Ward 9 Councillor's Report for December 2015 - Vol 28
Dear Neighbour:
It has been a very busy year in Ward 9 filled with exciting events and stressful development applications. As our community ages, we are being faced with infill development that can have a lasting impact on our neighbourhoods. We are being asked to approve proposals that do not meet the City planning policies and we are restricted by the Provincial Places to Grow policies that are over-riding our own planning.
The positive of this is that hundreds of residents have become involved and motivated to protect their community and to work with me on these issues. A new residents' association has been formed which is a very good thing. I look forward to working with them on many issues.
We deliberated the 2016 budgets at the Region and City and approved a 0.9% increase at the region and a 1.6% increase at the city for an overall tax impact of a 2.5% increase. I did not support the city budget as I felt we should not be continuing to add a levy to taxpayers to fund a UTM capital project of $1 million annually. I also did not support the non union staff increase of 1.75% but Council did approve the budget with those in it.
You will see the new Stormwater charge on your Region of Peel water bills in 2016. This is money raised by the City to pay for the new and increased maintenance costs of our storm water system. This system was planned years ago to handle the 100 years storm but climate changes have resulted in this storm intensity occurring more frequently with rainfalls heavier than the system can handle. The funds raised will be dedicated only to storm water. Previously the amounts for this use on the tax bill were placed into general revenue and at risk of being used for other needs. No one likes adding fees or taxes but we have to maintain the system and that costs money. We have been lucky that we were not hit with the intense flooding as other communities in Mississauga but it could happen and we have to prevent that. Click
here for more information about the stormwater charge.
A year ago, I said my goal was to increase the dividends from Enersource (Hydro). We have just approved a merger with Powerstream and Horizon Utilities and together will be buying Brampton Hydro. This new company in which Mississauga will still be a stakeholder will result in higher dividends annually to the city and more efficiency. It will also mean lower than expected rate increases for customers. As a board member of Enersource I am excited about this new merger as it will bring positive benefits to our citizens and to the city.
At this time of year, we should count our many blessings and realize how fortunate we are to live in a country where peace is an everyday way of life. Christmas is a time of rebirth and new beginnings and as you celebrate with your family and friends, please remember those less fortunate here in our community and around the world. There are many ways you can help your neighbours and those in need.
On behalf of my family and staff, I want to wish you a very blessed and Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. Happy Hanukkah to our residents who celebrated the Festival of Light and my best wishes also go to those who observe other religious celebrations such as Kwanzaa and others.
As always, my staff and I are here to help you with any City or Regional issues. Just send me an email to
[email protected]
or call 905-896-5900 and check the Ward 9 website at
www.ward9.ca
for ongoing updates.
Click on links to go directly to the article
Ward 9 News:
Development News:
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City of Mississauga and Region of Peel Christmas and Holiday Hours of Operation
City of Mississauga administrative offices will close at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2016. A number of public and recreation services will operate on a Christmas and holiday schedule during the closure period.
A list of City services and hours of operation for the closure period can be found
here
.
Visit www.mississauga.ca for more details. For a list of city services that can be accessed online, please click here.
The
Region of Peel
offices and non-emergency services will be closed from Dec. 25, 2015 to Jan. 1, 2016, inclusive. A list of Region of Peel services and hours of operations for the closure period can be found
here.
MiWay - Click
here
for transit service levels from December 21, 2015 to January 4, 2016. Free and extended evening service is offered on New Year's Eve.
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Seniors' One Dollar MiWay Ride Extended into 2016
Last June Councillor Parrish and I moved a recommendation for a pilot project to provide seniors with a $1 fare to ride MiWay.
I also asked region staff to review including low income seniors in the Affordable Transit program we have been running for low income residents. Region staff are reviewing this and will report back in 2016.
I am pleased that City Council voted to extend the one dollar cash MiWay fare for seniors until the Region report comes forward.
The one dollar cash fare for seniors is valid on MiWay during off-peak hours:
- Weekdays from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Weekdays after 7 p.m.
- Anytime on weekends or holidays
On request, senior riders (age 65+) must present a piece of valid photo identification or a MiWay issued senior identification card to the bus driver to receive the one dollar fare.
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Natural Ice Rinks in Ward 9
The City works in cooperation with volunteer residents from the neighbourhood or community to provide the Natural Ice Rink Program.
The program provides free pleasure skating in our parks. The City supplies rink boards, huts, hoses, shovels and garbage pick-up.
The volunteer groups are responsible for flooding, and snow removal.
Please find below a list of the Natural Ice Rinks in Ward Nine:
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Charles "Bud" Brennan Memorial Park
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6181 Edenwood Drive
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Oka and Edenwood
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Quenippenon Meadows Park
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2625 Erin Centre Boulevard
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Erin Centre Blvd and Erin Mills Pkwy
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S
ettler's Green
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6440 Glen Erin Drive
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Montevideo east of Glen Erin Dr
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Promenade Meadows Park
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7099 Danton Promenade
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Danton Promenade
west
of Winston Churchill
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Our community has now received the new waste bins. A reminder that we must begin to use them starting January 4, 2016.
Residents wishing to exchange their carts will
have the ability to do so at no cost in April 2016. The $25 exchange fee per cart will be waived from April 1,
2016 to April 30, 2016. Council supported my motion to allow this exchange period at no charge.
I have already heard from a few residents that the bins are much too large for their needs. I encourage you to try the bins for the first months and then change to the size that suits you best.
Click
here
for more information on this new program.
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Syrian Refugees - How to help
I have received a number of inquiries from residents who wish to volunteer and/or make donations to assist the Syrian refugees who have already started to arrive in Canada.
Please click
here to learn how you can donate money and items such as furniture and clothing.
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Christmas Tree Collection
Place your Christmas tree at the curb on your scheduled collection day during the week of January 12, 2016.
Remove all tinsel, ornaments, plastic bags and tree stands before placing your tree on the curb.
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Proper Care for Animals in Extreme Weather
In 2014, I chaired a committee at the City to bring in new Standards of Care for pets in extreme weather. As we approach cold winter weather please remember that pet owners are required to provide proper shelter and care for their pets. The following key points in the by-law are:
Pets cannot be left outdoors during extreme weather except for brief walks or exercise unless the animal has access to adequate shelter to protect the animal.
Doghouses must be large enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, lie down and stretch its limbs to the fullest. They must be insulated; have clean dry bedding and shade; be in good repair; and comply with the City's Zoning by-law.
Animals must be out of the pen and not tethered for four hours in any 24 hour time period.
Animals must not be tethered for any longer than a total of four hours out of every 24 hours. Tethers must be at least three metres or 9.84 feet allowing the dog to move safely and unrestricted. The animal is to be in view of the owner with access to appropriate food, water shelter and shade.
Animals cannot be left unattended in automobiles if weather conditions are not suitable and may cause the animal distress.
Owners must provide veterinary care to pets to relieve distress from injury neglect or disease.
For the complete by-law click
here.
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The holiday season can be one of the happiest times of year; but, it can also be one of the most dangerous.
Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) is reminding residents the elements that make for a great festive occasion with family and friends can lead to disaster for the distracted host or party guest.
Being distracted in the kitchen is the number one cause of fires and the second leading cause of fatal fires in Ontario. These types of fires are preventable. It's everyone's responsibility to pay attention when cooking, lighting candles or smoking indoors to prevent fires from starting and ensure that everyone has the opportunity for a safe and happy holiday.
For residents interested in fire safety tips and guidance, MFES offers their Home Safe Home program free of charge. For more information about this program, click here To request a Home Safe Home visit, residents are encouraged to call Fire Headquarters at 905-615-3777.
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Keep Up-to-Date 24/7
Download the
Mississauga Roads App here
to track plows/salters traveling routes and receive alerts.
Follow on Twitter @MississaugaSnow for current conditions and progress.
Visit
here
for updates, details, routes and maps.
Call the Information Snow Line 905-615-SNOW (7669) to hear recorded information about plowing and salting during a snow event.
If there are concerns with road conditions 12-24 hours after a snowstorm ends please contact 3-1-1 or (905-615-4311 outside city limits).
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New Residents' Association formed in Meadowvale
The Meadowvale Residents Association (MRA) was inaugurated on October 7 and will be working with me and staff on various issues.
For information or to
get involved in the residents association, please email them at [email protected].
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With students from Edenwood Middle School who attended one of the Park planning meetings
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Union Gas Park at Design Stage
The plans for the new park at Tenth Line and Aquitaine are now available for the community to view and are displayed at the Meadowvale Library. You can also view them online by visiting my website at ward9.ca.
Initial work will include a temporary ice rink for this winter's use. We will be looking for nearby residents to help maintain the rink so please contact me at [email protected] if you are willing to help.
We will be incorporating almost all the ideas from our community meetings into the park design and pending the results of the contract tender, I hope we will have enough budget to also add a small dog run. I know the community is looking forward to seeing the final plans as much as I am.
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Pilot Bike Safety Signs on Meadowvale Trails
I am pleased to see the new bike warning signs that I supplied installed in our local trails around Lake Aquitaine. This is a Ward 9 pilot project and I hope to see the signs throughout the ward and city in the future.
I get many complaints about cyclists in the parks not sounding a horn or ringing their bells especially when coming up behind pedestrians. I hope that the signage will be a reminder to cyclists.
Under the Highway Traffic Act, all bikes must be equipped with a horn or bell and cyclists are required to sound them. I urge all riders to be courteous and alert pedestrians and other cyclists when you approach from behind.
Please follow these rules:
- Keep to the right of the trail
- Yield to pedestrians
- Advise when passing
- Avoid speeding
Please be careful and courteous and let people know you are approaching. This simple action can prevent injury.
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Meadowvale Community Centre Update
I took a tour of the Meadowvale Community Centre construction site on December 16th. It was wonderful to see the progress being made.
Here are a few photographs I took of the site.
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| With city staff touring the MCC site |
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| View from rear roof - shows windows overlooking the pool |
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Connect to Mississauga with the Free Pingstreet App
New App Features: Submit a Request 24/7
Parking Permits: Request a temporary parking permit for a residential street. Residents may request up to 14 permits per year.
Report a Problem: Report graffiti, sidewalk or road damage (potholes), illegal signs and abandoned shopping carts.
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Accessible Mississauga Video 2015
Learn why Mississauga is a great place to live, work, travel and play for everyone.
The City has launched its first universally accessible video featuring the unique stories of five persons with disabilities. Audiences can watch, listen and/or read as these individuals experience Mississauga through the accessibility principles of respect, inclusion, equal opportunity, dignity and independence. This video showcases the great work we have done to improve services, facilities and programs for everyone including persons with disabilities.
It was designed with many accessible features so persons of different abilities can enjoy the video at the same time. The format of the video includes accessible features like closed captioning and description.
I am very proud of this video and the fact that Ward 9 office volunteer Asim Zaidi makes his acting debut in this video. Click here to view the video
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Britannia Road Construction in 2017
The final section of Britannia Road, from Winston Churchill Blvd. to Erin Mills Parkway will be rehabilitated in 2017. This work will include
construction of a concrete sidewalk on the south side of Britannia Road from Paddle Road to Glen Erin Drive. The existing sidewalk on the north side of Britannia Road from WCB to EMP will be replaced with a 2.5 - 3.0 meter (8 - 10 foot) asphalt multi use trail.
I have asked staff to maintain the road side ditches/shallow swale along Britannia Road if possible to incorporate more environmentally friendly drainage systems.
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Ready For Winter Weather in the City
As the Winter season is upon us, I would like to share with you some timely information.
The City of Mississauga is ready for the 2015-2016 winter season.
is to ensure that emergency and public transit vehicles have safe access to routes on major roads.
The City uses a priority route system to clear and salt roads, bus stops, priority sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. We encourage residents to keep up-to-date on the City's plowing and salting to plan ahead for travel with our Mississauga Roads App and Twitter channel @MississaugaSnow.
Roads are salted if snowfall is less than 8 cm (3 in.) or plowed and salted if snowfall is more than 8cm (3 in.).
Priority roads are cleared first for emergency and transit vehicles to travel followed by local residential roads, bus stops, pedestrian crossings and priority sidewalks (around hospitals, schools and major transit routes for transit service).
Priority sidewalks, bus stops and pedestrian crossings are cleared within 24-36 hours after the end of a snowstorm.
When snowfalls are intense or of long duration it can impact the length of time it takes for our crews to get to bus stops and side roads. The priority route system we use and the winter maintenance standards help our crews manage heavy snowfalls throughout the winter.
For more information on winter maintenance click here.
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Snow Season Parking
Roads with parked cars take longer to plow or salt. Please help plows and salters by removing vehicles from roads during heavy snowfalls.
A winter on-street parking restriction is in effect in Mississauga from November 1 to March 31 between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. This restriction will be enforced in accordance with the City's
Traffic By-law.
Vehicles left on City streets will be issued a penalty notice and are subject to towing and storage fees at the expense of the owner.
For more information on the City's Traffic By-law, click here.
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Anniversary/Birthday Congratulations
If you know someone who is celebrating a milestone birthday or wedding anniversary please contact me at 905-896-5900 or email me at
[email protected]
and I would be pleased to send a letter of recognition and a small gift to commemorate the special occasion.
As well, if you would like a certificate from the Mayor to commemorate the special occasion, please click here for information on how to arrange for one. Return to top |
2700 Aquitaine Ave
The Ontario Municipal Board hearing for the application for three apartment buildings at 2700 Aquitaine has concluded and we await the decision of the board. This could take several months.
The City in opposing the application had a good strong argument and I hope the board agrees. I strongly opposed this application and it too was opposed by many residents for valid reasons.
There are several other applications that are in process right now. Please visit
ward9.ca for ongoing updates.
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6719 Glen Erin Drive
The application for 83 townhomes at 6719 Glen Erin Drive was approved by Council.
While the application does not fit with the City's Intensification policies, it does meet the provincial Places to Grow mandates and would be approved by the OMB if the City refused it.
I will work now with the applicant to ensure all concerns raised are met and the result is a compatible development.
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Remembrance Day Service at Streetsville Cenotaph
It was an honour to attend the Remembrance Day service this year at the Streetsville cenotaph. We must never forget the sacrifices
of those who fought for the freedom we take for granted.
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Mural at Erin Mills Town Centre
On November 16, I added my message to the Meeting Place mural at Erin Mills Town Centre.
Organized by the Mississauga Arts Council, it brought our community together to share their words and their drawings. I was touched by how many messages for peace were there.
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NIED Symposium
There was a good turnout at the NIED event on November 23 in Meadowvale "Motivating Mothers and Fathers"
It provided important information
and support to those with eating disorders.
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AODA 10th Anniversary Champion Award
I was so proud to have presented the AODA 10th Anniversary Champion Award at Council on December 2nd to four outstanding individuals who have worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The recipients of the award are: Diana Simpson, Clement Lowe, Aliya Yusuf and
Rabia Khedr.
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Twinster 3D Official Opening
I was pleased to officially open a new business in Ward 9. Twinster 3D Scanning opened November 25 at Erin Mills Town Centre.
Congratulations to owners Kal Elmaghrabi and Wesam Fares.
I am very happy to have them join the great Ward 9 business community.
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| With Santa and Jeff Arkell |
Annual Santa Shuffle
I was pleased to speak at the Santa Shuffle at the Cornerstone Church on December 5th. The Santa Shuffle is a 5K fun run and 1K Elf Walk.
This fun event helps The Salvation Army to assist families and individuals in need during the Christmas season and throughout the year.
Pledges raised for the Santa Shuffle support people in our community who may be struggling to make ends meet.
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Legends Row Induction Ceremony
On December 5th I had the pleasure of attending the annual Legends Row Induction ceremony.
Six new Mississauga citizens were inducted and received this honour.
I was pleased to see Bob Gillespie, former CEO of GECanada in Meadowvale inducted into Legends Row. I had the pleasure of working with Bob in a business sense and served with him on the Credit Valley Hospital Board of Governors.
The Great Chuck Ealey and well known developer and philanthropist Ignat Kaneff were both inducted.
Fran Rider put women's hockey on the map and was inducted into Legends Row. A great lady and well deserved honour.
I was very proud of our Meadowvale kids Billy Talent being inducted in Legends Row. Residents might remember them as Pezz when they were in high school.
Lastly, my good friend, the late Ron Lenyk was inducted posthumously into Legends Row. I wish he would have been with us to receive this honour. His son and daughter accepted the award and had many of us in tears.
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Brunch marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities
I attended the annual brunch on December 6th hosted by CAM-D (Canadian Association of Muslims with Disabilities). It is always an honour to help present awards to deserving volunteers.
I am always inspired by Rabia Khedr and her work on behalf of people with disabilities.
I had the honour of presenting former MP Brad Butt with a certificate of recognition on behalf of the CAMD for his support while an MP.
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Aurora Importing 60th Anniversary
I had the pleasure of joining Aurora Importing employees for their Christmas lunch on December 11 and presented a 60th Anniversary certificate to founder, Nunzio Tumino, who I have known for over 25 years and the new President Anthony Morello.
This company grew from the hard work of Nunzio and his family and has been an important part of Mississauga's business community for over 35 years.
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Lama TV Gala
I was honoured speak at Lama TV's second annual Gala on December 11.
Lama TV programming is geared toward the larger Arab community. This is a great media program reaching into the community and sharing information.
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Meadowvale Seniors' Social Club Annual Christmas Lunch
I was pleased to join the Meadowvale Seniors' Social Club once again this year for their annual Christmas Lunch.
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Turkey Drive for Eden Food for Change
Many thanks to real estate agent Colin DeCunha and all the volunteers for donating 800 turkeys to Eden Food for Change. Colin has been doing this for 10 years and is a great supporter of our food bank.
They braved the cold on December 19th to distribute them in the parking lot at Erin Meadows Community Centre.
Thank you on behalf of the food bank clients for your generosity again this year.
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New Year's Eve at Celebration Square
Mississauga Celebration Square is the place to be on Thursday December 31 starting at 8:00 pm.
The event includes a live concert featuring performances by both Grammy and JUNO Award winning artists, an impressive line-up of local talent from DJs to rising Hip Hop royalty and a late night skate party. The skating rink on the Square will close at 11:30 p.m. on December 31.
There will be food trucks and fireworks at midnight. Please click here for details.
Ride Free on Miway on New Year's Eve From 7 p.m. on December 31, 2015 to 4 a.m. January 1, 2016 Visit Miway.ca/holidayservice
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Credit Valley Horticultural Society
The Credit Valley Horticultural Society meets on Wednesday,
January 14, 2016 at 8:00 pm
at the South Common Community Centre, 2233 South Millway, Mississauga.
Pre-meeting activities start at 7:30 p.m. and include practical demos, flower shows, Master Gardener Advice Clinics and other timely activities.
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Adopt a Seniors' Home Team Challenge
Adopt a Seniors' Home - Meadowvale Minor Hockey's ME51 Atom Red issues a challenge to hockey teams across Canada to spread some hockey cheer this winter.
Many seniors would love to come to hockey games, but need to be invited and given a schedule. Larger, reputable seniors' homes have a bus, trained staff and an Activity Coordinator to transport and accompany seniors who are mobile and interested in outings.
Please contact Liz Wilson-Ciconte at [email protected] or at 905-814-5844. Click here to learn more.
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Mississauga Steelheads tickets 2 for 1
The Mississauga Steeleheads game against the Kingston Frontenacs on Sunday January 17, 2016 at 3:00 pm will be broadcast on national television on Sportsnet.
The Steelheads are offering tickets 2 for 1 for this game. There are two ways to purchase your tickets and get the 2 for 1 discount:
Online through Ticketmaster by clicking
here.
Please use the code ward9.
or
In person at the Hershey Centre, 5500 Rose Cherry Place, Mississauga, ON
If purchasing at the Box Office, you need to mention the code ward9. The Hershey Centre box office is open Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
(Please note: the box office will be closed as of Thursday Dec 24th at noon through to Sunday Dec 27, 2015.)
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Walk with me for the The Coldest Night of the Year on February 20th!
On the evening of February 20, I will be joining hundreds of residents to walk on the Coldest Night of the Year to raise funds for the Dam Youth Drop In. This is a family-friendly, fun winter fundraising event for Mississauga's homeless, hungry and hurting.
The walk begins and ends at Cornerstone Church, 3020 Vanderbilt Rd, where walkers will register, turn in the results of their fundraising efforts, and return at the end of the evening for a warm celebration meal.
I have registered my team and I am looking for residents to join me. Please click here to donate or to join my team "Pat's Plodders" and help raise money for those who need it most. You can also register your own team to help our youth here in Meadowvale by clicking here.
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STAY CONNECTED
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