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Dispose mercury products at any Peel Community Recycling Centre

By Issues, Resources

 Brampton, ON (May 27, 2019): The Region of Peel announces the continuation of its Mercury Roundup program in partnership with Scout Environmental and Ontario Trillium Foundation. Since the launch of this program in 2016, the Region of Peel has collected over 700 mercury-containing products and recovered over 30kgs of liquid mercury, equivalent to the mercury found in 3 million fluorescent tube lights!

“There are many older mercury-containing items in people’s basements, garages, and storage units—items like thermometers, thermostats, blood pressure monitors, and button batteries,” says Dwayne Cromwell, Supervisor, Community Recycling Centre, at the Region of Peel. “We want to make sure these items don’t get thrown in the garbage or in recycling, where they pose a risk to the environment.”

The Mercury Roundup Program aims to educate Peel residents about the different types of items containing mercury and how to safely dispose of them. Residents are encouraged to bring these items to any Peel’s Community Recycling Centre and receive a digital thermometer, free of charge.

Mercury Facts:

  • Do not dispose of mercury containing products in your garbage, recycling or organics. It is not collected at the curb.
  • Free disposal available at any Peel Community Recycling Centre

Residents can check https://www.mercuryroundup.ca/Peel to see a full list of items that may contain mercury.

About Scout Environmental:

Scout Environmental is an award-winning organization that engages the public, guides industry, and equips communities to make better choices—for their health, and the environment. For nearly two decades, Scout has designed and delivered national campaigns, guided leading corporations, and helped public and private partners see beyond sustainability.

About Ontario Trillium Fund:

An agency of the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Fund is one of Canada’s largest granting foundations. With a budget of over $136 million, it awards grants to some 1,000 projects every year to build healthy and vibrant Ontario communities. For more information about the Ontario Trillium Fund, please visit www.otf.ca.

 

Mississauga’s Proposed Parking Master Plan Now Available for Public Comment

By Resources, Uncategorized

May 13, 2019

The City of Mississauga’s proposed Parking Master Plan, “Parking Matters” is now available for public comment.

The master plan details how community parking will evolve as the City continues to grow and transform. The plan’s content reflects the input received during extensive public and stakeholder consultation staff conducted over the past two years.

“The Parking Master Plan and Implementation Strategy looks at all aspects of parking in Mississauga,” said Andy Harvey, Director, Traffic Management and Municipal Parking. “Parking policy, planning, funding and emerging technologies were studied to develop an approach to parking that is made for Mississauga. The Parking Master Plan will help improve efficiency, manage parking in the future and better align public and private parking with transportation and economic development goals across the City.”

The master plan provides short and long-term recommendations focused on 10 themes. These include Municipal Parking Provisions and Management, Funding and Finance, Safety and Accessibility and Technology and Innovation.

Visit the Parking Matters website to provide comments. All input received by May 31 will be considered.

The master plan will go to General Committee for approval on June 12.

Learn more about Parking Matters in Mississauga.

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Media Contact:
Cynthia Ulba
Senior Communications Advisor
City of Mississauga
905-615-3200, ext. 5051
cynthia.ulba@mississauga.ca
TTY: 905-896-5151

What’s all the Buzz About? Mississauga seeks Bee-City Designation

By Resources, Uncategorized

Today at General Committee, Council approved a staff recommendation that the City of Mississauga become a Bee City to help improve pollinator health and bee habitats within the community.

“By joining Bee City Canada, we can set an example to our neighbouring municipalities to support pollinators and their habitats,” said Jodi Robillos Director, Parks, Forestry & Environment. “Through this program, the City will have the opportunity to help solidify its commitment to being responsible stewards of the environment and promote activities that will improve the health of residents and the environment city-wide.”

For the City to be become a Bee City, Mississauga must commit to the following Bee City Canada requirements:

1) Creating Healthy Pollinator Habitats
The City will expand pollinator initiatives by planting pollinator-friendly plants in pollinator gardens and existing flower beds, planting native trees and shrubs through the One Million Trees program and work with residents to install solitary bee houses to support native pollinators.

2) Educate about Pollinators
Through the educational component of the One Million Trees program, pollinator-centred material will be enhanced to educate residents about the importance of pollinators and what they can do to enhance pollinator habitats in their own backyards.

3) Celebrate Pollinators
The City will use International Pollinator Week, third week of June, as a platform to celebrate pollinators and share the work that is being done to protect them in Mississauga.

“We have a lot of pollinator projects, and projects that support pollinator habitats, happening within the community. These include our One Million Trees program, our 13 pollinator and community gardens as well as the honeybee hive on the roof of City Hall. All of these help support pollinator health and habitat restoration,” said Jessica Wiley, Manager, Forestry. “It’s important that we continue to create healthy pollinator habitats in Mississauga. Pollinators provide an essential service to plants as they must be pollinated to provide seeds and fruit. We encourage residents to create their own pollinator-friendly gardens at their homes.”

Bee City Canada is a program created to engage Canadian municipalities, First Nations, schools, businesses and other organizations to take action to protect pollinators. There are currently 23 official Bee-City municipalities across Canada including Toronto, Guelph and Newmarket.

For more information on getting a Bee City designation, visit beecitycanada.org.

Media Contact:
Catherine Nguyen-Pham
Communications Co-ordinator
City of Mississauga
905-615-3200 ext. 5334
catherine.nguyen-pham@mississauga.ca
TTY: 905-896-5151

Flood Outlook in Effect

By Issues, Resources

Region of Peel has changed the timing of its garbage exemption periods

By Events, Issues, Resources

As you may be aware, the Region of Peel has changed the timing of its garbage exemption periods, starting this year, to maintain and enhance our waste collection services for our residents.

The new dates for 2019 and early 2020 are:

 

OLD DATES NEW DATES
May 2019

(following Victoria Day)

June 17-28, 2019
September 2019

(following Labour Day)

September 16-27, 2019
December 2019

(following Christmas/New Year)

January 27-31, 2020

February 3-7, 2020

 

During an exemption period there is no maximum amount of acceptable garbage residents can put on the curb. Garbage bag tags are not required during exemption periods.

This change was made to address the high volume of excess garbage that is typically collected during an exemption period, as well as to avoid holidays and conflicts with other waste pick-up services being provided around the same time.

To proactively inform residents of this change, the Region is communicating this information through several channels, starting May 6 through to end of June, with similar reminders going out in the Fall and Winter.

The Region will also be using this opportunity to promote a waste collection notifications feature launching soon, which residents can start registering for ahead of time.

Information will be delivered to residents using Peel’s website, Twitter and subscriber e-newsletter, community newspapers and direct mail, mobile street signage, and face-to-face resident interactions with Peel’s by-law officers. Examples of Peel’s communications material are attached for your reference.

For more information about these exemption changes, please contact Paula Della Bianca, Project Manager, Curbside Policies and Programs for the Region of Peel at 905-791-7800 ext. 4513 or Paula.DellaBianca@peelregion.ca.

 

 

Freedom Pass Offers Youth Free Swims and Transit Rides this Summer

By Events, Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

May 01, 2019

This summer, Mississauga youth aged 12 to 14 years can ride MiWay and access indoor and outdoor City of Mississauga pools for free with a Freedom Pass. The pass is valid from July 1 to August 31.

“Summer is a great time in Mississauga and with a Freedom Pass, youth can enjoy it with free rides to our pools, libraries and parks as well as to great events, festivals and attractions,” said Shari Lichterman, Director, Recreation.

How to Apply for a Pass

  • Application forms can be downloaded and printed by visiting mississauga.ca/freedompass or picked up at any City community centre.
  • Signed and completed application forms must be submitted in person to any City community centre, along with one piece of identification (parent/guardian signature is required) displaying proof of age.
  • Applicants will also need to have their photo taken by City customer service staff to create a personalized Freedom Pass.

“The Freedom Pass provides youth with a great opportunity to learn about our MiWay transit system. Understanding how it works, how they can get around Mississauga to get where they want to go independently,” said Geoff Marinoff, Director, Transit.

The Freedom Pass program continues to grow in popularity since its launch in 2014 with more than 8,000 Freedom Passes distributed in 2018.

Freedom Pass cards will be available on May 1 (quantities are limited and will be issued on a first come, first served basis). Only valid Freedom Pass holders are eligible to ride MiWay for free. All other riders must pay regular fares. To learn more about MiWay, visit miway.ca. Plan a trip with the online tool or call 905-615-INFO (4636) for route and schedule information.

For more information about the Freedom Pass, please visit mississauga.ca/freedompass.

Excess Water Conditions in local Park – Warning!

By Events, Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

Current water levels along the Lake Ontario shoreline are high and are nearing the levels set in 2017, when extreme conditions caused significant damage along the lakeshore in Mississauga.  Levels in Lake Ontario are higher than usual due to higher than usual intake from Lake Erie and restriction of water outflow at the Moses-Saunders Power Dam.   Staff are regularly patrolling the City of Mississauga shoreline and report some flooding along the waterfront specifically at:

 

  • Jack Darling Park (public access closed where the water has washed over pathways)
  • C. Saddington Park
  • Marina Park (public access closed where the water has washed over pathways)
  • Public access closed at pedestrian underpass at Lakeshore Road
  • Lawrence (public access closed where the water has washed over pathways)

High water is expected to continue along the waterfront for some time and peak over the next month before slowly receding.  I have attached some pictures of current conditions for your consideration.

  • Photo 1-St Lawrence.jpg
  • Photo 2-JC Saddington.jpg
  • Photo 3-Marina Park.jpg
  • Photo 4 – Jack Darling.jpg

 

The current weather forecast indicates that rain will continue to fall today and continue until Friday with forecasted accumulation of 40 mm of precipitation by the end of the week.  In addition, we are currently experiencing high gusts of easterly winds, which directly affect wave action into the shoreline. The Works Operations and Maintenance Incident Management Team has been activated and will be meeting again this afternoon to report on conditions.  I will provide another update following this meeting.

 

Mitigation Strategies

  • City staff are on stand-by and monitoring high risk flood areas.
  • Dewatering pumps within the Lisgar district were set up as per the High Water Protocol.
  • 1,000 sand bags are ready for use, if required.
  • Crews are standing by to clear debris on affected park pathways once waves recede in preparation for the Mississauga Marathon this weekend.

The City of Mississauga has received a Lake Ontario Flood Watch from the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC). Water safety messaging is in place on the City’s website.

Should you require additional information or assistance, please contact me………….

Stephen

Community Rides all Spring, Summer and Fall

By Events, Resources

Dust off Your Bike and Join Us for Community Rides all Spring, Summer and Fall
The First Ride is Taking Place Saturday, May 4

April 30, 2019

It’s time to tune up your bicycle for a full slate of spring, summer and fall Community Rides that begin on Saturday, May 4. These free rides happen throughout the city and they’re a great way to search out new ‘hidden gem’ routes while meeting new friends.

Visit the Community Rides page to plan out the rides that pique your interest and pencil them into your calendar.

Details of Community Rides

What: Community Rides are free, guided bike rides to introduce cyclists to riding in all corners of the city. Rides take place on a variety of roads, trails, bike lanes and multi-use paths and vary in length and style.

Who: Anybody who wants to try out cycling in the comfort of a group setting with trained marshals leading the rides.

When: The first Community Ride of the 2019 season, dubbed the Toronto Pearson Ride takes place on Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. Visit mississaugabikes.ca/communityrides for a full list of ride dates.

Where: Mount Charles Park
1265 Cardiff Blvd., Mississauga – map

Details: Rides range from five to 20 kilometres. Riders on the first May 4 ride will cycle 20 kilometres. All rides begin with a safety talk before cyclists split into three groups based on skill level. Register at mississaugabikes.ca/communityrides.

Riders are required to wear a helmet to participate. Toronto Pearson sponsors the initial May 4 ride and an ice cold treat after each ride.

It’s Time for Youth to Shine – National Youth Week is May 1 to 7

By Issues, Resources, Uncategorized

It’s that time of the year, when we celebrate all things youth. May 1 to 7 is National Youth Week and the City of Mississauga will be joining celebrations across the country with a focus on youth-led activities.

There are free activities happening all week targeting youth aged 12 to 18 years-old. Check out a spring cooking class, learn archery, try out yoga or take part in a giant game of Connect Four or Jenga. Many activities are organized by youth for youth. Follow on social media using the hashtag #NYW905.

Highlights of National Youth Week Activities:

The Amazing Library Race – Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

  • At each library location, students will complete skill-testing challenges
  • Participants will travel on MiWay to visit as many of the City’s 18 library locations as possible between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Points will be awarded for completing the challenges. Bonus points will be awarded for distance travelled and completion of more difficult tasks
  • The grand finale is at the Central Library at 3 p.m., participants can gain extra points for their knowledge of Mississauga
  • Snacks will be provided at the final stop at the Central Library
  • Youth can register for free in person at any City library

Battle of the Centres Basketball Tournament – Sunday, May 5, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

  • Full-day tournament held at University of Toronto Mississauga Campus in the Recreation Athletics & Wellness Building located at 1825 Outer Circle [map]
  • Each Community Centre will send a team of 12 novice and advanced players who participate in the City’s Sauga At Play after-school drop-in program
  • Showcasing talented youth who participate in the City’s Sauga At Play after-school drop-in program
  • The tournament will be round robin style with an “all-star” experience complete with a live local disc-jockey, ping pong tables, games, refreshments

Temporary Public Art: Mural Unveiling – Tuesday, May 7, 4 – 6 p.m.

  • Held at the Sculpture Court Skate Park, Civic Centre, located at the southwest corner of Duke of York Boulevard and Princess Royal Drive [map]
  • Nine emerging Mississauga artists will work alongside Canadian artist-athlete, Mango Peeler to unveil a series of new murals inspired by the poetry of Mississauga’s Youth Poet Laureate, Pujita Verma
  • A collaboration between the City’s Culture and Recreation Division, there will be a mash-up of youth music, visual arts, poetry and athletics
  • Skateboard while listening to live music and poetry readings, and meet some of Mississauga’s up and coming artists

Check out the full list of events during National Youth Week by visiting here.