As the Region of Peel has now progressed to mobilizing phase 1 construction for the Hanlan C5 Compound on the north side of Burnhamthorpe Rd at Applewood Hills Trail, I wanted to share that the Applewood Hills port-o-let has been moved to the new agreed upon location at Bloor St. 

This placement will continue to serve the Applewood Hills trail users while the Regional construction project is completed at Burnhamthorpe.

This portable washroom at Applewood Hills, will continue serving trail users.

Another youth hub is opening in Mississauga! The former Glenforest Secondary School swimming pool, located at Fieldgate Drive and Burnhamthorpe Road East, is converting into a youth hub. This will be a safe and supportive place for people to engage with others, work together on projects, showcase their talent and express themselves.

Before the hub opens, the City is asking for feedback from residents about what they’d like to see at Glenforest Youth Hub. Let us know by completing an online survey or attending feedback sessions.

Youth In-Person Session

Friday, February 7

7:30 to 8:30 pm

Burnhamthorpe Community Centre, Forest Glen Room, 1500 Gulleden Drive

Register

(External link)

Resident Virtual Session

Monday, February 10

6 to 7 pm

Register

(External link)

To learn more about the new hub, visit the project webpage.

The Pak Pioneers Community Organization hosted their annual New Year Celebration and Mazahiya Mushaira, making for a delightful afternoon filled with laughter and fun.

A cake-cutting ceremony marked the occasion, and the delicious food added to the festivities. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees. I look forward to attending future events!

I had the honor of joining Mayor Parrish, members of City of Mississauga Council & other levels of Government to celebrate Christian Orthodox Christmas at the Church of the Virgin Mary and St. Athanasius.

It was a wonderful occasion to come together with the community, share in the spirit of the holiday season, and honor the rich traditions of the Orthodox faith.

Thank you to the Coptic Community for their contributions to our City.

A big thank you to the Canadian Polish Congress for inviting me to their annual “New Year’s Wafer Reception.”

This event marks a cherished Polish tradition, celebrating both Christmas and the New Year with the local community and guests.

The Wafer, a Catholic Christmas custom in Poland, is made from pure wheat flour and water, symbolizing unity and shared blessings.

Had a fantastic time celebrating Lunar New Year on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at City Hall! Thank you to the Mississauga Chinese Business Association, for inviting me to partake in the New Year Greetings Festival.

As Lunar New Year was held on Wednesday, January 29, families across Mississauga celebrated the Year of the Snake with food, fireworks, decorations, music, lanterns, gifts and more.

As one of the largest celebrations for Chinese, Korean and Southeast Asian communities around the world, families and friends gathered for Lunar New Year to give thanks for the blessings of the year, exchange gifts and celebrate the arrival of the new year.

Please be reminded that for the safety and well-being of both pets and residents, all dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when outside. This ensures that your pets remain under your control and this helps prevent any potential conflicts or accidents.

Additionally, we as a City kindly ask that all dog owners clean up after their pets immediately. It's important for maintaining a clean and safe environment for everyone in our community. Waste bags are available at various locations for your convenience.

We would also like to emphasize the importance of not feeding wildlife, including coyotes. Feeding wild animals can lead to increased reliance on human food, disrupt natural behaviors, and pose safety risks to both animals and residents. Please remember to keep trash secured and refrain from leaving food out that could attract wildlife.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe, clean, and harmonious environment for all residents and wildlife.

Please find attached the revised Construction Commencement Notice/Update for the watermain installation and existing valve chamber upgrades for project 10-1205C5 on Applewood Hills Park and Trail, Burnhamthorpe Road and Eastgate Parkway.

Construction is expected to be completed by early 2027. You can view the latest updates, through my wesbite using the link below.

More details are available in the attached notice for affected residents / businesses and online at https://peelregion.ca/construction/project-10-1205-c5

Please send any questions to construction@peelregion.ca. This will allow our customer service team to direct the inquiry to the relevant staff and log it to inform future service enhancements.

The work to reinforce Applewood Hills Trail bridges to allow their reopening is now scheduled. Staff aim to reopen both bridges in the first week of February, weather permitting.

The No.3 pedestrian bridge (adjacent to 3145 Queen Frederica Dr.) and the No.6 pedestrian bridge (by Cedarbrook Park) at Applewood Hills were identified for replacement during our Bi-annual Citywide Bridge Condition Assessment, and they are budgeted for replacement in 2024-25. A bridge inspection was performed on all structures after the recent flood events in Mississauga and structural issues were found at this site resulting in bridges closure for further investigation.

To minimize the closure period, we will carry out temporary repairs to reopen for pedestrian traffic until the bridge can be replaced. Design for the temporary repairs is underway and the installation will be completed as soon as possible.

Staff are fast-tracking the bridge reconstruction which includes design and approvals with the Conservation Authority to contract for the bridge fabrication & replacement in 2025. To avoid this issue in the future, the new bridges will be galvanized steel structures with a longer lifespan, instead of existing weathering steel structures which are underperforming as expected.

The bridge is important to the community and the trail system. We are working to minimize the disruption and inconvenience caused by the necessary replacement and apologize for the inconvenience of the emergency closure. Safety is our priority.

I will be sure to keep you updated on the status of the reopening, once I receive any updates from City Staff.

For more information, visit: https://chrisfonseca.ca/2024/12/23/update-pedestrian-bridge-temporary-closure-notice-applewood-hills-3-6/

Current Schedule and Status:

• The project was originally planned to be completed by the end of 2024 but due to unknown buried foundations/structures within the roadway (at the depth of our watermain), progress has been slowed significantly and as a result an increased level of traffic management was needed to overcome these obstructions and keep moving forward, 
• Because of these delays we missed our ability to perform some of the restoration in the suitable weather in the fall, so all permanent restoration will now by in the late Spring to early summer 2025.
• We will be commissioning the watermain in the very near future and once passed, the final connections and services can commence.  
• Due to the tasks remaining, the crew has been working inside few of the chambers and compound areas where the travelling public would not see the crew down below ground. While in may appear that work isn’t being conducted at the surface that isn’t the case.  During the commissioning of the watermain, there are mandated periods where no work can occur on the watermain itself until we can demonstrate that the pressure test and disinfection samples have all passed.
• The revised completion date is, as noted above, Late spring/early summer 2025.  

Actions Moving Forward:

• Similar to the Hanlan work at Burnhamthorpe and Applewood Trail, we will be providing you regular informal updates on the Dundas progress
• We are close to the commissioning stage and are currently preparing a draft notice, which will be circulated to your office, to the business impacted along Dundas outlining the next stage of the project and what to expect with transferring their service to the new watermain. The remaining construction and restoration is to be completed within the late spring timeline.
• We will be performing regular assessments of the traffic control measures to ensure what is in place is necessary.
• We continue to ensure the site is constantly maintained in a tidy and condense footprint and have followed up with onsite staff to remind them of the need for a organized, tidy site with clear traffic management setups. We do apologize with the about any perception of a messy site and will strive to keep a tidier site.  

We have spoken with City staff and their work along Dundas is currently west of Ward 3. As the Dundas BRT project advances updates will be provided.  

If you have any questions or concenrs, please contact construction@peelregion.ca or 905-791-7800 x 4409.

A webpage for browsing the project specific information is below.  https://peelregion.ca/construction/project-18-1310-c

Bus Stop Impacts - Dundas Street East (Stop #0878):

Please be advised that stop #0878 on WB Dundas Street at Neilco Court will be out of service effective immediately until Friday February 7 for watermain construction works.

Patrons will be directed to the previous stop #1192 at Jarrow Avenue which is approximately 175 metres east.

Stop #0878 is serviced by Route 1W and 1CW with continued accessible bus service at Stop #1192.

Bus Stop Impact - Eglinton Avenue East (Stop #2083):

Please be advised that stop #2083 on WB Eglinton Avenue, west of Tomken Road will be out of service effective immediately for approximately 4 weeks for construction works.

Patrons will be directed to the previous stop #1068 at Tomken Road (NE Corner) which is approximately 200 metres east.

Stop #2083 is serviced by Routes 7S and 35W with continued accessible bus service at stop #1068.

Please be advised that the Region of Peel will be commencing works on Dixie Road, south of Burnhamthorpe Road – 1415 Gulleden Drive, in the City of Mississauga, beginning January 2025.

For further information on this project and specific location and details, please see the attached Public Notice. 

Calling all adrenaline junkies and winter sports fans! Don’t miss your chance to experience the snowy mountain vibe of a ski resort right here in Mississauga. Mark your calendars for a visit to APIK Mississauga at Celebration Square from February 7 to 9 and check out this first-ever in Ontario spectacle coming to Mississauga’s downtown core.

For three days, Celebration Square will be bustling with skiing and snowboarding competitions, snowskate classes and demonstrations, DJ sets and afterparties! All ages are invited to come and enjoy some outdoor winter fun and watch an impressive roster of more than 80 professional athletes compete for a $100,000 prize purse, judged on the quality and style of their tricks and descents.

The custom built installation in Celebration Square will host the world’s best professional athletes including American skiing legend Tom Wallish, professional snowboarder Natalie Allport, Canadian Championships gold slopestyle medallist Frank Jobin, snowboarder and Olympian medallist Laurie Blouin, and Olympian skier Megan Oldham, who has brought home hardware from many celebrated ski and snowboard competitions. They’ll be performing their mind-blowing tricks for the public for free.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the electrifying ambience of a winter sports competition locally!

Following on the success of last summer’s first JACKALOPE Action Sports Festival, Visit Mississauga is once again partnering with TRIBU Expérientiel Inc. to bring APIK to the city for the first time, in its first venture anywhere outside of its long-time home in Montreal.

When and Where:

Friday February 7 to Sunday February 9, 2025

Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga ON

Check out the full schedule here.

The City of Mississauga is committed to creating a more inclusive, diverse and equitable community and wants to hear from you! Join an important virtual engagement session on February 5, 2025 at 6 p.m. to share your experiences and valuable insights as part of the development of the City’s first-ever Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy.

Virtual EDI Strategy Engagement Session:

• Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
• Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Online Virtual (Click here to register)
• Confidential and anonymous: The session will be exclusively facilitated by the Diversity Institute (DI) on behalf of the City of Mississauga. DI will gather recommendations to develop the EDI strategy. Only high-level findings without personally identifiable information will be shared back with the City and used for the EDI Strategy.

Why participate?

We want to hear from you – people who live, work or conduct business in Mississauga. Perspectives on how City initiatives can be more equitable, inclusive and accessible will help inform the City in its role as an employer, service provider, policy maker and as a purchaser of goods and services. This is an important opportunity to influence key decisions that will guide the City’s policies, practices and procedures moving forward. Residents, business owners and other community stakeholder perspectives are vital in ensuring the strategy reflects the needs and aspirations of everyone in Mississauga.

How to register:

To join the virtual session, please register in advance.

Don’t miss out on this important opportunity to make your voice heard. Together we can build a more inclusive and equitable Mississauga for all.

The Museum has several new exhibits, programs and events coming up this winter season, 2025, including the opening of Spirit Seeds on Saturday, February 8^th, from 3-4pm.

Spirit Seeds: A Celebration of Indigenous Beadwork

Bradley Museum, February 8 – August 3, 2025

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 8, 3 – 4pm

Join us for the opening reception of Spirit Seeds: A Celebration of Indigenous Beadwork at the Bradley Museum. Meet guest curator and artist Naomi Smith (Chippewas of Nawash, Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario), who will lead an exhibition tour of stunning examples of historic beadwork from the Woodlands and Great Lakes Regions, along with present-day examples of the art form.

Tiny glass seed beads hand-sewn onto pieces ranging from the decorative to functional items are known as “Little Spirits” in some Indigenous Languages. Spirit Seeds showcases post contact trade-era beads, historical beadwork and contemporary beadwork. Featuring work by local Indigenous artists, beadwork is still a critical part of personal creative expression and Indigenous culture today.

Light refreshments to follow.

Second, in conjunction with the City’s Environment and Stormwater Management teams, we are launching our next in a series of exhibits on climate resilience. Together for Tomorrow: Earth Days in Action, is launching on February 6^th and will run to April 13^th at the Bradley Museum. This exhibit seeks to inform the public on the work the City is doing on climate resiliency and collective steps we can all take to continue to fight it.

Third, the Museums have launched our Free Family Fun Saturdays at the Bradley Museum. This budget-friendly program is a drop in arts and crafts program focused towards young families, looking to get out of the house and seek enrichment at our Bradley Museum. The program will expand to outdoor activities in warmer weather. We would ask that you please encourage everyone to come down and take part in this program. Admission is open to everyone and donations are encouraged but not required. Families are welcome to our exhibits at the same time.

Please check our website for a list of all our current events, programs and exhibits https://www.mississauga.ca/arts-and-culture/museums/

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving customer service and providing a smoother registration experience, Mississauga is updating the program registration process to reflect the needs and wants expressed by the City’s residents. The new changes streamline the registration process and provide a smooth experience for users. In addition to added flexibility, the City is also reducing the financial burden of registering for multiple sessions at once.

Changes to the upcoming 2025 registration process:

• There will be four distinct seasonal registration opportunities throughout the year.
• Spring programs and summer camp registrations – February 18, 2025
• Summer program registration – May 20, 2025
• Fall programs and Winter Camps registration – August 11, 2025
• Winter programs, March Break Camp, & Aquatic Leadership registrations – November 24, 2025
• There will be less overlaps between programs – helping families plan activities better and improve access to desirable programs.
• Registration time is changing from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Based on resident feedback, this change helps make registration more accessible.

Remember, programs fill up on a first-come, first-served basis, so preview programs and save your selections in advance.

What’s next?

To help you plan, here are key dates for the upcoming 2025 spring programs and summer camp registration period:

• February 11 – Preview and bookmark programs on Active Mississauga
• February 18 – Online and in-person resident registration begins at 7 a.m.
• February 25 – Online and in-person non-resident registration begins at 7 a.m.
• March 22 – Spring programs begin
• June 30 – Summer camps begin

Stay tuned for more detailed information on each registration window, including preview and registration dates.

To learn more, visit: https://www.mississauga.ca/city-of-mississauga-news/news/enhancing-customer-experience-mississauga-launches-seasonal-registration-for-recreation-and-culture-programs/

Embrace the chilly weather and stay active this winter. The City is hosting a free ride for International Winter Bike to Work Day on Friday, February 14 at 8 a.m. This new event celebrates cycling as a sustainable, safe and enjoyable mode of transportation during one of the coldest months. It’s a great way to move your body, commute sustainably and connect with your community. Everyone is welcome, regardless of biking experience.

International Winter Bike to Work Day is a day to encourage people to ride their bikes to work in the winter, and to share the joy of cycling in cold weather.

What:

The City is hosting International Winter Bike to Work Day, a free ride for all ages to encourage cycling in the winter.

This 30-minute, eight-kilometre ride will take you on a journey through cycle tracks and multi-use trails. You’ll be travelling along Living Arts Drive, Rathburn Road West and Burnhamthorpe Road West. After the ride, cyclists can warm up and enjoy a complimentary breakfast with hot refreshments.

Dress warmly and come prepared for the weather. You can bring your own bike or reserve one of Lime’s winter-equipped e-bikes – these are complimentary with limited availability. Don’t forget your helmet. Register for the ride.

When:

Friday, February 14 at 8 a.m.

Where:

The starting location will be at Mississauga City Hall, north-west entrance, Princess Royal Drive and Living Arts Drive.

Register and learn more about International Winter Bike to Work Day.

Not able to make the ride? You can still cycle during the winter months. Use the City’s cycling map to map out a route.

The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is bringing an exciting event to Mississauga, as part of their Art Hive program, and will be offering free creative workshops to residents in the community, providing a space to explore art, promote mental health, and foster community connection. 

This drop-in workshop, which is completely free of charge and being hosted across Mississauga at different community centres from now until April. The workshop will take place on March 5, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre. 

Thanks to funding from the Mississauga Foundation and the support of the City of Mississauga's Parks & Recreation, AGM is thrilled to be bringing art and creativity to communities across the city.

Starting today until February 18, nominations for Mississauga’s 2025 Black Excellence Awards, presented in partnership with the Black Caucus Alliance, are now being accepted. The awards focus on the efforts and achievements of Mississauga’s Black residents and volunteers.

Mississauga residents can be nominated in one of nine categories:

1. Youth
2. Business
3. Community Service
4. Education
5. Health Services
6. Arts and Culture
7. Sports
8. Hospitality and Food Services
9. Legacy – Lifetime Achievement

Eligibility and nomination process:

To be eligible, the nominee must:

• Live and/or work in Mississauga
• Identify as being Black
• Stand as a role model for others
• Inspire volunteerism and civic engagement

If you know someone deserving of an award, the steps to recognizing eligible residents include:

1. Review the award criteria and descriptions above to determine the most appropriate category.
2. Email the nomination to BlackExcellenceAwards@mississauga.ca
3. In your email, please include the following information:

• Full name of the nominee, including their preferred pronouns and phonetic pronunciation.
• Category for nomination (please only choose one category).
• A brief explanation indicating why the individual should be nominated.

Please note that only completed nomination forms will be evaluated.

Nominees who qualify will be invited to receive their award during an evening ceremony in honour of Black History Month next month at Mississauga City Hall on Friday, February 28 at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit the webpage.

I would like to share great news, that on Friday, November 29th, 2024, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced that the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program has been activated for the Little Etobicoke Creek area in response to the July 16th and August 17th and 18th localized flooding events. Applications for the program will be accepted until the deadline of Monday, March 31, 2025. Homeowners and residential tenants, small owner-operated businesses, and not-for-profit organizations may apply for assistance if they reside in the activation area.

Program guidelines, activation area maps, information sheets, and application forms can be found on the DRAO website.

DRAO is a program that can help with the recovery of costs after a natural disaster. Financial help from the program is limited to $250,000 per application, is subject to a $500 deductible (which may be waived for low-income households), and reimburses up to 90% of your total eligible costs with limits for emergency expenses, household appliances, and furnishings.

The DRAO program does not cover all costs. Eligible applicants may receive assistance for emergency expenses and for repair or replacement of essential property if they do not have insurance—or if their insurance is insufficient—to cover their essential costs according to the DRAO program guidelines. Damage due to sewer-backup is not eligible under the program. An exception is made for low-income households as defined by the guidelines. See details online.

In addition, eligible basement repairs are only allowed to the extent they are returned to a basic and safe state (e.g., stud walls and repairs to essential appliances such as furnaces and hot water heaters). Repairs to furnished basements are ineligible unless there is damage to an essential living space. See details online.

DRAO is a provincial program, and is not related to the various programs and initiatives that the City of Mississauga has undertaken related to localized flooding and flood recovery. Residents who do not reside in the DRAO activation area are still eligible for the other City programs and initiatives.

If you have any questions about the DRAO program, you may contact the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing program staff at: DisasterAssistance@Ontario.ca.

If you would like to learn more, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-disaster-recovery-assistance OR https://chrisfonseca.ca/disaster-recovery-assistance-for-ontarians-drao-program-activation-for-the-little-etobicoke-creek/

The City of Mississauga launched its Residential Compassionate Flood Relief Grant, a one-time payment of $1,000 to affected property owners and tenants in Mississauga, who experienced basement flooding on July 16, August 17 and August 18. Residents can only apply for the grant once, even if they own more than one eligible property or experienced flooding on more than one day.

Who is eligible

To be eligible to apply for the Residential Compassionate Flood Relief Grant, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Be an individual, not a corporation or business entity.
• Be a registered owner or tenant of a residential dwelling within Mississauga.
• Have experienced flood damage to your residence from the rainfall events on July 16, August 17 or August 18, 2024.

What you need to apply

Residents must complete a grant application and submit proof of eligibility, including proof of ownership or residence and proof of flooding.

To provide proof of ownership, you must provide a copy of your City tax bill. The name on the application must match the registered owner listed on the tax bill.

To provide proof of residence, if you are a tenant, you must show proof that you live at the eligible residence. You can provide:

• Lease or rental agreement
• Ontario driver’s license
• Bank or credit card statement
• Insurance policy
• Utility, telephone or internet bill

All applicants must provide proof of flooding within a residential dwelling, such as:

• Proof of an insurance claim made for flooding.
• Correspondence with 311 Customer Service, a Councillor’s office or City staff.
• Invoices, receipts or quotes for flood cleanup or repairs.
• Photos of flooding in the residential dwelling, with the file’s metadata date stamped.

Applying online

Visit the webpage and upload the supporting documents, including proof of ownership or residence and proof of flooding.

Each file must be 5 MB or smaller and in one of the following formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF or WebP.

Applying by mail

Mail a completed Flood Relief Grant Application and supporting documents to the following address:

Residential Compassionate Flood Relief Grant Program

Transportation and Works

Environmental Services Section

300 City Centre Drive

Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1

For more information about the grant, residents are asked to call 311.

Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2025.

Important facts about stormwater

There are more than 51,000 storm drains in Mississauga, 1,900 km of storm sewer pipes, 270 km of ditches, 150 km of creeks, and 80 stormwater management facilities.

Valued at more than $7 billion, Mississauga’s stormwater drainage system requires constant care. Staff continue to assess and prioritize the most effective improvements to this aging infrastructure. Installing stormwater infrastructure requires a large investment up front, and it is expensive, but important to maintain.

Rebate programs

In February 2025, the City will be launching two additional rebate programs:

• Basement Flooding Prevention Rebate Program will provide rebates up to $6,800 for eligible flood prevention improvements.
• Flood Resilience Rebate Program will provide rebates of 50 per cent of the invoiced cost up to a maximum of $3,000 to cover costs associated with eligible measures taken to make improvements to your home to minimize flooding impact.

Other subsidies

Region of Peel Sanitary Backwater Valve Rebate (Current): The Region provides a $1,500 rebate for eligible homeowners to cover the cost of installing a sanitary backwater valve to reduce basement flooding due to sanitary back-ups of wastewater from the sanitary sewer. For more information, visit peelregion.ca.

To learn more, visit: Residential Compassionate Flood Relief Grant Program applications now open – City of Mississauga

On January 28th, 2025 the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business and MP for Mississauga-Streetsville and Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish together announced federal funding for the second installment of Housing Accelerator Fund as well as transit funding for Mississauga.

Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)

Today’s announcement provides the City with the second installment of HAF. The more than $28.2 million will be used to support the City’s housing incentives as recommended by the Mayor’s Housing Task Force, including:

• Offsetting the shortfalls relating to reductions to development charges for the 2,700 shovel ready market condo units, and other incentives outlined in the Mayor’s Housing Task Force Motion.
• Discretionary grants under the City’s Affordable Rental Housing CIP to assist with the construction of 400 new affordable and below market rental apartment units.

The City will use the third HAF installment for the same purposes and will be seeking provincial support through the province’s Building Faster Fund.

Funding to advance key transit priorities

Starting in 2026, the City of Mississauga will receive more than $112 million in funding over ten years, from the federal government’s Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF). This funding comes from the Baseline Funding stream and an additional investment is being provided through the Zero-Emission Transit Fund.

Baseline Funding stream

The majority of the funding the City will receive comes from the CPTF’s Baseline Funding stream. This funding will help advance key improvements to Mississauga’s transit system. This includes assistance with long-term planning as well as public transit and active transportation infrastructure updates.

Zero-Emission Transit Fund

The additional funding announced today, up to $10.9 million, will come from the Zero-Emission Transit Fund to support a project aimed at deploying electric hydrogen fuel cell buses in Mississauga. The funding will allow Mississauga’s transit agency, MiWay to purchase 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses, and install equipment at its Malton transit facility to fuel these buses. Mississauga will be Ontario’s first municipality to pilot hydrogen fuel cell buses in its transit fleet.

To learn more, visit: https://www.mississauga.ca/city-of-mississauga-news/news/mississauga-welcomes-federal-funding-to-get-more-affordable-housing-built-and-improve-public-transit/

City Council approved a motion from Mayor Parrish to make Mississauga housing more affordable. It includes incentives to kick-start development and get more homes built quickly.



The motion details important financial changes to boost the supply of housing – including new rental housing – for Mississauga families.

Housing incentives

Effective immediately, the following incentives are available for shovel-ready projects that pull building permits before November 13, 2026:

• Reduce City residential development charges (DC) by 50 per cent or by 100 per cent for family units (3-bedrooms) in purpose built rental apartments
• Defer and collect City residential development charges at occupancy

The motion requests that the Region of Peel consider matching the DC incentives adopted by the City. In addition, to spur the creation of Mississauga rental housing, the motion calls on the Region to implement a new multi-residential tax subclass. This new tax subclass would reduce property taxes by up to 35 per cent for new purpose-built rental housing.

The motion stems from recommendations from the Mayor’s Housing Task Force. In its recent report, the Task Force concluded that very few new residential units will start construction in the next two years without these types of interventions. The report called on all levels of government to reform development charges, taxes and fees to help lower house prices and rents.

Getting homebuilding back on track

Development charges and other fees – known as growth charges – provide important funding for municipalities. They pay for infrastructure for new homes like new roads, transit and libraries. Other than property taxes or user fees, they are the main source of funding Mississauga currently uses to pay for growth-related infrastructure.

In 2024, new high-rise homes sales in the region were down 95 per cent with only 236 new sales recorded by the end of November. By cutting these charges – on a short-term basis – the City is aiming to address the housing crisis head-on by getting homebuilding back on track in Mississauga.

Paying for growth

To help support the changes, the motion directs City staff to explore all appropriate government funding including the provincial Building Faster Fund, the federal Housing Accelerator Fund and Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund.

As a longer-term solution, the City is calling on the provincial and federal governments to adequately fund growth-related infrastructure for municipalities and provide much needed funding for affordable housing.

In the coming months, City staff will update and enact all necessary by-laws to support the housing incentives.

To learn more about the recommendations from the Mayor’s Housing Task Force, visit Mississauga.ca/housing-taskforce.

Watch the full video of Mayor Parrish’s housing press conference.

Background

• The price of an average home in Mississauga is approximately $1.4 million for a detached home or $600,000 for a condo. Average monthly rent is $2,500 (1-bedroom) or $3,000 (2-bedroom).
• While development charges in Mississauga make up about 10 per cent of the cost of a new condo – fees, taxes and charges from all levels of government total about 25 per cent of the cost of a new GTA home.
• The City’s current development charge rate for a residential apartment (condo) is $38,316 per unit. With a 50 per cent reduction, the charge would be $19,158 per unit.
• Development charges from the Region of Peel, GO Transit and school boards total an additional $59,884 for an apartment (condo) unit.
• The Mayor’s Housing Task Force includes more than 30 experts from Ontario’s private and not-for-profit building and development industry. It was assembled by Mayor Parrish in June 2024.

In the coming months, staff will update the City’s Housing Action Plan with recommendations that will be advancing from the Mayor’s Housing Task Force.

To read the full report and learn more about the task force members, visit Mississauga.ca/housing-taskforce.

To learn more, visit: https://www.mississauga.ca/city-of-mississauga-news/news/mississauga-taking-bold-action-to-make-homes-more-affordable/

As 2025 gets underway, you’ll notice more activity on the ground floor of Mississauga City Hall as we bring back in-person services in one place to serve residents better.

Looking to come by for in-person support, register for a program or make a payment? The below services now have a permanent presence in the Great Hall (ground floor of City Hall) and are open during regular City business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Welcome Desk

Our friendly customer service staff from the 311 Citizen Contact Centre are here to assist with wayfinding, inquiries related to City services and assisting with booking appointments at the self-service electronic kiosk. Payments can be dropped off at designated drop boxes, with one located just outside of City Hall at the north entrance and another located at the Welcome Desk. Need additional support? 311 is available to serve residents by phone (dial 311 or 905-615-4311, if outside City limits), email and online.

Legislative Services

Service counters are open and staff are ready to issue marriage licenses, perform civil ceremonies, provide commissioner of oath services and intake liquor licence applications, freedom of information (FOI) requests, claims and liens submissions, formal complaints and burial permits. Residents can also visit to receive assessment roll information and have minor variance and consent applications processed. Visitors are asked to kindly book an appointment prior to visiting City Hall. 

Planning and Building

Members of the public can visit in-person with inquires or requests to schedule meetings for development applications, building permits or related matters. Walk-in appointments for these services are accepted.

Recreation Customer Service Desk

Residents can interact with our Recreation Customer Service Team to book many facilities across the City, including rooms in community centres, gymnasiums and arenas, including outdoor sport and picnic amenities. Residents can also register for recreation and culture programs, sign up for a fitness membership or apply for recreation’s financial assistance program, ActiveAssist. Walk-in appointments are accepted. Questions? Call 905-615-4100 or email.

C Café

Looking to grab breakfast or lunch while visiting? C Café has re-opened with a tasty menu of options for everyone to enjoy.

Security Services

Security staff are onsite to provide support to City staff, customers and visitors through heightened visibility at City Hall.

Model of City Centre

Located in the Great Hall across from C Café is a model of City Centre that was originally constructed in 1989 that took approximately three months to complete. Constructed at a scale of 1:500 (500 times smaller than the real buildings), the model features current and future visions for City Centre. Check it out today!

For more information, please visit the City’s website or call 311.

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season behind us, it’s not uncommon to feel lonely. But there are many ways to reconnect, even through the short days and long winter nights. While these ideas can help, it’s important to remember that mental health is serious. If feelings of loneliness become overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional support.

• Create a routine
• Plan a mini adventure
• Check-in with family and friends
• Find comfort in solo activities to boost your overall well-being
• Don’t be afraid to seek help

As a city that prioritizes inclusivity and quality of life, Mississauga has a role in fostering connection and mental well-being among its residents. That’s why the City provides a wide range of activities and resources to help. By making these investments, Mississauga is strengthening the health and happiness of its residents, ensuring the City remains a welcoming place for all.

To learn more, visit: https://www.mississauga.ca/city-of-mississauga-news/news/feeling-alone-try-these-tips-to-stay-connected-this-winter/

Mississauga City Council approved the following Notices of Motion at its January 15 meeting.

Watch the January 15 meeting.

City Council approves Stormwater Advisory Committee to combat flood challenges:

Mississauga City Council approved a motion to establish a Stormwater Advisory Committee to address flooding concerns and improve public engagement on stormwater management issues. This initiative responds to increased flooding due to climate change and its impact on the City’s stormwater infrastructure ($7.6 billion replacement value). The committee will help make public services more accessible, provide in-depth policy study and increase community acceptance of city decisions through citizen participation.

Key points of the motion:

1. The committee will consist of 2-3 City Councillors and 5-8 citizens with relevant expertise.
2. Citizens will be selected based on qualifications or significant interest in environment, sustainable development, climate change, conservation and property insurance.
3. The committee aims to educate the public, evaluate policies, encourage resource sharing and serve as a liaison with the community on stormwater-related matters.

Read the Motion.

Watch the discussion.

Mississauga City Council objects to Hizb ut Tahrir conference and calls for federal action:

Mississauga City Council approved a Notice of Motion expressing objection to the presence of Hizb ut Tahrir in the city and calling on the federal government to take action against the group planning conferences or gatherings within the municipality. Council has made clear it will not permit gatherings in its buildings for this group due to past hate speech.

Key points of the motion:

1. Hizb ut Tahrir, considered a terrorist group by many governments worldwide, scheduled a conference in Mississauga for January 18, 2025.
2. The Global Imams Council has urged Public Safety Canada to intervene and prevent the event.
3. Council calls on the federal government to intercede with security staff to block the conference and ban Hizb ut Tahrir in Canada, listing it as a terrorist organization.

Read the Notice of Motion.

Watch the discussion.

For a complete record of all meeting resolutions, review the Council meeting minutes available after approval at the next scheduled Council meeting. Watch live streaming video of Council, General Committee (GC), Budget Committee, Planning & Development Committee (PDC), Audit Committee, Governance Committee and Committee of Adjustment meetings, when in session.

Keep up to date with the Council and Committees calendar where you can find when upcoming meetings are happening, and agendas about items being discussed.

Life doesn’t stop when it snows, and the City’s winter maintenance crews are ready to respond to snowfall all season long to keep you moving safely. Here’s what you can do to manage snow and winter weather on your own property and support crews as they work.

Shovel effectively:

Shovelling can be a lot of work. Shovelling early and often will help to limit heavy snow buildup. Remember to take breaks, stay hydrated and dress appropriately.

Clear around your furnace and hot water tank vents. Covered vents can be a carbon monoxide hazard. If you have a fire hydrant on your property, please shovel around it so that it is visible to fire crews.

Try to pile snow away from your home’s foundation and where meltwater won’t flow across sidewalks or driveways, where it can freeze and become slippery. You can help minimize your driveway windrow by shovelling the snow to the right side of your driveway, if there’s space, so that the plow doesn’t push it back onto your driveway. Residents who are registered in the 2024-2025 Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing Program will get a three-metre space cleared in their driveway windrow so that one car can get in and out safely. It may take up to 36 hours after the end of a snow storm for windrows to be cleared.

Be smart with your salt use:

Before applying any salt or de-icing materials to your walkway, sidewalk or driveway, clear any snow first and always use the materials as recommended by the manufacturer.

Remember that salt only works on ice and snow when the temperature is above -10° Celsius. Consider using alternatives like sand, grit, mulch, non-clumping kitty litter or treated salt (magnesium chloride) to add traction when the temperature is below -10° Celsius. Some abrasives can even be swept up in the spring and reused.

Park vehicles in your driveway during snow clearing:

Vehicles parked on residential streets make it hard for crews to clear the snow properly and efficiently. This can make it difficult for emergency vehicles to get through and for you to get in and out of your street.

During a plowing event, avoid a parking ticket and help out our crews by parking your car in your driveway instead of on the street. Remember to remove sports equipment like basketball nets and garbage bins from your curb.

When our snow plows are out on the roads, the City may suspend temporary parking permits and new ones will not be issued. To find out if temporary parking permits have been cancelled, call 311, follow @MississaugaSnow on X or visit mississauga.ca/temporaryparking.

Be kind to each other this snowy season:

If you can, consider offering to help those who may need help clearing their sidewalk or driveway. Please also remember to treat City crews and equipment with respect and to give them lots of space to work. Crews work around the clock to treat and clear Mississauga roads, roadside multi-use trails, priority sidewalks, bus shelters, facility parking lots and bike lanes.

You may not know the person operating the plow, tractor or truck, but they are part of our community and should be able to work safely. Your patience and co-operation is appreciated.

Visit mississauga.ca/snow to learn more about snow clearing in the city.

Use the online snow plow tracker to view a map of the City’s snow-clearing routes and track the City’s fleet as it clears streets and priority sidewalks.

Lace up your boots, zip up your jackets and get active! The City of Mississauga is celebrating Winter Walk Month and is encouraging students and their families to walk to school or the bus stop. For those who live further from your school, you can still make a positive impact by parking five minutes away and walking the rest.

Walking to school in the winter has benefits

Walking not only enhances your physical and mental health, but also helps create a safer environment for school zones. Choosing to walk over driving also lowers carbon emissions, promoting a healthier environment for our community.

Winter walks can offer you some unique experiences, such as listening to the sound of snow crunching under your boots, spotting animal footprints in the snow, admiring snow and icicles on trees and houses, and feeling your body warming up as you move.

Not a student?

Don’t let winter blues get to you. Stepping out for a winter walk can have many benefits for your physical and mental health. It can help improve your fitness, reduce stress and improve your mood and sleep. It’s also a great way to get outside and socialize with your family and friends, discover new places and increase your energy levels. Whether you’re at work, school or running errands, try incorporating more outdoor activities into your routine. It could be as simple as walking around your neighbourhood, making trips to the nearby park or exploring new trails in Mississauga.

Find a park or trail near you.

Winter road safety reminders

If you’re walking, remember to:

• Dress warmly to stay comfortable.
• Choose a walking or school route that’s clear of ice and snow.
• Be alert – Stay cautious crossing the road especially around large snowbanks.
• Cross the road at a designated crossing and/or with a crossing guard when possible.
• When taking the bus, maintain a safe distance from the curb and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before boarding.

If you’re biking, remember to:

• Dress in layers so you can remove them as you warm up.
• Avoid puddles or ice patches.
• Be cautious when riding on metal bridges and roadways with paint markings as they can be slippery.
• Make sure you wear a helmet, and use lights and reflectors on your bike if you’re riding at night.

If you’re dropping someone off at school or work, remember to:

• Leave earlier to give yourself extra time.
• Clear your car of snow and ice.
• Drive the posted speed limit or according to road conditions.
• Slow down in school zones. Be alert as there can be a lot of traffic in school zone areas.
• During snow-clearing operations, give plows and equipment space to work.
• Obey flashing lights and stop signs on school buses.
• Use your school’s Kiss and Ride program, and only park where allowed.

Visit mississauga.ca/schoolroutes to access custom maps to plan a safe and active route to school.

Learn more about Region of Peel’s Winter Walk Month.

Mississauga City Council unanimously approved the Healthy City Strategy, aimed at reducing risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes. The strategy empowers City staff and decision makers to apply a health equity lens in the planning and development of City programs, policies, initiatives and infrastructure.

With the vision of fostering a city where all residents thrive and are healthy, active, connected and supported within their community, the strategy embeds a “health equity” perspective into decision making to recognize the health, environmental and social differences across Mississauga and work towards decreasing the prevalence of diabetes and other chronic diseases in Mississauga.

Healthy City Strategy

The Healthy City Strategy was made possible through collaboration with Peel Public Health, the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations, Trillium Health Partners and Cities for Better Health (CBH – formerly Cities Changing Diabetes).

The strategy focuses on compact, complete and connected neighbourhoods; community services and programming in support of active living and education; and collaborations with researchers, community, organizations, business, agency and government. It also outlines how the City can influence positive change without taking on responsibilities that belong to other organizations or levels of government.

The strategy incorporates input from research and data experts, health research findings and the experiences of other municipalities to pursue an evidence-informed approach. More than 1,000 participants provided feedback to help inform the strategy, which captured their lived experience and identified needs and priorities for healthy living.

Mississauga’s commitment to building a healthier city

In November 2021, the City joined the Cities for Better Health program and Council unanimously signed the Urban Diabetes Declaration. This partnership connects Mississauga with more than 50 international cities, facilitating shared resources and knowledge to better understand and combat the rise of type 2 diabetes. Since then, the City has benefited from the CBH shared resources and learnings from around the world to inform our strategy.

The City continues to promote active transportation and healthy lifestyles through its focus on complete and connected communities. Mississauga also offers a variety of public fitness and wellness programs.

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Mississauga

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects the way the body regulates and uses sugar as a fuel. This long-term (chronic) condition results in too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream.The prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes in most neighbourhoods in Mississauga ranges from 13 to 16.9 per cent. These rates are significantly higher than the Ontario average of 9.8 per cent.

Areas of high prevalence of diabetes in Mississauga appear to generally align with areas that are considered more at risk to climate change impacts, social vulnerability, lower walkability, access to green space, transit, higher proportion of fast food restaurants, core housing needs and poor air quality. This means that specific areas of Mississauga carry a higher burden of diabetes along with other risk factors that contribute to the challenge of healthy living. This is not health equity.

Moving forward, the City will begin to integrate the Healthy City Strategy and its health equity lens into planning and program implementation, working to advance the 25 actions outlined in the strategy and work towards health equity.

For more information about the Healthy City Strategy, visit the website.

While there’s a lot to celebrate this time of year, it’s important to do so responsibly. Road collisions due to impaired driving continue to be a problem in Mississauga. Through the holiday season, the rate of collisions due to impaired driving is higher. That’s why the City is partnering with Peel Regional Police to remind drivers to be responsible by staying sober or finding a safe alternative.

Alcohol and drug use

Driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis is dangerous for yourself, your passengers as well as other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. A collision that results in a fatality or serious injury has significant consequences to those involved and their loved ones.

Driving impaired is dangerous as even minimal amounts can affect your driving skills. Driving requires full control over your mind and body, and requires you to be alert so you can make quick decisions. When you drink or consume drugs, it can disrupt your ability to focus, affecting your risk perception, motor skills, reaction time, decision-making abilities and overall co-ordination.

Impaired driving in Mississauga

According to Peel Regional Police, impaired driving (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) continues to be a concern in Mississauga. From January 1 to November 30, 2024, there were 89 collisions that involved impaired drivers on Mississauga roads.

Peel Regional Police has launched their Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) program to help address impaired driving. R.I.D.E. checks are conducted throughout the year, but the holiday campaign includes increased enforcement levels and additional officer deployment. The program has already checked more than 4,600 vehicles and will continue to early January. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911 to report it.

Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or certain drugs is a serious offence. You put yourself at risk of immediate license suspension, hefty fines, education or treatment programs and even vehicle impoundment. Penalties can vary depending on your age, licence type, the amount of alcohol or drugs in your system, and how many times you have been convicted or had your licence suspended.

Stay safe while out on the roads

Whether you’re walking, cycling, taking transit or driving, it’s important that you stay extra alert when travelling around the city to your destination.

If you’re planning to drive – stay sober. If you’d like to consume alcohol or cannabis, plan an alterative way home. You can designate a driver, use MiWay to get around or use a rideshare program or taxi.

If you’re walking, cycling or taking transit, remember to stay alert and be aware, especially when crossing intersections. Make sure to use a crosswalk or crossride when possible.

To learn more about impaired driving, visit peelpolice.ca/en/safety-tips/road-safety.aspx

Learn more about road safety in Mississauga: mississauga.ca/roadsafety

Please be advised that Parks seasonal washrooms are now closed for the year, with re-openeing scheduled for April 2025. Our teams will be working across the City over the next month to complete the winterization process for these facilities, with support from FM to complete year-end extensive cleaning. Our year-round Parks washrooms remain open and on a routine cleaning schedule.

For quick reference, noted below you will find the list of full-year/seasonal washrooms across the City.

Parks Washrooms:

12 Month, insulated/heated – Open for use:

• Lakeside Park
• Richard’s Memorial Park
• Jack Darling Memorial Park – Leash Free Zone only
• Community Common
• Dr. Martin L. Dobkin Park
• Erindale Park
• Visual Arts Mississauga @ Riverwood
• A.E. Crookes (Lakefront Prom south launch ramp)
• Marina Park (lighthouse)
• R.K. McMillan Park
• Garnetwood Park (Ward 3)
• Mount Charles Park
• Lisgar Fields
• Father Angelos Saad Memorial Park
• Churchill Meadows CC/Mattamy Sports Park

Seasonal, non-insulated/non-winterized (Apr-Oct) – Now closed:

• Birchwood Park
• Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens
• Jack Darling Memorial Park – East & West
• Brickyard Park
• J.C. Saddington Park
• Lakefront Promenade – Douglas Kennedy/Central Headlands
• Port Credit Village Marina
• Hancock Woodlands
• Dunton Athletic Fields
• Fleetwood Park (Ward 3)
• Paul Coffey Park
• Meadowvale Conservation Area
• Lake Aquitaine Park – East & West
• Tobias Mason Park
• Courtneypark Athletic Fields
• Meadowvale Sports Park
• Friendship Community Park
• Streetsville Memorial Park
• Quenippenon Meadows Park
• Mississauga Valleys Park

Peel's garbage exemption period is coming up in Ward 3 on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025.

To find your garbage exemption day:

• Check your collection calendar.
• Sign up to receive free weekly collection reminders by email, text message, or phone call.
• 
  

During a garbage exemption pickup:

• You can put any amount of acceptable garbage on the curb.
• Garbage tags are not needed.
• Extra garbage is collected only on your garbage collection day, not on your recycling collection day.
• 
  

To be picked up, an extra garbage bag cannot:

• Weigh more than 20 kg (44 lbs).
• Be larger than 66 cm (26 in) wide and 90 cm (35 in) high.
• Be smaller than 30 cm (12 in) wide and 30 cm (12 in) high.

To find out more about Peel's garbage exemption, visit our website.

Is your 2025 New Year’s resolution to prioritize your mental health and embrace new experiences? Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) invites you to discover local art, explore history and participate in inspiring monthly programming. On Thursday, January 16, enjoy a special performance with the Brampton Folk Club. Keep the inspiration going into February with two dynamic arts panel discussions, where you can meet and learn from local artists featured in PAMA’s newest exhibitions.

Explore Winter Exhibitions:

Thursday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays ask for a personal tour with one of our Visitor Service Guides!

• Apple a Day presented on PAMA’s outdoor banners
• David Blackwood: Ode to Newfoundland
• In Love and In Art: Jim Reid, Gina Rorai, Peggy Taylor Reid and David Urban
• Youth on Reconciliation
• All Aboard! The Railways of Peel
• Stories of Home: Finding Community and Belonging in Peel
• Unveiling Ability: Empowerment Through Art
• Beauty and Wonder: Deepa Wagh’s Sand Collection - Last chance to see the exhibition before it closes Feb. 9
• Banquets and Belonging: Diasporic celebrations in the Greater Toronto Area - Last chance to see the exhibition before it closes Feb. 2
• This is How We Do It: Creating Museum Exhibitions
• Yours to Discover: Sights/Sites of Peel Region
• Behind the Bars: The History of the Peel County Jail
• Sedna: Inuit Goddess of the Sea

Winter Programming:

• DIY Studio Time
• Saturdays and Sundays, 1 – 4:30 p.m.
• Explore exhibitions and connect over self-guided art projects that inspire creativity. Do-it-yourself studio time activities change every month. 

• Artist Talk: In Love and In Art Exhibition 
• Saturday, Feb. 1, 2 – 3:30 p.m. 
• Join Art Curator Sharona Adamowicz-Clements in conversation with artists Jim Reid, Gina Rorai, Peggy Taylor Reid and David Urban to discuss their works and the unique dynamics of being artistic couples. How have their personal relationships influenced their creative output?

• Artist Talk: Apple A Day
• Saturday, Feb. 22, 1 – 2:30 p.m. 
• Join PAMA and the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) for a conversation about the outdoor banner project titled Apple A Day by local artist Meegan Lim. Her artwork draws attention to food insecurity in today’s economic reality of high inflation and rising cost of living.  

To learn more, visit: https://peelregion.ca/press-releases/dive-new-year-filled-inspiration-pamahttps://peelregion.ca/press-releases/dive-new-year-filled-inspiration-pama

Peel residents have more ways to access services on the enhanced peelregion.ca which provides access to over 100 services. Digital Peel is a multi-year program which provides residents with a consistent user experience, helping them find important service information online quickly, such as eligibility, fees, how to apply or initiate a service, and contact information.

Digital solutions and forms introduced in 2024 include:

• Freedom of Information request and payment method
• Landlord and tenant water billing account change form
• Business hazardous waste
• Peel Health Professionals enhancements:Routine Vaccine Order Form and supplies
• Influenza/RSV vaccines Order Form and supplies
• Construction project feedback and questions

Overall, the digital services and forms launched as part of the Digital Peel program had an overall 94% satisfaction rating. This includes the vaccine ordering forms that were introduced as part of the Peel Health Professionals Portal in August; those forms achieved an impressive 99% satisfaction rating.

To learn more, visit: https://peelregion.ca/press-releases/digital-peel-program-provides-access-more-online-services

Peel Region is pleased to announce the approval of two significant grants from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) under the Industrial Energy Efficiency Program. These grants, totaling $5.19 million, will support energy recovery and energy conservation projects at the G.E. Booth and Clarkson Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs).

The G.E. Booth WRRF will receive $2.39 million to upgrade aeration blowers and implement a more energy-efficient Ammonia-Based Aeration Control (ABAC) process. This project is expected to save 12,000 MWh of electricity annually, equivalent to reducing 456 tonnes of GHG emissions and saving $1.3 million in electricity costs each year.

The Clarkson WRRF will benefit from a $2.8 million grant for a cogeneration (cogen) project that will recover energy from waste gas and an ABAC upgrade for the aeration system. This initiative is projected to save 14,165 MWh annually, cutting 538 tonnes of GHG emissions and reducing electricity costs by $1.8 million yearly.

Both projects are anticipated to be completed by Q4 2026. Peel Region extends its gratitude to the IESO for their crucial support in making these energy efficiency improvements possible.

It was great touring the Peel Reception Centre during the mont of January. Peel has reached a significant milestone on our asylum claimant response. On February 1, all four floors of the Peel Reception Centre (5100 Spectrum Way) will open with a total of 680 beds. These 680 beds will be allocated to asylum claimants in Peel (individuals, not families) currently staying in hotels.  

This achievement was made possible through outstanding collaboration with Peel’s Human Services division, community partners and the City of Mississauga’s Building Services team. Collectively we have brought this project to fruition. A communications strategy for this particular milestone has been implemented to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are informed of the latest developments.

As you know, phase one of this project was completed on October 28, 2024, which involved opening the 1st floor of to provide temporary shelter and supports to approximately 88 asylum claimants who were staying in hotels in Peel. Now that renovations of the entire building are complete, all 680 shelter beds for asylum claimants in Peel at this site are available.  

Peel Region has proven to be a leader in homeless asylum claimant response during unprecedented pressures on the shelter system. With just over $22 million in funding through the Federal government’s Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), Peel was able to open the centre in just three months, complete construction in six months, and anticipate completing it $2 million under budget.   

Programming and wraparound services being piloted in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at the Peel Reception Centre include:   

• IRCC is onsite to provide case management services and coordinated exits to other municipalities through employment opportunities.   

• In addition to providing shelter support services, Peel Reception Centre offers on-site settlement services, employment support, housing support, and access to income support programs (Ontario Works).   

• On-site external partners include: IRCC, Service Canada, and WCG Employment Agencies (Job Skills, College Boreal).    

• The pilot also includes onboarding Legal Aid Ontario, and Public Health Services (Healthy Sexuality, Peel Needle Exchange).    

The continued size and scale of the reception centre function, and the level of coordination we can achieve amongst municipalities, are dependent on provincial and federal funding decisions.

From November 2024 to January 2025, Peel Regional Police held our annual seasonal R.I.D.E. (Reducing Impaired Driving Everywhere) Campaign, where dedicated teams of officers worked around the clock to specifically target impaired drivers through R.I.D.E. checkpoints, traffic stops, and responding to citizen reports of impaired driving.

This years campaign saw 12,094 motorists investigated and hundreds of charges laid, including:

• 104 total persons charged
• 42 Charges for Operation while Impaired by Alcohol
• 82 Charges for Blood Alcohol Concentration in Excess of the Legal Limit
• 5 Refusal or Failure to Provide Breath Sample
• 2 Charges for Operation while Impaired by Drugs
• 242 Highway Traffic Act Charges
• 848 Highway Traffic Act Cautions
• 3618 Approved Screening Device (ASD) tests

Additionally, one firearm was located and seized at a R.I.D.E. traffic stop.

Peel Regional Police are asking motorists to be mindful of the dangers and risks associated with impaired driving, and encourage planning ahead and/or making arrangements for a safe ride home.

As you are aware, in May, Peel Regional Police launched its annual Project E.R.A.S.E. (Eliminating Racing Activities on Streets Everywhere) aimed at changing poor and aggressive driver behaviour through education and strategic enforcement.

From May 1, 2024, to October 1, 2024, officers identified hotspot locations throughout the Region of Peel and targeted those areas as part of the program strategy. During this time, officers investigated 1,119 vehicles and issued 2,127 Provincial Offence Notices, including:

• 155 stunt driving charges
• 282 Noisemaker tickets
• 27 Criminal Code charges related to impaired and dangerous driving

Road safety remains a top priority for Peel Regional Police with illegal street racing and aggressive high-speed driving continuing to be a problem in Brampton and Mississauga.

To ensure safety on our roads, PRP will have zero tolerance for dangerous driving behaviours and street racing activities, and officers remain vigilant in enforcing speeding, aggressive driving, and impaired driving all year round. 

Peel Regional Police’s Strategic and Tactical Enforcement Policing (STEP) team has seized more than double the number of illegal firearms than last year, and more than triple the amount when compared to 2022.

STEP, an initiative that operates as part of the Specialized Enforcement Bureau, is focused on reducing gun and gang violence in the Peel Region. In 2024, this team has removed the following from the streets of the region:

• 53 illegal firearms; 
• 63 magazines; and 
• 915 rounds of ammunition.

Of the 53 seized by the STEP, 41 have been traced back to the United States of America and the remaining 12 are still being traced.

The dedicated efforts of this team have also led to 50 arrests, 461 Criminal Code charges, and 40 drug-related charges in relation to these seizures. Of the 50 charged, 25 were released from custody, while 15 were already before the court facing charges and 31 had previous conditions.

While this has been an unprecedented year for the STEP, the firearms seized by this team only account for about a quarter of all the firearms seized by PRP. To date, PRP has seized 205 illegal firearms, up from 143 in 2023, including the largest seizure in the service’s history of 71 firearms seized as part of Project Chrome in June.

STEP was first introduced in 2007 through funding and support from the Government of Ontario. In 2022, PRP received a further financial commitment of $1.5 million over three years from the Government of Ontario through the Gun and Gang strategy to enhance public safety by reducing gun and gang activity within the cities of Mississauga and Brampton.

STEP officers deploy in geographical areas that have the highest statistical concentration of gang, firearm and drug activity throughout the Region of Peel, conducting proactive patrols to enhance police visibility and assist with community safety and wellbeing. This approach identifies enforcement opportunities, promotes gang suppression, and creates meaningful partnerships with community members.

Diabetes Hope Foundation is excited to share our new visual and dramatic arts program, Free to Be, for youth in grades 10 to 12 living in the Peel/Halton regions. This free program offers a fun, creative space for youth with type one diabetes to explore the arts, develop confidence, and connect with others in the community - no art or drama experience is needed! 

Free to Be Program Details: 

Program Dates: Saturdays, January 25th – March 22nd 

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

Location: Crane Creations Studio (210-2359 Royal Windsor Drive, Mississauga) 

Cost: Free! 

Eligibility: Open to students with type one diabetes in grades 10-12  



Register here: Free to Be Winter Session 

Learn-to-Curl

There is still time to register for Dixie Curling's next Learn-to-Curl session! In these 5-week courses, you will learn the basics of curling including delivery, sweeping, and strategy from nationally certified instructors. Session D begins February 5 and is open for registration now!

Dixie Curling Club - Dixie - Learn-to-Curl Session "D"-Clinic

Try Curling for Free

Curling Day in Canada is on Saturday, February 22 and the Dixie Curling Centre is hosting a free Try Curling session from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. No experience is necessary and all required equipment will be provided! All participants must be ages 16+. Visit the Dixie Curling website or their Curling Day in Canada page to register to Try Curling! 

Dixie Curling Club - Curling Day in Canada Try Curling Session-Clinic

Limited spots are available for each program, so head to the Dixie Curling website to register or reach out to curlingcoordinator@dixiecurlingclub.com for more information!

Join the MSO and Sultans of String in the Living Arts Centre on Saturday, February 8 for the World Orchestral Premiere of REFUGE - a unique and powerful production that brings the magic of collaboration to the stage with stunning global artists and large orchestra.

REFUGE celebrates the creativity, diversity, and passion of Canada’s immigrant community. It will feature breathtaking performances by special guests: Donné Roberts, Padideh Ahrarnejad, Majd Sukar, Saskia Tomkins, Leen Hamo, Tamar Ilana and more. All bring their unique brand of musical synergy and collaboration to bear on discussions and songs that speak to the challenges facing the world’s displaced peoples—their stories, their persistence, and their humanity.

Tickets start at $40. Special pricing available for seniors, families, youth, and groups of 10+. 

FREE underground parking included with every ticket.

BUY TICKETS NOW: https://bit.ly/4fTRDA7

This World Premiere with Orchestra, is made possible by the arts funding support from the Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

In 2023, we started a prom dress library for Region of Peel students; at that time, we had no idea this event would grow to become what it is today! This program is such a great initiative for the community and we’re proud to say that we’ve successfully aided over 300 families in finding appropriate graduation and prom wear for middle and high school students across the Peel.

We couldn’t be more excited to be participating in the third annual Making Prom Happen on April 10th , 2025, at Turner Fenton Secondary School (7935 Kennedy Road South, Brampton).

We strive to spread awareness about this event in order to attract more donations and volunteers – simply put, the more we get, the more we can offer to families in need of this kind of support. We’re hoping you would be able to share the information about Making Prom Happen to your fellow counsellors and community stakeholders to aid in this initiative.

As you know, we are 100% reliant on donations and volunteers to can continue offering this event to students at no cost to them. Volunteers are always needed, perhaps you would like to come join us?

We’ve included a list of items that we need for donations:

1. Dresses and tuxes for girls/women (we really need curvy sizes).
2. Suits and accessories for boys/men (we’re short on suits for grade eight graduates).
3. A variety of accessories such as jewelry, shoes, purses, shawls, etc.

Check out our website www.makingpromhappen.ca for more information!  

Help our endangered monarchs, bees, and other pollinators – grow a boulevard pollinator garden!

Blooming Boulevards is now accepting applications for free boulevard (and right of way) pollinator gardens for 2025. Mississauga residents are eligible to receive up to fifty low-maintenance plants, great for for sun or shade. They are native to the Credit Watershed area. These beautiful, easy-care wildflowers withstand salt and drought, reduce runoff, and provide pollinators with food and shelter throughout the year.

You’ll get help with garden design, plant advice, and up to 50 native pollinator plants - all free.

Applications and information can be found on Blooming Boulevards’ website https://www.bloomingboulevards.org/get-a-garden. If you have questions, you are welcome to email Jeanne McRight at info@bloomingboulevards.org.

The application period ends on May 10. Apply now to make sure your garden is reserved!

If I can be of assistance with municipal issues you are dealing with, my team and I are always here to help.