pat.saito@mississauga.ca                        905-896-5900                      ward9.ca  
In This Issue
Other Upcoming Events
National Youth Week 
May 1 - 7, 2018
            
Formerly referred to as "Rebel", National Youth Week is dedicated to the celebration of youth and their active participation in the community. 
 
A number of FREE activities and events organized "by youth for youth" will be taking place at community centres and libraries across the city including the two community centres in Ward 9 - Erin Meadows and Meadowvale.  
 
Click here for the full schedule of events.  You can also follow along on social media using #NYW905.
Carassauga  celebrates its 33rd Anniversary this year.  It
 is the largest multicultural Festival in Ontario and is now recognized as the 2nd largest cultural Festival in Canada.  

This year, over 70 countries represented at 31 Pavilion Locations and runs May 25, 26 & 27, 2018.  Click here for info on how to purchase a Carassauga passport.


The Backyard Farm and Market is located on the northeast corner of Erin Mills Parkway and Eglinton.  They are holding their AGM on  Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon at 2475 Eglinton Ave W, in the Daniels Presentation Centre. 
Click here for more info.
2018 Ice Show "Aladdin"  
Streetsville Meadowvale Skating Club is proud to present their 2018 Ice Show "Aladdin" with three performances at Iceland Arena, 705 Matheson Blvd E. on Saturday May 26th (1:30 and 7:00pm) and Sunday May 27th  (1:30 pm).  

The guest skater is once again Roman Sadovsky, a former SMFSC skater and current Canadian National Team Member.  Click here to purchase tickets.
Plant Sale  
The Streetsville Horticultural Society is holding it's 2018 Annual Plant sale on Saturday May 26, 2018 from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm at the Leslie Log Cabin, 4415 Mississauga Rd.  Go early for best selections.  Click here for more info.
Parkrun every Saturday 
Looking for a way to exercise? Join Parkrun every Saturday morning. Meet at Lake Aquitaine behind the Community centre. Run or walk 5 k or less and go at your own pace. Its free and fun!!! Register at http://parkrun.ca  to have your times recorded.
The Dam will be hosting a community BBQ on Eden United Church lawn on Wednesday June 13, 2018 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for students walking home after school.
Race Against Racism 
Please consider participating in or donating to the Peel Regional Polcie 18th Annual Race Against Racism which takes place on Saturday June 18, 2018 at Mississauga Valley Community Centre.  This  5 km walk, run or stroller roll event starts at 8:45 am and the race starts at 10 am. Click here for more details.
  Please join me at the annual Riders Against Hunger in support of Eden Food for Change which takes place on Saturday August 19, 2017 at 8:00 am. at the Garry W. Morden Centre, 7535 Ninth Line. For event details, click here .
 
For a full list of shows and to purchase tickets at the Living Arts Centre, click here or call the Box Office at 905-306-6000.  
The 2017-2018 season offers great performances including Music Theatre Mississauga which will be presenting its 25th season of the Encore Series. To buy tickets, click here.
Low Cost Fitness Programs Offered at Meadowvale West Church Centre             

Low Cost fitness programs are being offered by St. Francis of Assissi Anglican Church located at the Meadowvale West Church Centre at 6945 Meadowvale Town Centre Circle.  Click
here for more information.
Quick Links and Updates
Wildlife Information 
 
    
Please be aware and keep your pets on leash.   Click here to learn how you can protect yourself, your family and your pets.

2018 Visitor Guide

The city's tourism visitor guide for 2018 is out!  Whether you're hosting friends and family or looking for something to do, the Visitor Guide is your go-to for local events, festivals, restaurants and attractions.  Click here to learn more.
Renovating This Spring? You Might Need a Permit

If you're planning a home renovation project, find out if you need a building permit before you start the work. Click
here for more information.
Need Temporary Parking For Your Guests?

You can request a free temporary short-term parking permit through the City's website.  Click
here for more information.
Parking Permitted on Glen Erin Dr and Battleford Rd
           
Due to construction of a new parking garage at 2869 Battleford Rd, some residents of this building will be without parking spots.  Construction started on  October 2, 2017 and is expected to end on June 1, 2018.  Parking is being permitted on Glen Erin Dr between Aquitaine and Battleford.  Parking is also being permitted on  the north side of Battleford Rd between Miller's Grove and Edenwood Dr.
 
Did you know that it's the property owner's responsibility to cut and maintain tall grass? As per the Nuisance Weed and Tall Grass by-law, grass is not to exceed 8 inches/20 centimetres in height.  Click above for more information.  
 
Encroachment is any use of City-owned land by individuals for their own purposes. Property owners cannot intrude on the ground space of an adjacent City-owned property like parklands, greenbelts, road allowances and easements as per By-law 0057-04 .   Click above for more information.  

Safe City Mississauga's Neighbourhood Watch is a no-cost program to educate residents and mobilize communities for the purpose of crime prevention. 

Neighbourhoods are safest when people know who their neighbours are and this program is an excellent way to get your neighbours working together, staying in contact and having fun. Click above  for more information.
Community organizations can request recognition either through a flag raising or lighting of the Civic Centre clock tower.  Click above for more info.
Click above to download the app.  Using a smartphone, residents can now report on five new issues under the "Report a Problem" button using the free mobile app Ping!:
  • Three hour parking violations on a City street
  • Abandoned shopping carts on private property
  • Damaged trees on City property
  • Dead/unhealthy trees on City property
  • Request pruning of a City owned tree
  Miway Logo
 

 
 
Click here to use MiWay's Trip Planner   to plan your route and get real time trip updates or call 905-615-INFO (4636).
 
The  online construction map showcases the City's project information, as well as the Region of Peel and Ministry of Transportation construction work.   Click above  to see the construction map.

Please consider adopting a pet from the city's Animal Services. 

Click above to see animals that are waiting for their forever home.
Assistance for Low Income Seniors and People with Disabilities  
  
              
Click here for information on financial assistance programs available to Older Adults offered by the City of Mississauga, the Region of Peel, the Province of Ontario and Federal Income programs.
The City of Mississauga now offers property owners the convenience of viewing their interim and final property tax bills online through e-bill. Click above for more info.
City Offers Free Simplified Tax Receipts Online 

I am pleased that at my request, the city now offers property owners the convenience of viewing and printing a Simplified Tax Receipt online at no cost. Property owners can submit a request for a Simplified Tax Receipt through the City's Tax Self-Service Centre website for the current year and one year prior.

Click above to download and print your schedule. You can also update your electronic calendar.  
    EFFC
Please remember to help those in need.
  The Dam
Please support the Dam Youth Drop-In by making a donation. 
Meadowvale Residents' Association - MRA

For information or to  get involved in the residents' association, please click here to send an email. 

You can also visit their website and like their Facebook page.

With members of the MRA
   Be A Donor
Help save the life of someone waiting for an organ. One donor could save 8 lives! 
April 30, 2018
Dear Neighbour: TopofPage

Now that the weather is finally leaning towards springtime, I hope we can put the terrible April Ice Storm weekend behind us.

I want to thank all of the residents who helped us literally weather the storm.  This was no ordinary storm.  Our community was hit with rain, freezing rain and snow making clearing the icy slush nearly impossible.  Our staff were in Emergency Management mode as we had extensive flood warnings coupled with the storm.  In addition, our snow clearing contracts had ended the previous week and instead of the usual 377 pieces of equipment available for winter maintenance activities, we only had 153 pieces of equipment available or 41% of our normal capacity.  As you can also understand the crews worked round the clock and this further limited the service levels.

The decision was made to only plow major roads for two reasons.  First given the weight of the ice and snow, plows would have blocked driveways on residential streets.  In Kitchener, where they did plow the roads residents found it almost impossible to get out of their driveways through the wall of snow and ice. Secondly there was a fear of blocking catch basins and causing local flooding.  As Councillor, I initially questioned this decision but have to agree that they made the right choice.

We were also unable to pre-treat the roads with salt or brine as the rain would just wash it away...that is the problem when we are hit with such a mix of weather conditions.  Council held a full review and update after the event and I asked staff if they were looking at extending the end date of the contracts in future given the unusual weather we have been having.  This will be reviewed and a report will come to Council for the 2019 winter season.

On a happier note, I am thrilled that we had 110 people nominated for my Ward 9 Volunteer award.  I look forward to thanking them personally at my reception on May 9.  Watch for nominations to open for the 2019 awards later this year. 

In the event that you are unable to view this e-newsletter please note that there is always a link on the front page of my website.

As always, my staff and I are here to help you with any City or Regional issues.  Just send me an email to  pat.saito@mississauga.ca or call  905-896-5900 and check the Ward 9 website at  ward9.ca for ongoing updates.



Community Workshops for
Re-Imagining the Mall 
 
         
Thank you to the many residents who attended the two workshops for Reimagining the Mall.  I was so pleased at the turnout and the excellent discussion and ideas that were shared.

O
n March 26 we discussed the Erin Mills Town Centre on April 12, we discussed the Meadowvale Town Centre.  As we continue to work on a visioning for our malls in Ward 9 we are still looking for your comments and ideas.  For more information on the project and to provide your feedback, click
here .  
Basketball Court at Meadowvale Community Centre being Renovated
            
As you may have noticed the basketball court at the  Meadowvale Community Centre is closed until early June for renovations. 
 
The location of the court was creating several safety concerns including players over running the end of the court and balls bouncing onto the pathway.  I had suggested to staff at  that we needed a high fence along the court to keep balls inside.  They have been reviewing my suggestion along with other options and advised that they felt the best solution was to move the court further from the pathway.

The cost of the renovation is $148,000 and is part of the overall building construction budget.  This decision balanced the cost of $50,000 for the type of fencing required for a public use and the fact it would have to be maintained and replaced every 3-4 years due to wear and tear. 
Over the lifespan of the facility, the action taken was determined to be the most cost effective.

I know this will be a major inconvenience for the many people who use the courts and I thank you for your patience. 
Accessible Doors installed at Civic Centre
            
I was pleased to join my fellow Council representative on the Accessibility Advisory Committee,  Matt Mahoney to unveil the new fully accessible doors at city hall.  
 
I am proud to work on the Accessibility Advisory Committee alongside dedicated citizen members who work hard with Matt and me and staff to help remove barriers for everyone in Mississauga. 
Open House on May 12 celebrates Mississauga Fire Department 50th Anniversary             

This is a very exciting year for our wonderful men and women at Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services.  We are celebrating the 50th Anniversary and the public is invited to join us for a big celebration.

We want the residents of Ward 9 and beyond to celebrate with us and visit our wonderful fire training centre, the Garry W. Morden Training Centre in Ward 9.  Six years ago, we held an Open House to open the centre and the community enjoyed watching demos by Fire, Police and our armed forces.   This year in recognition of the 50th Anniversary, we are hosting another Open House and you are all invited. 
 
The Open House is on Saturday May 12, 2018  from 10 am to 2 pm.  The Garry W. Morden Centre is located at 7535 Ninth Line just north of Argentia Road.

It will be an exciting celebration with something for everyone.  There will be live demonstrations of various firefighting activities, a n interactive "Escape Room" and Peel Regional Police will be demonstrating high speed chases.  You can browse displays by the Toronto Scottish Regiment and enjoy free food and giveaways.  As always I will be giving out my free popcorn.   There will also be a "selfie station" and we will be using the hashtag #MFES50 through the day.   So mark the date on your calendar and bring the family for a fun day. 
New Pathway Lighting for Ward 9 Parks  
            
As part of our capital lifecycle replacement projects, two Ward 9 park trails, Windwood and Bell Harbour, are scheduled to have their existing pathway lighting replaced with new poles, bases, wiring and LEDs over the next several months.

It is anticipated that this project will be completed by the end of Fall 2018.  Existing light standards will remain intact and functional until the new light poles and fixtures are installed and functional.
 
I am excited that, as part of this project, the first City of Mississauga Solar PV (photovoltaic) system will be installed at Duncairn Downs Park. This is a 'pilot" project with a system that employs solar panels and advanced control technology to conserve energy when the pathway is not being used, while providing the requisite amount of illumination while in use. The project is expected to reduce light pollution and the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.
 
Please note the schedule may be altered due to inclement weather and unforeseen site conditions.  During this time, access to portions of the parks and trails will have periodic disruptions as construction progresses.  The contractor will install appropriate signage and hoarding to protect residents from the work.
 
Battleford Community Recycling Centre Begins extended hours
            
From May 1 through October 31, 2018 the Region's Battleford Community Recycling Centre moves to extended hours and will be open Mondays to Thursdays until 8:00 p.m.
 
At a CRC, you can:
  • drop off gently used items in good working condition for reuse,
  • safely dispose of household hazardous waste,
  • recycle acceptable materials, and
  • dispose of any excess garbage after you have reduced and recycled what you can.
For more information on these programs - and for maps and locations of all of the Region's CRCs - visit peelregion.ca/waste. 
 
Waite Family Farm Posts at Glen Eden Park
            
If you have visited Glen Eden park you may have noticed  the stone gates pictured in the photo.  I get many inquiries from residents about what these stone pillars are and as a result I am arranging to have a plaque erected to provide their history.
 
The stone pillars are the last remnants of the Waite family farm. Isaac Waite was born in Cumberland, England in 1815 and leased the 200-acre Clergy Reserve here in 1842. 
 
He acquired the property from The Crown in 1846 and donated a small portion of the farm in 1868 for the building of a new Eden Methodist Church. Following Isaac's death in 1876, the  property was left to his wife Ann (nee Brown). Isaac and Ann had eleven children. 
 
The farm passed to their son Alfred George Waite (1863-1947) in 1886. In 1947, the farm was transferred to Alfred's son, Elmer Lloyd Havelock Waite (1892-1965). After three generations and over 100 years on the property, Elmer sold the farm in 1959. These stone pillars are all that is left of the original gates and were likely built in the early 1900s.
Peel Police Headquarters moves to Meadowvale
            
After many years of being housed in Brampton,  
I am thrilled that Peel Regional Police has moved their headquarters to Mississauga in Meadowvale.

The new headquarters are on the northwest corner of Meadowvale Blvd and Mississauga Road.  This building will house the offices of the Chief and staff.  Chief Evans will be hosting an open house, which will be announced soon.  Please watch for updates in future e-newsletters and on my website at ward9.ca.
Ward 9 Roads being Resurfaced in 2018
            
Below is the list of Ward 9 roads being resurfaced in 2018.  Work is scheduled to start in early May 2018 and is anticipated to be completed by November 1, 2018.

Arles Mews             from Montevideo Rd to End
Cherbourg Gdns      from Montevideo Rd to North End
Millcreek Dr             from Erin Mills Parkway to Aquitaine Ave
Surveyor Road        from Millcreek Drive to West End
Torquay Mews         Turner Valley Rd to North End
Pedestrian Crossing Times Increased on Erin Mills Parkway 
            
I always encourage residents to let me know if there is a concern about traffic signals or other road issues.  This way I can follow up with our staff and see if anything needs adjusting. 
To determine if the existing timing is sufficient, staff have measure the pedestrian crossing and calculate the crossing time using the slower walking speed used for senior citizens or people with physical disabilities.  

Recently staff were able to resolve a residents' concern over pedestrian crossing times and adjust the timing at Thomas and Erin Mills Parkway.  As result of the review, the "walk" time to cross Erin Mills Parkway has been increased by 3 seconds, and the flashing "don't walk" time has been increased by 15 seconds. 
 
If there is a location you think should be reviewed let me know. 
Voter Look up Tool  
 
     
While the provincial elections are getting into full swing, please remember that this fall on October 22, we will be holding the municipal elections.   I will be running again this term and I encourage all eligible voters to be sure to cast your ballots.

It is easier than ever to check to see if you are on the voters list. Mississauga residents, property 
owners and tenants over the age  of 18 can now check voterlookup.ca  to see if you are on the list to vote  and ensure your information is  correct.
 
Managed by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the online tool lets you log in using your property address or assessment roll number, full name and date of birth.  You can update or change your information, add a name to an address or change your school support.
 
Using voterlookup.ca will provide the City with accurate and up-to-date information for preparing the final voters' list used on Election Day,  This makes it easier and more efficient when voters head to the polls in October.
 
Find out ahead of time if you're eligible to vote. Visit voterlookup.ca or call 1-866-296-6722 to confirm or update your information.
Windwood Forest Tree Planting
            
Please join me on Saturday May 26, 2018 from 10 am to 12 noon at Windwood Forest to plant trees and help regenerate our woods
 
Our beautiful forest had to be fenced off in late 2013 to protect the trees.  It had been very badly degraded by multiple uses especially by MBX bikes.  Since being fenced, the City has completed some restoration plantings which, along with natural regeneration, have helped to restore the woodland, but it is still recovering from these past impacts.   
 
I was hoping we would be soon able to reopen the forest trails to full use but unfortunately staff advise that the regeneration has not been completed.  But you can help by joining us to plant new materials.  This will help the woodland by increasing the biodiversity and ecological integrity.

Bring the entire family, dress for the weather and come and get dirty and help restore our beautiful forest.  Meet in the park on Windwood Drive west of Glen Erin beside the woods to get your shovels and information from Forestry staff.   Please RSVP to onemilliontrees@mississauga.ca to register for this event.
Road Safety at Celebration Square
 
Come out and join our Public Works teams on May 26 as they showcase our various public works equipment and services on the Public Works Week Family Fun Day at Celebration Square.

The day runs from 10 am to 3 p.m.  Join me at 1 p.m. on the lower square when, as Chair of the Road Safety Committee,  I will be joining our citizen members to launch the next phase of the "Please Slow Down" sign campaign.

You can pick up your signs at the event and help us make our roads safer for all.   
Ward 9 Annual Seniors' Fair 
 
Each year, it is my pleasure to welcome hundreds of our seniors to my annual   
Seniors' Fair to browse informative displays and enjoy some refreshments.   
This year my Seniors Fair is on 
Friday June 1, 2018 from 
10 am to 12 noon at the Meadowvale Community Centre, 6655 Glen Erin Drive.
 
It is bigger and better than ever, with more than 40 agencies and organizations on hand to provide lots of information of interest to seniors. If you need a break between exhibits, sit down and enjoy some coffee or tea courtesy of Meadowvale Tim Hortons.   As always I will be providing free treats including some good healthy food for all to enjoy. 
It is all FREE and everyone is welcome.   
Keep Your Property Looking Fresh
            
Did you know that property owners are required to repair and maintain their property according to the Property Standards By-law?  Click here for more information.
Volunteers Needed for Ward 9 Events
 
I am always grateful for the many residents who come out to our community events and volunteer their time.  If you would like to be involved please contact my office as noted below.  These opportunities can also help students complete their community hours.
   
Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services
50th Anniversary Celebration
Garry W. Morden Centre
Saturday May 12, 2018
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Arrive at 9:00 am to help with set up.  The event ends at 2:00 pm and you are asked to stay until 2:30 pm for tear down.  Volunteers are needed to set up tents, sit at the Ward 9 Information table, to hand out promotional items and to make popcorn and hand it out to residents who are attending the event.  You can volunteer for a 2 or 3 hour shift.  Click  here to send an email to volunteer for this event and let us know if you can volunteer for the entire event (9 am to 2:30 pm or whatever number of hours you can offer).
 
Ward 9 Annual Seniors' Fair
Friday June 1, 2018
Meadowvale Community Centre
10:00 am - 12 noon
Arrive at 9:00 am to help with set up.  The event ends at 12 noon and you are asked to stay until 12:30 pm for tear down.  Volunteers are needed to sit at and set up Councillor Saito's information booth to hand out promotional items.  Volunteers are also required to oversee the refreshment table (coffee, tea and snacks).  Click  here to send an email to volunteer for this event.  
Be an Ontario 55+ Summer Games Volunteer  
 
   
I am proud to sit on the host committee for the 2018 Ontario 
55+ Summer Games, taking place August 10 to 12. With less than 4 months to go, the City is assembling its volunteer team and taking applications.
 
Approximately 1,400 participants 55 years or older from across Ontario will compete in active and passive activities, including pickleball, cycling, euchre, tennis and more. Becoming a volunteer at the Games is a great way to support the community, learn about new activities and be part of a team.
 
About 400 volunteers will be required for roles like welcoming participants, assisting in the production of the opening ceremonies, helping run sport competitions and providing information to guests. 

 All Ontario 55+ Summer Games volunteers must be:
* 16 years of age or older
* available during August 10 to 12 inclusive
* available to attend an orientation session in July 
 
Volunteer applications can be completed online at osgmississauga.ca/volunteer. Questions about volunteering can be directed to osg55info@mississauga.ca
 
For more information about the Ontario 55+ Summer Games, visit  osgmississauga.ca .
 
Habitat for Humanity needs Volunteers
 
Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga builds 13-15 houses 
a year in our shared community in the hopes of eradicating poverty and precarious living in Halton and Mississauga.
 
Habitat's affiliate runs three ReStores, a social enterprise that takes gently used home furnishings, appliances, along with other household items and sells them for a heavily reduced price. This gives people in the community an opportunity to save money on their purchases while diverting waste from landfills. 
 
Volunteers are needed for ReStore, to work on build sites, helping at the office, on the board, or fixing damaged furniture at their ReVive DIY Centre.  Please click here or call 905 637 4446 ext. 425 if you are interested in volunteering for this wonderful organization.
Mobile Dental Clinic
 
On April 26, I joined my fellow Regional Councillors to unveil our 
new Region of Peel mobile dental clinic.  
The Mobile Bus Dental Clinic is a dental clinic on wheels!   It travels to schools and other community locations making it easy to access FREE dental care for children who qualify. 
  • Does your child live in Peel?
  • Is your child age 0-17?
  • Is the cost of going to the dentist too expensive for you?
Your child may qualify for FREE dental services if you answered yes to theses questions and do not have dental insurance. Call 905-799-7700 for more information.
 
Healthy Smiles Ontario Program - Healthy Smiles is a government funded dental program that provides free dental services for eligible children 0-17 years of age.  Once your child qualifies for the program your child will receive a card in the mail.  You can take this card to any dental provider that accepts the program to get dental care or to one of the community health centres.  Learn more by calling 905-799-7700 or click here.  Please note that if you are receiving OW or ODSP you children (17 and under) are automatically enrolled in the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program.
 
 
Freedom Pass for Students
            
Are you 12 - 14 years old? Would you like to travel on MiWay for free this summer? How about free public swimming at both indoor and outdoor pools? Then you need a Freedom Pass! The Freedom Pass allows students to ride for free on MiWay within Mississauga and free participation in public swims at City operated pools from July 1 to August 31, 2018. 

All you have to do is click here or go to any City of Mississauga community centre to complete an application form, then submit your completed form in person at your local community center (along with one piece of identification) and have your photo taken to create your personalized pass. For more information click here.
MiWay Updates
             Miway Logo
MiWay has made more changes to several routes.  The one that impacts Ward 9 is
a new weekday express route along Derry Road between Meadowvale Town Centre and Westwood Square.

The new Route 104 - Derry Express will operate from Monday to Friday during morning and afternoon rush hours and will only stop at major intersections. It is designed to complement the existing local service, Route 42 - Derry.   Click here for more details.  

I am pleased we are finally getting this service. I have worked with Miway in the route planning for some time. This will support employees in the Meadowvale business park and residents traveling east.

A reminder that applications for the MiWay Affordable Transit Program are now open! Check here  to see if you are eligible to apply. 
 
We have also launched a new Priority Seating Pilot Program inside our new buses to remind customers that the area at the front of the bus is reserved for persons with disabilities.  Click here  for more details.
Ward 9 Contest           

Valerie MacKenzie is last month's lucky winner.  
 
This months contest prize is 6 City of Mississauga recreation passes.  These can be used for many activities such as skating, swimming, etc.
 
This months question is:
"How many pieces of equipment did Mississauga have available during the April ice storm?"
 
Click here to reply with your answer.
Anniversary/Birthday Congratulations

If you know someone who is celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary please contact me at 905-896-5900 or at pat.saito@mississauga.ca and I would be pleased to send a letter of congratulations and a small gift to commemorate the special event.
                                                                                           
Return to top
PAT IN THE COMMUNITY
Cultures Transcending Borders Art Opening 
            
I attended an amazing art exhibit on April 27th at Mind Share at the Erin Mills Town Centre.  It was a pleasure to be part of the opening which features the works of the very talented artist Jimmy Engineer. 
If you are at the mall, please take the time to drop in and view the art exhibit.  Mindshare is located on the ground floor just outside of Walmart.
Canada Learning Code Mississauga Chapter Launch 
            
I was delighted to attend the launch of the Mississauga Chapter of Canada Learning Code on April 21st.  
 
Canada Learning Code is a national not-for-profit organization championing digital literacy education, working nation-wide and across all sectors to equip Canadians with technical skills. Through their network of Chapters located across the country they offer programs to all ages and capacities. Congratulations to Janette Brual the new chapter leader for Mississauga. 
 
Earth Day Celebration 
            
What a great turnout we had on April 21st at the tree planting at Glen Eden Park to celebrate Earth Day.  This was the city's official Earth Day 
event where we also celebrated #1milliontrees which is now five years strong.  

The weather was perfect with bright sunny skies and local residents planted more than 250 trees and shrubs in the park.  Thanks to our Forestry and Parks staff for a great event and to Dominos for the pizza and MacDonalds for coffee.  Click here to learn about the One Million Trees campaign.  


Angel Hugs Twentieth Anniversary
 
One of my greatest pleasures is recognizing people in the community who do wonderful things to help others.

On April 8th I had the honour to attend the 20th Anniversary celebration of Angel Hugs and thank the many volunteers who reach out to bring comfort to those in need of a hug.

Angel Hugs was founded by sisters Rosanne Locke and Melody Anderson and started with four volunteers twenty years ago.  It has now grown to over 100 volunteers!  
 
Rosanne and Melody founded Angel Hugs through their desire to help abused children and has led to the establishment of a caring and
giving charity which knits blankets and donates them to hospitals and other organizations. 
Every stitch is like giving a hug and the recipient of each blanket receives thousands of Angel Hugs.

Mayor Crombie joined me in thanking Rosanne and Melody and all the volunteers who give of their time and talent for this worthwhile cause. 
Meadowvale Rotary Raises $15,000 for Eden Food for Change 
 
On Saturday April 7th, I attended the the 3rd annual Fool's Night event hosted by the  Rotary Club of Mississauga-Meadowvale . This year, the goal was to raise funds for  Eden Food For Change , our local Food bank serving western  Mississauga.   Over $15,000 was raised.  $10,000 came from Meadowvale Rotary and $5,000 from Streetsville Legion on top of additional funds raised through a silent auction supported by local businesses in the community.   It was a fun and entertaining evening and a great boost to the food bank and the clients who need their help. 
Mississauga Board of Trade Annual Politicians Reception               
 
On April 5th I attended the Mississauga Board of Trade's annual politicians reception.  It was an interesting evening meeting and talking with local business leaders as well as ward residents. 
Councillor Pat Saito | 905-896-5900 | pat.saito@mississauga.ca | http://www.ward9.ca
Mississauga Civic Centre
300 City Centre Drive
3rd Floor
Mississauga, L5B 3C1