Council Meeting April 8 – Managing the Impact of COVID-19

By April 9, 2020Covid-19

COVID-19 | April 8, 2020

Today, Mississauga City Council took further actions in response to COVID-19 to help mitigate impacts on residents and businesses and plan for the future beyond the pandemic.

“As this crisis continues to unfold, we have been clear that we will continue to engage and listen to the needs of our community and cultural partners, residents and businesses, to best support them during these challenging times,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “These additional actions reflect our commitment to keeping Mississauga healthy while providing much-needed relief and certainty for our community partners. We will continue to act and respond while planning responsibly for our City’s future.”

Managing the Financial Impact of COVID-19

Today, City of Mississauga Council considered a report from City staff that describes the impacts of COVID-19 on the City’s financial position. The City’s financial position is significantly different from the budget approved on January 22, 2020. The biggest impact on City finances comes from lost revenues due primarily to a reduction in recreation fees and transit fares. This loss is offset by some cost savings due to reduced levels of service and temporary layoffs. The preliminary forecast of the impact of COVID-19 is an operating deficit of $43.4 million (April) to $59.1 million (June).

The report recommends requesting provincial and federal government support to offer municipalities. Staff is continuing to monitor the situation and identify options to offset the deficit. The size of the 2020 deficit, the state of the economy and the financial position of the City’s residents and businesses will inform strategies and actions to be considered. 2021 Budget discussions will be launched at Budget Committee on June 24, 2020.  Details: City Prepares for Financial Impact of COVID-19

Late Licence Renewal Fees for Pet and Mobile Business Licences Waived

Late renewal fees for pet and mobile licences will be waived until further notice.

Municipal Accommodation Tax Deferred

Municipal Accommodation Tax remittances due on March 31, April 30 and May 31, 2020 are deferred to June 30, July 31 and August 31, 2020.

Events and Spring Programs Cancelled Up to July 3 

The City of Mississauga is taking additional precautionary measures in response to COVID-19 by cancelling all events and spring programs up to July 3. This includes City-led events and events organized by external groups that require a City permit – whether at Mississauga Celebration Square, parks or other City facilities, which remain closed. At this time, no new permits will be issued. Details: City Cancels All Events and Spring Programs up to July 3 Due to COVID-19

Grant Funding Continued

Community and cultural groups receiving approved grant funding will continue to receive them, as this will assist with business continuity and to move forward post COVID-19. Organizations will be required to confirm the impact that COVID-19 is having on their organization and actions that will be taken. The City will also work with event organizers to mitigate the impact of event and program cancellations and determine future event dates, if possible.

The City will continue to reassess the situation and determine if cancellations will go beyond the July 3 date, based on consultations with Peel Public Health and the Province’s ban of social gatherings.

COVID-19 Information
To learn about the latest updates on actions taken by the City of Mississauga visit mississauga.ca/coronavirus or follow @CityMississauga on Twitter.
For health information, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.