Council Outcomes November 25, 2020: Mississauga Tourism Budget and Business Plan, Central Library Renaming & COVID-19 Response

By November 25, 2020Covid-19, Events, Issues

At today’s meeting, City Council approved the 2021 Tourism Mississauga Budget and Business Plan, the renaming of Central Library to be the Hazel McCallion Central Library and discussed efforts in response to the impacts of COVID-19.

Mississauga Tourism 2021 Budget and Business Plan

Council approved the 2021 budget and business plan for Tourism Mississauga presented by Shari Lichterman, Commissioner, Community Services and CEO of Tourism Mississauga and Toni Frankfurter, Tourism Mississauga Board Chair.

On October 26, 2020, the Board of Directors for Tourism Mississauga held a meeting to approve its 2021 budget and business plan to continue to promote tourism in the City of the Mississauga. According to a Tourism Mississauga by-law, Council is required to approve the final budget and business plan for Tourism Mississauga on an annual basis.

Tourism Mississauga is Mississauga’s destination marketing organization.

Central Library Renaming

Council approved plans for the renaming of Central Library, located at 301 Burnhamthorpe Road West, in honour of former Mayor Hazel McCallion.

The facility will be renamed the Hazel McCallion Central Library on February 10, 2021, ahead of its renovation. The renovation will help ensure its continued ability to meet the educational needs of Mississauga residents for years to come.

In recognition of this renaming, signage will be placed on the exterior of the library for Hazel McCallion’s 100th birthday and an exhibit highlighting her legacy will be assembled in the library to recognize her significant achievements, in keeping with COVID-19 restrictions.

Business Licensing By-law Amended For Vehicle Pound Storage Fees

The City’s Business Licensing By-law sets storage fees for owners of vehicle pound facilities. Council amended the City’s Business Licensing By-law to set the storage fee at $85 to establish consistency within the vehicle pound industry.

Towing Advisory Committee Report on Threshold for Appeals to Applicants Licensees 

Council directed staff to report to the Towing Industry Advisory Committee with recommendations related to a proposed amendment to the Tow Truck Licensing By-law. The proposed amendment  looks at setting an appropriate limit for convictions under appeal for applicants and licensees, while balancing the interests of the public related to health, safety and well-being.

The City’s current Tow Truck Licensing By-law requires the City to revoke a licence when:

  • a licensee has received a conviction, with a value of four or more demerit points, under the Highway Traffic Act
  • a licensee has been convicted of certain offences under the Criminal Code of Canada.

As amendments are being considered, it is important that the City take into account the health, safety and well-being of persons and the protection of persons and property, including consumer protection.

The City administers tow truck licences, including renewals, in accordance with the Tow Truck Licensing By-law.

Take the Pledge Peel

The City of Mississauga’s Road Safety Committee has partnered with Peel Regional Police on a road safety program called #TakeThePledgePeel. The program encourages all road users (drivers, cyclists, pedestrians – walking or rolling) to do their part to keep themselves and other road users safe. The campaign addresses three concerns on Mississauga roads:

  • Aggressive driving
  • Impaired driving
  • Pedestrian safety

The #TakeThePledgePeel advocates for drivers to slow down and encourages other road users to be aware of their surroundings on the roads. To sign up to take the pledge, visit https://forms.peelpolice.ca/Campaign-Forms/Take-The-Pledge-Peel.

For more information on road safety initiatives happening in Mississauga, visit: Traffic

Opposed to proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act

Council approved a motion raised by Ward 2 Councillor Ras regarding proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act that:

  • the Government of Ontario work with conservation authorities to address their concerns by repealing and/or amending changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act
  • the Government of Ontario delay enactment of clauses affecting municipal concerns
  • the Government of Ontario provide a longer transition period up to December 2022 for non-mandatory programs to enable coordination of Conservation Authority-municipal budget processes
  • the Province respect the current conservation authority/municipal relationships
  • the Province embrace their long-standing partnership with the conservation authorities and provide them with the tools and financial resources they need to effectively implement their watershed management role.

Proposed changes to the legislation will create more red tape and costs for the conservation authorities and their municipal partners, and potentially result in delays in the development approval process. The Province has introduced Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID 19 Act – Schedule 6 – Conservation Authorities Act. The Legislation introduces a number of changes and new sections that could remove and/or significantly hinder the conservation authorities’ role in regulating development, permit appeal process and engaging in review and appeal of planning applications.  Changes allow the Minister to make decisions without Conservation Authority watershed data and expertise.

COVID-19 Response 

Preparation for Recovery – Outdoor Businesses

Council supported staff direction to prepare a temporary use by-law to permit outdoor retail sales/display and outdoor recreational and entertainment establishments in preparation for when the City is able to move out of the Grey-Lockdown Level.

A statutory public meeting scheduled for December 9, 2020 is required to enact the temporary use by-law.

Rental Fees for Indoor Sport Amenities with Restricted Capacities

Council endorsed temporary adjustment to Recreation Fees as outlined in the report entitled “Rental Fees for Indoor Sport Amenities with Restricted Capacities.”

To support City arena and indoor turf users where capacities are limited and game play not permitted, the non-prime rate will be applied to Saturdays and Sundays. The Director of Recreation has the authority to temporarily implement fee changes in the event arenas and indoor turf facilities are reopened under the ‘Control’ stage of the provincial framework.

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

  • Visit ca/recovery
  • Follow @CityMississauga on Twitterand Facebook
  • Watch Mayor Bonnie Crombie’s weekly COVID-19 press conference
  • Contact 311 (905-615-4311)
  • Support for Business
  • Guidance and resources to help Mississauga businesses can be found online at ca/business-covid-19.

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

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