APRIL 9, 2020
Dear Resident:

As we approach the Easter and Passover weekend, I want to remind you to NOT hold family gatherings. First it is not permitted above 5 people and secondly by doing so you may put your family at risk of contracting COVID-19.

This is a critical time and while it is a difficult thing to do, it will pay off in the future. My family will be remaining apart so we can stay together and celebrating through virtual means like Zoom or Skype. Please - for the sake of those you love, follow the rules and stay apart this weekend.
Thank you to those in our community who stepping up to help by sewing masks, donating to the foodbanks, and any other supports you are giving. A special thank you to local company Alcon Canada for donating 15,000 masks and sanitizer to Trillium Health Partners for our front line medical workers and to our local Meadowvale Dominos Pizza for helping to feed people on the front lines.
A special thank you to all of you who are supporting our yellow ribbon campaign. I am pleased it has spread form Ward 9 to other parts of the City and thank everyone for your support. I joined residents to tie ribbons along the property at the Village of Erin Meadows to bring some cheer to residents and staff. Look for them along Winston Churchill and Erin Centre.

Our Council continues to meet weekly and we also have been holding virtual meetings with our local organizations and groups. We continue to find ways to help you get through this. Please follow my Facebook and Twitter feeds for regular updates.
As always you can contact me for assistance on any city or region issue at pat.saito@mississauga,ca, by phone to 905-896-5900 at any time and my staff and I will be pleased to help you. Stay safe and have a Happy Easter and Passover.

Pat
COVID-19 Update
Information at Your Fingertips
Important Websites


Important Phone Numbers

  • Mississauga 3-1-1 (or 905-615-4311 outside City Limits) available 7am - 7pm
  • Peel Public Health  905-799-7700 Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
  • Peel Regional Police Non Emergency Line: 905-453-3311
  • Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000 Toll-free TTY:1-866-797-0007

Important Dates

Every Wednesday
Mississauga City Council Meeting ( click here for livestream)

April 23
Region of Peel Council ( click here for livestream)
Latest Updates
Cyclists and Pedestrians Do Not Mix

I have received complaints regarding cyclists and pedestrians not keeping the required distances on sidewalks and trails. Cyclists need to ensure that they are maintaining the 6 foot or 2 metre separation from each other and to keep the same distance from pedestrians on trials.
Basically if you are on a park trail you must each keep to the edge of the path - that maintains the 6' distance.

Often times, pedestrians cannot hear cyclists approaching and cannot move over to keep the distance. Please use your bell or make other noise before coming up to pass pedestrians or other cyclists.

Remember bikes are not allowed on sidewalks with the exception of children - use the multi use trials or park trails.

I thank the many of you who are maintaining your distance and practising safe activities..you are doing your part to help us end this as soon as possible. Please, let's ensure we are all doing our part to maintain physical distancing while trying to enjoy some fresh air and exercise.
Non-medical mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Medical Officer of health for Canada has issued some recent information on the use of masks.

New medical evidence suggests some people may spread COVID-19 just before they get symptoms. Wearing non-medical masks can help prevent spread to others, but they should not replace proper hand washing, physical distancing and other prevention methods.

Masks are not an excuse to become more active in the community. Continue to stay at home and only leave once a week for essential supplies. 

People who have COVID-19 symptoms should wear a medical mask if available to prevent transmission to others. If no medical masks are available, non-medical masks can help if frequently changed and disinfected.

Wearing a mask makes you more inclined to touch your face, so wash your hands frequently. Learn more about wearing, removing, washing and making homemade masks from Public Health Ontario or Center for Disease Control.
Events and Spring Programs Cancelled Up to July 3 

Council had to make a very difficult decision this week and have cancelled all events  and spring programs up to July 3. This includes City held events and  events   organized by external groups that require a City permit – whether at Mississauga Celebration Square, parks or other City facilities which r emain closed . At this time, no new permits will be issued.
Managing the Financial Impact of COVID-19

On April 8, Council received a report outlining the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the City’s financial position. The biggest impact on City finances comes from lost revenues due primarily to a reduction in recreation fees and transit fares. This loss is offset by some cost savings due to reduced levels of service and temporary layoffs. The preliminary forecast of the impact of COVID-19 is an operating deficit of $43.4 million if the closures extend to the end of April and $59.1 million if we go through to the end of June.

We approved a motion to request the provincial and federal government to provide financial support to municipalities. Staff is continuing to monitor the situation and identify options to offset the deficit. The 2021 Budget discussions will be started at Budget Committee on June 24, 2020. 
Changes to Waste Services Across the Region

Today at Regional Council, we approved my motion to waive fees for tags for extra bags of garbage. Starting on April 20, you can place a maximum of 2 extra bags of garbage out with your garbage cart without requiring a tag. Additionally, fees will be waived for any waste deposited at your local Community Recycling Centre. Our CRC is located on Battleford Road just east of Erin Mills parkway. For hours please click here.

As soon as I have information about when these changes will come into effect, I will be sure to post it on my Facebook and Twitter.
Late Licence Renewal Fees for Pet and Mobile Business Licences Waived

Due to the closure of all public counters at Mississauga's City facilities, late renewal fees for pet and mobile licences will be  waived  until further notice.
Changes to Transit Services

Effective, Monday, April 13, MiWay will adjust service on select routes to help address capacity issues and assist people to get to where they need to be safely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
MiWay continues to monitor on-street operations and reallocate bus capacity on routes. All schedules are subject to change without notice. Services will be restored on certian routes to accommodate passenger numbers.

Please visit miway.ca/coronavirus for the latest updates on how MiWay is maintaining transit service, and miway.ca/planatrip for real-time trip schedules.
Activities and Resources to Keep Residents Engaged and Active at Home

The City has put together several online resources for residents during this time. These are for residents and businesses so please check them out.

For free resources and activities from Mississauga's Recreation and Library that residents can do at home, click here .
Free Webinars Available for Small and Medium Sized Businesses

The City of Mississauga’s Economic Development Office is providing free webinars for small and medium sized businesses in Mississauga responding to COVID-19 to help support them during this difficult time.

Visit the EDO website to find one that can help you and your business needs.

In addition, the following paid webinars are also available.
  • How to use LinkedIn to Grow your Business – May 5
  • 10 Steps to Starting Your Own Business – May 7

Park Restrictions

Our park facilities continue to remain closed until further notice. Anyone caught using equipment like skate parks, basketball courts, playgrounds or adult fitness will be fined a minimum of $750. Our Bylaw officers are out educating before ticketing but they are issuing fines to those who do not adher to the restrictions. This is for the safety of everyone as use of equipment can spread the virus.


Closed Until further Notice
  • Playgrounds
  • Soccer pitches
  • Basketball courts
  • Off-Leash parks
  • Parking lots at City parks and at some community centres adjacent to parks.
  • Green spaces and park trails remain open for walking as long as physical distancing is maintained.
PPE Donations for Peel Region

Residents and businesses in Peel are doing their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If you or your business would like to donate unused, unopened and unexpired Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to help, we'll arrange a courier to pick it up, or you can drop it off at one of our drop-off locations. Courier services are for large donations only.

Currently accepting:
  • N95 masks
  • Surgical masks
  • Surgical gowns
  • Surgical gloves

For more information on donating, please click these links below:

o   Region of Peel:  peelregion.ca/coronavirus/donations/
o   Trillium Health Partners https://trilliumgiving.ca/ppe/
o   William Osler Health System: www.williamoslerhs.ca/ppedrive
City Enforcement Measures

  • City By-law Enforcement and Security Officers are enforcing provincial orders related to non-essential business closures and gatherings of more than 5 people (unless members of a single household), in partnership with Peel Regional Police
  • Residents can call 3-1-1 to report non-compliance
  • Set fines for non-compliance range from $750 to $1000
  • Residents in Mississauga wishing to report a non-compliant food establishment such as a bar or restaurant, should call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700.
Helpful Resources
City of Mississauga COVID-19

To learn about the latest updates on actions taken by the City of Mississauga visit  mississauga.ca/coronavirus  or follow  @CityMississauga  on Twitter.
Region of Peel COVID-19

The Region’s Coronavirus webpage: has a wide range of information for Peel residents and businesses, including:



  • Regularly updated information regarding the various support services available to residents



Trillium Health Partners Assessment Centres (Mississauga)

Mississauga Hospital
Clinical Administrative Building
15 Bronte College Court
Mississauga, ON J4Y 0K7
 
Credit Valley Hospital
Valley House
2200 Erin Mills Parkway
Mississauga, ON L5M 7S4

Have questions about getting tested for COVID-19?
Call Peel Public Health 905-799-7700x
Province of Ontario

Province of Ontario Newsroom - for the most up to date news releases
Councillor Pat Saito | City of Mississauga | 905-896-5900 | [email protected] | ward9.ca