City, in partnership with Peel Regional Police, is reminding all drivers visiting friends and family or running errands, to do so responsibly.

Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or certain drugs is a serious offence. It adds to winter driving challenges such as freezing rain, snow and reduced daylight hours.

According to Peel Regional Police, impaired driving continues to be one of the top contributing factors for serious and fatal collisions. Between January 1 and November 24, 2025, there were 97 impaired driving-related collisions on Mississauga roads. To combat impaired driving in Mississauga, Peel Regional Police continues with the Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program.

RIDE checks are conducted throughout the year, but the holiday campaign includes increased enforcement levels and additional officer deployment. As of November 24, 2025, Peel Regional Police has investigated 3,052 vehicles as part of the program.

How drivers can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season

Arrange a designated driver, use rideshare services or take public transit if you’re planning on consuming alcohol or using cannabis.
If you’re planning on celebrating away from home, consider staying the night.
Don’t let friends and family drive impaired.
Call 911 if you suspect someone is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Impaired driving puts everyone at risk. Plan ahead, stay sober behind the wheel and help keep Mississauga roads safe for all users.

To learn more about impaired driving, visit peelpolice.ca/en/safety-tips/road-safety.aspx

Learn more about road safety in Mississauga: mississauga.ca/roadsafety

December 9, 2025

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CITY OF MISSISSAUGA – NOTICE OF STUDY COMPLETION Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study: Lakeview Village Waterfront Trail and Pedestrian Bridge

By Stephen DaskoParks, Ward 1

CITY OF MISSISSAUGA – NOTICE OF STUDY COMPLETION
Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study: Lakeview Village Waterfront Trail and Pedestrian Bridge

WHAT?
 The City of Mississauga has undertaken a Schedule B Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) Study for the Lakeview Village Waterfront Trail and Pedestrian Bridge (across the former OPG intake channel).
WHY?
 As part of the planning for the Waterfront Park, the general location of the trail and bridge were discussed. This Class EA has determined the location of the trail and bridge and assessed the environmental effects.
HOW?
 Through the Class EA process, the Study Team refined alternative solutions with input from public and agency consultation and selected a Preferred Alternative location of the trail and bridge to create connections across the Mississauga waterfront.
 The Project File Report, documenting the study process, is now available for public review.
 Subject to comments received following this notice and receipt of relevant approvals, the City intends to proceed with detailed design and construction of the recommended project as outlined in the Project File Report.

GET INVOLVED!
The Project File Report is available for review on the project website https://www.mississauga.ca/projects-and-strategies/city-projects/developingparks-in-lakeview-village/

 Interested persons may provide written comments to our project team by January 15, 2026. All comments and concerns should be sent directly to the City at the address below.
Kathi Ross
Senior Project Manager, Park Development
City of Mississauga, 300 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, ON L5B 3C9
(905) 615-3200, ext. 4942, Kathi.ross@mississauga.ca

 In addition, a request to the Minister of the Environment. Conservation and Parks for an order imposing additional conditions or requiring a
comprehensive environmental assessment may be made on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate or remedy
adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests should include your full name and contact information.
Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested (additional conditions or a comprehensive environmental assessment),
explain how an order may prevent, mitigate or remedy potential adverse impacts, and can include any supporting information. The request
should be sent in writing or by email to:
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
777 Bay Street, 5th Floor Toronto ON M7A 2J3
minister.mecp@ontario.ca
and
Director, Environmental Assessment Branch
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
135 St. Clair Ave. W, 1st Floor Toronto ON, M4V 1P5
EABDirector@ontario.ca
Requests should also be sent to the City of Mississauga by mail or e-mail. Please visit the ministry’s website for more information on requests for orders under section 16 of the Environmental Assessment Act at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/class environmentalassessments-part-ii-order

 Project information, including details about the PIC, is available on the City’s project website:
https://www.mississauga.ca/projects-and-strategies/city-projects/developing-parks-in-lakeview-village/

This notice signals the commencement of the Class EA, a study which will define the problem, identify/evaluate alternative solutions, and determine a preferred design in consultation with regulatory agencies and the public. The study is being undertaken in accordance with the planning and design process for Schedule ‘B’ projects, as outlined in the “Municipal Class Environmental Assessment” document (October 2000, amended in 2015), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act and will be used in the assessment process. With exception of personal information, all comments shall become part of the public records. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Project Manager listed above.

This notice was first issued November 2025

December 9, 2025

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