Issues

Dec 09 2020
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COVID-19 Lockdown: Sweet Home Mississauga – How to Safely Enjoy the Holiday Season

By Covid-19, Issues

December 9, 2020

Although the message from the Government of Ontario is focused on staying home to stay safe over the holidays, that certainly doesn’t mean boredom needs to set in.

The City of Mississauga is offering many virtual options this winter that are not only engaging and entertaining but will also get families and individuals up and moving.

“We all know that the holidays are going to look very different this year and that some of our annual holiday traditions have to be adjusted,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “But I encourage residents to make new traditions this year, perhaps by exploring a new hobby or catching up on personal interests that help keep you motivated and active. Regardless of what it is, please celebrate safely.”

While Mississauga is in the Grey-Lockdown phase of the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, it’s important to become familiar with both the activities that will keep the City in this zone and the behaviours that will help Mississauga emerge from the grey.

“The message is simple, only celebrate in-person with the people you live with and celebrate virtually with everyone else,” said Mayor Crombie. “Avoid parties and large dinners with guests and think of new ways to make the holidays special while remaining safe.”

Naughty list

As part of the Lockdown measures, the following are not permitted in Peel Region, which includes Mississauga:

  • Indoor social gatherings, except for a gathering of members of a single household or a gathering that includes members of a household and one other person from outside that household who lives alone.
  • Outdoor gatherings are permitted with 10 people or less with physical distancing.

Nice list

Mississauga is making it easy to keep residents on the nice list this year by offering plenty of fun activities that can be done from the comfort and safety of home sweet home.

At-home learning, entertainment and fitness options that will fit in any stocking

Current interests and new hobbies

  • The Mississauga Symphony Orchestra will be livestreaming its holiday concert on Sunday, December 20
  • A virtual tour of the WAR Flowers exhibition is available. WAR Flowers is an exhibit focused on 10 flowers picked by Canadian soldier Lieutenant-Colonel George Stephen Cantlie during the First World War. The virtual tour includes Cantlie’s letters, specially commissioned optical crystal sculptures and original flower-based scents, interwoven with the personal stories of 10 Canadians directly involved in the war.
  • In support of the WAR Flowers exhibition, an online speaker series will also be available. participants in the series include:

o   Viveka Melki and Alexander Reford on Creating WAR Flowers

o   Lawrence Hill in conversation with Natasha Henry in an Online Author’s Talk

o   Darin Wybenga on the Veterans of the Mississaugas of the Credit

o   Pardeep Singh Nagra on Brothers in Arms – The Sikhs in WWI

o   Matthew Wilkinson on Our Boys – Mississauga Remembers the First World War

Staying apart, together

  • Starting on December 10, the Museums of Mississauga will be spreading holiday cheer virtually, with bake-along videos and downloadable recipes of classic Christmas desserts including gingerbread and Christmas pudding.
  • Story time with family has always been a favourite, safe holiday activity. To keep this warm tradition alive, starting the week of December 14, Mississauga Library will feature five live story times and will be posting short holiday-themed videos on the City’s YouTube channel. The story times and videos will feature songs, stories and rhymes with broad and inclusive festive themes. The story times will be live on the Mississauga Library Facebook channel and will remain on the site for one week following the live airing.

Entertain me

  • Need music and movies to make the holiday season merrier? Mississauga Library can grant that streaming wish with Hoopla. Hoopla has all members of the family covered so no one can complain they’re bored this winter. From holiday movie favourites, Christmas romance classics and kid-friendly comedies to memorable holiday tunes, classic, seasonal jazz and family celebration books, this holiday is going to be an unforgettable one.
  • Mississauga Celebration Square invites residents to ring in 2021 in style at home with a special New Year’s Eve playlist available December 31 on Spotify and Apple Music. The “♥MCS NYE Playlist” will feature this year’s top tracks, including music from Mississauga artists. Listeners are encouraged to tag @mcsevents in all social posts when sharing the playlist from December 31 to January 3 for a chance to win a $100 Tim Horton’s gift card.

Active and relaxed

  • Mississauga’s Recreation Division has developed their Stay Home Stay Active program designed to get every member of the family up and moving or calm and relaxed depending on your holiday state of mind. Check the site for workouts, meditation and movement, nutrition and lifestyle tips and virtual activities for older adults.
  • If extra encouragement is needed, the City’s recreation team offers live Virtual Fitness Classes with certified fitness instructors. Try one class or join for all the sessions, there’s something for everyone ranging from beginners to advanced fitness levels.
  • Don’t close the Stay Home Stay Active webpage without first checking out the Family Fun Corner to see all of the creative and easy recreational activities that can be done at home.

Worship safely

  • Attend holiday services virtually or by livestream only.

Gifts and donations

  • Shop local and support small businesses. Ask about curbside pick-up, delivery, and online shopping options.
  • If you’re sharing gifts with people outside your home, exchange online gifts to avoid physical contact. Check #MississaugaMade for options.
  • Not only is buying local great and necessary for the city’s small businesses, with the help of a new contest, it’s also an amazing option for the buyer. From now until December 30, shoppers who buy or order from local businesses either online or in-person can enter for a chance to win one of 20 $100 VISA pre-paid gift cards. Shoppers enter online and indicate which local business they supported.

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

Dec 08 2020
Love0

Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area Update

By Events, Issues, Planning & Development

We’re making great progress creating #JimToveyLakeviewCA! This area will become the forested zone with over 5,000 trees & shrubs planted by @CVC_CA staff in fall. In the distance, the newly created Serson creek channel and wetlands are coming to life.

Footage by @dclarkeuavpilot

Dec 07 2020
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MIWAY NOTICE – Upcoming MiWay Service and Fare Changes Starting Dec. 21, 2020

By Events, Issues, Resources

MiWay will be implementing a series of upcoming service changes over the next month – the most notable being that 11 MiWay routes will now be anchored at the new Kipling Bus Terminal, instead of the TTC Islington Subway Station, starting on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. This Metrolinx facility is located at Dundas Street and Subway Crescent in Toronto.

In 2021, MiWay fares will remain unchanged and customers are encouraged to use PRESTO as a contactless form of payment. As of January 1, 2021, paper tickets will no longer be accepted; MiWay will continue to accept Special Purpose tickets, which are used by charitable and not-for-profit organizations, school boards, food banks, and social services clients.

Service Changes starting Dec. 21, 2020

Holiday service changes:
Starting Monday, December 21, 2020 to Sunday, January 3, 2021, MiWay schedules will be adjusted and customer service hours will be modified. Extended evening service and free rides on New Year’s Eve will not be offered due to COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings. MiWay will continue to provide regular Saturday and Sunday service on weekends during this time.

Some routes will operate with less frequent weekday service (based on reduced customer demand) and the following routes will not operate:

  • 104 Derry Express;
  • 107 Malton Express (service suspended as of Dec. 7 due reduced demand during the COVID-19 grey level lockdown); and
  • All 300-series school routes (some school routes suspended as of Dec. 7 due reduced demand during the COVID-19 grey level lockdown).

Some routes operate on a reduced holiday schedule (based on reduced customer demand) and the following routes will not operate on Christmas and New Year’s Day:

  • 6 Credit Woodlands;
  • 35 Eglinton;
  • 46 Tenth Line-Osprey;
  • 48 Erin Mills; and
  • 68 Terry Fox.

Customer Service will have modified hours of operation as follows:

From Monday, Dec. 21, 2020 to Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, Customer Service will be available on the phone at 905-615-4636 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily including Christmas and New Year’s Day.

City Centre Transit Terminal – Information Booth:

Weekday Holiday hours of operation
Monday to Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas and New Year’s Day Closed
Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

City Centre Transit Terminal – Fares Booth:

Weekday Holiday hours of operation
Monday to Thursday 11:15 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Christmas and New Year’s Day Closed
Saturday and Sunday Closed

Information with more details for customers is available at www.miway.ca/holidayservice.

Dec 04 2020
Love0

Virtual Community Town hosted by 11 Division Auto Unit: re: High-end Vehicle Thefts & Crime Prevention – December 16th

By Events, Issues

Please find below details for an upcoming Virtual Town Hall that Peel Regional Police has organized with myself and other Councillors, regarding the recent vehicle thefts here in Mississauga.

Peel Regional Police’s 11 Division Auto Unit would like to invite you to a virtual Town Hall on:

Wednesday, December 16th, 2020

6:30pm – 8:00pm.

Topics will include recent high-end vehicle thefts from Peel Region. Crime Prevention Services will be in attendance to provide safety and prevention tips. The Town Hall will offer the opportunity to discuss recent vehicle theft trends and will be followed by a Q&A session with Peel Police and City Councillors.

For more information on the recent arrests and on these thefts, please see the press release sent out by Peel Regional Police here.

If you would like to participate in the Virtual meeting on December 16th at 6:30 pm, please see the details below:

Join by video system

Dial 1782176540@peelpolice.webex.com

You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number (178 217 6540)

Join by phone

+1-416-915-6530 Canada toll

Access code: 178 217 6540

To join to virtually on December 16th at 6:30 pm, please click on the link below:

https://peelpolice.webex.com/webappng/sites/peelpolice/meeting/download/24e2f39c65f34c40a12473fefbd0f12a?siteurl=peelpolice&MTID=mbd167697d16ade95dc770689834e51eb

Dec 04 2020
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PRE-DESIGN FIELD INVESTIGATION – LAKESHORE CORRIDOR

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 04, 2020

PRE-DESIGN FIELD INVESTIGATION

LAKESHORE CORRIDOR FROM JACK DARLING PARK TO ELMWOOD AVENUE

What are we doing?

  • Performing field investigation services along the Lakeshore Road corridor between Elmwood Avenue and Jack Darling Park.
  • Work involves utility stakeouts, boreholes, surveying and photographing assets in the project area as well as test pits to confirm utility locations.

Why?

  • To determine soil conditions and verify the location of existing underground and above ground utilities along the Lakeshore corridor for design and construction of future Regional infrastructure

When?

  • We expect to start work on or about December 14, 2020.
  • The project should be completed by December 31, 2021.

What to Expect

  • Minor traffic disruptions.
  • Working hours are Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm.
  • There may be occasional Saturday work from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Construction project updates can be found at peelregion.ca/construction .

Dec 04 2020
Love0

Learn about Mississauga’s Transit and Road Infrastructure Plan at a Virtual On-Demand Meeting

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 4, 2020

How do you make your trip into, around or out of Mississauga? The City of Mississauga is doing a study to develop a long-term plan for its transit and road network – Transit and Road Infrastructure Plan (TRIP). The study will look at transit and road infrastructure priorities to meet the needs of Mississauga residents, businesses and visitors, now and into the future.

A virtual on-demand meeting is now live (until December 20) for the public to provide input 24/7 – on topics such as the modes of transportation they use to the issues they face on the road. Project information and materials are also available for the public to learn more about the study.

What:

Virtual on-demand meeting: mississaugatrip.ca

Who:

  • Transit and road users, including cyclists and pedestrians
  • Community groups
  • Stakeholder groups
  • Residents, business owners, workers and visitors of Mississauga

When:

The virtual on-demand meeting is now open until December 20, 2020.

Background

In 2019, Council approved Mississauga’s Transportation Master Plan – an overarching guide on the future of transportation in Mississauga. The City of Mississauga has now initiated the Transit and Road Infrastructure Plan study to help achieve the City’s transportation vision. The study will complement other infrastructure plans and guidelines including the Cycling Master Plan, the Pedestrian Master Plan and the Changing Lanes study.

Learn more about the Transit and Road Infrastructure Plan and sign up for email updates by visiting the public engagement page: yoursay.mississauga.ca/transit-and-road-infrastructure-plan

 

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Dec 03 2020
Love0

Region of Peel Remains Committed to Continuous Improvement

By Issues

December 3, 2020

The Region of Peel continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing services that are effective and efficient, which provide value for the residents’ tax dollars. This commitment ensures that the Region remains innovative in order to improve community outcomes.

The Region developed a Continuous Improvement Program to ensure client needs and user experiences are the focus of improvement initiatives which help to save and avoid costs. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the Region to find ways to adapt and transform service delivery to ensure the health and safety of the community, while continuing to drive positive outcomes.

Over the past 11 months, 40 improvement initiatives were completed – with cost savings of $2.47 million and cost avoidance of $3.91 million. Some of the initiatives completed include:

  • Leveraging existing channels to deliver Peel Infant Parent Program (PIPP) and the Learning in Our Neighborhood (LION) programs through EarlyON service providers resulting in a cost avoidance of $639,000;
  • Achieving $364,000 cost avoidance using Call Back Technology and avoiding the hiring of additional staff to maintain service levels with COVID-19 inquiries;
  • Shifting to on-line education and outreach to students in the Waste service, saving $350,000 annually;
  • Removing generators in Suite A and using an oversized generator in Suite B to power up both buildings to 100 per cent capacity, resulting in $700,000 in capital savings;
  • Managing external Legal resources roster with $85,000 in cost avoidance;
  • Achieving $360K cost savings for the procurement of energy with multiple suppliers vs. single supplier and an estimated $170,000 cost avoidance through the benefit of competitive supplier prices; and,
  • Achieving $261,000 cost avoidance in time saved through an improved on-boarding process.

The financial benefits achieved from the program will be reflected in the 2021 budget report to Council on Jan. 28, 2021.

“Reducing the need for increased taxes on residents and businesses in Peel, while ensuring that services are delivered effectively and efficiently is what the Region of Peel strives for,” said Kathryn Lockyer, Interim Commissioner of Corporate Services. “These initiatives lead to improved client experience, enhanced staff well-being, and positive community outcomes, which all contribute to the Region’s vision to build a Community for Life in Peel.”

“Due to the immediate challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, new process adaptions were identified and implemented. Throughout this challenging year, 40 Continuous Improvement Initiatives were completed with $2.47M in cost savings and $3.91M in cost avoidance,” said Stephen Van Ofwegen, Commissioner of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. “The Region has remained committed to delivering services that provide value to taxpayers.”

 

Dec 02 2020
Love0

COVID-19 Lockdown: How to Stay Safe in Mississauga While Accessing the Outdoors

By Covid-19, Issues

December 2, 2020

As part of the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework Mississauga residents are reminded that it is crucial they stay home and limit close contact to their households, only leaving their homes except for essential reasons.

In terms of necessity, exercise and focusing on mental health remains a priority, even while lockdown measures are in place.

“As both COVID-19 fatigue and positive cases continue to rise, it is essential that all Mississauga residents do everything they can to stay safe while still looking after their physical and mental health,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “With more than 500 parks in Mississauga, there is plenty of space for families from the same households and individuals to get outside and get some fresh air and exercise.”

As close contact increases the highest risk of COVID-19 transmission, it is crucial that residents observe outdoor etiquette to help keep everyone safe. This includes keeping their distance from others and passing safely while using the same trails and pathways. Also, even when outdoors, wear a face covering if physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Local outdoor amenities available this winter

Mississauga Celebration Square (MCS)

MCS has transformed into the Great Bright North with vibrant and festive lighting. An example of one new lighting installation is Chimes. Every movement of the central wind chime triggers an unique light and sound reaction in this 7,000 sq. ft. artwork. Chimes is a creation of Collectif Blackbox and a coproduction of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and Spectra (Illuminart). It was created for the Fête des Lumières of Lyon in 2017 and is being displayed for the first time in the GTA at MCS.

Guests planning to walk through the Square must keep within their household groups and maintain a safe physical distance of two metres at all times.

Community Outdoor and Natural Rinks

Skating can take place at one of 26 outdoor ice rinks, including those highlighted below. The outdoor community rinks are free to the public and open daily from sunrise to 11 p.m., weather permitting.

  1. Mississauga Celebration Square – Opening in December. There are currently no restrictions or pre-reservation requirements in place. Public washrooms on Celebration Square will be open to the public. The Celebration Square ice rink will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  2. Burnhamthorpe Community Centre Outdoor Rink – Opening by Monday December 7, weather permitting. The rink will be open to the public Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop-in skating activities are being planned and pre-reservation will be applicable for each activity at activemississauga.ca. Change rooms will be not be available at this location. Public washroom access will be available.
  3. Woodhurst Outdoor Rink – Opening mid-December, weather permitting. The rink will be open to the public Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop-in skating activities are being planned and pre-reservation will be applicable for each activity at activemississauga.ca. Change rooms will be not be available at this location.

View the full list of natural ice rinks here

Trails

The majority of the City’s trails receive regular winter maintenance and can be safely used and explored by outdoor enthusiasts. However, trails that do not receive winter maintenance are still used in the snowy months by residents who enjoy activities including snowshoeing and deep-snow hiking. This year, the City will be adding additional woodchips to the woodlot trails to help with traction. The trails will also be marked for winter use.

Available Park Amenities

The below park amenities will be open this year for use by the community. Visit the City’s interactive map to search for a park by location or filter parks for specific features, including those listed below:

  • Leash-free zones
  • Toboggan hills
  • Boxed soccer (pitches will be left unlocked for community use)
  • Outdoor sport courts
  • Playgrounds
  • Picnic shelters
  • Outdoor fitness equipment
  • Secondary sports fields
  • Artificial fields (will be left unlocked for community use)

Public Washrooms

Park washrooms designed for year-round use will remain open this season with enhanced cleaning practices. Also, many of the parks and trails connect into local community centres and/or arenas that are normally open for washroom access. Local food establishments normally available within community centres and arenas will remain closed at this time.

Year round washrooms can be found at the below locations.

  1. Lakeside Park
  2. Jack Darling Memorial Park (adjacent to the leash-free area)
  3. Marina Park (inside the lighthouse)
  4. R.K. McMillan Park
  5. Erindale Park
  6. Father Angelos Saad Community Park (formerly known as Fallingbrook Park)
  7. Garnetwood Park
  8. Mount Charles Park
  9.       Community Common Park
  10. Mississauga Celebration Square
  11. The Riverwood Conservancy (inside the Visual Arts Mississauga building)

In addition to the year-round washrooms mentioned above, portable washrooms will also be placed later this month in high-demand locations and key trail areas. These washrooms will be in place until indoor amenities open for public access. The washrooms will be winterized and accessible and will be located in areas that receive winter maintenance. Portable washroom locations can be found in the list below.

For information on health and safety recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

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