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Food for thought

World-renowned artist Saype unveils monumental artwork celebrating Mississauga’s bright future

By Announcement, Food for thought, Parks

The magical piece in Mississauga’s city centre represents the city’s rich diversity.

October 8, 2024

Image of Saype's artwork of a boy playing with Kapla blocks

Last Friday, French artist Saype unveiled his monumental fresco at Community Common Park in downtown Mississauga, in recognition of the City’s 50th anniversary. The piece, titled Citizens, was created on a three-acre lawn “canvas” and features a child playing with Kapla blocks, small wooden planks that have shaped the childhood of many of us, including Saype himself. Through this artwork, Saype seeks to emphasize the importance of coming together as a community for a common goal by acknowledging the amalgamated beginnings of the city and celebrating our unique and diverse cultural make up.

For Saype, this creation embodies the cooperation essential to constructing a community that offers a prosperous future for all. Through this piece, he invites us to reflect on how even the smallest contribution can help shape a better world.

In partnership with Visit Mississauga Saype was invited to come to the city to create the land art fresco in celebration of Mississauga’s diversity and rich past, dynamic present, and promising future. The artwork stands in striking contrast to the modern skyscrapers surrounding the park, highlighting the simplicity of childhood and humanity at work amid the growing urban development of Mississauga’s downtown area.

Using biodegradable paints specially created by Saype, the greyscale mural has since faded away leaving only the everlasting memories of his work with those who were able to witness this once-in-a-lifetime art installation in person. However, despite the passage of his frescoes, images and videos of his work will leave an impact on people around the world for years to come, without leaving an impact on nature.

 

Image of Saype painting

Sharing similar messages around the world, Saype has created more than 50 majestic artworks in international cities including New York, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and many more. His original work in Mississauga is a first for the province, and for English-speaking Canada.

 Image of Saype painting house

Follow Visit Mississauga on Instagram, Facebook and X to stay up to date on the latest exciting projects and upcoming events.

To learn more about the City of Mississauga’s 50th anniversary visit, mississauga.ca/50

Visit Mississauga

Visit Mississauga is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Mississauga. The organization is industry-led and responsible for developing a tourism strategy and leading tourism marketing and development efforts for Mississauga. Visit Mississauga is committed to implementing the City of Mississauga’s Tourism Master Plan, promoting local businesses and co-ordinating large-scale events within the city. Learn more at visitmississauga.ca.

October 8, 2024
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October is Walk to School Month

By Food for thought

Students and their families are encouraged to join the One Walk a Week challenge. To participate, students should walk or roll, either to school or their bus stop, at least once more per week than their usual routine. Those who participate can go online and complete a digital certificate to share their accomplishment.

The City is encouraging all students and their families to walk or bike to and from school. If you live farther from the school, consider parking five to 10 minutes away from the school and walking the rest of the way. Walking and biking promote healthy lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions.

For more information about Walk to School Month in Mississauga, to download the certificate and learn more about pedestrian and cycling safety, visit mississauga.ca/walk-to-school.

September 30, 2024
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October is Pedestrian Safety Month

By Food for thought, Resources

It’s getting darker earlier, which makes it harder to see on our roads. We remind all road users to stay extra cautious and alert this time of year, especially from evenings into the early morning. Whether you’re walking, cycling or driving, remember to pay attention to your surroundings and obey the rules of the road.

If you’re driving, be aware of the posted speed limit and watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially when turning. To help increase your visibility, use designated crosswalks or crossrides to cross the road if you’re walking or cycling, and use lights and reflectors on your bike.

Learn more about pedestrian safety

 

As daylight hours shorten, Peel Region reminds all road users to be more aware and stay alert when travelling. Less daylight means pedestrians can be harder to see at dawn and dusk. When approaching an intersection, take extra caution. More than 50% of collisions between pedestrians and vehicles happen when drivers turn into intersections and pedestrians are crossing with the right-of-way.

If you’re walking

  • Always cross at pedestrian crosswalks or crossovers. Avoid crossing anywhere else.
  • Always press the pedestrian pushbutton. Pressing this button will activate the ‘Walk’ signal and give you more time to cross.
  • Stop, look, and listen before crossing.
  • Where possible, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before you proceed.
  • Avoid distractions like texting, cellphones, and headphones when crossing the street.
  • Once the ‘Don’t Walk’ hand signal starts flashing, you can finish crossing, but don’t begin to cross. Wait for the next ‘Walk’ signal.
  • Pedestrians can be hard to see at night, dawn, and dusk. When walking, wear bright clothing or reflective materials so others can see you.

If you’re cycling

  • If the intersection has bicycle signals, look for a cyclist pushbutton. If there’s a button, push it and wait until the bicycle signal is green.
  • Ride carefully across the intersection and within the crossride. Watch for left- and right-turning vehicles to make sure they see you and are yielding.
  • Ride at a speed that lets you stop safely when necessary.
  • Make sure that all your bicycle lights and reflectors are working properly.

If you’re driving

  • Look for pedestrians and cyclists, especially when approaching an intersection.
  • Slow down and be ready to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
  • It’s harder to see pedestrians when it’s dark. Be extra cautious in the early morning and at night.
  • Give the road your full attention. Avoid distractions like texting, cellphones, and headphones while driving.
  • Drive within the posted speed limits and adjust your speed in keeping with the weather and traffic conditions.
  • Be more cautious near transit stops and stations. The high pedestrian activity in these locations can be unpredictable.

As part of our Vision Zero plan, Peel Region, together with our municipal and community partners, is working with the community to reduce injury and death caused by collisions.

In addition to supporting ongoing safety awareness in the community, Peel Region continues to make infrastructure changes to improve pedestrian safety as part of the Vision Zero Road Safety Strategic Plan.

These changes include:

  • Building pedestrian crossovers to create more locations for pedestrians to cross with the right-of-way.
  • Adding pedestrian crossovers to right turn channels, giving pedestrians the right-of-way to cross to the island.
  • Reducing crossing distances by bumping out (extending) curbs and reducing lane widths.
  • Adding leading pedestrian intervals that give pedestrians the ‘Walk’ signal before drivers get a green light. The goal of this strategy is to make pedestrians more visible to drivers turning left and right.
September 30, 2024
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MiWay joins global accessibility program supporting those with non-visible disabilities and championing inclusivity

By Food for thought, Resources

MiWay joins other Canadian transit agencies as the newest member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.

September 25, 2024

MiWay has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program and is the first municipal transit provider in Canada to become a member, signalling a significant leap forward in supporting riders with invisible disabilities.

The program, which kicks off this fall, empowers MiWay customers with invisible disabilities to wear a Sunflower lanyard, which discreetly informs transit staff that they need more support, help, patience, or time. The program aims to support and improve the travel experience of riders with hidden disabilities, making it smooth, seamless and respectful. The program encourages a compassionate and patient approach to helping everyone who needs help.

“More than a quarter of our population lives with a disability. As a City, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our community is accessible and inclusive – one that provides equal access to all services, programs and facilities, regardless of ability. MiWay’s Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program truly embodies this, particularly for those with invisible disabilities. We are dedicated to working alongside our allies on the Accessibility Advisory Committee to leverage their expertise in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. I extend my appreciation to everyone involved in bringing this initiative to life for our transit riders,” said Mayor Carolyn Parrish.

Sunflower program lanyards are available at the City Centre Transit Terminal Information Booth or via email request at miwayhelps@mississauga.ca.

The importance behind the program

In Mississauga, more than 201,000 people live with a disability, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program highlights that 80 per cent of these disabilities are not visible to others. The program acknowledges various hidden conditions, including Attention Deficient and Hyperactivity Disorder, autism, dementia, hearing loss, low vision, anxiety, and epilepsy.

Training for MiWay employees

To fully support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, MiWay is undertaking extensive training to ensure all staff can recognize and respond to customers participating in the program.

“MiWay aims to make transit accessible and welcoming for everyone by breaking down barriers. As a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, we’re ensuring that every rider can navigate our transit system and use our services safely and confidently. As one of Canada’s largest transit agencies, we are proud to be a part of this program that creates a better experience for all transit riders that is safe, accessible, convenient and easy for. Awareness is key. Our goal is to support those riding transit who will benefit from a helping hand, more patience and understanding. MiWay staff have been trained to recognize and acknowledge the Sunflower lanyard and ask, ‘How can I help?” said Eve Wiggins, Director, MiWay.

MiWay’s commitment to reducing transit barriers speaks to its target of enhancing the customer experience by making travel in Mississauga safer, more accessible, convenient and inclusive. MiWay employees recognize the Sunflower logo and show support by:

  • Asking if you can help
  • Be kind
  • Do not judge
  • Have patience
  • Listen closely
  • Offer to kneel the bus and lower the ramp
  • Show respect
  • Show sensitivity

As one of Canada’s largest transit systems, MiWay is transforming Mississauga and taking a lead role in shaping the future of our community by using transit to provide mobility and open potential, in a socially equitable way.

About the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is an internationally recognized symbol for persons with non-visible disabilities, launched in 2016 by Gatwick Airport. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was established in the UK in 2016 and it has been adopted globally by businesses and charities to support their colleagues and customers.

The Sunflower represents happiness, positivity, strength, growth, and confidence.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is recognized across a broad range of sectors – ranging from retail, financial services, transport including more than 200 airports, travel and tourism, education, government, as well as healthcare, emergency service and entertainment.

The program has grown in Canada to include Toronto Pearson Airport, Air Canada and Metrolinx.

For more information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program and MiWay, visit the MiWay website. For further information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, please visit hdsunflower.com.

September 25, 2024
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Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Mississauga

By Events, Food for thought

It is a day dedicated to honouring the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

September 24, 2024

Monday, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is a day dedicated to honouring the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

The City of Mississauga joins the rest of Canada to commemorate the history and continuing impacts of this tragedy in our journey for reconciliation and fostering greater awareness within the community.

Leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City is offering a number of educational initiatives, which the community is invited to actively take part in.

  • Wear an orange shirt on September 30 and be a part of the national conversation using the hashtag #EveryChildMatters.
  • From September 28 to 30, Bradley Museum visitors can participate in a guided tour of the grounds of Bradley House and learn about the history of Indigenous Peoples in Mississauga. Staff will also share what the City is doing today to further the process of reconciliation and the 94 Calls to Action. Reserve your spot.
  • On September 30, the digital screens at Mississauga Celebration Square will display a series of short films and messages of encouragement for visitors to learn, reflect and engage in reconciliation, highlighting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and the City’s commitment to reconciliation.
  • The Mississauga Library has curated a reading list, honouring stories of the Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

City offices will be closed on Monday, September 30 to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and will reopen on Tuesday, October 1.

Additional information can be found on the City’s webpage.

September 24, 2024
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Let your voice be heard. Mississauga Foundation Leger Survey for 2025 Vital Signs Report

By Food for thought

The Mississauga Foundation with Léger, the largest Canadian-owned market research and analytics company, to develop a Report Card measuring living in the City of Mississauga.

The results of the survey will be compiled and reported on in our next Mississauga Vital Signs Report.

Click here to start the Survey (decipherinc.com).

The survey will close on September 22nd, 2024.

Mississauga Foundation

September 5, 2024
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