Dear Resident:
It is hard to believe summer is over. As schools are re-opening, please drive carefully and watch out for children. Let's keep our roads in our community safe. September is Distracted Driving month and our Road Safety Committee campaign is in full swing. We urge everyone to pay attention while driving as that one second of distraction could cause a serious collision.
We are starting to reopen city facilities with strict protocols in place. Numbers will be limited and all recreation programs must be pre-booked. Masks are required in all indoor buildings. It will be good to see Meadowvale and Erin Meadows community centres becoming active again.
Mississauga has been doing well at keeping the virus cases down but this pandemic is still here and we can't let down our guard or we could be back into a more restricted situation. I am pleased that so many residents have been responsible by wearing a face covering, keeping 6' distance and taking all precautions necessary. It is thanks to all of you that our positive case numbers are low and our hospitals have been able to catch up and prepare for a potential second wave which we hope will not come.
I want to remind you again that if you know of anyone who cannot afford a face mask, please let me know and I will make sure they get a reusable one.
Stay safe, stay together but apart and stay healthy.
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.
Pat
|
|
Distracted Driving is a Major Concern in Mississauga
As Chair of the City Road Safety Committee, I am very concerned about keeping our roads safe for all users.
Our committee campaign for September is about Distracted Driving. Distracted drivers can cause collisions that can kill or injure. Our goal as a Vision Zero community is no fatalities or injuries on our roads.
Your our last words shouldn’t be a text! The next time you are driving and decide to use your phone – think again, it’s dangerous and illegal. Distracted driving puts all road users at risk including pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and passengers. Ontario’s Distracted Driving law applies to the use of any handheld communication device or display screen including a cellphone, tablet, navigation system or gaming console. It’s illegal and unsafe to use a handheld device to send a text, dial, watch videos or program a GPS device while driving. Learn more about road safety and the City’s Road Safety Committee.
|
|
Region Council Looking at Rat Strategy
For about the past 10 years, starting around the time our watermains were being replaced, some Meadowvale neighbourhoods have experienced problems with rats. We could only refer the locations to Peel Health as the City has no programs for dealing with them on private property. Peel Health received a lot of complaints and has done education to residents on how to deter them from their properties but it has not been seen as a major health concern.
On Thursday at Council, we had a lengthy discussion on how the Region can step up to assist homeowners. A motion for a rebate program was discussed and was sent to staff to come back on October 8 Council meeting with a strategy. I am very supportive of a rebate type of program but also want staff to look at the Region having contractors on call to respond with direct billing to the region if the cost would be less that way. Other cities have introduced rebate programs and we will look at what the best one is.
I am confident that something will be implemented and it will be grandfathered back several months at least. I am compiling a list of locations so if you have seen them on your street please email me. All previous complaints are already on the list.
|
|
Noise By-Law Survey – Have Your Say
Council received a report with recommendations to make changes to our Noise By-Law. We asked staff to send it to the residents for further input.
This is the time for you to comment on the proposals.
When should certain types of noise be permitted in Mississauga? How much noise is acceptable in a growing urban centre? As the City moves ahead in updating its Noise Control By-law, a new online survey is now available to get residents’ thoughts on how to manage noise now and for the future. Your input will help shape the new by-law to ensure it is more responsive to resident and community needs.
Survey closes September 30, 2020
|
|
Report attempted break-ins
I have received reports from a few residents about break-ins to their vehicles. I would like to remind you that it is important to file a report with the police. This ensures that they are involved from the outset and that resources can be adequately applied. If the police are not aware of an ongoing issue, they are unable to act accordingly. To make a report online, click here.
I am meeting with the 11 Division staff to discuss a strategy for dealing with this increase in our community.
If it is a crime in progress, please note that you should call police immediately – 911 is the appropriate number to call.
|
|
Hunter's Green and Plowman's Park Playgrounds being redeveloped
Two local playgrounds are being redeveloped right now. Work at Hunter's Green began on September 8th and will take approximately two weeks to complete. Plowman's Park starts this weekend and will also take two weeks. Watch for new improved facilities for these neighbourhood parks.
|
|
Derry Rd Lane Reductions for Hwy 401 Bridge Construction
As the Ministry of Transportation is constructing the widening of the 401, their contractors will be also doing work on the bridge over Derry Road. This will involve building new bridge extensions for both the westbound and eastbound HWY 401 traffic.
As a result of this work, the Ministry will need to occupy 1 lane of Derry Road in the both the westbound and eastbound direction. This will result in a reduction to 2 lanes in each direction until the work is completed by July 2021.
|
|
Help Stop Spread of Phragmites
Those very tall grasses that are growing along Lake Aquitaine and in fact a very invasive species called Phragmites.
This plant is extremely hard to get rid of and could ultimately extend around the lake, killing good plants, destroying fish and turtle habitats and harming wildlife.
Residents can help to control the spread of Phragmites and other invasive species in Mississauga by:
3) Avoiding walking off trails in parks and natural areas, and keeping dogs on leash. As we walk through natural areas we often pick up seeds of plants on our shoes or clothing and transport them to other areas. Staying on trails and keeping your dog on leash outside of leash-free areas will limit this method of spread.
For more information on Phragmites and how you can identify it, remove it, and reduce spread, visit the Ontario Phragmites Working Group webpage at www.opwg.ca or call 3-1-1
|
|
Construction of Multi-Use Trail on Derry Road Continues
Construction of the Multi Use Trail on the south side of Derry Road from west of Forest Park Drive to east of Glen Erin Drive is scheduled to be complete at the end of November. Please note that there will be lane restrictions on Derry Road in the eastbound direction starting after 9am daily, but reopening each evening.
|
|
Council and Committee Schedules Resumed September 8
Council and Committee meetings resumed a regular schedule on September 8, 2020. Meetings will be a combination of virtual and physical attendance. Advisory Committees and Committee of Adjustment will be meeting virtually until further notice.
The Council Chamber is retrofitted to address physical distancing and safety protocols and the Mandatory Face Covering By-law is in effect. The capacity of the Chamber has been significantly reduced due to the indoor gathering restrictions and physical distancing requirements laid out by the Government of Ontario.
Members of the public wanting to participate in Council and Committee meetings are provided the option of virtual or in-person attendance. Virtual participation is encouraged due to limited seating in the Council Chamber. Every member of the public must register in advance to speak or attend in-person with registration details outlined on the agenda page.
The virtual participation provisions in the City’s Procedure By-laws were extended until August 1, 2021 to provide Council and staff the opportunity to evaluate and review if these provisions should be made permanent. Staff will report to Governance Committee prior to July 2021.
|
|
New OPP Detachment Centre opens in Meadowvale |
|
I had the privilege of joining Sergeant Sean Cole for a tour of the new OPP Detachment Centre in Ward 9. The detachment is on Argentia Road east of Winston Churchill on the site of the former highway service centre and replaces the Port Credit detachment. Over 60 officers work from the new location at this time. Stay tuned for an Open House once they get settled and are able to have people into the building.
|
|
Backpack Drive at Praise Cathedral Worship Centre
I would like to say a huge thank you to Sandra Beckles, who organized the 2nd annual Backpack Drive at the Praise Cathedral Worship Centre. I was able to pop in and drop off a donation of 50 backpacks for kids in need. This is a great initiative that benefits those in our community.
|
|
|
|
|
Terry Fox Virtual Run 2020
This year, the Terry Fox Run will be held virtually. Participate wherever you are - around your neighbourhood, backyard, down the street, or around the block! We will unite in spirit, not in person. To register, visit: www.terryfox.org
For more information on the Meadowvale Terry Fox Run, see below:
Instagram: @MeadowvaleTerryFox
Twitter: @FoxMeadowvale
FB: facebook.com/meadowvaleterryfox
|
|
Praise Cathedral Worship Centre Food Bank
The PCWC food bank is now open every Thursday from 5-6pm at 6785 Millcreek Drive.
They will be providing one food hamper per family, and will serve all residents of Peel. If you are in need, or know of someone who is, please share this information with them. Neighbours and friends are also able to collect hampers on behalf of those in need.
|
|
It’s Bike Month! Roll into Fall with these Cycling Activities
September is Bike Month and there are a number of ways that you can celebrate right here in Mississauga.
REMINDER to cyclists: please ring your bell to alert pedestrians of your presence so that they can safely move out of your way.
If you haven’t done so already, now is a great time to get out your bike. Give it a tune up and get peddling Mississauga!
|
|
City of Mississauga Launches 2021 Culture and Community Grant Programs
The City of Mississauga’s 2021 Culture and Community Grant Programs are now accepting applications.
Organizations are able to review the 2021 guidelines for the four grant programs currently accepting applications: Arts and Culture Grant Program; Culture Festivals and Celebrations Grant Program; Culture Projects Grant Program; and Community Grant Program.
|
|
City of Mississauga Services Resuming
As part of the City’s phased and controlled reopening plans, some limited City services will be available in-person, by appointment only beginning September 8:
In addition, the Council Chamber and Committee Rooms will reopen for meetings at the Civic Centre (300 City Centre Dr.) with reduced capacity.
Health and safety protocols are in place to protect staff and the public at all City facilities. These protocols include:
Active screening – Staff and visitors are screened with COVID-19 assessment questions before entering a City facility.
-
Limited building access – Doors have been designated for entry and exit.
-
Mandatory masks – Face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces.
-
Physical distancing – Signage and floor markings indicate how to maintain two metres or six feet of space.
-
Signage – Floor decals and signage provide direction, health and safety reminders and ensure physical distancing.
-
Limited elevator capacity – Signage indicates safe and reduced capacity of elevators.
-
Stairwells – Where possible, stairwells are designated for up or down traffic.
-
Enhanced cleaning protocols – New protocols include increased cleaning and disinfecting of highly-touched surfaces and high traffic areas.
Recreation
Beginning September 8, community centres, fitness centres, indoor pools and limited arenas will reopen with modified programs/services. All activities must be pre-booked.
Library
Meadowvale and Erin Meadows libraries will reopen on September 15 with limited service. Visits are limited to one hour and services including computer access and limited study require an appointment.
Culture
Starting September 8, bookings of some spaces will reopen including the Living Arts Centre RBC Theatre, studio rentals, church and group bookings.
|
|
As Council approved 2 extra bags each waste collection week with no fees, we have cancelled the planned exemption week for the fall.
Bulky items continue to be collected curbside. Remember to put bulky items and the extra bags out only on your garbage collection week.
For more information about the exemption period, click here. https://www.peelregion.ca/waste/garbage-exemption-dates/
Battleford Community Recycling Centre
We continue to have no charge for garbage taken to the CRCs. Please check the website for information on maximum free loads.
|
|
|
Here are four simple actions you can take to help our City overcome the virus:
1 Stay apart: Maintain 2-metres (6 feet) distance from everyone outside your safe social circle.
2 Lather up: Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
3 Mask up: Wear a non-medical mask when maintaining physical distancing is difficult. Protect the supply of medical grade masks for health care workers.
4 Get tested: Get tested if you think you might have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it. While waiting for test results, stay home, self-isolate and prevent potential spread.
|
|
COVID-19 Information at Your Fingertips |
|
Important Websites
Important Phone Numbers
Mississauga 3-1-1
Available Mon - Fri
(any calls after hours will be routed to Dispatch for support)
Call 311 to report any non-compliance
Peel Public Health 905-799-7700
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Peel Regional Police
Non Emergency Line: 905-453-3311
Toll-free TTY:1-866-797-0007
Important Dates
September 16
September 23
September 24
|
|
Region of Peel COVID-19 updates
- Regularly updated information regarding the various support services available to residents
|
|
Trillium Health Partners Assessment Centres (Mississauga)
Credit Valley Hospital
Valley House
2200 Erin Mills Parkway
Mississauga, ON L5M 7S4
Mississauga Hospital
Clinical Administrative Building
15 Bronte College Court
Mississauga, ON J4Y 0K7
|
|
Councillor Pat Saito | City of Mississauga | 905-896-5900 | [email protected] | ward9.ca |
|
|
|
|
|
|
