Category

Announcement

PRP Update: Project Odyssey – Significant Auto Theft Investigation Resulting in the Recovery of Stolen Vehicles and Charges Laid

By Announcement, Resources

Today, May 27, 2024, Peel Regional Police announced the results of Project Odyssey, an investigation into an organized crime group responsible for the theft and transport of stolen vehicles through intermodal hubs across the Greater Toronto Area to the Port of Montreal. Investigators have identified a Peel based company that was facilitating the transport of stolen vehicles out of a trucking yard in Brampton, Ontario.

The seven-month long investigation has resulted in:

  • 16 arrests and 322 Criminal Code charges laid
    • Ages of individuals arrested range from 17-years old to 57-years old
  • 10 additional arrest warrants issued
  • 369 stolen vehicles recovered with a value of $33,200,000.00
    • 255 vehicles recovered in Peel Region and 114 vehicles recovered at the Port of Montreal.
  • 3 transport trucks and 2 bobcats were seized under the forfeiture of offence-related property, valued at $150,000 each

Project Odyssey is another example of the incredible investigative work by PRP’s Commercial Auto Crime Bureau. In 2023, we doubled the size of the Unit making it one of the largest in Canada, and over the last 18 months, we have arrested close to 200 individuals, laid approximately 1,600 auto theft related offence charges, and recovered close to $100,000,000 in stolen vehicles.

For further information on Project Odyssey, please see the news release here.

 

Peel Regional Police Launch Project E.R.A.S.E. to Combat Street Racing

By Announcement, Resources

This morning (May 23, 2024), Peel Regional Police, in collaboration with policing partners from across the Greater Toronto Area, officially launched Project E.R.A.S.E. (Eliminating Racing Activities on Streets Everywhere) aimed at addressing poor and aggressive driver behaviour through education, strategic enforcement, and modifying social behaviour. Street racing is an illegal and dangerous activity that risks the lives of our community members.

This project will target street racing throughout Southwestern Ontario. Peel Regional Police and partners will have zero tolerance for dangerous driving behaviours and street racing activities.

Since the beginning of 2024, Project E.R.A.S.E has issued over 850 Provincial Offences Notices; 170 of those charges were for stunt driving, leading to 49 arrests and 45 vehicle seizures.

In 2023, Peel Regional Police issued 38,274 Highway Traffic Act offences, 8,229 charges were for speeding. Through Project E.R.A.S.E, 941 vehicles were investigated, and a total of 1,230 driving related charges were laid during 2023.

Ensuring road safety is a vital aspect of policing, and one which all members of Peel Regional Police are committed to around the clock. Officers diligently enforce speed limits, tackle aggressive and impaired driving, and implement other road safety measures.

Anyone with information concerning aggressive driving or street racing activities in the Region of Peel are urged to contact 905-453-3311. Driving complaints can also be filed through the Road Watch Portal on our website or by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or peelcrimestoppers.ca.

 

Join the Invasive Species Awareness Fair: Learn how the City keeps natural spaces healthy and balanced

By Announcement, Events, Parks

Come out to the Invasive Species Awareness Fair at Erindale Park on May 25.

May 17, 2024

On Saturday, May 25, the City of Mississauga is hosting an Invasive Species Awareness Fair at Erindale Park from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The fair aims to raise awareness about how invasive species affect our natural environment and ways residents can take action. Invasive species are plants, animals or micro-organisms that are not native to Mississauga. In large numbers, invasive species can negatively affect natural environments, habitats, ecosystems and the City’s urban forest.

During the event, residents will learn more about non-native invasive plants and emerging invasive pests. Residents will also have the opportunity to learn how to detect invasive species while exploring Erindale Park on a guided walk, join a garlic mustard pulling competition and participate in other family-friendly activities.

At the fair, there will also be goats to showcase a new and unique approach to managing invasive plant species – goat grazing. The initiative to use goat grazing as an invasive plant control method is new and unique to the area. There will also be baby goats for residents to meet.

Yellow graphic of "Invasive Species Awareness Fair"

Event details

What

The City is hosting the Invasive Species Awareness Fair to share information about invasive species.

Who

Mississauga residents interested in learning more about invasive species in the city.

Registration is not required. If joining the guided nature walk and/or garlic mustard removal, participants must sign a waiver once they arrive (if under 18 years old, a parent or guardian will need to sign the waiver).

When

Saturday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where

Erindale Park
1695 Dundas St W.
Mississauga, ON

The Invasive Species Awareness Fair will be on the west side of the park, across the pedestrian bridge.

Get involved as a Mississauga Nature Steward

Become a Mississauga Nature Steward and help City staff remove invasive plants in parks and natural areas. As a Nature Steward, you will be provided with training and supplies to work independently or have the opportunity to participate in staff-led events to work alongside City staff and other members of the public.

The City is hosting five stewardship events to learn what garlic mustard is and how to properly remove and dispose of the invasive plant while working alongside City staff.

The events include:

Creditview Wetlands

Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to noon | Register

Adamson Estate

Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to noon | Register

Tecumseh Park

Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to noon | Register

Cawthra Woods

Saturday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to noon | Register

Sawmill Valley Trail

Saturday, July 6 from 10 a.m. to noon | Register

Report invasive species

The City’s Invasive Species Management Plan and Implementation Strategy guides the management of priority invasive species in priority natural areas across Mississauga.

If you spot an invasive plant species on City property like a park, trail or boulevard, you can report it using the invasive species reporting form. If you spot spongy moth in Mississauga, you can report it using the online reporting form.

Learn more about the Invasive Species Awareness Fair.

Victoria Day Holiday Service Hours at Peel Region

By Announcement, Resources

BRAMPTON, ON (May 17, 2024) – Peel Region offices and non-emergency services will be closed for Victoria Day on Monday, May 20, 2024, and will reopen Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

The following non-emergency services are closed on May 20, 2024, and will reopen on Tuesday, May 21, 2024:

  • Access Peel Counters.
  • Dental Services Contact Centre and Dental Clinics.
  • Family Health Call Centre.
  • Healthy Sexuality Clinics.
  • Ontario Works in Peel.
  • Housing Services, Client Services.
  • Peel Works Harm Reduction – Mobile Vans.
  • Early Years and Child Care Services.

Human Services

Early Years and Child Care Services will be closed on Monday, May 20, 2024, for Victoria Day and reopen on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Child Care Subsidy will be closed on Monday, May 20, 2024.

Housing Services, Client Services will be closed on Monday, May 20, 2024, for Victoria Day and reopen on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

Vaccination Clinics

Peel Public Health vaccination clinics, which offer routine school immunizations and vaccines required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, will be closed on Monday, May 20, 2024, for Victoria Day and reopen on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

Emergency shelter, food, or personal support

For urgent homelessness supports, including food, supplies, referrals, and shelter, call the Street Helpline 24/7 at 1-877-848-8481. For information on emergency shelter, visit the emergency shelter webpage or call 905-450-1996.Emergency Peel Living Maintenance Requests

For emergency Peel Living maintenance requests, contact the 24-hour request line at 905-790-7335.TransHelp  

All trips for Monday, May 20, and Tuesday, May 21, must be booked by 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 19.

On Monday, May 20 (Victoria Day):

  • Call us at 905-791-1015 if you need to cancel your trip.
  • Flexible (same day) trips will not be provided.
  • All subscription trips will be cancelled, with the exception of dialysis trips.
  • TransHelp will operate from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
  • The TransHelp office will be closed and unable to process applications, payments, or feedback.

We offer bookings up to 7 days in advance. Consider booking your next trip early to ensure your holiday travel.

Email transhelp@peelregion.ca or call 905-791-1015 with any questions.

Public Transit

Visit Mississauga Transit for holiday schedules.

Waste Collection

There will be no waste collection on Monday, May 20. Waste will be collected one day later that week. Check your collection calendar to find your pickup day or sign up to receive free waste collection reminders.

All Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) will be closed on Monday, May 20 and will return to regular hours of operation on Tuesday, May 21.

 

You’re invited: Celebrate National Public Works Week in Mississauga!

By Announcement

Come out to the City’s Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 25 to meet the staff, get up close to our trucks and equipment and join fun, family-friendly activities.

May 16, 2024

On Saturday, May 25, the City of Mississauga is celebrating its public works professionals and recognizing the important work they do with the return of its National Public Works Week Family Fun Day – and you’re invited!

The City of Mississauga’s public works professionals play an essential role in keeping us safe by building and maintaining the infrastructure, facilities and services we use and rely on everyday like roads, sidewalks, parks, bike lanes, transit and stormwater infrastructure. National Public Works Week (May 19-25, 2024) recognizes how these professionals contribute to and enhance the quality of life in communities. This year’s theme is “Advancing Quality of Life for All.”

Family Fun Day is a great opportunity to meet City staff and learn more about their work through a variety of interactive family-friendly activities. Get up close to the equipment and trucks and join in on fun activities.

What:

National Public Works Week Family Fun Day event

Event activities include:

  • ‘Touch a Truck’ and equipment displays (e.g. snow plow, MiWay bus, front-end loader)
  • Interactive exhibits with fun and educational activities
  • Bouncy castle

This event is free to attend. Registration is not required.

Where:

Outside of the Living Arts Centre and on Princess Royal Drive.

When:

Saturday, May 25
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Consider leaving your car at home and walk, cycle or take MiWay instead. Plan your trip using our Trip Planner.

For more information about public works in the City, visit mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/transportation-and-streets/.

City to boost MiWay service through 57,000 additional service hours; maintenance enhancements

By Announcement, Resources

City Council has voted to boost MiWay route service by an additional 57,000 service hours and over 2,400 hours of additional maintenance and repair service.

May 15, 2024

Mississauga City Council has voted to boost MiWay route service by an additional 57,000 service hours and over 2,400 hours of additional maintenance and repair service to meet the growing demands for transit service in Mississauga.

There will be more buses on the road more often and on the routes that need them the most, ensuring dependable, on-time service for riders.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for transit services in our City and we’re increasing service to match,” said Ward 8 Councillor and Acting Mayor, Matt Mahoney. “The addition of new drivers and maintenance workers will allow us to build the kind of capacity that our residents need and expect from MiWay. Through the Dedicated Gas Tax Fund for Public Transportation program, these improvements will do exactly what they’re designed to do and contribute greatly to improved quality of life for our residents.”

The Dedicated Gas Tax Fund for Public Transportation Program provides municipalities with the means to support and improve transportation services. Mississauga’s allocation of this funding to MiWay will lead to continued growth, which is key as ridership continues to increase.

Since the end of the COVID-19 Pandemic, MiWay ridership has surpassed 2019 levels by nearly 10 per cent as of 2023. While there was a 4 per cent allowance for increased service hours in the City’s 2024 Budget, the City continues to see significant growth in ridership in 2024.

“The ability for us to increase the service on some of the busiest routes in Mississauga means residents can get to their destinations quicker and with even more dependability — something MiWay prides itself on and strives for every day,” said Eve Wiggins, Director of Transit. “We’ve listened to our riders and are taking action to meet their needs, while continuing with our mission to continually grow transit service and ridership in Mississauga.”

The additional funding will increase service and maintenance through the addition of 44 new transit operators and 11 new maintenance staff. These additions will help ensure service is increased with a focus on the following routes:

  1. Burnhamthorpe Express: Route 126
  2. University of Toronto (UTM) Routes 44 and 110
  3. Kipling Bus Terminal Route 11 – Westwood Mall

Service will also be improved by redirecting 60-foot buses (with greater passenger capacity) to busier corridors such as Mavis Road (Route 61) and McLaughlin Road (Route 66).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more about MiWay routes and ways we are improving for residents

A new tune for Mississauga musicians with Musician Fair Pay policy

By Announcement, Music, Resources

The policy is one of the first in Canada to set a minimum payment for musicians that perform at City-produced events and results directly from the City’s first Music Strategy: 2022-2026.

May 15, 2024

Today in Council, the City of Mississauga’s first Musician Fair Pay Policy was approved, marking a significant step towards recognizing and valuing the contributions of musicians within the local art scene.

The policy is one of the first in Canada to set a minimum payment for musicians that perform at City-produced events and results directly from the City’s first Music Strategy: 2022-2026. The strategy identifies 32 actions over the next five years to support the growth and development of Mississauga’s music industry.

“Musicians are the foundation of a strong music economy and help contribute to our city’s lively music scene,” says Kristina Zietsma, Director, Culture and Recreation. “By setting these standards, Mississauga not only acknowledges the professional status of musicians, but also sets a precedent for other municipalities to follow. This policy aims to ensure that all performers are compensated fairly for their talents and efforts, fostering a more sustainable and vibrant cultural ecosystem for years to come.”

Noted in a corporate report, the policy applies to City-produced events where musicians are contracted by staff for live performances and outlines clear guidelines for equitable remuneration. It was developed in collaboration with the local music community and industry stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of musicians’ needs. It also reflects a broader commitment to supporting the arts, recognizing the essential role that music plays in enriching the community’s cultural life. This transparent approach aims to eliminate ambiguity, ensuring that artists are compensated appropriately for their work.

Rates are based on a minimum scale set in the current Tariff of Fees by the Toronto Musicians’ Association, Local 149 (TMA) – the local union branch of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) for musicians in the Greater Toronto Area. The rates established by TMA 149 serve as the industry standard minimum payment rates for professional musicians.

The City’s Musician Fair Pay Policy will be posted in the coming weeks on the City’s website.

Escape the couch! Free summer events are back at Mississauga Celebration Square

By Announcement, Events, Resources

From diverse festivals and outdoor fitness sessions to captivating movies and lively concerts, there’s something for everyone.

Summer is almost here! So dust off the BBQ and get ready to head over to Mississauga Celebration Square (MCS) with the family for some fun, free activities and events. There’s so much to enjoy now until the end of October.

From diverse festivals and outdoor fitness sessions to captivating movies and lively concerts, there’s something for everyone—including Mississauga’s new Sauga Savings Pass, which offers discounts at some of the city’s most popular spots.

What’s on tap this season:

  • The Fountain: cool off at the City’s biggest wading pool. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun steps away from the big screens, food trucks and exciting live events. View hours of operation 
  • Festivals: check out a variety of festivals happening every weekend and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Mississauga’s cultural offerings. View event calendar
  • Fresh Air Fitness: get your sweat on and take part in outdoor fitness classes every Wednesday – including Zumba®, Bollywood, yoga, strength and stretch, led by highly-qualified City fitness instructors. View schedule
  • Lions Farmers Market: support local every Wednesday and pick-up produce, sweet treats and artisan goods from local businesses. Learn more
  • Open Air Storytime: enter a world of imagination and adventure through interactive live readings of children’s books at the Amphitheatre on Wednesday mornings as you watch stories come to life. View story line-up
  • Movie Nights: grab a blanket and head over to the City’s largest outdoor movie theatre to enjoy an incredible movie line-up under the stars, featuring everything from animated hits to live action blockbusters. View movie schedule
  • Amphitheatre Unplugged: it’s time for open mic night! Enjoy local talent close to home. From live music to comedy acts, it’s the perfect way to support Mississauga’s up-and-coming artists. Learn more
  • Sporting events on the big screen: calling all sports fans, check out a variety of games on the MCS screens all summer long. Select screenings of international soccer tournaments and summer games will be shown. Screening schedule will be posted soon – stay tuned on celebrationsquare.ca for more details.

Are you a youth or know someone between the ages of 12 and 16? Take advantage of the Sauga Summer Pass and enjoy free MiWay rides to all these activities from June 28 to September 2, 2024.

For more information about upcoming activities and events, including National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day, visit the webpage.

City proposes plan to get more affordable rental housing built in Mississauga

By Announcement, Planning & Development

The plan recommends financial incentives for developers and homeowners who want to build affordable rental housing citywide.

The City is working on a plan to encourage the construction of more affordable rental housing in Mississauga. If approved, the plan will offer grants and financial incentives for a variety of rental units – from larger-scale apartment buildings to additional residential units like garden suites and basement apartments. The need for affordable housing is an important issue, affecting one in three households in Mississauga. For renters, housing affordability is especially challenging.

Creating more affordable rental units is an important part of Mississauga’s Action Plan for New Housing. Encouraging purpose-built rental housing is important because:

  • Rental properties are more attainable for those who are new to the housing market or who have moderate incomes.
  • Properties that are built specifically for the rental market provide more security for tenants over the long term (as they are more likely to remain rental stock).
  • Increasing rental housing supply is important but the City needs a variety of housing types to meet the needs of our diverse community.

Public Meeting

The City is holding a public meeting at Planning and Development Committee, to give an overview of our proposed Affordable Rental Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and take feedback. A CIP is a tool under the Ontario Planning Act that allows the City to provide incentives such as grants and loans to help encourage development.

The CIP will be funded, in part, through funds received from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. In December 2023, the Government of Canada and the City of Mississauga announced a $112.9 million agreement under the fund to help deliver more homes and improve affordability.

Meeting details

When

Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 6 p.m.

Where

Planning and Development Committee

Council Chambers, Civic Centre

Participate

Watch the live stream on the City’s website (without registering) or join in person at City Hall. Instructions on how to register to share your feedback at the meeting are included in the Planning and Development Committee meeting agenda.

Background

The Affordable Rental Housing CIP is a key action under Growing Mississauga: An Action Plan for New Housing. This action plan identifies steps the City is taking to get more homes built, streamline building approvals and make homes more affordable. It builds on the success of the City’s previous housing plans including Making Room for the Middle: An Affordable Housing Strategy for Mississauga.

Visit the City’s Affordable Rental Housing CIP webpage to learn more and sign up for project updates.

SCHEDULED WATER INTERRUPTION NOTICE – Tuesday, May 14th, from approximately 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

By Announcement, Resources

INTERRUPTION DETAILS

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 14th, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Location: 845 Seventh St

Addresses Affected: 833-856 Seventh St

Project #:  C-603469

Regional Inspector:  Phemelo Mpoloka

Telephone #  

437-220-8917

905-791-7800 ext. 3246/3247

 

The Region of Peel Public Works department regularly maintains and repairs the water system to make sure you have a consistent supply of quality drinking water. Sometimes we must turn off your water supply while we do this work.

 Your water will be turned off on Tuesday, May 14th, from approximately 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. If we need to reschedule this work due to weather or other circumstances, we will let you know the new date and time.

If this interruption may affect an alarm or maintenance company, it is your responsibility to notify them.  During the time that the water supply is interrupted, the building’s sprinkler protection system will not function.  A fire watch should be performed as necessary during time period.

After the water interruption:

When we turn the water back on, air in the pipes may make the water cloudy and your plumbing may vibrate or make noise.  We recommend removing the air by slowly turning on your taps from the lowest to the highest faucet in the building (that is, starting in the basement/first floor and finishing on the top floor). Flush the toilets as well. You will likely need to run the water for 10 to 30 seconds.  Run the water until it is clear, and any vibration or noise has stopped.

Important note:  After the water is turned back on, we recommend checking your water meter (usually located in the basement).  If it is leaking, call Water Meter Installations Dispatch at:

  • (905) 791 – 7800 Ext. 3226 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Monday to Friday)
  • (905) 791 – 7800 Ext. 4409 (After hours or Statutory Holidays)

Yours truly,

Michael Torchia

Foreperson, Construction Inspections

Engineering Technical Services

Operations Support Division

Public Works

2 Copper Road, Brampton ON, L6T 4W5

(905) 791-7800 Ext. 4831