Category

Issues

Region of Peel’s Proposed Development Charges By-law Approved

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 10, 2020

Today, Regional Council approved the 2020 Development Charge (DC) By-law and Background Study.

The new by-law includes the DC rates and policies to be applied across the Region to help pay for the infrastructure required to support population and employment growth. The new DC By-law comes into effect on January 22, 2021 and replaces the current DC By-law prior to its expiry on January 24, 2021.

The 2020 DC By-law supports Regional objectives around financial risk management and continues to support the principal that growth pays for growth.

“The Region remains committed to working with the development community, as well as local municipal partners in developing policies that support Regional objectives of planning and managing growth while promoting financial sustainability.” – Stephen VanOfwegen, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Finance, Region of Peel

Quick Facts/Additional Resources

  • DCs assist in funding capital projects required to meet the increased need for services resulting from population and employment growth and development.
  • The Draft 2020 DC Background Study and Proposed DC By-law were released to the public on September 18, 2020.
  • A statutory public meeting was held on October 8, 2020 as a part of the DC By-law review consultation process.
  • The feedback received from the public and the development community has been carefully considered in the preparation of the final 2020 DC By-law.
  • More information can be found at, peelregion.ca/finance/development-charges.asp

About the Region of Peel

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. For more information about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on Twitter @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.

December 10, 2020
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Holiday Season Service and Delivery in Peel Region

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 10, 2020

Region of Peel offices and non-emergency services will be closed for the holidays from Friday, Dec. 25, 2020 to Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.

As the Region of Peel continues to support efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, certain regional facilities and services remain affected until further notice. The holiday season needs to be different this year – make new traditions. Peel’s case counts and test positivity rates remain high. We must stop the spread of the virus by staying at home as much as possible. For family and friends who live outside your home, take photos and arrange virtual calls to stay connected during this festive time and maintain physical distance. Only socialize with your immediate household and essential supports.

Waste Collection

There will be no change to your waste collection schedule due to the upcoming holiday season. Check your collection calendar to know your Exemption dates for December and January.

Community Recycling Centre (CRC) closures
All CRCs will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on December 24 and December 31. All CRCs will be closed December 25-26 and January 1. The CRCs will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. from December 27-30, 2020. Check peelregion.ca/waste for CRC locations and hours.

For Covid-19 service restrictions check:  https://www.peelregion.ca/coronavirus/affected-services.asp#waste

List of affected services:

  Service area Services not available Services resume  
  Access Peel desks

10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton
Open Dec. 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment

 

7120 Hurontario St., Mississauga
Open Dec. 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment

 

7 Wellington St. (PAMA), Brampton
Open Dec. 24, 29, 30, 31, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by appointment

 

  

December 28, 29, 30, 31

 

 

 

 

December 28, 29, 30, 31

December 28

 January 4

 

January 4

 

January 4

  
  Children’s Services Operations December 25 –
January 1		 January 4  
Baby Feeding Support Clinics (Brampton, Meadowvale, Fairview)            Closed due to COVID-19
           
  Dental Services at Peel Public Health Clinics   Closed due to COVID-19    
  Family Health Call Centre December 25-27
January 1-3		 December 21-24
December 28-31
January 4		  
  Dental Services Contact Centre December 25-27
January 1-3		 December 21-24
December 28-31
January 4		  
  Healthy Sexuality Clinic
(Fairview)		 December 25, 28 and January 1 January 4  
  Healthy Sexuality Clinics (Meadowvale, Malton,
Brampton)		 Closed due to COVID-19    
  Peel Living December 25 January 4  
  Needle Exchange Program –
Mobile Van		 December 25, 28
January 1		 December 24, 26, 29, 30, 31  

 

The Peel Works Needle Exchange Program (PWNEP) harm reduction supplies are available during regular operating hours at the Fairview clinic at 325 Central Parkway West, Mississauga. For more information, call or text the mobile van, at 647-255-1623.

Healthy Sexuality Clinic services are by appointment only at the Fairview clinic at 325 Central Parkway West, Mississauga. No appointment is needed for birth control pick up or harm reduction supply pick up.

For more information on Public Health Services and Clinics, visit https://peelregion.ca/public-health/.

Human Services

Human Services Reception and Employment Resource Centers will be closed for regular business as of 12:00 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 24th and will reopen on 8:30 a.m. Mon., Jan. 4th, 2021.

Peel Access to Housing and Rent Supplement offices will be closed at 4:30pm on Thursday Dec. 24th and reopen on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 However; applications will only be taken until 12:00 pm on Thursday, Dec. 24th, 2020. Clients can complete and submit applications online during the closure.

TransHelp

All trips for December 25, 26 and 27 must be booked by 6 p.m. on December 24.
All trips for January 1 and 2 must be booked by 6 p.m. on December 31.

On December 25 (Christmas Day), December 26 (Boxing Day) and January 1, 2020 (New Year’s Day) 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 between December 25 and January 1.

The contact centre will close at 10 p.m. on December 24 and 31.

Public Buses

Visit Brampton Transit and Mississauga Transit for holiday schedules.

Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA)
The Access Peel counter at Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) in our Museum building is open December 29-31 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with restricted access to the public. Services will not be available on December 25-28, as well as January 1-3. For Access Peel counter access, we are asking residents to use online and phone options for inquires and payments when possible.

If an online or phone option is not available, you can make an appointment for in-person service at Access Peel by calling 905-791-7800. In-person services can include payments, document drop-off, and water sample testing kit pick-up.

In-person appointments

If you’ve made an appointment for an in-person service and are visiting a Regional building you will be:

  • Screened for symptoms of COVID-19 at Access Peel counters.
  • Asked to provide your name and phone number for contact tracing, if needed.
  • Asked to enter through the main doors and wear a mask or face covering.

PAMA’s on-site exhibitions and programs remain closed due to COVID-19 but we are offering a number of Winter Break Family Fun Activities to download and enjoy over the holidays as well as six virtual exhibitions to enjoy.

Emergencies
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 web page, or call the Region of Peel at 905-450-1996.

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

December 10, 2020
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Outdoor winter activities during Lockdown

By Events, Issues

Exercise and focusing on mental health remains a priority, even while Lockdown measures are in place.

As part of the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, Mississauga residents are reminded to limit close contact to their households only until restrictions have been lifted.

Check out some of these outdoor activities and amenities that you can enjoy safely in Mississauga.

Go for a wintery walk along one of Mississauga’s trails

The majority of the City’s trails receive regular winter maintenance and can be safely used and explored by outdoor enthusiasts. However, trails that do not receive winter maintenance are still used in the snowy months by residents who enjoy activities including snowshoeing and deep-snow hiking. This year, the City will be adding additional woodchips to the woodlot trails to help with traction. The trails will also be marked for winter use.

Take advantage of the City’s available park amenities

The below park amenities will be open this year for use by the community. Visit the City’s interactive map to search for a park by location or filter parks for specific features, including those listed below:

  • Leash-free zones
  • Toboggan hills
  • Boxed soccer (pitches will be left unlocked for community use)
  • Outdoor sport courts
  • Playgrounds
  • Picnic shelters
  • Outdoor fitness equipment
  • Secondary sports fields
  • Artificial fields (will be left unlocked for community use)

Park washrooms designed for year-round use will remain open this season with enhanced cleaning practices. Portable washrooms will also be placed later this month in high-demand locations and key trail areas. The washrooms will be winterized and accessible and will be located in areas that receive winter maintenance. See the list of public washrooms and portable washrooms here.

As close contact increases the highest risk of COVID-19 transmission, it is crucial that residents

observe outdoor etiquette to help keep everyone safe. This includes keeping their distance from others and passing safely while using the same trails and pathways. Also, even when outdoors, wear a face covering if physical distancing cannot be maintained.

For information on health and safety recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit  mississauga.ca/covid or peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

December 10, 2020
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Pedestrian Safety

By Events, Issues

Be Safe on Mississauga Roadways

We all play a role in making our communities safe for everyone.  At this time of year, it’s important to take extra precautions when our using roadways. During darker morning and evening commutes, remember to take extra care and be aware of your surroundings. Visibility can be challenging during dawn and dusk. Drivers are reminded to have their full headlights on, ensure their windshields are clear, and always look out for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians should cross at marked crosswalks to increase their visibility to drivers and avoid distractions.

December 10, 2020
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Council Outcomes December 9, 2020: Face Covering & Sign By-laws Extended, Outdoor Businesses & Support for New Representation Model at Regional Council

By Covid-19, Issues

December 9, 2020

At today’s meeting, City Council approved:

  • Support for a representation by population model for Region of Peel Council
  • Tow Truck Licensing By-law Amendment
  • Uptown Node Official Plan Amendment
  • Extending the City’s Mandatory Face Covering By-law
  • Preparation of a temporary use by-law to permit outdoor businesses
  • Extending the exemption period for portable signs to July 1, 2021

Region of Peel Council Composition
On November 26, 2020 the Region of Peel Council passed a resolution to change its composition. Mississauga Council supports the proposed changes that will see Brampton’s representation increasing to nine members, Caledon’s representation decreasing to three members and Mississauga remaining the same with 12 members. The proposed new structure reflects a representation by population model and retains the total of 24 members for Peel Regional Council. It is recommended that the related by-law will come into effect for the day the regional council for 2022-2026 is inaugurated.  Ward 5 Councillor Carolyn Parrish raised the motion to support the change at Mississauga City Council and had seconded the motion at the Region of Peel meeting.

Tow Truck Licensing By-law Amendment
Council approved a motion, raised by Ward 6 Councillor Ron Starr, to amend the Tow Truck Licensing By-law to authorize the City to suspend a conviction and associated demerit points and to issue a conditional licence, if the applicant or licensee provides the City with a copy of a notice of appeal with proof that it has been filed with the Ontario Court of Justice.

Uptown Node Official Plan Amendment
Council approved an Official Plan Amendment (OPA) for the Uptown Major Node Character Area. Located around Eglinton Avenue and Hurontario Street, the Uptown Node has several buildings under construction with new mixed-use developments on the horizon.

The OPA provides a framework to guide future development to ensure the area becomes a vibrant, mixed-use and connected community.  It includes a range of policies on items such as housing, road connections, park locations, retaining non-residential space, urban block sizes and development master plans.

The OPA was drafted in consultation with area stakeholders, residents and the general public. Visit the Uptown Node project page for more information.

COVID-19 Response

Mandatory Face Covering By-law
The City’s Mandatory Face Covering By-law was extended to June 30, 2021. It was originally approved by Council on July 8, 2020 and was set to expire on January 21, 2021. The by-law requires all persons (subject to some exceptions) to wear a face covering inside buildings where the public is ordinarily invited or permitted access. This includes retail stores, indoor sports and recreational facilities, apartments and condominiums to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Government of Ontario regulations for face coverings also apply in the City of Mississauga.

Sign By-law Exemption
The amended the Sign By-law was extended to July 1, 2021. It was originally amended by Council on March 23 and on June 24, Council chose to extend the exemption period to the end of 2020. The exemption provides additional advertising opportunities for businesses and community groups allowing:

  • Three additional portable signs per street front to be added without a permit
  • The maximum display period to be 30 days (extended from 21 days)
  • The number of permits per group to be 15 per year (increased from 10)

Ward 9 Councillor Pat Saito raised the motion.

Outdoor Businesses – Preparation for Recovery
Council approved a temporary use by-law to permit outdoor retail sales/displays and outdoor recreational and entertainment establishments until December 31, 2021. This temporary use by-law will enable certain businesses and charitable ventures to operate outdoors in a safe and responsible manner in compliance with provincial restrictions once the by-law appeal period expires.  These steps contribute to the City’s overall plan for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

For additional information about the City’s response to COVID-19:

Guidance and resources to help Mississauga businesses can be found online at ca/business-covid-19.

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

Find out what’s open and the status of City Services.

December 9, 2020
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City Applies for Funding Through New Stream of Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program

By Issues, Resources

December 9, 2020

Today, Council approved 11 short-term projects the City of Mississauga will submit for consideration under the new COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Government of Canada’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan (ICIP). In order to respond to the impacts of COVID-19, this new, temporary funding stream was created to provide greater flexibility to fund quick-start, short-term projects that might not otherwise be eligible under existing funding streams.

“These types of investments are important in building strong and vibrant communities that help our economy run smoothly,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Cities are the economic engines of this country. Mississauga generates $60 billion in GDP alone, every year. We’re home to more than 450,000 jobs and 94,000 businesses. This COVID-19 Resilience Stream gives us the opportunity to put forward projects on an accelerated timeline.”

The COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream is cost-shared between the Government of Canada (80 per cent) and the Government of Ontario (20 per cent).

The City of Mississauga has been allocated a total $14.8 million. While this is an allocation based program, applications are required and all projects must receive federal approval before proceeding.

Crombie added, “Access to this type of funding also allows us to complete projects without financial impact to the City, as no municipal funding contribution is required – helping us respond to the unprecedented financial impacts we’ve experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve heard from residents about their priorities and we are in a strong position to put forward projects we are confident will be approved by the federal and provincial governments.”

To be eligible, projects must fit into a specific project category and asset type:

  • Category 1: Retrofits, Repairs and Upgrades for municipal, provincial, territorial and indigenous buildings, health infrastructure and educational infrastructure
  • Category 2: COVID-19 Response Infrastructure, including building or modifying infrastructure to support physical distancing, safety retrofits and expansions
  • Category 3: Active Transportation Infrastructure, including parks and, trails, footbridges, bike lanes and multi-use pathways
  • Category 4: Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation, including natural infrastructure, flood and fire mitigation, tree planting and related infrastructure

Projects submitted and approved must begin construction no later than September 30, 2021. The projects must be substantially completed by the end of 2021 (end of 2022 in territories and remote communities).

“As a result of our deliberate and detailed business planning and capital budgeting process, we responded quickly to this new funding stream opportunity. We brought forward a list of projects that meet the criteria for Council’s consideration and approval in advance of the January 7, 2021 submission deadline,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “The next steps are for staff to complete the funding applications for the projects endorsed by Council today prior to the submission deadline.”

The projects put forward by the City, focus on municipal building infrastructure retrofits and lifecycle maintenance; active transportation infrastructure; reforestation and tree planting; and disaster mitigation infrastructure.

Background

ICIP is a ten-year federal infrastructure program designed to create long-term economic growth, build inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities and support a low-carbon economy.

Through ICIP, the federal government is providing $33 billion in federal infrastructure funding to cost-share projects under the following four streams:

  • Transit
  • Green Infrastructure
  • Community, Culture and Recreation
  • Rural and Northern Communities (the City is not eligible under this stream)

Previously, the City submitted applications totalling $980.4 million under the Public Transit and Community, Culture and Recreation streams.

December 9, 2020
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Telephone Number for Shelter Supports

By Events, Issues, Resources

At the September 24th Regional Council meeting and the October 15th Strategic Housing and Homelessness Committee meeting, members of Council requested immediate action to improve access to the shelter system, as such, staff have worked with our shelter provider, the Salvation Army, to create one new, streamlined number for shelter support: 905-450-1996.

 

Those who are in need of emergency shelter can call this number to find a place to stay at any shelter in Peel, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

Through this line, trained staff will support callers in finding the best shelter for their needs, whether that’s an adult shelter, family shelter, youth shelter or a shelter dedicated to those who are fleeing violence. This includes space in both regionally-managed shelters, and in shelters run by other organizations in Peel.

 

Call volumes will be monitored closely and any needed adjustments will be made as quickly as possible, to ensure a streamlined service experience.

December 9, 2020
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Waste collection updates for the holiday season

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 9, 2020

Residents are advised of changes to their waste collection schedule for the upcoming holiday season.

Holiday waste collection schedule
There will be no change to your waste collection schedule during the upcoming holiday season.

Community Recycling Centre (CRC) closures
All CRCs will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on December 24 and December 31. All CRCs will be closed December 25-26 and January 1. The CRCs will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. from December 27-30, 2020.

Check peelregion.ca/waste for CRC locations and hours.

Get your 2021 calendar
Residents are encouraged to sign up to get free weekly collection reminders by email, text message, or phone call.

About the Region of Peel

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. For more information about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on Twitter @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.

December 9, 2020
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COVID-19 Lockdown: Sweet Home Mississauga – How to Safely Enjoy the Holiday Season

By Covid-19, Issues

December 9, 2020

Although the message from the Government of Ontario is focused on staying home to stay safe over the holidays, that certainly doesn’t mean boredom needs to set in.

The City of Mississauga is offering many virtual options this winter that are not only engaging and entertaining but will also get families and individuals up and moving.

“We all know that the holidays are going to look very different this year and that some of our annual holiday traditions have to be adjusted,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “But I encourage residents to make new traditions this year, perhaps by exploring a new hobby or catching up on personal interests that help keep you motivated and active. Regardless of what it is, please celebrate safely.”

While Mississauga is in the Grey-Lockdown phase of the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, it’s important to become familiar with both the activities that will keep the City in this zone and the behaviours that will help Mississauga emerge from the grey.

“The message is simple, only celebrate in-person with the people you live with and celebrate virtually with everyone else,” said Mayor Crombie. “Avoid parties and large dinners with guests and think of new ways to make the holidays special while remaining safe.”

Naughty list

As part of the Lockdown measures, the following are not permitted in Peel Region, which includes Mississauga:

  • Indoor social gatherings, except for a gathering of members of a single household or a gathering that includes members of a household and one other person from outside that household who lives alone.
  • Outdoor gatherings are permitted with 10 people or less with physical distancing.

Nice list

Mississauga is making it easy to keep residents on the nice list this year by offering plenty of fun activities that can be done from the comfort and safety of home sweet home.

At-home learning, entertainment and fitness options that will fit in any stocking

Current interests and new hobbies

  • The Mississauga Symphony Orchestra will be livestreaming its holiday concert on Sunday, December 20
  • A virtual tour of the WAR Flowers exhibition is available. WAR Flowers is an exhibit focused on 10 flowers picked by Canadian soldier Lieutenant-Colonel George Stephen Cantlie during the First World War. The virtual tour includes Cantlie’s letters, specially commissioned optical crystal sculptures and original flower-based scents, interwoven with the personal stories of 10 Canadians directly involved in the war.
  • In support of the WAR Flowers exhibition, an online speaker series will also be available. participants in the series include:

o   Viveka Melki and Alexander Reford on Creating WAR Flowers

o   Lawrence Hill in conversation with Natasha Henry in an Online Author’s Talk

o   Darin Wybenga on the Veterans of the Mississaugas of the Credit

o   Pardeep Singh Nagra on Brothers in Arms – The Sikhs in WWI

o   Matthew Wilkinson on Our Boys – Mississauga Remembers the First World War

Staying apart, together

  • Starting on December 10, the Museums of Mississauga will be spreading holiday cheer virtually, with bake-along videos and downloadable recipes of classic Christmas desserts including gingerbread and Christmas pudding.
  • Story time with family has always been a favourite, safe holiday activity. To keep this warm tradition alive, starting the week of December 14, Mississauga Library will feature five live story times and will be posting short holiday-themed videos on the City’s YouTube channel. The story times and videos will feature songs, stories and rhymes with broad and inclusive festive themes. The story times will be live on the Mississauga Library Facebook channel and will remain on the site for one week following the live airing.

Entertain me

  • Need music and movies to make the holiday season merrier? Mississauga Library can grant that streaming wish with Hoopla. Hoopla has all members of the family covered so no one can complain they’re bored this winter. From holiday movie favourites, Christmas romance classics and kid-friendly comedies to memorable holiday tunes, classic, seasonal jazz and family celebration books, this holiday is going to be an unforgettable one.
  • Mississauga Celebration Square invites residents to ring in 2021 in style at home with a special New Year’s Eve playlist available December 31 on Spotify and Apple Music. The “♥MCS NYE Playlist” will feature this year’s top tracks, including music from Mississauga artists. Listeners are encouraged to tag @mcsevents in all social posts when sharing the playlist from December 31 to January 3 for a chance to win a $100 Tim Horton’s gift card.

Active and relaxed

  • Mississauga’s Recreation Division has developed their Stay Home Stay Active program designed to get every member of the family up and moving or calm and relaxed depending on your holiday state of mind. Check the site for workouts, meditation and movement, nutrition and lifestyle tips and virtual activities for older adults.
  • If extra encouragement is needed, the City’s recreation team offers live Virtual Fitness Classes with certified fitness instructors. Try one class or join for all the sessions, there’s something for everyone ranging from beginners to advanced fitness levels.
  • Don’t close the Stay Home Stay Active webpage without first checking out the Family Fun Corner to see all of the creative and easy recreational activities that can be done at home.

Worship safely

  • Attend holiday services virtually or by livestream only.

Gifts and donations

  • Shop local and support small businesses. Ask about curbside pick-up, delivery, and online shopping options.
  • If you’re sharing gifts with people outside your home, exchange online gifts to avoid physical contact. Check #MississaugaMade for options.
  • Not only is buying local great and necessary for the city’s small businesses, with the help of a new contest, it’s also an amazing option for the buyer. From now until December 30, shoppers who buy or order from local businesses either online or in-person can enter for a chance to win one of 20 $100 VISA pre-paid gift cards. Shoppers enter online and indicate which local business they supported.

For information about the City’s response to COVID-19:

December 9, 2020
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