Peel Regional Police Update: Warning of Blackmail, Extortion Scam Demanding Bitcoin

By Announcement

Peel Regional Police are warning the public about ongoing scams impacting residents across Peel Region and other jurisdictions.

Victims have reported receiving email correspondences from a perpetrator claiming to have acquired intimate images or personal information of a compromising nature such as evidence of adult content in your internet browser. The perpetrator(s) then demand the victim send funds to them via a Bitcoin wallet or other means or their images and information will be sent to the public or to their family.

The emails often includes personal information, such as name, address, phone number, and street-view images of your home. This information has likely been obtained via other phishing methods where perpetrator(s) send emails, texts, or other messages purporting to be from legitimate companies to induce an unsuspecting person to share personal information such as financial information or passwords.

Investigators from PRP’s Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) and Fraud Bureau are reminding the public not to share personal information or information about your computer or electronic devices:

  • Do not open emails, files, or links from unknown sources.
  • Be mindful when sharing information on social media.
  • If you have received an extortion email, do not comply with the threat. Do not continue communication.
  • If you have transferred funds, check to see if they have been collected, if not, cancel the payment.
  • Keep any and all records of any correspondence including usernames and account information.

We encourage anyone who has been a victim of this scam and incurred a financial loss, to please report it to their local police agency.

The news release, including an example of an extortion email, can be found here: https://x.com/PeelPolice/status/1837252371522478226

September 24, 2024
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Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Mississauga

By Events, Food for thought

It is a day dedicated to honouring the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

September 24, 2024

Monday, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is a day dedicated to honouring the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

The City of Mississauga joins the rest of Canada to commemorate the history and continuing impacts of this tragedy in our journey for reconciliation and fostering greater awareness within the community.

Leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City is offering a number of educational initiatives, which the community is invited to actively take part in.

  • Wear an orange shirt on September 30 and be a part of the national conversation using the hashtag #EveryChildMatters.
  • From September 28 to 30, Bradley Museum visitors can participate in a guided tour of the grounds of Bradley House and learn about the history of Indigenous Peoples in Mississauga. Staff will also share what the City is doing today to further the process of reconciliation and the 94 Calls to Action. Reserve your spot.
  • On September 30, the digital screens at Mississauga Celebration Square will display a series of short films and messages of encouragement for visitors to learn, reflect and engage in reconciliation, highlighting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and the City’s commitment to reconciliation.
  • The Mississauga Library has curated a reading list, honouring stories of the Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

City offices will be closed on Monday, September 30 to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and will reopen on Tuesday, October 1.

Additional information can be found on the City’s webpage.

September 24, 2024
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation service hours at Peel Region

By Resources

Peel Region offices and non-emergency services will be closed in observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30.

The following non-emergency services are closed on Monday, September 30 and will reopen on Tuesday, October 1, 2024:

  • Access Peel counters
  • Dental Services Contact Centre and Dental Clinics
  • Early Years and Child Care Services
  • Family Health Call Centre
  • Healthy Sexuality Clinics
  • Harm Reduction Program – Mobile Van
  • Ontario Works
  • Peel Living Office
  • Housing Services, Client Services

 

Vaccination Clinics  

Peel Public Health vaccination clinics, which offer routine school immunizations (book here) and vaccines required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (book by calling 905-799-7700) will be closed on Monday, September 30.

Early Years and Child Care Services

Early Years and Child Care Services, including Child Care Subsidy, will be closed on Monday, September 30, and will reopen on Tuesday, October 1.

Ontario Works

Ontario Works will be closed on Monday, September 30, and will reopen on Tuesday, October 1.

Emergency shelter, food, or personal support

For urgent homelessness supports, including food, supplies, referrals, and shelter, call the Street Helpline 24/7 at 1-877-848-8481. For information on emergency shelter, visit the emergency shelter web page or call 905-450-1996.

Emergency Peel Living maintenance requests

For emergency Peel Living maintenance requests, contact the 24-hour request line at 905-790-7335.

TransHelp

All trips for Monday, September 30, and Tuesday, October 1, must be booked by 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 29.

On Monday, September 30 (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation):

  • Call us at 905-791-1015 if you need to cancel your trip.
  • Flexible (same day) trips will not be provided.
  • TransHelp will operate from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
  • The TransHelp office will be closed and unable to process applications, payments, or feedback.

We offer bookings up to 7 days in advance. Consider booking your next trip early to ensure your holiday travel.  Email transhelp@peelregion.ca or call 905-791-1015 with any questions.

Public Transit

Visit Brampton Transit and Mississauga Transit for holiday schedules.

Waste Collection

There will be no change to your waste collection schedule due to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Check your collection calendar to find your pickup day or sign up to receive free waste collection reminders. 

All Community Recycling Centres are closed on Monday, September 30, and will reopen on Tuesday, October 1.

Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) 

If you are looking for a way to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, consider visiting PAMA with free admission and experience the Lii Buflo, Oh My Dog! and Sedna exhibits, as well as our pop-up banners for Youth on Reconciliation.

September 23, 2024
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World-renowned artist Saype creates land art fresco in Mississauga park

By Events, Parks

September 20, 2024

Mississauga is excited to be the latest global city to welcome international artist Saype to paint a custom land art piece. From Wednesday, September 25 to Friday, October 4, the lawn at Community Common Park will be transformed as it becomes the canvas for Saype’s newest land art painting. Saype’s land art creations are massive in scale – he will be using a three-acre space at Community Common Park to create his land art fresco in Mississauga.

Visit Mississauga works with partners to bring events and attractions to the city which align with Mississauga’s values of celebrating diversity and fostering mutual understanding. Through his art, Saype aims to break down borders and barriers and evoke a sense of mutual support and hope among mankind and across the globe.

Saype’s aligned goals and majestic artwork prompted Visit Mississauga to invite and commission Saype to create an artwork in Mississauga, and we are honoured that he accepted the invitation to share his talent with our city.

Saype has created more than 50 majestic land art artworks in cities around the world, including New York, Paris, Venice, Geneva, Cape Town, Turin, Dubai, Nairobi, Istanbul, Ouagadougou, Miami and Tokyo. His work in Mississauga will be his first in English-speaking Canada.

The biodegradable fresco paint was specially created by Saype and is designed to fade away, so visitors will have a limited time to witness this once-in-a-lifetime art installation in the heart of Mississauga.

What

See Saype in action, creating his custom land art piece in the centre of Mississauga.

Where

Community Common Park
355 Princess Royal Dr.
Mississauga, ON

When

Painting – September 25 – October 1

Viewing completed piece – October 1 – October 4

Learn more about Saype’s visit to Mississauga.

For more information about Visit Mississauga, check out visitmississauga.ca or follow Visit Mississauga on Instagram, Facebook and X for more tourism recommendations, contests and upcoming events.

About Saype

Saype is an internationally renowned artist from France who is known for creating ultra-realistic giant paintings in nature (frescoes) on the ground across the world, using biodegradable paint he invented himself. In 2019, Forbes magazine ranked him among the 30 most influential people under 30 in art and culture. Saype specializes in grass painting and ephemeral land art. Through his works he aims to capture the fragility of our societies and the challenges humanity faces, while breaking down borders and barriers and evoking a sense of mutual support and hope among mankind and across the globe.

Visit Mississauga

Visit Mississauga is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Mississauga. The organization is industry-led and responsible for developing a tourism strategy and leading tourism marketing and development efforts for Mississauga. Visit Mississauga is committed to implementing the City of Mississauga’s Tourism Master Plan, promoting local businesses and co-ordinating large-scale events within the city. Learn more at visitmississauga.ca.

Credit: SAYPE
Credit: Valentin Flauraud
Credit: Valentin Flauraud for SAYPE
September 23, 2024
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Join Eagle Spirits of the Great Waters for their 4th Annual Gathering and Healing Ceremony

By Events, Ward 1

4th Annual Gathering & Healing Ceremony

Join us this year for our 4th Annual Gathering and Healing Ceremony hosted by Eagle Spirits of the Great Waters & Cawthra Park Secondary School!

Dates: September 28th & 29th

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Cawthra Park Secondary School, 1305 Cawthra Road, Mississauga, ON Canada | L5G 4L1

Cost: Free! This is a weekend-long event, open to everyone

Highlighting Our Performers

That is not all, we also have a fantastic lineup of performers coming! Check out some of our incredible performers at our 4th Annual Gathering & Healing Ceremony!

Join us to experience Haudenosaunee Dancers, led by Courtney Thomas, Chris Warner, Ethan Warner, and Brynlee Warner, the Métis Jiggers of Ivan Fleet Memorial Dancers, and Traditional Inuit Throat Singers Natalie Ittinuar and Ethel Ford.

Highlighting Our Vendors

We have some exciting news for you! We are thrilled to welcome new vendors to our 4th Annual Gathering & Healing Ceremony. Be on the look out for some of our amazing vendors: Rainbow Sauga, kaitbeads, Bakeapple Beads, Antoine Mountain Arts, Waterfall of Wellness, and Sweet Honey Catering.

Join us on September 28th & 29th, 2024, to support and celebrate these incredible Indigenous artists!

Day One Schedule

11:00 am – Opening Ceremonies
11:30 am – Invited Speaker
12:00 pm – Grand Entry
12:15 pm – Powwow Performance
1:00 pm –  Métis Performance
1:45 pm –  Inuit Performance
2:30 pm – Mohawk Performance
3:15 pm – Invited Speaker

Day Two Schedule

11:00 am – Opening Ceremonies
11:30 – Puppet Show (Rabbit & Bear Paws)
12:00 pm – Invited Speaker
1:00 pm – Grand Entry
1:15 – Powwow Performance
2:00 pm – Métis Performance
2:45 pm – Inuit Performance
3:00 pm – Healing Ceremony
3:30pm – Long House (Mohawk) Performance
4:15 pm – Invited Speaker

As we prepare for these meaningful moments together, let us continue walking this path together, united in strength and community. We look forward to seeing you there!

September 23, 2024
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Celebrate National Forest Week this Sep-timber!

By Events, Resources, Ward 1

Watch the Ontario Tree Climbing Championships or volunteer to remove invasive plant species.

September 19, 2024

Join us in celebrating National Forest Week from September 22 to 28. Show your appreciation for Mississauga’s trees and forests and learn about the importance of Mississauga’s urban forest and natural areas and how you can aid in the protection, restoration, expansion and enhancement of the city’s natural spaces.

Watch the Ontario Tree Climbing Championships

From Friday, September 20 to Saturday, September 21, you can watch the Ontario Tree Climbing Championships at RK McMillan Park. You’ll be able to watch arborists showcase their skills, visit a tradeshow with vendors and try out tree climbing at the “Fun Climb” station under the guidance of a professional arborist.
Arborist at tree climbing competition

Get involved as a Mississauga Nature Steward

Become a Mississauga Nature Steward and help the City remove invasive plants in parks and natural areas. Participate in one of the three staff-led events this fall at a Mississauga park. At the event, you’ll learn more about invasive plant species, and how to properly remove and dispose of them while working alongside City staff and other members of the public.

The events include:

  • Sawmill Valley Trail: Saturday, September 28 | Register
  • Sawmill Valley Trail: Saturday, October 26 | Register
  • Osprey Woods: Saturday, November 2 | Register
  • Cawthra Park: Saturday, November 9 from | Register

Person removing invasive plant species

Benefits of trees

Trees and natural areas are important to Mississauga’s heritage and provide many benefits. Trees and other native perennial plants play a crucial role in combatting climate change by absorbing harmful carbon dioxide. They also act as natural coolants by providing shade in our streets, help to control floods by slowing down water flow and enhance the city’s beauty through colourful blooms and leaves.

Trees in Mississauga

Support the One Million Trees program

The City’s One Million Trees program aims to add one million more trees to Mississauga’s tree canopy by 2032. Since the program launched in 2013, more than 540,000 trees have been planted across Mississauga.

By participating in one of the City’s tree-planting events or planting trees and shrubs on your own property, you contribute to the one million tree goal. When planting a tree or shrub, consider using native species since these are best suited to Mississauga’s climate and have the most benefit for the city’s native wildlife.

Group of people planting trees

To learn more about National Forest Week or register for events, visit mississauga.ca/national-forest-week.

Learn more about forestry at mississauga.ca/forestry.

September 20, 2024
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Mississauga is growing! City launches new website to help answer planning and development questions

By Planning & Development

Mississauga is making it easier for residents to get answers to questions about housing, growth and development.

September 19, 2024

The City is launching a new online guide to help simplify planning and development topics for residents. Planning is important. It influences the quality of life and health of residents and the city’s economic growth.Planning is also complicated and can be difficult to understand. Mississauga’s new online Guide to City Planning and Development is organized around the following frequently asked topics:

  • What is city planning: Explains how planning works and why it’s so important
  • Guiding city growth: Outlines how the City plans for growth and target where it goes
  • How land gets developed: Gives an overview of the development application process
  • Development in your neighbourhood: Helps residents find information about proposed development and construction near them
  • Ways to get involved: Explains how and when residents can have their say

It also connects residents to resources like maps and data that city planners use to help guide their work.

Housing is also top of mind for many Mississauga residents. They have questions about how neighbourhoods are changing, housing affordability and the City’s role in delivering more housing. The Guide provides:

  • An overview of the City’s housing targets
  • The City’s role and plans for delivering affordable housing
  • Information about how development applications get approved

Education and providing open and transparent access to data is a primary goal in the City’s Housing Action Plan. Visit Growing Mississauga to learn more about the City’s efforts to get more homes built, streamline building approvals and make homes more affordable.

“The work we do in Mississauga’s planning and building division affects everyone who lives, works and visits the City. While planning can be complicated, it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we developed our new Guide to City Planning and Development. From housing targets to deciding where new buildings should go, it’s designed to help answer the questions we hear most from our residents and guide them through the changes they are experiencing.” -Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building, City of Mississauga

September 20, 2024
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Zero-emission transit: Mississauga launches innovative hydrogen-powered bus initiative

By Announcement

Mississauga is on track to acquire hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.

September 18, 2024

The City of Mississauga is set to become Ontario’s first municipality to pilot hydrogen fuel cell electric buses within its transit fleet. MiWay, Mississauga’s transit agency, is launching a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus project to move towards more sustainable public transit. Backed by the Federal Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF), which granted approval for funding in December 2022, the City is on track to meet the project deadline of December 31, 2025, and is looking to purchase 10 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.In July, the City issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Hydrogen Fuel Supply Options, to secure a reliable hydrogen fuel supply. The “Hydrogen-as-a-Service” (HaaS) model aims to minimize operational risks by outsourcing hydrogen production, distribution, and dispensing infrastructure operations. There were nine submissions are under review from organizations interested in supplying hydrogen to the City. These proposals are currently under evaluation. The cost of hydrogen fuel will be requested and covered within the 2026 Operating Budget.

Sourcing and funding for the new buses

New Flyer Industries, from Winnipeg, is the only manufacturer in Canada that produces hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs). A Council request has been made to ask for approval to source these buses from New Flyer, exclusively.

Around $20 million is being set aside to purchase 10, 40-foot hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. Up to $10 million is expected to be reimbursed through the ZETF, which covers 50 per cent of eligible project costs.

MiWay has requested an extra $500,000 to upgrade important facilities, including the Malton Transit and Central Parkway Body sites to support the new hydrogen buses.

Climate mitigation through MiWay’s transit fleet

If Council approves the initiative, it will support the City’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), to reduce corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, and 80 per cent by 2050. It will also showcase Mississauga’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions and furthering Mississauga’s role as a leader in sustainable transit solutions.

MiWay is Ontario’s third-largest municipal transit service provider. Nearly 60 per cent of MiWay’s buses are hybrid-electric. These buses resulted in a 30 per cent reduction in diesel fuel consumption per year and 5,134,000 kilograms (5,134 tonnes) of avoided GHG emissions per year.

Recently the City became an associate member of the Canadian Hydrogen Association. This a national, non-profit association that represents industry, academia, end-users and other stakeholders in Canada’s hydrogen sector. The City is also working to establish a hydrogen network (hub) that will bring together key players to promote and create a local hydrogen ecosystem (e.g. fuel, fuelling infrastructure, equipment, trucks and buses) to reduce GHG emissions reductions. The hub will also drive technological advancements, increase local jobs and grow the economy.

Hydrogen is a cleaner fuel option that offers a better alternative to diesel. Hydrogen-electric technology is one option that can work towards a zero-emission bus fleet. With Council’s approval, MiWay will become the first transit agency in Ontario to pilot this innovative hydrogen FCEB technology, setting the stage for transit fleet decarbonization and positioning itself as an industry leader.

The corporate report will go to Council next week, on September 25, for final approval.

“MiWay is taking big steps towards transitioning to a zero-emission transit with major investments in our fleet. Since 2019, MiWay has been working to replace its diesel buses and bring lower emission vehicles in addition to now piloting and investing in new vehicle technologies like hydrogen fuel cell electric buses to meet the targets set out in the CCAP.”– Eve Wiggins, Director, Transit, City of Mississauga/MiWay

A green and white hydrogen fuel cell electric bus with "xcelsior CHARGE FC" branding and the slogan "Welcome to cleaner, smarter mobility.
An example of a hydrogen fuel cell electric bus.
September 19, 2024
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Bus Stop Impacts – Dundas Street East (Stop #0874)

By Resources, Ward 1

Please be advised that stop #0874 on WB Dundas Street at Universal Drive will be out of service effective immediately until end of day Thursday September 19 for construction works.

Patrons will be directed to the previous stop #0873 at Southcreek Road which is approximately 250 metres east.

Stop #0874 is serviced by Route 1/1C West with continued accessible bus service at Stop #0873.

September 18, 2024
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Notification of an invasive species stewardship event in your ward.

By Parks, Ward 1

Upcoming invasive species stewardship event in your ward this Fall.

Event Location: Cawthra Park

Event Date and Time: Saturday, November 9 from 10:00am to 12:00pm

Activity: Removing invasive groundcovers

Event Link

These events support the City’s Invasive Species Management Plan and Implementation Strategy, which aims to reduce the abundance of Invasive Species in Mississauga’s natural areas and collaborate with Mississauga residents to increase the success of invasive species projects.

September 18, 2024
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