COVID-19 | April 8, 2020

The City of Mississauga is taking additional precautionary measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by cancelling all events and spring programs (registered and drop-in) up to July 3. This includes City-led events and events organized by external groups that require a City permit – whether at Mississauga Celebration Square, parks or other City facilities, which remain closed. At this time, no new permits will be issued.

“While our festivals and events showcase the best of Mississauga and are usually the highlight of my summer, tackling the spread of COVID-19 and keeping our City healthy is our primary focus right now,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “I look forward to showcasing Mississauga’s vibrant and diverse cultural heritage with the world once it’s safe again for large crowds to gather. In the meantime, we will continue to find ways to celebrate everything that makes Mississauga shine.”

Additionally, community and cultural groups receiving approved grant funding will continue to receive them, as this will assist with business continuity and to move forward post COVID-19. However, organizations will be required to confirm the impact that COVID-19 is having on their organization and actions that will be taken. The City will also work with event organizers to mitigate the impact of event and program cancellations and determine future event dates, if possible.

Approximately 368 events and gatherings taking place in City facilities and parks are impacted including six Canada Day events, sports tournaments, Mississauga Marathon, Carassauga, Mississauga Waterfront Festival and more.

The City will continue to reassess the situation and determine if cancellations will go beyond the July 3 date, based on consultations with Peel Public Health and the Province’s ban of social gatherings.

To learn about the latest updates on actions taken by the City of Mississauga, visit mississauga.ca/coronavirus or follow @CityMississauga on Twitter.

For health information, visit Peel Public Health at peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

 

COVID-19 | April 8, 2020

Today, Mississauga City Council took further actions in response to COVID-19 to help mitigate impacts on residents and businesses and plan for the future beyond the pandemic.

“As this crisis continues to unfold, we have been clear that we will continue to engage and listen to the needs of our community and cultural partners, residents and businesses, to best support them during these challenging times,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “These additional actions reflect our commitment to keeping Mississauga healthy while providing much-needed relief and certainty for our community partners. We will continue to act and respond while planning responsibly for our City’s future.”

Managing the Financial Impact of COVID-19

Today, City of Mississauga Council considered a report from City staff that describes the impacts of COVID-19 on the City’s financial position. The City’s financial position is significantly different from the budget approved on January 22, 2020. The biggest impact on City finances comes from lost revenues due primarily to a reduction in recreation fees and transit fares. This loss is offset by some cost savings due to reduced levels of service and temporary layoffs. The preliminary forecast of the impact of COVID-19 is an operating deficit of $43.4 million (April) to $59.1 million (June).

The report recommends requesting provincial and federal government support to offer municipalities. Staff is continuing to monitor the situation and identify options to offset the deficit. The size of the 2020 deficit, the state of the economy and the financial position of the City’s residents and businesses will inform strategies and actions to be considered. 2021 Budget discussions will be launched at Budget Committee on June 24, 2020.  Details: City Prepares for Financial Impact of COVID-19

Late Licence Renewal Fees for Pet and Mobile Business Licences Waived

Late renewal fees for pet and mobile licences will be waived until further notice.

Municipal Accommodation Tax Deferred

Municipal Accommodation Tax remittances due on March 31, April 30 and May 31, 2020 are deferred to June 30, July 31 and August 31, 2020.

Events and Spring Programs Cancelled Up to July 3 

The City of Mississauga is taking additional precautionary measures in response to COVID-19 by cancelling all events and spring programs up to July 3. This includes City-led events and events organized by external groups that require a City permit – whether at Mississauga Celebration Square, parks or other City facilities, which remain closed. At this time, no new permits will be issued. Details: City Cancels All Events and Spring Programs up to July 3 Due to COVID-19

Grant Funding Continued

Community and cultural groups receiving approved grant funding will continue to receive them, as this will assist with business continuity and to move forward post COVID-19. Organizations will be required to confirm the impact that COVID-19 is having on their organization and actions that will be taken. The City will also work with event organizers to mitigate the impact of event and program cancellations and determine future event dates, if possible.

The City will continue to reassess the situation and determine if cancellations will go beyond the July 3 date, based on consultations with Peel Public Health and the Province’s ban of social gatherings.

COVID-19 Information

To learn about the latest updates on actions taken by the City of Mississauga visit mississauga.ca/coronavirus or follow @CityMississauga on Twitter.

For health information, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

COVID-19 | April 8, 2020

Today, City of Mississauga Council considered a report from City staff that describes the impacts of COVID-19 on the City’s financial position.

“COVID-19 is taking an unprecedented toll on our economy and on our City’s finances,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “The closure of our facilities, cancellation of recreation programming and reduction in transit ridership, has resulted in significant revenue losses. Our immediate priority is the health of our residents but we must also start looking to the future and planning for recovery. Cities are not in the position to run deficits and our primary source of revenue is the property tax. That’s why we are asking for support from our provincial and federal partners to weather this storm in the months ahead. We will continue to act in the best interests of our taxpayers while ensuring Mississauga remains one of the best-run cities in the world.”

City’s Current Financial Position

·          The City’s financial position is significantly different from the budget approved on January 22, 2020.

·          The biggest impact on City finances comes from lost revenues due primarily to a reduction in recreation fees and transit fares.

·          This loss is offset by some cost savings due to reduced levels of service and temporary layoffs.

·          The City has budgeted for emergencies such as floods, ice storms and other weather-related events. In the past, these have been limited in duration and been targeted to specific geographies or stakeholders, making financial recovery more straightforward.

·          The COVID-19 pandemic has affected most stakeholders all at once and municipal reserves are not sufficient to support the Corporation beyond the medium term.

City’s Projected Financial Position

·          The projection model in the report identifies pressures on the 2020 operating budget arising from the various COVID-19 impacts. It is unknown how long the physical distancing and self-isolation practices will remain in effect. Scenarios have been developed assuming these practices continue to the end of April, May, June, September and December.

·          The preliminary forecast of the impact of COVID-19 is an operating deficit of $43.4 million (April) to $59.1 million (June). This could rise to $100 million by the end of the year if the strict isolation conditions remain in place until then.

·          The April 3, 2020 announcement by the Province stopping all non-essential construction will have an impact on the City’s 2020 capital program. This impact will need to be analyzed.

·          Projections do not include other actions Council is considering – reduction of paid parking fees, exemption for late license renewal fees for pet and mobile business licences.

·          A budget deficit is unavoidable in 2020 as revenues decrease while many costs continue.

·          Staff will review Council-established reserves as one of the tools to partially mitigate the 2020 deficit.

·          According to the Municipal Act, a city can run a deficit in a given year; however it cannot budget for a deficit.

·          Any deficit can be offset through increased taxes in the subsequent year, an increase in revenues or the reduction of expenses or the use of reserves where available.

·          The City cannot borrow to fund a deficit.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest health and financial challenge that we have seen in generations. The economic impact on Mississauga families and businesses will be devastating for many. Our City budget is not immune to the effects of this crisis,” said Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “Lost revenues combined with ongoing costs will lead to a deficit in 2020. We continue to work with every area of the Corporation to identify areas where costs can be avoided. We can’t predict the end of this crisis, which makes it very difficult to accurately forecast the full financial impact. Needless to say, financial assistance will be required from the provincial and federal governments.”

The report recommends requesting provincial and federal government support to offer municipalities:

·          An operating grant to help fund current operations and maintain appropriate service levels during the COVID-19 crisis, and further allow for service levels to quickly be re-established during the period of recovery.

·          A new infrastructure building program by increasing the amount of gas tax to stimulate the economy later this year.

·          Approval of project applications under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) submitted by the City of Mississauga on October 23, 2019 and November 12, 2019 to help speed economic recovery.

Staff are continuing to monitor the situation and identify options to offset the deficit. The size of the 2020 deficit, the state of the economy and the financial position of the City’s residents and businesses will inform strategies and actions to be considered. 2021 Budget discussions will be launched at Budget Committee on June 24, 2020.

Presentation:

Item7.1_Managing_Financial_Impact_Presentation_20200408

 

COVID-19 | April 8, 2020

Today, Mississauga City Council took further actions in response to COVID-19 to help mitigate impacts on residents and businesses and plan for the future beyond the pandemic.

“As this crisis continues to unfold, we have been clear that we will continue to engage and listen to the needs of our community and cultural partners, residents and businesses, to best support them during these challenging times,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “These additional actions reflect our commitment to keeping Mississauga healthy while providing much-needed relief and certainty for our community partners. We will continue to act and respond while planning responsibly for our City’s future.”

Managing the Financial Impact of COVID-19

Today, City of Mississauga Council considered a report from City staff that describes the impacts of COVID-19 on the City’s financial position. The City’s financial position is significantly different from the budget approved on January 22, 2020. The biggest impact on City finances comes from lost revenues due primarily to a reduction in recreation fees and transit fares. This loss is offset by some cost savings due to reduced levels of service and temporary layoffs. The preliminary forecast of the impact of COVID-19 is an operating deficit of $43.4 million (April) to $59.1 million (June).

The report recommends requesting provincial and federal government support to offer municipalities. Staff is continuing to monitor the situation and identify options to offset the deficit. The size of the 2020 deficit, the state of the economy and the financial position of the City’s residents and businesses will inform strategies and actions to be considered. 2021 Budget discussions will be launched at Budget Committee on June 24, 2020.  Details: City Prepares for Financial Impact of COVID-19

Late Licence Renewal Fees for Pet and Mobile Business Licences Waived

Late renewal fees for pet and mobile licences will be waived until further notice.

Municipal Accommodation Tax Deferred

Municipal Accommodation Tax remittances due on March 31, April 30 and May 31, 2020 are deferred to June 30, July 31 and August 31, 2020.

Events and Spring Programs Cancelled Up to July 3 

The City of Mississauga is taking additional precautionary measures in response to COVID-19 by cancelling all events and spring programs up to July 3. This includes City-led events and events organized by external groups that require a City permit – whether at Mississauga Celebration Square, parks or other City facilities, which remain closed. At this time, no new permits will be issued. Details: City Cancels All Events and Spring Programs up to July 3 Due to COVID-19

Grant Funding Continued

Community and cultural groups receiving approved grant funding will continue to receive them, as this will assist with business continuity and to move forward post COVID-19. Organizations will be required to confirm the impact that COVID-19 is having on their organization and actions that will be taken. The City will also work with event organizers to mitigate the impact of event and program cancellations and determine future event dates, if possible.

The City will continue to reassess the situation and determine if cancellations will go beyond the July 3 date, based on consultations with Peel Public Health and the Province’s ban of social gatherings.

COVID-19 Information

To learn about the latest updates on actions taken by the City of Mississauga visit mississauga.ca/coronavirus or follow @CityMississauga on Twitter.

For health information, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

 

 

COVID-19 | April 7, 2020

On April 8 at 2:30 p.m., media are invited to virtually attend a COVID-19 related press conference held by Mayor Bonnie Crombie and the City of Mississauga. The press conference will provide an update about COVID-19 in Mississauga. Mayor Crombie will also make an important announcement related to COVID-19.

Details:

 

What:
An important announcement and updated information related to COVID-19 in Mississauga

 

When:

April 8, 2020 at 2:30 p.m.

 

Who:

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie
Tim Beckett, Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management
Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health at Region of Peel

Where:

Online – the virtual press conference will be streamed on the City’s website at mississauga.ca/video.

 

 

BRAMPTON, ON (April 6, 2020) – Residents in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon are advised that the spring curbside battery collection is suspended. This is being done to maintain waste collection services for the long term, while taking extra precautions to protect the health of essential workers and the needs of the community.

Batteries that are set out will not be picked up to avoid unnecessary manual collection. Residents are advised to hold onto their batteries for now.

Residents who live in apartments and condominiums must continue to follow the instructions and guidelines provided by their building’s property management.

For latest updates on waste service changes and other services and facilities temporarily affected in Peel, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus/affected-services.

The Region of Peel works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 175,000 businesses in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. Recognized as a leader in management and service delivery, the Region of Peel received Excellence Canada’s Platinum Award for Excellence, Innovation and Wellness®. For more information about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on Twitter at @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.

 

 

April 6, 2020

Closed – Provincial Offences Courthouse 950 Burnhamthorpe Road West closed until further notice.

COVID-19 | April 6, 2020

All scheduled matters under the Provincial Offices Act (POA) matters, Screening and Hearing Appointments scheduled between  April 6 through to and including May 29, 2020 are being adjourned. Attendance at court is not required at this time.  New court dates, screening or hearing appointments will be sent by mail to the address on file with the court.

The Government of Ontario under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA), suspended any limitation periods in statutes and regulations for the duration of the State of Emergency. This will impact timelines under the Provincial Offences Act and related proceedings. A copy of the order is available online at: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200073.

To learn about the latest updates on actions taken by the City of Mississauga visit mississauga.ca/coronavirus.

For further COVID-19 information, please visit Region of Peel Public Health.

COVID-19 | April 6, 2020

The City of Mississauga’s Economic Development Office is providing free webinars for small and medium sized businesses in Mississauga responding to COVID-19 to help support them during this difficult time.

“We continue to meet virtually with members of Mississauga’s Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) and work closely with businesses to gauge the impacts COVID-19 is having on our business community and identify support that is needed,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Our Economic Development Office is fully virtual and continues to serve business clients on a daily basis. Many of our local business are concerned with how they will manage during this unprecedented time of uncertainty and these webinars aim to help them navigate through these new challenges.”

“The Economic Development Office, including the Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre (MBEC) is here for our businesses as we continue to be operational and accessible by phone, email and online,” said Bonnie Brown, Director of Economic Development. “It’s no longer business as usual, so we continue to look at new ways that we can support local businesses and provide helpful resources during these challenging times.”

The Economic Development Office is offering the following free webinars:

• Hackers Beware – Protecting what Matters in your Business – April 8
• Social Media Tactics your Small Business can use during COVID-19 – April 15
• Becoming Digitally Disruptive – April 21
• Marketing During a Time of Crisis – April 23
• Customer Loyalty During and After a Time of Crisis – April 28
• Selling Online: Everything you need to know in One Awesome Presentation – May 7
• Selling Online: eCommerce during the Age of the ePocalypse – May 13
• Rethinking Growth During and After a Time of Crisis – May 20
• T2 Tax Seminar – June 9

In addition, the following paid webinars are also available.

• How to use LinkedIn to Grow your Business – May 5
• 10 Steps to Starting Your Own Business – May 7

Click here to register.

COVID-19 Business Relief Portal
In addition, the City has launched a new dedicated online resource for Mississauga’s business community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The web portal is a one-stop site for businesses to get the latest information on government updates, relief packages and services offered by all levels of government.

To learn about the latest updates on actions taken by the City of Mississauga visit mississauga.ca/coronavirus or follow @CityMississauga on Twitter.

For health information, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus

 

April 3, 2020

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and in consultation with the Region of Peel’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, the City of Mississauga has made the decision to extend the closure of all its facilities, public counters and programs until further notice.

As a result, the City of Mississauga has made the difficult decision to temporarily lay off approximately 2,000 part-time employees in non-essential services who work at these facilities effective April 17, 2020.

When facilities were first closed, a targeted reopening date of April 5 was established, in alignment with the initial provincial directive for schools to reopen. To minimize the financial impact on our employees, the decision was first made to compensate part-time staff for their previously scheduled shifts for the duration of the closure.

Given Ontario’s State of Emergency has been extended and facilities will remain closed indefinitely, it is no longer financially viable for the City to maintain regular staffing levels. The majority of lay-offs impact part-time employees in Community Services, where community centres, libraries and cultural facilities remain closed until further notice.

“This is a very difficult decision and certainly not one that was taken lightly. The City is facing significant financial pressures as a result of this pandemic and we are taking action to respond to the facility closures and their impact on our operations. I understand the stress this decision will have on our employees. We will continue to be in communication with those impacted and have extended our employee and family assistance program to all staff during this difficult time. As we move toward recovery, we look forward to getting back to business as usual as soon as possible. I think we are all eager to and see life go back to normal. The only way we get there and fight this virus is to follow the advice of our medical professionals and stay at home as much as possible,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie.

“When we began to adjust our City services and programming to mitigate the risks of COVID-19, we hoped the shutdown would be short lived. With the recent extension of the Provincial Emergency, it seems likely that our facilities will be closed for some time,” said Janice Baker, Chief Administrative Officer and City Manager. “The lay-offs are a direct result of City program cancellations and facility closures, not having work available for part-time employees during the shut-down of non-essential services, and the severe financial pressures we are seeing on our 2020 financial results. I am very much aware of the stress and anxiety that this news may cause our employees. This decision, in no way reflects the value and respect we have for our employees and the work they perform. As soon as we are able, we will be recalling our part-time staff back to work.”

Many employees are expected to receive benefits through Employment Insurance or the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.  The City of Mississauga is currently awaiting approval from Service Canada to provide a 75 per cent top up to employees who qualify to receive benefits through federal benefit programs.

The City will continue to deliver essential services including Fire, Transit, Works Operations and Maintenance, 311 and Dispatch, Parks and Forestry, Animal Services, Regulatory Services, Building Permits/Inspections, Site Plan Applications, Official Plan Amendments and Rezoning Planning Applications, Security Services as well as Administrative/Technical functions.

To learn about the latest updates on actions taken by the City of Mississauga visit mississauga.ca/coronavirus or follow @CityMississauga on Twitter.

 

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