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Be Alert and Drive Safe as Students Head Back to School

By Events, Issues, Resources

Be Alert and Drive Safe as Students Head Back to School

With school starting next week, there will be a lot more traffic on the roads and thousands of students commuting to and from school. The City of Mississauga wants to remind all residents to be alert and cautious when using roadways.

“Back to school brings excitement to our students and parents.  However, it is very important to be aware that higher levels of vehicle traffic, pedestrian and cycling activity on the streets will increase.  Please be mindful of everyone’s safety.” says Councillor Stephen Dasko, member of the Road Safety Advisory Committee.

Safety tips for students and drivers:

CURRENT CITY ROAD SAFETY INITIATIVES:

  • Crossing Guards:The City has more than 200 school crossing guards who will be ready on the first day of school to help students at designated crossings around Mississauga.
  • Please Slow Down Lawn Signs:Residents are encouraged to post a Please Slow Down lawn sign to encourage safe driving habits and lower vehicle operating speeds on neighbourhood streets. These signs are available at the Customer Service Counter at 3185 Mavis Rd. or through Councillors’ offices, free of cost.
  • Traffic Calming:City staff are currently planning the construction of traffic calming projects in five neighbourhoods to change driver behaviour, with additional traffic calming projects anticipated this fall. Staff are also implementing a number of passive traffic calming techniques in the form of white painted edge lines and a yellow centreline. These markings have been successful in other areas by visually reducing the travelled width of the roadway, making it less comfortable for motorists to increase their operating speeds.
  • Pedestrian Crossovers: The City installed five new pedestrian crossovers in various neighborhoods last year. Apedestrian crossover is a type of crossing where by law, drivers are required to stop for pedestrians intending to cross the road. Crossovers allow pedestrians to cross roads safely, and all have specific signs and pavement markings. Pedestrian crossovers have proven to be an effective way to assist pedestrians in crossing the road safely.
  • Vision Zero:In early 2018, Council approved Vision Zero, a framework which focuses on the prevention of fatalities and injuries due to motor vehicle collisions. It is based on a system of shared responsibilities among all partners involved in the road system, including governments, planners, police and community organizations.
  • Transportation Master Plan: The City’s firstTransportation Master Plan (TMP) was endorsed by Council this year. The plan outlines a vision, six goals and over 90 action items to guide the future of the City’s transportation system from today to 2041. Inherent in the plan is a commitment to advancing Vision Zero, a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and injuries.

The City has two safety advisory committees: Road Safety Committee and Traffic Safety Council. Students are encouraged to walk to and from school, which is a great form of daily exercise and helps to ease traffic congestion in school zones.

For more road safety information or additional safety tips, please visit: mississauga.ca/roadsafety.

 

August 27, 2019
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The Community Foundation of Mississauga is looking for volunteers

By Events, Issues
 

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS
The Community Foundation of Mississauga is looking for volunteers to help us with our signature events. Whether you’re interested in getting more involved with the Foundation, looking to give back to the community, or just want to join in on a day of fun, we have many opportunities tailored to fit you!

All of our volunteers play an important part in the success of the Community Foundation. Our work would not be possible without the dedicated and talented volunteers that give themselves and come to assist with various aspects of our operations. Volunteers share their talents, skills, and passions to enhance the services we provide for our community. They participate in conversations that help us to fulfill our mission—to create sustainable support for community needs in Mississauga by building partnerships with donors and stakeholders who establish endowed and other related funds, to maximize our community impact by ensuring that we identify and understand community needs, and to invest in solutions.

 

By working alongside qualified and trained staff, volunteers augment the services provided by our staff team. Whether you can volunteer a few hours a day, a week, a month, or a year, your contribution will be of great value towards realizing our vision—a strong, vital community that has the resources it needs to ensure quality of life for everyone.

 

SIGNATURE EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

Volunteers on planning committees attend regular meetings over the course of one year and many continue their stay, for many years. Our volunteers are essential to the success of the events by identifying and enlisting the support of local businesses and organizations, and are active participants in all facets of the event from acquisition of silent auction items, procurement of sponsorship, ticket sales, coordination of print materials, assisting in documentation, spreadsheets, and presentations, event day set-up, post evaluations, and thank-you cards.

Planning and organizing events takes time, passion, and creative thinking. With support from other volunteers and the organization’s staff, you will be a part of something truly extraordinary in your community. With your community insight, you will raise awareness, encourage participation, and drive fundraising results.

 

EVENT DAY VOLUNTEERING

 

Special event day volunteer opportunities are “one-offs,” in which volunteers are required to only commit for the event day. Despite having a much shorter commitment, they are vital to ensure the success of the event. Volunteers will be assigned various roles which will collectively ensure that the event runs smoothly such as greeting guests, working at our registration desk, and/or other activities unique to each event. If you are comfortable working with others or independently, can problem solve effectively, are friendly, outgoing, and have an approachable personality, we want to hear from you!

 

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

 

The benefits of becoming an event volunteer are not just for the event and the general community, but also for the volunteers themselves. Volunteering is a great way to give back to our community and meet a variety of people from all walks of life. As a volunteer, you can see behind the scenes of events, get closer to the action, and play a role in making the event possible. Other benefits include:

·    Developing professional skills, including event planning, logistics, and donor development

·    Obtaining experience in building and working with committees

·    Gaining personal satisfaction in knowing you have supported a great cause

·    Having the opportunity to meet new people

·    Gain visibility in the community

 

Please join us—if you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for one of our signature events, please respond below. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Corporate Partners are instrumental to the success of the Community Foundation and its work. Not only do our community champions support the Foundation financially, but they also volunteer with us, advise us, and provide their valuable expertise. Our Partners stand firmly beside the Foundation as we journey to expand our capacity, to support our community, and increase our impact each and every year. Join them, and join us, in volunteering and helping to make a difference.

 

August 20, 2019
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MiWay Honours Veterans with Free Transit to Warriors’ Day Parade

By Issues

August 13, 2019

On Saturday, August 17, MiWay will offer free transit for Canadian Armed Forces veterans and their companions heading to the Warriors’ Day Parade at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).

Held annually since 1921, the Warriors’ Day Parade recognizes those who have served in the Canadian military and those who continue to serve. This year’s parade commemorates the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion and 76th anniversary of the beginning of the Italian Campaign.

“We are proud to honour our country’s veterans and their companions with complimentary MiWay transit to this year’s parade,” said Geoff Marinoff, Director, Transit. “Veterans will be able to ride from anywhere in Mississauga and transfer onto the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and GO Transit to travel to the CNE grounds, free-of-charge.”

Veterans are asked to identify themselves to the transit operator by wearing their uniform, showing a medal or their Veteran’s Service Card. A companion accompanying a veteran may also ride for free.

For more information about the Warriors’ Day Parade, visit thewarriorsdayparade.ca.

Those travelling to the CNE grounds are encouraged to use triplinx.ca to plan their trip, as a transfer between service providers is required. TTC and GO Transit is also offering free service to veterans and a companion.

August 13, 2019
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City Hosts Consortium with Leading Experts to Strengthen Life Sciences Sector Across the Province

By Events, Issues

August 13, 2019

Today, the City of Mississauga hosted a Life Sciences Consortium with the Province of Ontario, industry leaders and top executives in the Life Sciences field. Discussions included the advancement of the sector, attracting experienced talent, fostering a collaborative ecosystem, and creating an internationally competitive environment for companies in Canada.

Speakers at the Life Sciences Consortium included:

  • Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie
  • Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade
  • Honourable Nina Tangri, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development Job Creation & Trade
  • Jason Field, President, Life Sciences Ontario
  • Bonnie Brown, Director, Economic Development Office, City of Mississauga
  • Jackie O’Connor, Life Sciences Business Consultation, Economic Development Office, City of Mississauga

 

“I would like to thank Minister Fedeli and MPP Tangri along with members from our City’s life sciences community for offering their time, expertise and insight on how we can work together to strengthen this sector and ensure it remains a major economic driver across the province,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “It’s clear that life sciences play an integral role in advancing our cities, province, and nation and we are pleased that as the second-largest Life Sciences cluster in the country, Mississauga is at the centre of these discussions. Our local economy has greatly benefitted from our thriving life sciences sector, which has been recognized globally as a place where researchers can not only make medical breakthroughs but where products can be commercialized and brought to market.”

The meeting also highlighted the benefits of having coordinated regulations, policies and programs between the municipal and provincial government to foster growth and success within the Ontario Life Sciences Sector.

Mississauga has hosted Life Science Consortium meetings since 2017, bringing together industry leaders and key stakeholders to discuss the life science sector in Canada.

 

“Every consortium meeting that we have held to date continues to gain traction. Gaining support from the various levels of government and industry experts proves there is worth in creating an environment with coordinated policies, regulations and programs for companies to grow,” said Bonnie Brown, Director of Economic Development. “Our Life Sciences sector is successful because we have provided the support and guidance that companies need to reach the next level.”

Mississauga is Canada’s second largest Life Sciences Sector, featuring 490 companies and employing more than 24,000 individuals. The City’s five year Life Sciences Cluster Strategy and Action Plan, the first of its kind for a Canadian municipality. The plan focuses on establishing Mississauga as the premier Canadian destination for the commercialization of life sciences products, technologies and services. The plan aims at increasing the number of established life sciences companies within the region to influence job creation, investment capital and attracting life sciences related business expertise and services Ontario.

For more information about Mississauga’s Life Sciences Cluster, visit thefutureisunlimited.ca

BACKGROUND
Mississauga has a robust and diverse business community that makes up some of the largest knowledge-based sectors in Canada. These sectors include Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing (Aerospace, Automotive, Clean Tech and Food and Beverage), Information and Communications Technology and Financial Services and Real Estate.

[Mayor Bonnie Crombie delivers remarks at the Life Sciences Consortium]

[DOWNLOAD HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO]

[Mayor Bonnie Crombie with Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade and

Honourable Nina Tangri, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade with

members of the life science community at the Life Sciences Consortium]

[DOWNLOAD HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO]

 

August 13, 2019
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Get Ahead of Winter with the Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program

By Events, Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

August 7, 2019

Some Mississauga residents can get ahead of winter and start applying for the City’s Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program. The program provides snow clearing assistance by clearing a space in the windrow for residents 65 years or older and for people with physical disabilities.

A windrow is a pile of snow left at the end of a driveway after a snow plow has cleared a road. Eligible residents have until 9 p.m. on November 8, 2019 to apply for this year’s program.

“We encourage eligible residents to take advantage of this opportunity so that snow clearing and getting out of their driveway is made easier for them this winter,” said Mickey Frost, Director, Works Operations and Maintenance. “As this program only accepts a maximum of 300 applicants on a first-come first-serve basis, residents should apply as soon as they can to secure their spot.”

More details about the program:

  • The program will run from December 2, 2019 to March 27, 2020.
  • Windrow snow clearing will be completed up to 36 hours after a snowfall has ended.
  • A space in the windrow will be cleared (about three metres or 10 feet wide) to allow one car to get in and out of the driveway.
  • Free for eligible residents who require financial assistance and $200 for those who don’t.
  • Only one person per address can apply.

Visit mississauga.ca/windrow to download the application form. Completed applications can be submitted to any community centre, the Mississauga Seniors’ Centre or the Recreation Customer Service Centre located at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre.

For more information, visit mississauga.ca/windrow.

 

Stephen

August 8, 2019
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City of Mississauga’s Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program

By Events, Issues, Resources

August 6, 2019

Please be advised that the City of Mississauga’s Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program will be accepting applications on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 until Friday, November 8, 2019 at 9:00 p.m.

Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program

The program will provide windrow snow clearing service after every snow plowing operation from December 2, 2019 to March 27, 2020. A space approximately three metres (10 feet) wide will be cleared in the windrow to allow room for one car to pass.

Windrows will be cleared after active snow plowing operations have been completed. Residents should allow up to 36 hours after the end of a snow storm for their windrow to be cleared. Clearing to bare pavement cannot be guaranteed. 

Eligible Residents

Residents who are 65 years and older in 2019 and individuals who are physically disabled can apply for the Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program.  The cost to participate is $200. This amount is non-refundable. Applicants who qualify for financial assistance may be eligible to receive the service at no cost.

How to Apply

Residents can visit the City’s website www.mississauga.ca/windrow to download an application form. Application packages are also available at Community Centres, Recreation Customer Service Centre and the Mississauga Seniors’ Centre.

Program Promotions

The program will be promoted through community centres, libraries, community directories, the City’s website, social media, a news release, digital/print ads and other digital channels.

August 6, 2019
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Mississauga Business Improvement Areas Benefit from Ontario’s Main Street Revitalization Initiative 

By Events, Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

July 30, 2019

The City of Mississauga received $667,953 in funding through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) as part of the Government of Ontario’s Main Street Revitalization Initiative.

“I’d like to thank the Government of Ontario for recognizing that main streets are at the heart of well-planned, complete cities. It’s important that we continue to invest in enhancing these thriving pockets in our city for the benefit of residents, tourists and local businesses,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Small businesses help empower and strengthen our neighbourhoods, create jobs and support the growth of our economy. These investments will help boost the BIA’s efforts to draw tourism, promote small businesses and attract investment. When small businesses thrive, Mississauga thrives.”

“On behalf of the residents of Ward 1 and our exceptional Port Credit BIA Administration and Board members, I would like to also thank the Government of Ontario and AMO’s contribution to our community” said Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko.

The Main Street Revitalization Initiative is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and administered by AMO. The funding is being distributed among Mississauga’s four Business Improvement Areas (BIAs): Clarkson, Malton, Port Credit and Streetsville as well as the downtown.

“I’d like to congratulate Port Credit on the completion of their Main Street Revitalization project. Vibrant main streets in Mississauga help attract visitors, create jobs and increase the competitiveness of small businesses, which are the backbone of our communities,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The Main Street Revitalization Initiative helps communities enhance and revitalize main streets and demonstrates that Ontario is open for business.”

“We’ve identified priority projects through consultation with ward councillors and the BIAs. Projects will focus on Mississauga’s downtown core and key neighbourhoods,” said Paul Mitcham, Commissioner, Community Services. “Continued partnerships with our BIAs are imperative in order to enhance our streetscapes and drive economic success.”

The first beautification project to be completed in Mississauga was the installation of new waste receptacles in Port Credit, aimed at keeping its main streets clean. Other beautification projects being managed by the City’s BIA’s include enhanced signage, benches, new planters and flowers.

Mitcham added, “These enhancements will help create a cleaner and greener city that will attract residents and visitors to Mississauga’s diverse neighbourhoods, while benefiting its robust small business community.”

Program guidelines state that the funding must apply to work that has been endorsed through a Community Improvement Plan or municipal physical infrastructure priorities that involves construction, renewal, renovation or redevelopment. The City is not required to contribute or match funding for this initiative and will have until March 2020 to use the funding.

BACKGROUND

BIAs are vibrant networks of community members dedicated to Mississauga’s unique neighbourhoods and villages. As valued City partners and champions of the communities they serve, BIAs oversee the beautification and maintenance of neighbourhoods, promote and support local businesses and implement programs and activities that benefit both residents and visitors. The City supports the BIAs in advancing their projects and creating a world-class city where people can live, work and play.

The Main Street Revitalization Initiative provides $26 million in funding to help municipal governments undertake main street revitalization activities that support and benefit small businesses. All municipalities are eligible for funding and the funding formula was established without the need for an application or matching funds.

For more information on the Main Street Revitalization Initiative, visit amo.on.ca/MainStreetRevitalizationInitiative.

[Download hi-res image]

Pictured: Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko, MPP Mississauga-Malton Deepak Anand, MPP Mississauga-Lakeshore Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP Mississauga-Streetsville Nina Tangri and representatives from Mississauga’s four BIAs.

[Download hi-res image]

Pictured: Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko, MPP Mississauga-Malton Deepak Anand, MPP Mississauga-Lakeshore Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP Mississauga-Streetsville Nina Tangri and representatives from Mississauga’s four BIAs.

 

July 30, 2019
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Council Endorses Proposed Port Credit West Village Redevelopment Plan

By Issues, Resources

July 30, 2019

The vision for the Port Credit West Village has moved closer to reality. At yesterday’s Planning and Development Committee, Council endorsed the proposed development of the former Imperial Oil Lands at 70 Mississauga Rd. S. and 181 Lakeshore Rd. W. The proposed redevelopment plan will go to Council for formal support on July 31.

The proposed multi-phase community includes 2,995 new residential units (townhomes, mid-rise and high-rise up to 29 storeys), retail, parkland and campus (employment, recreation and education) uses on the 72-acre property.

“I am pleased that we are moving forward with next steps to revitalize these former brownfield lands into a vibrant waterfront destination that will attract residents from Mississauga and beyond,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “As an important City-building initiative, this redevelopment will drive tourism, create jobs and boost economic growth, helping put Mississauga on the international map. We will continue to work together to ensure our vision to transform the waterfront becomes a reality.”

“Working collaboratively with the residents and key stakeholders has created a vision for this dynamic addition to our waterfront. I look forward to continuing open dialogue as this development evolves and we have a waterfront for the entire City of Mississauga second to none,” said Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko.

As next steps, City Staff will attend the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) hearing scheduled for August 7, when a final decision will be made. If LPAT approves the matter, construction is anticipated to start in 2020.

“Over the past several years we’ve engaged extensively with the community,” said Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building. “The comments received from the public and key stakeholders have helped shape the vision for this dynamic addition to our waterfront. We will continue to engage with residents and ensure we have strong land use policies that align with our goal of creating an accessible and sustainable waterfront.”

Visit the City’s development information webpage to learn more.

Port Credit West Village is one of Mississauga’s three key redevelopment projects, together with 1 Port St. E. and the Lakeview Waterfront.

 

 

July 30, 2019
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Dixie/Dundas/Blundell Roads – GO Station Issue

By Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

Councillor Dasko and Councillor Fonseca called a meeting with various agencies to this the ongoing issues at the commercial centre/GO station on the south-east corner of Dundas Street East and Dixie Road in May, 2019.

In attendance were Traffic Management and Municipal Parking staff, representatives from The Region of Peel, Metrolinx, the commercial property management (Fieldgate) and LEA Consulting.  The discussions continued from the meeting of May 10th, dealing with traffic concerns related to queuing, parking lot grid-lock and traffic and pedestrian safety within the internal road network.  Additionally, we discussed the results of recent traffic data analysis collected by LEA Consulting.

From the traffic data analysis, it was clear that the most significant pressures were a result of traffic generated from the GO parking lot upon train arrivals.  This occurs in short intervals of about 10 minutes, approximately twice an hour.  Queuing along the internal roadway was resulting in motorists being unable to exit the parking lot in what is perceived to be a reasonable amount of time.

To address this, and alleviate some of the congestion, Traffic Signals and Systems have implemented a specific timing plan at the intersection of Dixie Road and Blundell Road that would respond to train arrivals.  The timing would be in effect for these short peaks and work to help alleviate some of the queuing within the private roadway by allowing more access to Dixie Road.  Additionally, The Region of Peel agreed to pursue potential changes to the lane designations at the intersection exiting the GO/commercial property at the Dixie Road intersection.  This would provide an exclusive right-turn lane that would further help to alleviate some of the queueing experienced on the internal roadway during these peak times.  Metrolinx staff will be reviewing internally with their operations staff, recommendations related to onsite road markings and traffic controls that would further alleviate some of the pressures generated from their train arrivals.

With respect to the traffic safety issues within the commercial area of the property, the results of the data analysis failed to identify a pattern related to speeding or right-of-way that would require improvement through physical changes.  They will continue to monitor to ensure motorists entering the property from at Neilco Court and Jarrow Avenue are not queuing back to Dundas Street East.

Regarding pedestrian flow and safety within the parking lot, Fieldgate will be working with Metrolinx, Walmart and Costco to ensure there are proper sidewalks and pedestrian refuge between the properties.  Most notably along the internal roadway between the Metrolinx property and the Walmart parking lot.

A third meeting has not been scheduled.  Staff are recommending a period of monitoring to evaluate the impact the proposed improvements have on the situation and follow up as necessary.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Maxwell Gill, C.E.T.

Supervisor, Traffic Operations   T 905-615-3200 ext.4539 | F 905-896-5583  max.gill@mississauga.ca

City of Mississauga | Transportation and Works Department

July 22, 2019
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