Category

Issues

Region of Peel and community partners raise awareness for family and intimate partner violence

By Events, Issues

Family and intimate partner violence can happen to anyone and it threatens everyone’s basic right to live free of violence.

Brampton, ON

November 25, 2020

To commemorate today’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Region of Peel and its partners have launched a public awareness campaign to raise visibility and help identify and reduce cases of Family and Intimate Partner Violence (FIPV) in the community. The Region’s partners include the City of Brampton, the City of Mississauga, Town of Caledon, Peel Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police, and more than 10 community organizations.

Recognizing the need to raise awareness and to stand in solidarity with survivors, Regional Council unanimously passed a motion in February 2020, for the Region and partners to shed light on this critical issue. Working together to coordinate, collaborate and problem-solve on a shared direction is an important step in achieving meaningful, sustained, long-term change for the well-being of Peel residents.

FIPV is any type of controlling or threatening behaviour, physical or sexual violence or abuse between intimate partners or family members.  In 2019, police in Peel responded to more than 19,000 incidents of domestic violence. On average, that’s 50 disputes every day or two each hour. These numbers are just what gets reported; most incidents are not reported.

Peel families and youth struggle to thrive due to family violence, mental health and addictions issues and systemic discrimination. Last month, Regional Council adopted Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan (CSWB). Family violence has been identified as a focus area of the plan.

To help make Peel a safe, healthy and inclusive community for all to thrive in, citizens need to live free from violence. Residents who need support, or know someone who does, can confidentially call toll-free: 2-1-1, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  In an emergency, residents are advised to call the police at

9-1-1.

To learn more about Family and Intimate Partner Violence in Peel, including statistics, resources and campaign materials, visit peelregion.ca/ItsNotOkay

 

“Those experiencing family and intimate partner violence need to know they are not alone. Together with our partners, we’ve created a campaign to promote awareness and enable increased access to services for those experiencing violence and their families. With the increased isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to build awareness of this issue and then continue working together to build a safe, equitable and connected community for all.”

Nancy Polsinelli
Commissioner of Health Services, Region of Peel

“The prevalence of domestic violence is a tragic reality for far too many in Peel. It has no color and crosses all economic lines. With this public awareness campaign, we are taking the issue of domestic violence out of the shadows. One of our first steps is to raise awareness and face this problem collectively as a community, so victims can feel empowered to seek the support they need. A safe community must fundamentally include women and children feeling safe in the place they live.”

Rowena Santos

Regional Councillor

“It is an honour to be part of the development of Peel Region’s first campaign to raise awareness of family and intimate partner violence within our community.  So often, people don’t know what to do or how to respond to the things they see in their neighborhood, workplace, community or perhaps in their own home.  In this campaign, we join together to learn and respond to the many forms of violence that can occur within families.  The abuse of women, children, and the elderly is the responsibility of the whole community.  Together, we can create a safe community for everyone.”

Sharon Mayne Devine
Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Family Services Peel-Dufferin

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.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/family-violence.html

November 25, 2020
Love0

City of Mississauga’s Budget Discussions

By Issues, Resources

2021 Business Plan and Budget Service Area Presentations

November 24, 2020

Today at Budget Committee, the following programs and service areas presented their 2021 Business Plan and Budget.

Service area presentations are posted below.

MiWay

  • MiWay provides Mississauga with a shared travel choice that is friendly, reliable and respects the environment We help to connect people to their destinations with ease

Roads

  • Plan, develop, construct and maintain a multi-modal transportation system which efficiently and safely moves people and goods

Regulatory Services (Consent Agenda)

  • Achieve compliance with municipal by-laws and provide services in a safe and professional manner to maintain order, safety and community standards in the City

Culture

  • Culture Service Area and City of Mississauga will grow and support the creative sector, deliver cultural services and enable high quality cultural experiences

Fire & Emergency Services

  • Protect life, property and the environment in the City of Mississauga from all risks through education, enforcement, engineering, emergency response and economic incentive

Mississauga Library

  • The Library exists to provide library services to meet the lifelong informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of all citizens

Council is to approve the proposed 2021 Business Plan and Budget in 2021 following the Region of Peel Budget.

The next Budget Committee meeting is November 30, 2020. Please visit the Council and Committee Calendar Listings for up-to-date information.

November 24, 2020
Love0

COVID-19 Lockdown: Mississauga Offers Tools and Supports for Local Small Businesses

By Covid-19, Issues

November 24, 2020

Mississauga, as part of Peel Region, entered the Grey-Lockdown level of Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework today. As such, the City has made available resources to continue to support Mississauga’s small business community.

Guidance for businesses can be found on the City’s website and includes assets such as relevant news and updates for the business community as well as free webinars to help businesses respond to the impacts of COVID-19.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and so important to the vibrancy of neighbourhoods across our city,” said Mayor Crombie. “Many business owners are our friends, neighbours and family members whose livelihoods have taken a significant hit as result of this pandemic. Our city can’t recover if our businesses can’t recover. Shopping locally, liking your favorite restaurant’s social media page or leaving a review of your local pet groomer – all these actions help.”

To help shine a light on these small businesses and to remind residents to shop locally, the City of Mississauga and Tourism Mississauga launched the Mississauga Made campaign earlier this year.

Mississauga Made is an online initiative inspired to support and promote local products, businesses, artists, stories, activities and experiences. The Mississauga Made marketplace is a free promotional advertising opportunity for all Mississauga-based businesses.

Resources offered by the City to help small businesses today can be accessed through the below links:

  • Ritual One – A 100 per cent commission-free digital ordering platform  available for all Mississauga restaurants and food service providers. Offer available for free through the end of 2020.

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

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

November 24, 2020
Love0

Small Business Programs and Resources

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

The City of Mississauga is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes survive the impacts of the pandemic through a variety of free support services, programs and resources through the Economic Development Office (EDO).

Since the pandemic started, EDO created a COVID-19 business support web page that has become a central resource for local businesses to stay informed on latest news and updates.  The site also includes a Business Relief Portal, a self-selection tool that is updated daily that helps identify relief programs and incentives that best apply to specific business needs and links to the government source of support.

As the City enters lockdown, businesses can take advantage of Small Business Programs and Resources, including digital adoption programs and training webinars that help businesses build websites, create an e-commerce store, and use social media and other digital platforms to promote their services and products.

EDO also offers Business Advisory Services, a dedicated team that provides one-on-one expert support and guidance to entrepreneurs and business owners, including free access to professional legal, accounting, business operations, sales and marketing specialists.

For more information on how the City supports business, visit https://www.thefutureisunlimited.ca/covid-19/

November 24, 2020
Love0

Giving Tuesday – December 1st, 2020

By Events, Issues

Giving Tuesday is a global movement unlocking the power of generosity to transform communities. After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to giving. It started as a simple idea in 2012 and is now celebrated in more than 60 countries around the world.

On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, join Mississauga Gives to celebrate the Giving Tuesday movement in Mississauga and encourage each other to do good. Donate to charity, volunteer, support a small business, fundraise, help spread the word, or perform an act of kindness – especially during these challenging times.

Learn more about the global Giving Tuesday movement at GivingTuesday.org and locally at mississaugagives.ca.

November 24, 2020
Love0

Hurontario LRT: Virtual Open House – Nov 23-Dec 4, 2020

By Events, Hurontario LRT, Issues, Planning & Development

Today, Metrolinx launched its Fall Virtual Open House for the Hurontario LRT.  This two-week online event, continuing through to December 4, will share the work that has been done so far and what to expect in 2021 as major construction begins.  There will be photos, slideshow presentations and a video that captures the excitement of the project.

Please join at https://www.metrolinxengage.com/hulrt!

The Virtual Open House will also offer residents and businesses the opportunity to submit their questions through the Metrolinx Engage platform.

November 23, 2020
Love0

City of Mississauga 2021-2024 Business Plan and 2021 Budget – City Portion Proposed at 1 % for Residential Property Tax

By Covid-19, Events, Issues, Resources

November 23, 2020

Today, City staff’s overview presentation of the proposed 2021-2024 Business Plan and 2021 Budget at Budget Committee began with an economic outlook by Andrew Grantham, Executive Director and Senior Economist, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

Grantham stated, “Like the rest of the country, the Mississauga economy has been severely impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, owing to the strong and swift support from governments and the central bank, the economy is well positioned to rebound from this crisis particularly after a vaccine becomes available.” 

2021 Tax Impact
The 2021 impact from the City’s portion on the residential tax bill is proposed at 1 per cent. On the commercial/industrial tax bill, the proposed amount is 0.6 per cent. This does not include impacts from the Region of Peel services.

“COVID-19 has shown the role of local government has never been more important,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and CAO. “Early on, the City took actions to mitigate the financial impact such as temporary staff layoffs, a hiring freeze, discretionary spending review and deferral of some 2020 capital projects. We greatly appreciate the $46 million allocated in August by the federal and provincial governments through the Safe Restart Agreement. Even with this funding, the City will face additional financial challenges and difficult decisions will need to be made. We will continue to seek partnerships and advocate for sustainable long-term funding from the federal and provincial governments.”

“Public health remains our first priority. In 2021, we will continue to manage the financial impacts of the pandemic and eventual recovery from it by providing necessary services that the public rely on while minimizing the property tax required,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “We expect 2021 to be another tough year economically for the community and we will continue to look for new sources of funding and savings while staying true to our long-term financial plans. Through diligent monitoring and assessing future business plans and budgets, we will continue to manage the significant financial impacts we are facing from COVID-19.”

The 2021 Budget considers financial recovery strategies, outlined to Budget Committee throughout 2020, to offset budget pressures due to the pandemic. These include:

  • Return to normal fee schedule and collection as soon as possible
  • No new material service level changes in 2021
  • Reduce discretionary spending
  • Critical assessment of capital expenditures
  • Use of reserves
  • Continued collaboration with other municipalities to seek assistance from higher levels of government
  • Increase user fees

A presentation on Mississauga’s economic growth story by Bonnie Brown, Director, Economic Development, highlighted that:

“Mississauga’s strong economic fundamentals have helped us weather and respond to the pandemic. However, it is still essential that we continue to support and advocate for our hardest hit businesses. Strategic investments in our small businesses and innovation resources will be critical to the city’s long-term recovery.”

Stormwater Charge

The City’s Stormwater Program is funded by the Stormwater Charge, a dedicated source of funding separate from property taxes. The Stormwater Charge appears on the Region of Peel water bill and in 2021 the rate increase is set at 2 per cent. This means the average residence will see an increase of $2.20 or less.

Fees and Charges
The City’s Budget Committee previously considered new and increased fees and charges for 2021. This included transit fares and fees for Recreation and Parks, Forestry and Environment programs. Additional revenue of approximately $1.9 million is expected from the increases and new fees.

Learn more about the City’s 2021 Business Plan and Budget:

  • Visit mississauga.ca/budget
  • Read an overview of the  2021 preliminary Business Plan & Budget that was presented to Budget Committee on June 24, 2020
  • Watch or attend Budget Committee deliberations scheduled for November 24, 30, December 1, 2 (Budget Committee meeting schedules are subject to change)

Choose from several ways to get involved and share your thoughts:

The Region of Peel is to present a regional budget in the New Year and the City of Mississauga’s total tax overview will follow the regional budget presentation. Council approval of the budget is to follow Region of Peel’s final budget.

November 23, 2020
Love0

Virtual Press Conference: Mississauga’s COVID-19 Update for November 25, 2020

By Covid-19, Events, Issues

November 23, 2020

On Wednesday, November 25 at 4 p.m., media are invited to virtually attend Mayor Bonnie Crombie’s weekly press conference focused on the City of Mississauga’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Details

What:
Latest updates and announcements on the City’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Mississauga.

When:
Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 4 p.m.

Who:
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie
Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health at Region of Peel
Nancy Macdonald-Duncan, Acting Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management

Where:
Online – the virtual press conference will be streamed on the City’s website at https://web.mississauga.ca/council/council-activities/council-and-committee-videos/press-conferences-and-events/

Media: All media must RSVP to Megan Schabla, megan.schabla@mississauga.ca, by noon on November 25 if they would like to participate and ask questions. Confirmed media will be provided with a WebEx meeting request and log-in details in order to join the conference.

For more information about the City’s COVID-19 response and service impacts, visit: mississauga.ca/covid.

-30-

November 23, 2020
Love0

Update on Vacuum Leaf Collection Program and Parking Permits – November 22, 2020

By Issues

Please be advised that the BLUE zone collection of our VLCP will start up again tomorrow.  Due to the winter event on the weekend, the VLCP will only start in the Clarkson area tomorrow.  The other areas of the City have snow accumulation that does not allow the VLCP to proceed.  Staff will continue to monitor these areas and will let you know when the VLCP will commence once again.

With the recent Significant Weather Event Declaration and plowing operations underway, the issuance of temporary parking permits has been suspended.  Please remove parked vehicles from the street, allowing staff and equipment to safely clear our roads.

November 22, 2020
Love0

COVID-19 Lockdown – Restrictions on Gatherings, City Closures Reminder

By Covid-19, Issues

November 22, 2020

As announced by the Government of Ontario, Mississauga, as part of the Region of Peel, will move to the Grey-Lockdown Level of the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework as of Monday, November 23, 2020.

 

“This is certainly not where we hoped to be, but the sobering reality is that COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have been rising at an alarming rate in Mississauga over the last month. I firmly believe that these new measures are the only way we can avoid school closures, further spread in our long-term care centres and overburdening our hospitals,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “What encourages me is that I know all Mississaugans will do the right thing by staying home as much as possible and limiting their in-person contact to just their immediate households and essential supports.”

Starting, Monday, November 23, the following restrictions will be in effect in Mississauga as part of the lockdown:

Organized Public Events, Weddings, Social Gatherings and Religious Services, Rites and Ceremonies

  • No indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household
  • Limit of 10 people for outdoor organized public events and social gatherings, where physical distancing can be maintained
  • Limit for weddings, funerals and other religious services, rites or ceremonies where physical distancing can be maintained:
    • 10 people indoors
    • 10 people outdoors
  • Virtual and drive-in gatherings, events services, rites or ceremonies permitted

City Closures and Service Disruptions

As a reminder, many public City facilities will be closed as of Monday, November 23, 2020 through to December 20. Impacts are as follows:

  • City community centres, including pools, fitness centres and indoor arenas, with the exception of essential services, such as childcare in some facilities
  • Cultural facilities and museums
  • Public counters will be restricted to appointment only
  • The Library will offer limited services including contactless holds pick up inside branches and outdoor dropboxes
  • Most services offered at City Hall will be closed with exceptions being made for mobile, business and marriage licences, and commissioning which will be offered in-person, by appointment only
  • The Provincial Offences Courthouse remains open with no impact to those who have scheduled appointments

Most services that can be, will be conducted online. Refer to the City Services Status page which will be updated to reflect lockdown restrictions on Monday.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Reminders

Get tested if you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19, download the COVID Alert app or visit Ontario.ca/covidtest to find the nearest testing location.

Mississauga residents are asked to adhere to these strong recommendations from the Region of Peel’s Medical Officer of Health:

  1. Only have close contact with members who live in the same home and their essential supports.
  • Only those who live in the same house/home should interact without the protection of distance or masks.
  • People in one household should not mix with people in another household.
  • Individuals who live alone are permitted to have close contact with one other household that should be exclusive to that individual living alone.
  • If a member of any household is experiencing symptoms, this individual must isolate from others in the household to protect others in the home.
  • Symptomatic individuals can call their doctor, Telehealth or Public Health for guidance.
  1. Stay at home as much as possible, and do not interact with those who don’t live with you, unless for essential reasons. The fewer interactions outside the household the better. Essential reasons could include: work, school, exercise, healthcare, purchasing necessities such as groceries, household items, food, drink and gasoline, and vehicle maintenance.
  2. Do not visit other private residences (indoor or outdoor), with the following exceptions:
  • Emergency reasons (to prevent risk of injury or harm)
  • Emergency repairs
  • Renovations or construction
  • One-to-one teaching and instruction (e.g., tutoring)
  • School learning pods
  • Real estate needs
  1. If interacting with anyone who does not live with you or isn’t an essential caregiver, follow the Four Core behaviours:
  • Stay apart – Maintain 2-metres (6 feet) distance from anyone who doesn’t live with you or is not your essential caregiver.
  • Lather up – Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
  • Mask up – Wear a non-medical mask when it’s difficult to maintain physical distance and where masks are mandatory. Protect the supply of medical grade masks for health care workers.
  • Get tested – If you think you might have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it you should get tested. While waiting for test results, stay home, self-isolate and prevent potential spread.

For information on health and safety recommendations, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

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

November 22, 2020
Love0