Stephen’s Initiatives

Article InSauga – New 64-acre conservation area will be an environmental ‘gem’ in Mississauga

By Announcement, Parks, Stephen’s Initiatives, Ward 1

Mississauga Ward 1 Coun. Stephen Dasko, in a post to social media, described the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area as “an incredible collaborative initiative that will be 64 acres along Mississauga’s shoreline.”

Construction of the new trails and other park infrastructure began in fall 2023.

Project leaders have said their more recent focus has been on “creating a unique space for the public to enjoy” once the conservation area opens.

“Through consultation with our Indigenous partners, community advisory members and partner organizations, we‘re planning to build an accessible network of trails, boardwalks, lookouts and gathering spaces,” CVC said in an earlier project update. “These new amenities will provide scenic connections to the lake, wetlands, grasslands and forest environments at the conservation area, showcasing the diverse cultural and ecological history of the site.”

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Residential Compassionate Flood Relief Grant Program applications now open

By Announcement, Issues, Resources, Stephen’s Initiatives, Ward 1

The one-time grant is available to eligible homeowners or tenants in Mississauga who had flood damage from the severe weather events in July and August 2024.

December 2, 2024

Today, the City of Mississauga launched its Residential Compassionate Flood Relief Grant, a one-time payment of $1,000 to affected property owners and tenants in Mississauga, who experienced basement flooding on July 16, August 17 and August 18. Residents can only apply for the grant once, even if they own more than one eligible property or experienced flooding on more than one day.

Who is eligible

To be eligible to apply for the Residential Compassionate Flood Relief Grant, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • Be an individual, not a corporation or business entity.
  • Be a registered owner or tenant of a residential dwelling within Mississauga.
  • Have experienced flood damage to your residence from the rainfall events on July 16, August 17 or August 18, 2024.

What you need to apply

Residents must complete a grant application and submit proof of eligibility, including proof of ownership or residence and proof of flooding.

To provide proof of ownership, you must provide a copy of your City tax bill. The name on the application must match the registered owner listed on the tax bill.

To provide proof of residence, if you are a tenant, you must show proof that you live at the eligible residence. You can provide:

  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Ontario driver’s license
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Insurance policy
  • Utility, telephone or internet bill

All applicants must provide proof of flooding within a residential dwelling, such as:

  • Proof of an insurance claim made for flooding.
  • Correspondence with 311 Customer Service, a Councillor’s office or City staff.
  • Invoices, receipts or quotes for flood cleanup or repairs.
  • Photos of flooding in the residential dwelling, with the file’s metadata date stamped.

Applying online

Visit the webpage and upload the supporting documents, including proof of ownership or residence and proof of flooding.

Each file must be 5 MB or smaller and in one of the following formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF or WebP.

Applying by mail

Mail a completed Flood Relief Grant Application and supporting documents to the following address:

Residential Compassionate Flood Relief Grant Program
Transportation and Works
Environmental Services Section
300 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1

For more information about the grant, residents are asked to call 311.

Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2025.

Important facts about stormwater

There are more than 51,000 storm drains in Mississauga, 1,900 km of storm sewer pipes, 270 km of ditches, 150 km of creeks, and 80 stormwater management facilities.

Valued at more than $7 billion, Mississauga’s stormwater drainage system requires constant care. Staff continue to assess and prioritize the most effective improvements to this aging infrastructure. Installing stormwater infrastructure requires a large investment up front, and it is expensive, but important to maintain.

Rebate programs

In February 2025, the City will be launching two additional rebate programs:

  • Basement Flooding Prevention Rebate Program will provide rebates up to $6,800 for eligible flood prevention improvements.
  • Flood Resilience Rebate Program will provide rebates of 50 per cent of the invoiced cost up to a maximum of $3,000 to cover costs associated with eligible measures taken to make improvements to your home to minimize flooding impact.

Other subsidies

Region of Peel Sanitary Backwater Valve Rebate (Current): The Region provides a $1,500 rebate for eligible homeowners to cover the cost of installing a sanitary backwater valve to reduce basement flooding due to sanitary back-ups of wastewater from the sanitary sewer. For more information, visit peelregion.ca.

Useful links

Read more about the City’s stormwater infrastructure.

Learn more about how to reduce the risk of flooding on your property.

Watch the City’s Flooding Information Session video.

Port Credit BIA Invites You to Light Up the Port!

By Events, Stephen’s Initiatives, Ward 1

Join Port Credit BIA for Light Up the Port on November 30, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. t0 9:00 p.m.!

We are pleased to announce that we will be kicking off the holiday season by lighting up the Port.❄️

The traditional Lighting of the Lighthouse will be part of an unprecedented illumination #INThePort. Light Up the Port will include the installation of lights in the trees along our main street, lighting at the Lighthouse, lighting in the trees in Port Credit Memorial Park, and the lighting of a NEW 25 foot Christmas Tree in the center of the skate trail!🎄

The event will take place in Port Credit Memorial Park and along our main street and will include Christmas carolling, performers, live music, vendors, games, a trackless train, and more!

During the month of December, we will be introducing some new programs with holiday music and the return of some holiday favourites, including sweets on the street, and Santa!🎅

Stay tuned to all of the holiday events #INThePort!👇

https://portcredit.com/upcoming-events/

This event is made possible by Visit Mississauga!

Thank you to our sponsors Port Credit Community Foundation and Fram + Slokker and to the City of Mississauga and Ward One Councillor Stephen Dasko for all of their support.

Staging support provided by Metal Works.

Welcome the NEW 25 Foot Christmas Tree #INThePort

Light Up the Port begins November 30, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Port Credit is going to shine!
Join Councillor Stephen Dasko and the Port Credit BIA as we light up the NEW 25′ Christmas tree in Port Credit Memorial Park.

Ride the Port Express Train!

Port Credit BIA invites you to experience #LightUpThePort with a FREE ride for children on the Port Express Train!

Join us on November 30, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. as we light up the Port with lights, music, holiday treats, games, Santa, carolling, Sweets on the Street, the NEW Port Express Train, and MORE!

The Lions Club of Mississauga Credit Valley & Lions Club Mississauga Cooksville presents the 47th Annual Carolling in the Park!

Carolling in the Park will help kick off the Light Up the Port from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Port Credit Memorial Park on November 30, 2024 and then return on December 9, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with the Salvation Army Temple Band.

1 Hour FREE Holiday Parking!

Port Credit BIA is pleased to announce that our holiday 1 hour FREE parking returns on November 30, 2024 and runs until January 15, 2025.

Thank you to Councillor Stephen Dasko for supporting making FREE holiday parking an annual event #INThePort.

Changes to School Zones Speed Limits

By Announcement, Issues, Stephen’s Initiatives

I have heard you!

Over the past several months, residents have shared their concerns and frustrations with the reduced speed limit in school zones well past school hours and extra-curricular activities.

Currently they are now 30km/h and you may recall prior to that it was always 40km/h.  Automated Speed enforcement will still continue to operate under the new changes.

I brought forward a motion to General Committee on October 23, 2024, to have school zone speeds reconsidered. At Council on October 30, 2024, my motion was approved.

Resolution #0222-2024 Moved by Councillor Dasko, Seconded by Councillor Butt:

That Recommendations GC-0450-2024 – GC 0475-2024 as contained in the General Committee Report 17-2024 – dated October 23, 2024 be approved with the exception of GC-0457-2024 that is amended to:

GC-0457-2024: That the current speed limit designation of 30 km/h in school zones on local roadways as outlined in the report from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works, dated October 9, 2024, and entitled  “School Zone Speed Limits on Local Roadways” be amended to reflect time of day enforcement, between the hours of 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday year-round.

Monday to Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. will be 40km/h.  Weekends will be 40km/h.

Currently City staff are working on implementing these changes and I and will keep you up to date.

Ward 1 Community Excellence Awards – Winners 2024

By Events, Stephen’s Initiatives, Ward 1

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in the 5th Annual Ward 1 Community Excellence Awards.

A heartfelt thank you to those who took the time to nominate outstanding individuals and to those who graciously accepted their nominations.

The quality of the submissions and the nominees this year is a true testament to the remarkable spirit and excellence of our Ward 1 residents and businesses.

Here are all the 2024 winners:

New Business Award
The recipient of this award has been in business for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years. This award recognizes outstanding achievement as a new business in some or all of the following:

  • research & development
  • company growth
  • products & services
  • market development
  • sales & marketing
  • community service

Winner: ThriveAbility Community Connections

Entrepreneur of the Year Award
This award recognizes the endeavors of an exceptional individual or company who:

  • creates exceptional products and services
  • keep our local economies moving forward
  • embodies the spirit of community
  • values and demonstrates innovation

Winner: Quiet Bodies

Excellence in Customer Service Award
This award recognizes a business for:

  • consistently exceeding customer or guest expectations
  • exceptional service standards in our community

Winner: Blueheel Dance Studio

Automotive Services Excellence Award
This award honours an Automotive Services establishment with:

  • outstanding service
  • consistent high standards and integrity
  • friendly and efficient staff interactions.

Winner: Carmen’s Auto Service

Pet Groomer Excellence Award
The Pet Groomer Excellence Award honours one who demonstrates:

  • exceptional grooming techniques that prioritize both the comfort and style of pets
  • consistent high praise and feedback from pet owners
  • a strong commitment to animal welfare

Winner: Dogtopia of Applewood

Barber/Hair Stylist Excellence Award
This category is new in 2024 and was created to honour a Stylist or Barber who demonstrates some or all of the following:

  • outstanding skill and technique
  • customer satisfaction
  • innovative and trendsetting

Winner: Mila Boullion

Best Patio Dining Experience Award
The best patio dining experience award is presented to a restaurant that has created a patio that:

  • sets high standards for food quality
  • provides guests with excellent customer service
  • has an atmosphere that enhances the dining experience

Winner: Texas Longhorn

Restaurant of the Year Award
This award is presented to a restaurant that provides:

  • a most enjoyable overall guest experience
  • high standards for food quality
  • excellent customer service that enhances the dining experience

Winner: Al Mustafa Catering

Artist of The Year Award – Live Music Performance
The Ward 1 Artist of the Year – Live Music Performance award recognizes the musician or musical group that consistently delivers:

  • exceptional live performances
  • pieces that captivate audiences with their talent
  • artistic expression and creativity

Winner: Tom Barlow

Artist of The Year Award – Visual Artist
The Ward 1 Artist of the Year – Visual Artist award recognizes outstanding accomplishments and contributions within the field of visual arts. This category celebrates artists who:

  • possess exceptional creativity, skill, and innovation
  • have made an impact on the art scene locally
Winner: Sidney Gendron

Crossing Guard Excellence Award  DISCLAIMER: this is a paid City of Mississauga Position

This award was created to recognize and honour an outstanding crossing guard who ensures the safety of children and pedestrians by:

  • demonstrating exceptional dedication and reliability
  • showing exemplary commitment to pedestrian safety
  • exhibiting a friendly and positive attitude toward the community
Winner: Peter Duncan

Good Neighbour Award

This award recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual who positively influences their local community with:

  • acts of kindness, and generosity
  • community involvement and volunteerism
  • assistance to neighbours in need
Winner: Tonya Elmazi
Special Honourary Mention: Dudley Briggs

Environmental Stewardship Award
Whether helping to protect our climate, reduce waste, support local food or enhance our natural spaces, this individual is recognized as an environmental leader who has made significant contributions to improving our environment by:

  • protecting the climate and environment
  • supporting local sustainable food sources
  • enhancing natural spaces
  • advocacy and education
  • community engagement
Winner: Cloverleaf Garden Club
Winner: Ray Marentette

Lifetime Achievement Award
Ward 1 would like to honour with great respect and admiration, an individual for their lifetime of support, promotion and vision for our community by demonstrating some or all of the following characteristics:

  • advocacy and public service
  • mentorship and guidance
  • philanthropy and generosity
  • resilience and perseverance
  • inspiring future generations

Ward 1 Community Excellence Awards – Thursday October 24th – Photos 2024

By Events, Stephen’s Initiatives, Ward 1

The Ward 1 Community Excellence Awards were a huge success and a wonderful celebration of just some of the amazing people and businesses we have in our Ward.

We celebrated at the Mississauga Senior’s Centre on Thursday October 24th and had a great turnout of nominees along with many of their family and friends.

Here are a few pictures from the evening:

 

Photography by Bill Lediard.

Councillor Dasko’s Resolution Passed at Council

By Resources, Stephen’s Initiatives

Councillor Dasko with an update on the latest information related to the flooding.

On Wednesday September 11, 2024 at Council, Councillor Dasko put a motion forward, seconded by Councillor Chris Fonseca, which passed unanimously.

The City of Mississauga send a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to include neighbourhoods in the vicinity of the LITTLE ETOBICOKE CREEK in their assessment and to urge the Minister to take all necessary steps to immediately activate the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program for the City of Mississauga; and

THAT items not addressed in the staff’s upcoming report of September 18, 2024, be requested to expedite the stormwater capital program and identify projects that could be advanced with the additional federal and provincial government funding and report back by the beginning of October 2024; and

THAT staff report back on a storm water charge program that would compensate affected residents up to $1,000.00 per household permitting staff to advise on the maximum allocation of the program and determine whether it can be retroactive or moving forward; and

THAT The City of Mississauga Legal Services & Risk Management Division continue to address flood related inquiries by homeowners and their insurance companies as may be required.

Councillor Dasko will continue to work with staff and stakeholders on your behalf.  Please reach out if you have questions or concerns.