Ward 11 E-Newsletter

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!



On behalf of myself and my staff, Anita A. Solomon and Kim Duarte, I would like to extend our very best wishes to you and your family for a very Merry Christmas, joyful holiday season, and a safe, happy, and prosperous 2024! I look forward to serving you and your family in the coming New Year!

Please note that the Ward 11 Office will be closed starting at noon on December 22, 2023 and will reopen on January 2, 2024. To view the City of Mississauga holiday hours schedule, please visit www.mississauga.ca/contactus.

3-1-1 Citizen Contact Centre

·        Dial 3-1-1 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday to Friday, to speak to a Customer Service Advisor who will assist with your call.

·        Closed: December 25, 26 and January 1

·        Regular hours resume January 2, 2024.

Snow Clearing at the City

·        Follow @MississaugaSnow on Twitter, call 3-1-1 (or 905-615-4311 outside City limits) or visit www.mississauga.ca/snow. 

Transportation and Works Dispatch – Open 24/7

·        (For emergency calls regarding animal services, parking enforcement, roads, sidewalks, traffic, winter maintenance, forestry and other emergency City services)

·        Dial 3-1-1 and select Option 2 or call 905-615-3000.

Update on Region of Peel Dissolution



The Ontario Government appointed a Transition Board to determine the roadmap for the dissolution of Peel, which was to be effective on January 1, 2025.

On December 13, 2023, Minister Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced that the province’s Transition Board mandate will change from working on the dissolution of Peel Region to review moving some services, including waste management, road and related infrastructure, water and wastewater operations, and land-use planning to the lower-tier municipalities, including Mississauga.

The Transition Board will continue to work with the local municipalities and the Region of Peel to develop models and make recommendations to the province, with the ultimate goal of getting more housing built quickly.

Although I am disappointed in the Provincial Government decision to repeal the dissolution of Peel Region, we must make the new situation work for all of our residents and businesses and focus on service delivery, cost savings and efficiencies and realignment.

Mayor Crombie announces resignation as Mayor



Mayor Bonnie Crombie has announced her resignation effective 5 p.m. EST on January 12, 2024. This comes after her recent victory as Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. Mayor Crombie’s resignation will mark the end of her term as Mississauga’s Mayor, which began on December 2, 2014.

Mayor Crombie has provided the City Clerk with a letter indicating the date she intends to resign. After the resignation takes effect on January 12, 2024, City Council must then declare the Mayor’s seat vacant at the next Council meeting, which will be held on January 17, 2024. Once the Mayor’s seat has been declared vacant, her seat on Peel Regional Council will also be deemed vacant.

Mississauga has an Acting Head of Council By-law where councillors rotate into the position every two months on an ascending basis by ward. The Acting Mayor for December and January is Ward 4 Councillor, John Kovac.

Once the resignation occurs on January 12, 2024, Council has 60 days to pass a by-law for a by-election for the vacant seat. In accordance with s.284.12 of the Municipal Act, the Head of Council (Mayor) cannot be appointed. In accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, a by-election must be called to fill the vacant position. No further details are available on the date of a by-election, but will be shared once Council has passed the by-law.

City of Mississauga’s 2024 Budget



City budget deliberations took place at Budget Committee on November 27^th and 28^th. Under section 284.16 of the Municipal Act, 2001, authority to propose a budget now rests solely with the mayor in designated municipalities. This authority is part of what the Government of Ontario calls “strong mayor powers”. Once Mayor Crombie delivers her strong mayor budget, Council has 30 days to pass resolutions proposing amendments to the budget, which the mayor can veto during a subsequent 10-day period. At the end of this process, the resulting budget is considered to be adopted.

The net operating budget for 2024 is $679.5 million. The Capital Infrastructure and Debt Repayment Levy of three per cent is included in the total impact. The capital budget for 2024 is $437 million (net of recoveries) and includes substantial investments in maintaining the City’s infrastructure in a state of good repair. The City’s Budget includes a 2.3 per cent increase on the City portion of the Residential Tax Bill and a 1.6 per cent increase on the City portion of the Commercial/ Industrial Tax Bill. Some highlights of the City's 2024 Budget include:

o     $87.9 million for hybrid bus acquisitions

o     $3.7 million in efficiencies and cost savings

o     $325 million for maintaining infrastructure

o     $2 million for new and replacement tree plantings

o     $17.2 million for active transportation projects

o     $19.2 million for storm sewer projects

o     $44.5 million for road rehabilitation

o     $11.1 million for fire prevention activities

In an effort to minimize the tax impact on residents and businesses, I moved a motion at Council on December 6^th to reduce the proposed 2024 Capital Infrastructure and Debt Repayment Levy from 3% to 2%; however, this motion was not supported by Council, so the levy will remain at 3%. This is the first Strong Mayor Budget in Mississauga's history. Members of Council, therefore, were not involved in its development and did not get to vote on this budget. For more information about the City’s budget, visit mississauga.ca/budget.

Peel Region's 2024 Budget



Regional Council approved Peel's 2024 Operating and Capital Budget at Regional Council on December 7, 2023. The 2024 Budget includes an average property tax increase of 1.9% for Region Controlled programs, 2.5% for Peel Regional Police and 0.1% for other External Agencies. In total, the budget increase of 4.5% contributes to the average residential property and commercial/industrial property tax bills of $245 and $432 respectively.

The budget includes a utility rate increase of 6.8%. The average home will see an increase to their utility bill of 21¢ per day (or $78 per year), while the average commercial/industrial property will see an increase of 22¢ per day (or $82 per year).

In an effort to minimize the tax impact on residents and businesses, I moved a motion directing Region Staff to re-evaluate the 2024 Budget requests, in order to ensure that the residential tax rate proposed is no higher than 3.5%; however, Region Council voted in favour of a 4.5% increase this year. I was not pleased with the proposed property tax increases in the Region budget so I voted against this budget; however, the budget was passed by Region Council.

Some highlights of the 2024 Region budget include:

• The addition of 135 uniformed Peel Regional Police officers, 96 civilian professionals, and 10 cadets
• Investments in housing subsidy and wrap around supports through an investment of $5.4 million
• $71 million capital investment in the Non-Profit Housing Development Program
• Continuing to implement the Peel Community Housing Development Program with a capital investment of $12.4 million
• Providing $98 million for the state of good repair of Peel Living homes
• $459.6 million for wastewater collection main replacement and construction, and $272.5 million for expansion of Water Resource Recovery Facilities
• $117 million for road construction, intersection improvements, and active transportation
• $25 million for roads structure replacement and rehabilitation and other asset management-related works
• $5.3 million for the replacement of TransHelp vehicles at end of life and technology investments to enhance service delivery
• Adding 36 paramedics and three 24/7 ambulances to manage system pressures
• Investing $23.2 million to complete the construction of the Docksteader divisional reporting station
• A capital investment of $5.0 million for future Paramedic station design
• $8.2 million for purchases of ambulances and other fleet
• Continuing to implement the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care plan, with an increase of $60.6 million to expand the affordability program

For more information about the Peel budget, visit peelregion.ca/budget.  

Update on Fourplexes



On October 20, 2023, Mayor Crombie used her “strong mayor powers” to issue a Mayoral Directive to move forward with the necessary steps to allow residents to build four residential units (fourplexes) on low-rise residential lots. This directive reversed a previous decision of Council that directed Staff to review and report back on fourplexes at a later date.

On December 6, 2023, City Council approved Mayor Crombie’s motion to allow residents to build four residential units (fourplexes) on low-rise residential lots. The City’s new regulations:

• Permit fourplexes “as of right” which means applicants can apply for a building permit without additional zoning permissions if they meet by-law regulations.
• Support purpose-built fourplexes or the conversion of an existing property to accommodate four units.
• Allow a variety of fourplex configurations up to three storeys in height including a partially above-grade basement unit.
• Support the creation of rental units in neighbourhoods.

I voted against Mayor Crombie’s motion as I supported Council’s previous decision that directed Staff to review and report back on fourplexes at a later date. I had also previously surveyed Ward 11 residents on whether they support fourplexes being permitted as of right on residential lots and 62% of survey respondents did not support fourplexes being permitted.

Pedestrian Crossovers in Ward 11



I am very pleased to report that two pedestrian crossovers will be implemented in Ward 11 in 2024:

·        Falconer Dr at Meadow Green Park trail

·        Bancroft Dr at Bancroft Park

A pedestrian crossover is a type of crossing where drivers must come to a full stop to allow pedestrians to cross roads safely. Pedestrian crossovers are located on streets between intersections, at roundabouts, or at right-hand turn lanes with specific signs and pavement markings.

City of Mississauga 2024 Future Directions Plans

The City of Mississauga is planning for the future of community services in Recreation & Culture, Library, Parks, Forestry & Environment and Fire & Emergency Services.

Last year, we provided residents the opportunity to share their preferences on our programs, services and facilities. Based on your input, research and analysis, we developed areas of focus for each plan with related recommendations.

Prior to finalizing the plans, the City is reaching out once again to encourage residents to provide feedback through this survey on the plans and the draft recommendations. You may access the survey here.

Notice of Study Commencement



Peel Region has initiated the 2025 Water and Wastewater Master Plan for the Lake-Based Systems (where Lake Ontario is the drinking water source and the discharge point for treated wastewater).

Two Public Information Centres (PICs) will be held at key points during the study to present findings and gather feedback. The first PIC, to be announced in 2024, will present the problems or opportunities to be addressed, the existing conditions and constraints, and an overview of the study process. The second PIC will present the alternative solutions, evaluation findings, and the preliminary preferred water and wastewater servicing strategies. Once the study is complete, the Master Plan Report will document the full study process and be available for public review and comment. You may visit the project website here.

Safe City Mississauga Ward Lead Volunteer Recruitment Opportunity



Safe City is actively seeking individuals to join them as Volunteer Ward Leads. This is so important because the demand for Safe City Mississauga programs like Neighbourhood Watch is at an all time high, and they are looking for Volunteer Ward Leads to help with the following:

·        Support crime prevention activities at the Ward level.

·        Assist outreach initiatives to help Safe City Mississauga build on partnerships and identify new opportunities for partnership.

·        Support crime prevention approach, strategy, and activities to establish new and re-establish inactive Neighbourhood Watches (ex. canvassing and outreach, CPTED, etc).

·        Previous experience in crime prevention, law enforcement, or community safety is also a big plus.

Safe City is seeking someone active in the Ward (either as a resident or as someone with experience working in the Ward) with experience in crime prevention, strong collaboration skills and a dedication to high-quality service. If you are interested, please contact Gerald Adad, Neighbourhood Services Manager at 905-615-4155 ext 4478 or nsm@safecitymississauga.on.ca.

Natural Ice Rink Program - Ward 11



If you’re looking for something fun to do this winter, check out the natural ice rinks operating in Ward 11:

·        Vista Heights Park (P-219) 5779 Turney Drive

·        Streetsville Memorial Park (P114) 355 Church St

Resident volunteers can also donate their time to maintain these rinks and help us provide these amenities where conditions allow. The City provides a heated rink hut and installs rink boards in a Mississauga park that has a suitable level area as well as electricity and water. Volunteer ice makers will help make and maintain the natural ice surface. If you have any questions please email parks.communitydevelopment@mississauga.ca.  

Multiple High-End Vehicles Recovered in Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Investigation



Investigators from Peel Regional Police 11 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Commercial Auto Crime Bureau, in collaboration with Equite Association, have disrupted and dismantled an organized auto theft ring operating in Peel Region, in an investigation dubbed Project Memphis.

Project Memphis began in March 2023 when Peel Regional Police were provided information of a possible re-vinned vehicle. Investigators determined some of the stolen vehicles were being re-vinned, fraudulently re-registered and sold in Mississauga. In some cases, the accused attempted to defraud multiple financial and insurance institutions. Various investigative tools were used to identify multiple suspects, recover these stolen vehicles and prevent insurance fraud.

The results of Project Memphis were as follows:

- 12 individuals arrested and 81 charges laid

- Over $350,000 insurance fraud prevented

- 9 stolen vehicles recovered valued at over $1.2M

The successful outcome of this investigation was a joint effort between the Peel Regional Police Commercial Auto Crime Unit, CBSA Intelligence, Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), Equite Association, Durham Regional Police and Woodstock Police.

Results of Project E.R.A.S.E. and Project Noisemaker

Peel Regional Police participated in Project E.R.A.S.E. (Eliminating Racing Activities on Streets Everywhere) and Project Noisemaker program.

Project E.R.A.S.E. is a strategic enforcement initiative to eliminate dangerous driving behaviour on our streets to keep our community safe. Project Noisemaker targets vehicles with modified and/or excessively loud exhaust systems.

The ERASE Program aims to change poor and aggressive driver behaviour through education, strategic enforcement, and modifying social behaviour. Street racing is an illegal and dangerous activity that risks the lives of our community members.

From May 1, 2023, to October 1, 2023, officers identified hotspot locations throughout the Region of Peel and targeted those areas as part of the program strategy. During this time, officers investigated 941 vehicles and issued 1230 Provincial Offence Notices. Some of the offences included:

·        783 stunt driving charges,

·        170 Improper/No Muffler charges,

·        25 Criminal Code charges related to impaired and dangerous driving

Anyone with information concerning aggressive driving or illegal street racing activities are asked to contact police by calling 905-453-3311. The public can also file a complaint through the peelpolice.ca Road Watch website, by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or at peelcrimestoppers.ca.

Peel Regional Police celebrates 50 years of service in 2024

2024 is Peel Regional Police’s 50th anniversary of providing policing services to the Region of Peel. On January 1, 1974, the municipal police forces of Brampton, Chinguacousy, Mississauga, Port Credit and Streetsville amalgamated to form Peel Regional Police.

In recognition of this milestone, Peel Police will host a series of events, initiatives and social media campaigns in the upcoming months. Follow #PRPcelebrates50 hashtag on social media channels and stay tuned for posts. For more information on Peel Regional Police’s 50-year history, please visit peelpolice.ca/50.

Mississauga turns 50!



2024 is Mississauga’s 50th anniversary of becoming a City and there will be celebrations all year long. The City will be kicking off the year-long celebrations on New Year’s Eve.

Join in at Mississauga’s Celebration Square and enjoy tasty food truck treats, skating on the City’s largest outdoor rink, live entertainment, dancing and live fireworks presented by Tim Hortons! 

Stay tuned for more upcoming anniversary events to join the fun.