All Posts By

Stephen Dasko

City of Mississauga Reopens City-Owned Golf Courses  

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

COVID-19 l May 15, 2020

The City of Mississauga will be reopening its two owned golf courses, BraeBen and Lakeview. Golf courses are the first City facilities in Mississauga to open and will help lead the way in the City’s recovery plan. The City will be meeting COVID-19 safety guidelines established by the province and will incorporate other best practices within the industry.

“I’m supportive of the Province’s decision to reopen golf courses with strict physical distancing and enhanced health and safety measures in place. I know many golfers are anxious to hit the green and enjoy the great outdoors. While the experience may be a bit different this year, the safety of players and staff is our top priority right now,” said Mayor Crombie. “Most golfers I know spend most of their time away from others looking for their ball. These reopenings will also help the City recover lost revenue and address our financial losses as a result of this pandemic.”

BraeBen will open to customers on Saturday, May 16, 2020 and Lakeview will open the following week on Thursday, May 21, 2020. Tee times can be booked over the phone and online as of Friday, May 15 at 8 a.m. BraeBen’s 9-hole course and driving range will remain closed until further notice. All tournaments, instruction, group clinics, and league play will not be permitted until further notice.

“Staff have been working hard over the past several weeks preparing our two great golf courses in anticipation of today’s announcement, and we look forward to helping our residents slowly get back to a more active and enjoyable quality of life,” said Shari Lichterman, Director, Recreation. “All measures such as physical distancing, proper hygiene standards, screening protocols and use of proper PPEs will be enforced within the clubhouse, as well as maintenance buildings to keep our staff and the public safe.”

The following procedures will be in place at both City golf courses to ensure overall public safety consistent with recently announced provincial guidelines:

Golf Course

  • Practice greens to remain closed
  • Tee-times will be spaced out to reduce congestion
  • Bookings must be made in advance by phone or visit our website to book a tee time online ca/portal/discover/golf
  • Flags must remain in place and holes will be modified for hands-free ball retrieval
  • Bunker rakes, ball washers and water stations removed from the course
  • Benches removed or blocked off where fixed
  • On-course washrooms to remain closed
  • No beverage carts
  • Power carts will be limited to one person per cart, unless the occupants reside in the same household
  • Power carts, pull carts and rental clubs will be thoroughly disinfected after each use

Food Services

  • Only limited menu grab and go food services will be offered

Clubhouse & Proshop

  • Clubhouse will remain closed to the public with the exception of the proshop areas for check-in and washroom access only
  • Door attendant to use screening measures with all guests and staff, and limit access to clubhouse/proshop with a separate entrance and exit
  • All tables and chairs inside and outside of the clubhouse will be removed
  • Protective plexiglass shields installed at pro-shop and food concession counters
  • Floor markings added to ground indicating 6ft spacing
  • Only pre-packaged balls and tees will be sold.  All other retail options will be put away until further notice such as clothing, golf shoes, hats and accessories
  • Customers will be encouraged to use debit or credit card for payments, but cash accepted if necessary

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

 

 

May 15, 2020
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City of Mississauga COVID-19 Response Continues: Recovery Framework

By Covid-19, Issues

COVID-19 | May 13, 2020

Today, a COVID-19 Recovery Framework prepared by the City of Mississauga’s Leadership Team was received by Council. The framework will serve as a guiding document for detailed plans being developed to support reopening and recovery.

“This framework will help us navigate how Mississauga moves forward and recovers from the impacts of COVID-19,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “ This plan incorporates what we have heard from stakeholders across our City and formalizes our path forward in a way that is safe, efficient and inclusive. The health and safety of employees and the public remain our top priority, and we will continue to take our lead from Peel Public Health as we implement our plans. While his pandemic has shaken us, it has not broken our spirit. Mississauga is determined, strong, and resilient. We will emerge from this stronger than ever before. Our goal is to this right the first time.”

The City worked closely with Peel Public Health to develop the framework. The recovery framework was developed based on best practises in other jurisdictions and identifies four pillars of recovery:

  • Community
  • Economic
  • Finance
  • Corporate

“Work is underway and staff teams are already engaged in recovery planning to ensure the City is prepared to restore services and respond to community needs as we move beyond the initial crisis stages,” said Paul Mitcham, Commissioner Community Services and incoming City Manager and CAO. “Moving from the framework, the City will put the focus on: developing plans based on service priorities, following Federal and Provincial guidelines, consulting with community groups and other key community stakeholders and exploring options for financial restoration in consultation with Council. There will be lasting financial impacts to the City and the overall economy from this crisis. Developing a strong financial plan to mitigate these impacts is a pillar of the COVID-19 Recovery Framework. Council will be kept apprised of financial impacts throughout the pandemic and recovery phases.”

The COVID-19 Recovery Framework aligns with the City’s Strategic Pillars:

  • Move: The City will maintain and regulate a robust transportation network with a key focus on the recovery of public transit and role of active transportation.
  • Belong: The City will reopen public facilities and re-engage residents in events, programs and services in a safe and responsible manner.
  • Connect: Development will continue in a safe and regulated fashion when controls on construction and other projects are eased.
  • Prosper: The City will facilitate economic prosperity by identifying and creating existing or revitalized opportunities for economic contribution from city residents and businesses.
  • Green: Recovery will include a continued focus on achieving the City’s climate change goals and promoting environmentally-friendly operating practices.

Moving forward, the City will focus on:

  • Developing detailed plans based on the approved framework and service priorities supported by Federal and Provincial guidelines.
  • Consulting with community groups and other key community stakeholders.
  • Exploring options for financial restoration in consultation with Council.
  • Developing a strong communication plan to reach all stakeholders.

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

GTHA Mayors and Chairs urge Provincial and Federal action to support municipalities

The Mayors and Chairs of the GTHA municipalities have gathered again to call for action for the Provincial and Federal governments to address the financial problems being faced by GTHA municipalities.

 

May 14, 2020
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City Provides Additional Financial Assistance for Taxpayers during COVID-19

By Covid-19, Issues, Resources

May 6, 2020

 

Today, Council unanimously agreed to provide further financial assistance to taxpayers to help ease financial pressures as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 by:

  • deferring final tax instalments for 90 days
  • stopping late payment charges and fees related to tax payment requests for changes

 

Council previously provided cash flow assistance by deferring the April to June interim tax instalment dates by 90 days and is again asking all landlords to pass this additional financial relief on their tenants.

 

“We are doing what we can as a City to provide as much relief to residents and businesses as possible,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Today’s decision to defer property tax instalments and waive penalty fees will help taxpayers recovering from the shock of this crisis manage their cash flow in a difficult time. As a City, we do not have the financial resources of the federal and provincial governments to offer full relief, but we are doing what we can within our power while remaining financial prudence.”

 

The City of Mississauga is looking at all options available for recovering and balancing its 2020 operating and capital costs as a result of the impacts from COVID-19 and as required by-law.

 

“With the support and approval of Council, we are working to try and ease some of the economic impacts and financial hardships being faced by many families and businesses in Mississauga as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “At the same time, we are carefully monitoring the City’s operating and capital budgets and identifying opportunities for cost avoidance, including potentially deferring some of our capital spending this year. We are thankful to both the Region of Peel and the Government of Ontario for deferring the upper-tier and education tax payments which is greatly assisting the City during this challenging time. We are however, still facing significant revenue shortfalls. We need and are seeking, financial assistance from both the provincial and federal governments.”

 

Interim Tax Payment Schedules

 

As decided at the March 20 meeting of Council, interim property tax payments were deferred for 90 days. Notices were distributed to taxpayers at the end of March.

 

  1. Regular Instalment Payments

For those paying by regular instalment, interim property tax payments of April 2 and May 7 were deferred to July 2 and August 6.

 

New Interim Payment Schedule Due Dates July 2, 2020 August 6, 2020

 

  1. Monthly Pre-Authorized Payments

For those paying by monthly pre-authorized payments with the City, interim property tax payments in April, May and June were deferred to July, August and September.

 

Residential and Non-Residential
New Interim Payment Schedule Due Dates July 2020 August 2020 September 2020

 

Final Tax Payment Schedules

 

The timing of final tax payments for residential and non-residential property owners will depend on their chosen method of payment and if they continued with their interim tax payments as originally billed.

 

  1. Regular Instalment Payments

Final tax payments have been deferred by 90 days for taxpayers currently paying by instalments. Payments will now be made in October, November and December.

 

Residential and Non-residential
New Final Payment Schedule Due Dates

– final tax instalments

 October 1, 2020 November 5, 2020 December 3, 2020

For residential properties, final tax instalments would normally be due in July, August and September.

For non-residential properties, final tax instalments normally would be due as one single payment in August.

 

  1. Monthly Pre-Authorized Payments – Interim Payments were Deferred

For taxpayers who had monthly withdrawals deferred, final payments will be made in three equal withdrawals one in October, one in November and one in December.

 

Residential and Non-Residential
New Final Payment Schedule Due Dates

– if Interim tax payments were deferred

 October 2020 November 2020 December 2020
  Withdrawal payment Withdrawal payment Withdrawal payment

 

  1. Monthly Pre-Authorized Payments – Payments Continued

Taxpayers who have chosen to continue to make regular monthly payments for their interim taxes will continue with monthly withdrawals on their normal schedule.

 

Residential and Non-residential
Payment Schedule Unchanged

Interim tax payments continued

 July 2020

*residential only

 

Monthly withdrawal

 August 2020

 

Monthly withdrawal

 September 2020

 

Monthly withdrawal

 October 2020

 

Monthly withdrawal

 November 2020

 

Monthly withdrawal

 December 2020

 

Monthly withdrawal

 

Property assessment is determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). These assessments are updated every four years and increases are phased-in over a four-year period. The last re-assessment was conducted in 2016. The next MPAC reassessment was planned to be completed this year for the 2021 taxation year; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Ontario postponed the assessment update. This means the property assessment used for the 2021 tax year will be the same as the 2020 tax year.

 

In addition, to the COVID-19 assistance, the City of Mississauga is also continuing with its annual tax rebate for low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities. For 2020, the annual rebate has been increased to $436.

 

Read the full report: 2020 Final Levy Taxation Addressing COVID-19 Impacts

 

Learn more about the City of Mississauga’s taxes and assessment processes.

 

May 7, 2020
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Stay Positive, Active and Entertained with Mississauga’s Virtual Programs

By Covid-19, Events, Resources

May 6, 2020

The City of Mississauga offers a range of online activities during COVID-19 to help every member of the household stay positive, active and entertained at home.

“We understand it is difficult to keep everyone busy and active as we all continue to stay at home and practise physical distancing,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “That’s why we have put together a range of free virtual programs and resources to help boost the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents. Keeping fit, staying healthy, and enjoying fun activities will help us maintain a positive mindset as we work to overcome this virus together.”

Keep Fit

Visit Mississauga Recreation for virtual fitness classes and meditation sessions, and for nutrition and lifestyle information. The first live virtual fitness class is Cardio Kick Box on May 7 at 12:15 p.m.

Follow the #StayHomeStayActive campaign on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Grow a Garden

  • Starting the week of May 11, order up to three varieties of seeds from the new online Mississauga Seed Library. Simply complete the online form and the seeds will arrive by mail. Visit ca/seeds for more information.

Enjoy Family Fun

“As it gets harder to stay in and keep spirits up, we want to make it easier by offering virtual activities and resources everyone can enjoy,” said Paul Mitcham, Commissioner, Community Services. “The physical and emotional well-being of all our residents is important and we encourage people of all ages to try out a fitness class, live stream a concert and have some fun with their kids or grandkids.”

Older Adult Activities

  • Older adults can take part in a variety of virtual programs available four days each week. Residents can enjoy a yarn crafters meet-up, coffee talks, fitness breaks and weekly hot topics provided by the Mississauga Senior Centre. Participants can join via computer, tablet or phone. Follow Recreation on social media @MississaugaRec for up-to-date information.

Be Entertained

  • Mississauga Culture and the Living Arts Centre present an #ArtsAtHomeprogram to bring the arts into the home while supporting the City’s creative communities and industries. You can live stream virtual concerts and follow @saugaculture and @livingartsctr on social media for the latest in creative news and activities.
  • Stream or download an album through Freegal with your library card, or enjoy free movies and TV shows on your digital devices through Hoopla.
  • Paramount Fine Foods Centre (PFFC) is sharing content from event partners and more. The #PFFCentreAtHome web page offers live music with scheduled live streams, Canadian sing-a-longs and playlists. Live streams include Tyler Shaw, Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day, and Juanes, all of whom have performed here over the past 20 years. Their fun activity page includes virtual backgrounds to bring (PFFC) into your next online Zoom or Webex mobile meeting. Enjoy educational programs from the Harlem Globetrotters, and colouring pages and origami from Baby Shark Live! New content is added regularly and shared across @PFFCentre social media channels.
  • Watch “Rise Up Mississauga – Concert of Hope” at 7 p.m. on May 8 via Facebook Live on Mississauga Arts Council’s Facebook page. Enjoy free virtual entertainment featuring 25 Mississauga-based artists singing inspirational songs.
  • Join Mississauga Library on May 15 at 7 p.m. for a talk by award-winning Canadian author Kenneth Oppel.  Starting on May 18, check out the library’s website and social media for interactive book clubs, film discussion clubs, English conversation circles and more.

Book Corner

 

May 7, 2020
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Tax Deferral, Online Penalty Notice Screening and Prohibiting Fireworks

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

City of Mississauga COVID-19 Response Continues: Tax Deferral, Online Penalty Notice Screening and Prohibiting Fireworks

COVID-19 | May 6, 2020

Today, Council approved further actions in response to COVID-19 including, tax deferral, allowing online administrative penalty screening and prohibiting the sale and use of fireworks.

“Mississauga continues to run efficiently and deliver key services in the face of this pandemic,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “That includes continuing to take measures to keep Mississauga safe and provide cash flow relief to our residents. Prohibiting fireworks is the right thing to do at this time to help discourage large groups from gathering, keep our City safe and ensure our firefighters and enforcement teams are focused on the task at hand, that’s fighting COVID-19.”

Tax Deferral
To provide further financial assistance to taxpayers and help ease financial pressures as a result of the impacts of COVID-19, Council agreed to postpone regular final tax instalments and eliminate late payment charges and fees related to tax payment requests for changes. The City is requesting that landlords pass the tax deferral on to their tenants. Details

Virtual Fireworks Only
Council voted to prohibit the sale and use of fireworks until further notice to reduce the potential for large crowds and continue to promote resident safety for the duration of the emergency related to COVID-19 as declared by the Province of Ontario and ensure existing resources are available and used for resident safety.  While fireworks are currently banned in Mississauga, please enjoy a virtual display this year with highlights from previous Mississauga firework events presented by Tim Hortons: https://youtu.be/cy7B2SL1zcc

Three by-laws were amended to prohibit the use and sale of fireworks in Mississauga:

  1. Fireworks Residents By-law – Regulating the use of fireworks by the public including restrictions on dates, times and permit requirements.
  2. Fireworks Vendors By-law – Regulating the licensing for the ownership and operation of portable firework display units within the City.
  3. Business Licensing By-law – Regulating the licensing and sale of fireworks from inside a building (not portable).

Online Screening Reviews of Administrative Penalties
Council voted to amend the Administrative Penalty By-law and Licencing Administrative Penalty By-law to allow for written submissions for online screening reviews of administrative penalties. During the current Provincial Court closure period, the by-law amendments allows the screening review process to continue as an option for anyone seeking a review of their penalty notice, which was previously only allowed in-person.

This online option will be available later this spring for the following administrative penalties related:

For those who have already submitted requests for screening reviews, a notice will be mailed to the address that the court has on file providing the opportunity to have their dispute heard by way of online written submissions.

For those who chose to continue with an in-person review, their matters will be dealt with once the Court offices re-open. For all new penalty notices, the defendant will be given the option of paying the penalty, or choosing an online submission or in-person review of their penalty notice.

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

 

No fireworks are allowed in #Mississauga until further notice. As #VictoriaDay approaches, do not light or buy #fireworks. With emergency orders in place due to #COVID19, we want to do our part to keep our community safe. Report non-compliance to 311. http://ow.ly/Zf1f50zyZYP

 

.@CityMississauga #COVID19 response continues keeping #Mississauga safe & providing cash flow relief: tax relief, online Administrative Penalty Screening & prohibiting the sale & use of Fireworks. http://ow.ly/Zf1f50zyZYP

 

Link to eCity:

https://web.mississauga.ca/city-of-mississauga-news/news/city-of-mississauga-covid-19-response-continues-tax-deferral-online-penalty-notice-screening-and-prohibiting-fireworks/

 

May 7, 2020
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Rise Up Mississauga – Concert of Hope – Friday, May 8, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m.

By Covid-19, Events, Resources, Uncategorized

An entrepreneur in  his own right, Ron Duquette, has taken the initiative to put together  an amazing concert of outstanding local performers from all around Mississauga.   

His message is below and I hope you will enjoy it!                                          Stephen

************************************************************************************************************

Hi Folks,

I hope you are all safe and sound and COVID-19 free in your homes, practising all the things we’ve been

told to do by our leaders across the country.

I’ve been working on a special project to stave off boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic lock down.

Recently, great talents from around the world and across Canada have performed to thank health care

workers and people in food supply, along with our essential service heroes, in this unprecedented time.

After watching Andrea Bocelli deliver his magnificent live performance in the Duomo in Milan on Easter Sunday

I got to thinking….why not here in Mississauga. That was my inspiration and “AHA” moment.

Teaming up with my colleagues at the Mississauga Arts Council, the result is “Rise Up Mississauga” – Concert of Hope, a 40-minute virtual concert featuring some of Mississauga’s finest home grown musicians, along with our local politicians, all coming together with a message of solidarity. Two of the artists wrote original songs for this production.

If you aren’t doing anything on Friday, May 8th at 7:00p.m. (EST) I hope you can tune in and enjoy the show.

Stay safe everyone.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES.

Ron

 

https://youtu.be/spQxyjOH-ZE

May 5, 2020
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Mississauga’s Construction Projects Move Forward in Compliance with Provincial Regulations

By Resources

April 29, 2020

 

The City of Mississauga’s construction season is now underway following Council approval of a staff report that concluded that all construction projects within the Roads and Stormwater Capital Programs are essential under Ontario Regulation 82/20 – Closure of Places of Non-Essential Businesses. In total, there are 21 planned construction projects and eight projects continuing from 2019. These projects include road resurfacing, sidewalk and multi-use trail construction, bridge repairs, creek and erosion control work and construction of new stormwater management facilities.

“In the midst of COVID-19, it is critically important that we are able to move people and goods safely and efficiently through our city. It will also be key to our competitiveness once we restart the economy,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “As Mississauga continues to grow and mature, it’s important that our key infrastructure be kept in good repair. Thanks to residents who are doing their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying home, our roads are experiencing lighter traffic, making this an ideal time to give them the attention they deserve while making progress on other key construction projects.”

Construction projects within the City’s Roads and Stormwater Capital Programs involve repair and maintenance of critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges and stormwater management ponds. With pot hole filling, sidewalk and curb repair and spring clean-up efforts already underway, the City is now moving forward with its busy road construction season.

“The health and safety of our workers and contractors is our top priority,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “We will be closely monitoring and working with our contractors to ensure that all projects operate according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations as well as the on-site best practices recommended by public health officials.”

Ongoing work is also being done to maintain the City’s 5,600 kilometres of roads. This includes monitoring road conditions year-round and repairing pot holes when the weather is appropriate.

“While road improvements are underway, residents are asked to be patient and are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternate routes to avoid traffic delays,” said Helen Noehammer, Director, Infrastructure Planning and Engineering Services. “If out walking or cycling, residents are reminded to use extra caution around construction sites, not to enter work sites which have been closed to the public, respect all work site barricades and signage and practice physical distancing around workers and others at all times.”

For more information and to use the construction map to see where projects are happening in Mississauga, visit mississauga.ca/construction.

BACKGROUND

2020 Planned Construction Projects

  • Residential road resurfacing – approximately 87 streets amounting to 29.5 km
  • Major and industrial road resurfacing – approximately 16 streets amounting to 12.1 km
  • Creek and erosion control work:
    • Cooksville Creek (four different locations)
    • Mary Fix Creek
    • Etobicoke Creek
  • Dredging and maintenance of six stormwater management ponds
  • Construction of two new stormwater management facilities located at:
    • Sandalwood Park
    • Tacc Drive and Winston Churchill Boulevard
  • Trunk sewer rehabilitation
  • Repair of four bridges:
    • Brookhurst Road bridge over Sheridan Creek
    • Pedestrian bridge over Central Parkway East (south of Bloor Street)
    • Financial Drive bridge over Levi Creek
    • Lushes Avenue bridge over Sheridan Creek
  • Other work:
    • Construction of  823 m of new noise walls
    • Construction of 3.98 km of new sidewalks
    • Construction of 4.3 km of new multi-use trails
    • Construction of Low Impact Development to manage stormwater runoff – Erindale Village

 

May 4, 2020
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List of locations within the Region of Peel that have Free Public Wi-Fi. 

By Covid-19, Resources

Free Public Wi-fi resources:

East Avenue Paramedics Station, 938 East Avenue **Ward1**

Tall Pines LTC, 1001 Peter Robertson Blvd, Brampton

Malton Village LTC, 7075 Rexwood Road; Mississauga

Peel Manor LTC, 525 Main St N; Brampton

Davis Centre LTC, 80 Allan Dr; Bolton

Sheridan Villa LTC, 2460 Truscott Dr

Mississauga-Fairview Clinic, 325 Central Parkway West

Mississauga-Meadowvale Clinic, 6975 Meadowvale Town Centre

Brampton-Bramalea Clinic, 150 Central Park Drive, Brampton

Mississauga-Malton Clinic, 7205 Goreway Drive, Mississauga

Lynch Ambulance, 55 Trueman Street, Brampton

Streetsville Reporting Station, 2492 Thomas Street

Tedlo Paramedics Station, 2355 Tedlo Street, Unit 4

Mavis TransHelp / Paramedics, 3190 Mavis Road

Rising Hill Paramedics Station, 25 Rising Hill Ridge, Brampton

Sheridan Park Paramedics Station, 2230 Sheridan Park Drive

Lorne Park Paramedics Station, 1188 Lakeshore Road West

May 4, 2020
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