pat.saito@mississauga.ca                        905-896-5900                      ward9.ca  
In This Issue
Other Upcoming Events







Ring in the New Year at  Mississauga celebration Square.  Th is memorable evening is the kick-off to a New Year and features live music performances, skating under the stars, gourmet food trucks and a beautiful fireworks display at midnight.    The event is hosted by Mississauga's own Scott Willats and Khaled Iwamura from insauga and starts at 8:00 p.m.  Click here for more information.







Mayor's New Year's Levee

Come out to the Mayor's New Year's Levee on January 14, 2018. Enjoy live entertainment and skate on the square. Click here for more information.
 
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.
Volunteers Needed at VON 
          
  
Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) Canada is a national health care organization and registered charity offering a wide range of home care community support services. 
 
VON is in strong need for volunteers for their Volunteer Visiting program - a program for social support and companionship and for our Meals on Wheels programs - where volunteers provide help at the depot or with meal delivery. All VON Volunteers are provided with a detailed training and orientation for each position. 
If you are interested in volunteering, please call 
905-821-3254 directly. 
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
 
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.
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.

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! 
Dear Neighbour: 

As this is the last Ward 9 newsletter for 2017 I want to wish everyone a joyous Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy New year. 

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the residents who worked with me to keep our communities of Meadowvale and Central Erin Mills the best in the city.  You are the reason I am doing what I do and I get great satisfaction out of working with you all.

As we head into a new year I hope you can reflect on good memories of the past one but for some of you, leaving 2017 will be a good thing and I sincerely hope that next year will bring you better times.

 Please enjoy time you may have with your family and friends and stay safe over the coming holiday weeks.
 
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.



6550 Glen Erin Dr Proposed Development Meeting Notice

Many residents received a letter from me in November advising of an application to construct a 12 storey, 208 unit apartment building at 6550 Glen Erin Drive.   I also held a Ward meeting on November 21, 2017 to provide residents with an opportunity to view the plans, ask questions of the applicant and make comments.  Thank you to all who attended. 

The application has been circulated to agencies and relevant departments for comment.  Planning staff are presenting an Information Report at the  Planning and Development meeting on Monday February 5, 2018 at 7:00 pm at the Civic Centre, 300 City Centre Drive.  Residents are invited to attend and may also speak at this meeting.  Please let me know if you wish to do so and I will coordinate with the committee clerk.  

There is presently a 15 storey, 113 unit apartment building on the 2.97 acres of land at a density of 38 units per acre.  At the time the apartments were built, a maximum density of 43 units per acre was permitted.  The applicant is seeking to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a new 12 storey residential building with 208 rental apartments with a 2 storey podium adjacent to the existing apartment building for a total density of 108 units per acre.
 
In the meantime if you have any questions or comments, please contact me by phone at 905-896-5900 or email to pat.saito@mississauga.ca .  
                                                                                                   Return to Top
City and Regional Office Closures         
 
  
The City of Mississauga and Region of Peel administrative offices are closed on Monday, December 25, 2017 and will reopen on Tuesday January 2, 2018.
 
A list of City services and hours of operation during the closure is available here. 
Customer Service (Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) 
Dial 3-1-1
Outside City Limits: 905-615-4311
Employee Directory: 905-615-3200
Emergencies: 9-1-1
TTY for people who are Deaf:
905-896-5151 (callers must use a TTY device)
 
After hours call 905-615-3000      
 
----------------------------------------------------
 
Region of Peel  Click here for complete information about Regional services and holiday hours.
Waste Collection Information over Christmas and New Year 
   
          
Please note changes to collection schedules over the holidays

Week of December 25, 2017
During the week of December 25, collection will be two days later than your usual day.

Week of January 1, 2018
During the week of January 1, collection will be one day later than your usual day.  
 
The weeks of January 1 and January 8 are garbage exemption weeks.   On the week that you have garbage pickup only, you can place unlimited amounts of acceptable excess garbage at the curb without garbage bag tags. Bags must weigh no more than 20 kgs. (44 lbs.) each.   

Christmas tree pick up

If your live Christmas tree is shorter than 3 m (10 ft.), place it at the curb on your scheduled recycling collection day during the weeks of January 8 and January 15, 2018.  Check your collection calendar before setting out your tree. 
If your tree is taller than 3 m (10 ft.), bring it to a CRC for disposal or cut it in half and place the pieces on the curb for collection. 
For more details click here.

Community Recycling Centre (CRC) holiday hours
  Check peelregion.ca/waste for more information.  
Mississauga Library Christmas Holiday Hours
 
Please note the following hours for all libraries including Meadowvale and Erin Meadows. 
 
Saturday, December 23 - Close at 1 p.m.
Sunday, December 24 - Closed 
Monday, December 25 - Closed
Tuesday, December 26 - Closed
Wednesday, December 27 - Regular hours*
Thursday, December 28 - Regular hours*
Friday, December 29 - Regular hours*
Saturday, December 30 - Regular hours
Sunday, December 31 - Closed
Monday, January 1 - Closed

Note: Erin Meadows opens at 10 a.m. on December 27-29 and January 2-5 as schools are closed.
Ride Free on New Year's Eve   
        Miway Logo   
  
Ride FREE on Miway on New Year's Eve f rom 7:00 pm on December 31, 2017 to 4:00 am January 1, 2018.  As well, s easonal service adjustments and holiday service began on December 18th.  
Click here for more information about the seasonal schedule. 
On-Street Parking Restriction   
          
A winter on-street parking restriction is in effect in Mississauga from November 1, 2017 untill March 31, 2018 between 2:00 am - 6:00 am. 
 
Vehicles left on City streets will be enforced in accordance with the Traffic By-law
 
During snow removal, temporary parking permits will not be issued and current ones will be suspended.
Parking Exemptions over the Holidays
   
          
Parking is allowed between 8 a.m. and midnight beyond the three-hour limit for the following statutory holidays:
  • New Year's Day
  • Christmas Day
  • Boxing Day

Return to Top 

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.
Extreme Weather Alerts

During extreme weather please check the city website for alerts and information.

 
Animal Care in Cold Weather 
   
          
As we approach cold winter weather please remember that pet owners are required to provide proper shelter and care for their pets. Do not leave your pet outside when there are extreme cold alerts. 

Click here for the Standards of Care information. 
Be A Snow Angel - Help a Neighbour
 
There are many who can't shovel their driveway due to age or health.  Be a good neighbour and help them out.  Students may be able to earn your volunteer hours by helping neighbour.  
 
List of Natural Ice Rinks in Ward 9            
 
Thank you to the residents who volunteer their time and energy to maintain our local neighbourhood natural ice rinks.   Here is a list of all the rinks in the ward.  Please consider helping out and have fun. 


Charles "Bud" Brennan Memorial Park 
6181 Edenwood Dr.   
Promenade Meadows Park 
7099 Danton Promenade  
Union Park 
6627 Tenth Line West 
List of Toboggan Runs in Ward 9                
 
We are fortunate to have two places to toboggan in the ward.  As part of the construction of Union Park, we renovated the toboggan run making it safer to use and Castlegreen remains a fun place to play.

Union Park 
6627 Tenth Line West  
Castlegreen Meadows 
2829 Castlegreen Dr. 
Park Closures and Winter Parks Waste Management Update 
 
Last winter I and other Councillors received calls from residents about waste containers being removed from parks.  This is a regular part of the winter maintenance program and generally containers are removed from areas not in use such as soccer fields, etc.  All park areas, accessible trails, leash free zones, paved parking lots and toboggan hills that are open throughout the winter receive regular maintenance and retain waste containers allowing  park users to dispose of garbage, recycling and dog waste. 
 
This is done to prevent damage to park trails and grass from trucks needing to access to remove the waste.  However last year, many residents and pet walkers felt it was okay to just leave their pet waste in piles on the trails rather than carry it to the nearest bins.   
 
This creates a mess in our parks and shows disrespect for public land.  Council asked staff to leave as many cans as possible this year and in strategic locations.  All trails have enough waste cans that people can walk to to dump their pet waste so please use them.  It may mean you have to carry a bag a short distance but it protects our parks and keeps them clean.
 
Sites that will not receive winter maintenance include gravel parking lots, portions of trails , closed amenities (i.e. sport fields, spray pads) and locations that are unmaintainable throughout the winter season. Signs will be posted of the winter maintenance changes.  As these sites have limited use and are not easily accessible by crews, some waste containers will be removed.
  • Park waste is emptied on a scheduled basis. If you come across a can that is full, please report it by calling 3-1-1.
  • Help keep our parks clean! Report littering, illegal dumping or problems with waste in parks by calling 3-1-1. #DontBeALitterbug.                                                                                                                                                      Return to Top 
On Street Parking Limit Changed

One of the issues I am contacted about the most is parking.  For many years we have tried to find a way to meet the needs of our residents while keeping our roads clear for winter maintenance and access to driveways.    
 
We have brought in many options including the parking considerations when you need to park on the street but Councillors have had many requests for longer on street parking times.
 
Having discussed the issue thoroughly, we have voted to implement 5 hour parking across the city to meet the needs of the citizens.  This small increase in allowable time will enable residents to have guests visit them for longer than 3 hours without fear of getting ticketed.  This will be most noticed on holidays and other special occasions. 
 
At the same time we are banning overnight parking between 2:00 a.m. - 6 a.m.   At this time the ban only covers winter months but as of April 2018 it will be year round. The  5 hour on-street parking limit will take effect in January 2018.   
                                                                                                   Return to Top
Nuisance Weed By-Law Changed

Council voted to amend the nuisance weed by-law by changing weed height to 8 inches from 12 inches (to 20 cm from 30 cm).   As well, we  reduced the time required to resolve tall grass and nuisance weed complaints from 10 to seven days and  updated the list of 12 noxious weeds to 25.
 
The changes to the by-law will strengthen our control over grass height and nuisance weeds.  The amendments will also ensure the City's regulatory standards are consistent with other municipalities and help contribute to a safe and healthy environment.
                                                                                                   Return to Top
Council will Regulate Short-Term Accommodations  
 
           
Like many communities, Mississauga is facing an increase in the number of short term rentals (such as Airbnb) with about 650 operating at this time.  After receiving a significant amount of citizen input, Council has voted to bring in a bylaw that would regulate these uses of homes.
 
Regulation will ensure that each unit is licensed and will enable staff to step in if there are complaints related to their operation.  Without regulation, it will be almost impossible to enforce.  In addition, we will only allow in the principal residence of the renter.  The regulations are still to be drafted and expected to be brought to us in the new year.  
Public Meeting - Crime and Safety
 
  
Thank you to the residents who attended my meeting on December 11 to discuss safety and crime in the community.
 
This meeting was called as a result of resident concerns following the fatal incident in the area of the Meadowvale Town centre.
 
Peel Police attended and provided statistics for the area showing that crime has in fact not gone up since the community police station closed.  A suspect in the case is in custody while the investigation is still ongoing.
 
 Residents learned how to take steps to protect their homes, property and family from criminal activities.   Information was also provided by our City of Mississauga security staff as well as Safe City Mississauga's Neighbourhood Watch Program.
 
One very important message that was given was for residents to call and report any suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood.   Please save and use the following numbers. 

Important Numbers 

To report graffiti, vandalism, litter or off-leash dogs in Mississauga parks or city facilities 
please call the City Security
24 Hour Facility Watch Hot Line
906-615-4060
-------
To report activities such as alcohol consumption, property destruction and suspicious behaviour
Peel Regional Police
905-453-3311
Follow Peel Regional Police on Twitter @PeelPoliceMedia
www.peelpolice.ca
-------
To learn about Neighbourhood Watch
Safe City Mississauga
905-615-4155
www.safecitymississauga.on.ca
--------
Emergencies   911
More Assistance for Low Income Seniors and People with Disabilities  
  
              
I am pleased that my colleagues at City Council and Regional Council supported my motion to help our low income seniors and people with disabilities. The city gives a $400 tax rebate to those who qualify. The region cost shares their portion. We have not increased the amount and I suggested we build in an annual automatic increase equal to any tax increases. 

My motion was passed at City Council on November 22nd and at Regional Council on November 23rd.  The increase is not a large amount but every bit helps and it just made sense to me to do this.  

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.
Update on Paving of Britannia Rd from Winston Churchill Blvd to Erin Mills Pkwy
           
Thank you for your patience as the work was ongoing on Britannia Road.  This has been a long project and contractors had some difficulty along the way delaying the completion.   
 
 All lanes on Britannia Road have been reopened
Please note that as minor prep-work for the winter shut-down continues, there will be short, intermittent lane closures.   The final top asphalt work will be completed in the Spring of 2018.  The project is expected to be fully completed by that time.   Regional staff apologize  for the inconvenience this may cause. 
City to Offer Free Simplified Tax Receipts Online for Property Owners
  
              

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.
 
The Simplified Tax Receipt will only be available online and staff at the service counters will not be able to provide a copy. However, detailed tax receipts will continue to be available for purchase online or through mail-in and in-person requests for $25 each.
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 Drive between Aquitaine Ave and Battleford Rd.  Parking is also being permitted on  the north side of Battleford Rd between Miller's Grove and Edenwood Drive.
Coldest Night of the Year Walk for The Dam            
Once again I have entered a team for the Coldest Night of the Year. 
 
On the evening of February 24, 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 and prevent homelessness in our community. This is a family-friendly, fun winter fundraising event for Mississauga's homeless, hungry and hurting. 
 
The walk begins and ends at the Meadowvale Community Centre & Library, 6655 Glen Erin Dr., 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. 
 
My team name is "Pat's Plodders".   I am looking for people to join my team and raise funds and walk with me.  If you would like to be  a part of a fun evening and help our youth, Click here to donate or to join my team .
Enjoy our parks 365 days a year!! 
 
Learn how you can enjoy Mississauga's parks and natural areas 365 days a year.

#Parks365 is an initiative of Mississauga's Parks & Forestry Division to encourage year-round usage and exploration of the city's parks and natural areas.

This winter follow Forrest, our Forestry mascot, and bird friend Jay explore the city's parks, trails and natural areas while looking forward to tree plantings to begin again during spring.

Click here for more information and be sure to check back frequently and follow on  FacebookTwitter or  Instagram to see all of the wonderful places that you can visit right here in Mississauga.
Ward 9 Contest - Meadowvale
Theatre 
          
  
Dawn Smith is last month's lucky winner of 2 tickets for the March 2018 performance of 
Anastasia -  Canada's Ballet Jörgen.
 
This month, WIN   2 tickets to the March 2018 performance of Anastasia - Canada's Ballet Jörgen.  Meadowvale Theatre Presents 2017-2018 Season . To WIN please email   your answer to the following question :
 
What are the names of the two communities that make up ward 9
 
I will draw a winner from all correct answers received by 10:00 am January 10, 2018. 
Share your Story        
 
  
Your story can shape our city.   The Museums of Mississauga and the City's Culture Division will be going across Mississauga in an effort to collect, listen and share stories with residents.   Leave your mark on the city! Share the stories that define what life in Mississauga means to you. Click here to learn how to share your story.
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.
 
On December 5th,   Bruno Preskawetz turned 90!

Also celebrating this month was Earl Nelham who turned 85 on December 18th!
                                                                                            
Return to top
PAT IN THE COMMUNITY
Christmas Luncheons in the Ward
 
I enjoyed spending some time with two Ward 9 organizations on December 18th.  I dropped in to bring Christmas greetings to the the Meadowvale NeighboursCafe and then joined the Meadowvale Seniors' Club for Christmas lunch.
Merciful Redeemer Advent Concert
 
What a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season and to remember what Christmas is really all about than attending the "Keep Christ in Christmas" concert at Merciful Redeemer Catholic Church on December 17th.  I was joined by the Mayor and Councillors John Kovac and Ron Starr.
         
Streetsville Meadowvale Figuring Skating Club Free Skate 
 
I was honoured to join the Streetsville Meadowvale Figure Skating Club as they hosted a Canada 150 Free Skate event on December 10 at Meadowvale Four Rinks.
 
Hundreds of people of all ages had a lot of fun on the ice. Thanks to Aramark, the City concession supplier for providing me with hot chocolate and coffee for those who attended. Special thanks to my volunteers Susan Bools and Matthew who spent the afternoon helping out. What a wonderful way to end the year of celebrating our country's 150th birthday.    
      
Mindshare Workspace Grand Opening
 
We have a new business in Ward 9!   I presented a certificate and welcomed Mindshare Workspace to the Erin Mills Town Centre on December 4th. 

Mindshare Workspace provides a unique working and educational gathering place, connecting people and nurturing Mississauga's economic growth.  The availability of working space also supports the needs of Mississauga's emerging leaders and local talent.

Briefing the hotel industry on our Hotel Tax
 
I brought greetings on behalf of the city and the Mayor on December 4th at a meeting to brief our hotels regarding the hotel tax which starts in 2018.  

It is estimated that this new revenue stream will generate close to $10 million annually between Toronto and Mississauga. 

Half of that revenue would go to Tourism Toronto and the other half would be reinvested in Mississauga's "master plan" to attract more visitors which will strengthen Mississauga's tourism industry, including our cultural attractions, festivals and sporting events. 
White Oak Presbyterian Church 40th Anniversary
 
I was pleased to attend a church service on December 3rd and bring greetings and present a certificate of recognition to White Oak Presbyterian Church as they celebrate their 40th anniversary this year.  White Oak is one of the longest serving places of worship in the Meadowvale Community and it was such an honour to join the congregation to celebrate. 

Santa Claus Parade
 
I was pleased to join the Mayor and Councillor Mahoney in the Mississauga Santa Clause parade on December 3rd in Erin Mills.    It was a fun-filled, family event and hundreds of residents turned out.  The parade also supports important local charities, such as the Mississauga Food Bank, United Way of Peel Region, Habitat for Humanity.
Santa Shuffle
 
I always look forward to my annual visit to kick off the Santa Shuffle 5K Fun Run at the Salvation Army Cornerstone Church on December 2nd.  This annual walkathon helps The Salvation Army to assist families and individuals in need during the Christmas season and throughout the year. Approximately  350 runners and walkers raised money for families this Christmas.   
Council Christmas Luncheon
 
Once a year, Council members and their staff take time to celebrate Christmas.  It is a rare thing when our Council can sit down together for a casual photo.  I am proud to serve with this wonderful team of representatives as well as our hard working assistants.

Public Art at the Meadowvale Community Centre
 
I am delighted that our public art Fossil Record is back at Meadowvale Community Centre which was re-installed on November 30th.  I was at the Community Centre on December 2nd and was so happy to see a group of children playing in and on the new art sculpture in front. That is what it is for.  I  wanted a piece of public art that could be fun for all and  I especially enjoy seeing that children are finding the art and having fun crawling in and out of it.

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