Resources

September 8, 2020

As students head back to school this September, the City of Mississauga wants to remind everyone to be alert and cautious when using roadways.

“I’d like to wish the thousands of students across Mississauga a great first day back to school! Whether you are returning to class or participating in virtual learning, it is an exciting time for students, parents and teachers alike. Our goal is to keep students safe in the classroom and on our roadways. Back to school brings increased traffic, additional vehicles on our roads and more people walking, cycling or getting dropped off at different locations. Please stay alert and keep your eyes peeled at all times. If you’re using our roads, we ask that you be vigilant, follow the rules, obey signs and speed limits and slow down in school zones,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We are committed to keeping our roads safe for everyone, whether you walk, ride your bike or drive to school. Stay safe, stay healthy and, most importantly, have a fun first day back!”

As students head back to school, they will be greeted by crossing guards to help them safely cross the street. The City’s Crossing Guard program helps school children from kindergarten to fifth grade cross the road, for both the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and the Peel District School Board.

In addition to the Crossing Guard program, the City also has two safety advisory committees, Road Safety Committee and Traffic Safety Council that help promote awareness of road safety programs and maintain the safety of road users including students, pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and ensures they are accessible to those that use mobility devices.

“Our safety work hasn’t stopped. The Road Safety Committee along with City staff have been working hard keep our roads safe for students, cyclists and drivers,” said Pat Saito, Ward 9 Councillor and Chair of the City’s Road Safety Committee. “It’s a busy time on the roads when school starts again and we all have a responsibility to get our students safely to and from school.”

The City has adopted the Vision Zero approach, which sets the goal of zero fatal and injury-causing collisions each year.

“Delivering road safety action items from our Transportation Master Plan will advance the City’s commitment to Vision Zero,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “To achieve this, we are moving forward with numerous projects including lowering speed limits and implementing speed reduction initiatives, such as traffic calming, Community Safety Zones, and the Crossing Guard program.”

In addition to back to school initiatives, the City will be rolling out a number of road safety campaigns to create awareness around road safety initiatives such as distracted driving, pedestrian safety, neighbourhood speed limits and automated speed enforcement.

Safety tips for students and drivers when commuting:

• Consider walking to the bus stop or different drop-off/pick-up routines by stepping out of the car and complete the journey to school by walking.
• Plan and practice your school route as a household ahead of time; encourage children to walk or cycle with siblings and friends, depending on their age.
• Active transportation means using people power to get where you’re going and helps reduce traffic congestion in and around school zones, which means safer streets for everyone. You can use your feet, bike, scooter or any other form of non-motorized vehicle to get you to and from school.
• Getting ready to ride MiWay? Additional trips to high schools and universities/colleges will resume, along with high school routes (300 series). These changes take effect on September 8. Holiday schedules will be in effect on Labour Day (September 7) and Thanksgiving Day (October 12). MiWay is also changing service levels on several routes to accommodate returning customers as businesses and schools start to reopen. Learn more by visiting ca/sept7 and miway.ca/students.

Students will gradually return to school the weeks of September 8 and 14 for both Peel District and Dufferin-Peel Catholic schools in a staggered approach for the 2020 to 2021 season. This means fewer people will be in school buildings, so students and staff can focus on learning and adopt new routines and safety practices before all students return.

For more road safety information or additional safety tips, please visit mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/transportation-and-streets/traffic/.

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September 2, 2020

 As part of the City’s phased and controlled reopening plans, some limited City services will be available in-person, by appointment only beginning September 8:

• Marriage licenses – Book appointment online here. Service provided at Civic Centre (300 City Centre Dr.).
• Mobile licensing – Book appointment online here. Service provided at Mavis North Yard (3235 Mavis Rd.).
• Business licensing – Book appointment online here. Service provided at Civic Centre (300 City Centre Dr.).

In addition, the Council Chamber and Committee Rooms will reopen for meetings at the Civic Centre (300 City Centre Dr.) with reduced capacity.

“Mississauga has come a long way, working together as a community, to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We know how much our residents and businesses want to get life back to normal, but we must remain vigilant. Working alongside our public health experts, we are now in a position to gradually and safely reopen some of our counter services along with modified community programming. Thank you to everyone for continuing to do your part to stay safe and healthy. Please, wear a face covering, wash your hands, maintain physical distancing, stay home if you are feeling ill and get tested if needed.”

Health and safety protocols are in place to protect staff and the public at all City facilities. These protocols include:

• Active screening – Staff and visitors are screened with COVID-19 assessment questions before entering a City facility.
• Limited building access – Doors have been designated for entry and exit.
• Mandatory masks – Face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces.
• Physical distancing – Signage and floor markings indicate how to maintain two metres or six feet of space between others.
• Signage – Floor decals and signage provide direction, health and safety reminders and ensure physical distancing.
• Limited elevator capacity – Signage indicates safe and reduced capacity of elevators.
• Stairwells – Where possible, stairwells are designated for up or down traffic.
• Enhanced cleaning protocols – New protocols include increased cleaning and disinfecting of highly-touched surfaces and high traffic areas.

“The health and safety of our staff and the public continue to be our number one priority,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). “We have and will continue to work closely with Peel Public Health and adhere to all guidelines and regulations put out by the Government of Ontario and the Region of Peel. These limited in-person service offerings as well as modified programming at our Recreation, Library and Culture facilities form the next step in our safe and gradual reopening and recovery plans. Other city services, including development applications and building permit applications, property tax payments and more continue to be accepted online.”

Additional program and service updates:

Recreation

Beginning September 8, community centres, fitness centres, indoor pools and limited arenas will reopen with modified programs/services.

Starting September 14, C Banquets (on the 12th floor of Civic Centre) and the BraeBen Golf Course dining room will be available for bookings.

Library

All locations except Frank McKechnie (currently under renovation) will reopen on September 15 with limited service. Curbside service will continue to be offered at Frank McKechnie until the renovations are completed in mid-October. Visits are limited to one hour and services including computer access and limited study require an appointment.

Culture

Starting September 8, bookings of some spaces will reopen including the Living Arts Centre RBC Theatre, studio rentals, church and group bookings. In addition, the information desk, reception and box office will reopen.

Mississauga’s COVID-19 Recovery Framework guides the City’s reopening and recovery. The Framework is supported by four individual recovery plans – Community, Economic, Finance and Corporate – which set Mississauga’s path forward in a safe, efficient and inclusive way.

Visit mississauga.ca/recovery or call 311 for more information.

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