Gypsy Moth and Canker Worm Update
As previously reported last year's aerial spray program was successful in drastically reducing the populations of both canker worms and gypsy moths. We don’t anticipate any issues from cankerworms this year and project that the gypsy moth levels will be much lower as a direct result of the spray program. However, we need to remember we will never eliminate the populations, so the City we will be implementing their usual pest management plan City-wide this year; targeting the usual areas we know have these pest populations with all the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) measures: banding, burlap, pheromone traps etc. so we will be encouraging residents to do the same.
It's Burlap Time!
Right now, Gypsy Moths are in the caterpillar life stage. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to install burlap around your trees. Caterpillars move up and down the trees in throughout the day, and often seek shade in the layers of the burlap. If you check your trees every day, you can dispose of the caterpillars and help decrease their populations. One way to dispose of them is by putting them into a bucket of soapy water and leaving them for a minimum of 48 hours.
Burlap can be left on the trees until the end of August. Later in the summer, you may also find pupae (cocoons) or egg masses on the burlap that should also be placed in the soapy water.

For more details, including an instructional video, visit here .
Willow Glen Development Update
I am pleased to inform you that construction of Park 531, the former Willow Glen Public School site, will be commencing this June.

Work is scheduled to start June 17, 2019, weather pending, and is planned to be completed November 30, 2019.

The park design remains consistent with the preferred concept that was presented at the public open house on May 15, 2018:
·        All existing trees on site are to remain and be protected throughout construction;
·        Amenities include a 7v7 soccer field, playground, seating areas, parking lot, park
pathways and walking loop, community run ice rink and associated lighting, and park
landscaping.
 
As with any construction project, it is expected that the area will be busy with construction activity. The site will be fenced off for public safety, and we ask for your patience and assistance in keeping clear of the construction area.

Should you have any questions please contact Alana Evers, Project Manager at: 905-615-3200, ext. 4210 or email at alana.evers@mississauga.ca .
Please Don't Feed The Wildlife
There is a disturbing trend where human food and food attractants are being dumped in greenspaces, parks and streets throughout Mississauga. Specifically raw meat has been found in Richard Memorial Park and Rhodendaren Gardens. This intentional feeding maybe contributing to the coyote activity in the area. 

We encourage residents to enjoy and appreciate the diverse and abundant wildlife with which we share our beautiful City. What we cannot encourage is the feeding of wild animals and waterfowl and here are the important reasons why:
Feeding Can Harm Wildlife

The feeding of waterfowl and deer can become habit forming making them dependent on a food source or unwilling to forage naturally which can lead to illness, disease or injury. Like humans, if an animal fills up on junk food or one type of food they may not consume an adequate diet which can lead to nutritional deficiencies or illness.  

Ducks and geese naturally feed on vegetation and water insects. A nutritionally deficient diet of seed or bread can cause illness and disease and when ducks gather in large numbers they can become ill from the bacteria in unconsumed food or increased faeces in the water. 

Feeding deer apples, carrots, or corn interrupts their natural digestive processes and can lead to digestive problems and even death. Deer that are being fed are an easy target for predators and exposure to bad weather as they continually remain in one location rather than moving around naturally or seeking cover. 

Feeding Can Cause Wildlife to Become Dangerous

Coyotes are naturally shy and avoid humans.  Access to human food attractants interferes with this natural behaviour causing them to become bold and less fearful of humans, they may even approach humans looking for a handout making them dangerous.

An increase in coyote activity is always related to food availability whether natural or artificial. Human handouts and food sources cause coyotes to frequent residential streets, parks and properties in search of food which increases the potential for negative conflict for both pets and people.  Remove the food source, reduce the conflict. 

Feeding Can Cause Wildlife to Become A Nuisance

Raccoons, skunks, and squirrels typically live close their food sources which may have them causing damage or denning in neighbouring homes and properties. Overflowing bird feeders or dumping bread and seed attracts rodents which can attract larger predators like coyotes and foxes.

Is Feeding Wildlife Illegal? 

Yes it is. Feeding of wildlife is considered a public health and safety issue and as per Part IV: Section 10 of the Animal Care and Control By-law 0098-04, No person shall intentionally feed a wild animal or leave food or attractants of any type or in any form out of doors in such a manner as to attract, or be accessible by, a wild animal, feral or stray domestic animal on private or public property.

What about Bird Feeding?

Hanging birdfeeders are permitted on private property as long as they are maintained in a sanitary condition and do not attract rodents or wildlife. 

We Need to Work Together To Keep Our Communities Safe and our Wildlife Healthy - It's Up to You!

·          Educate your neighbours,
·          Keep neighbourhoods and properties clean
·          Keep pets on 6’ leash and supervised when outdoors

Report wildlife feeding, illegal dumping, or property standards issues by calling 311

For more information click here or click this l ink .
Nuisance Weeds and Tall Grass
Did you know that it’s the property owner’s responsibility to cut and maintain tall grass? As per the Nuisance Weed and Tall Grass by-law, grass cannot exceed 30 centimetres in height.

Owners must also maintain their boulevards and ensure the space is free from nuisance weeds. Any nuisance weeds and weed seeds on the property must be destroyed.

Nuisance weeds include weeds such as Buckthorn, Hemlock, Poison Ivy, Thistle, Ragweed, Garlic Mustard and Creeping Charlie. 

If owners do not maintain their property, they may be in violation of the by-law. The owner will be issued a Property Standards Order to advise them of the violation and must fix the issue within a specific timeframe.

If City staff receives a complaint about nuisance weeds or grass that is too tall they will send the property owner a notice informing them of the by-law violation. The owner will then have 10 days to fix the issue.
 
Learn more about tall grass, nuisance weeds and your responsibilities by reading the Nuisance Weed and Tall Grass By-law on the City’s website at mississauga.ca/bylaws.
Grass Cutting at the City of Parks and Sports Fields
The standard for grass cutting on City parkland in Mississauga is once every two weeks. This standard, is subject to modification due to weather and smog days when grass cutting operations are limited, and may sometimes be impacted by equipment down time.
During the spring, grass tends to grow extremely quickly - many residents cut their lawn once or twice a week during this period. The City's standard means that during the period of May to July, grass on City lands will be longer than some residents consider desirable. During the peak growing period, grass cutting crews are working on a continuous basis. Even with overtime however, grass in Mississauga's 450 parks will sometimes be growing faster than City staff are able to cut it.

 
Parks Operations is working diligently to prepare our parks for increased usage as weather conditions improve. Unfortunately, the wet weather has created ground conditions that limit access by our crews and equipment to cut the grass.

These conditions will result in some parks looking rough for a short term with sites returning to normal as the weather and site conditions improve and the crews return to their normal cutting schedules.
 
In the meantime, we appreciate your patience as City staff is working hard to get back to our regular service schedule. The City will be posting messages on their social media channels to advise the public of the situation.
Celebrate Seniors' Month with Activities
Celebrate Seniors' Month by visiting the Older Adult Expo on June 4, trying out a recreational activity or attending a social hosted by various libraries throughout the month.

The 2019 Older Adult Expo will have over over 70 exhibitors, giveaways, events and demonstrations for you to enjoy.

Activities throughout the community centre and library include:
  • Try it Fitness sessions
  • 50's Diner with light refreshments
  • Accessibility fitness flash mob lead by Next Step to Active Living participants
  • Device Advice
  • Collaborative Art Project
  • Special Book Sale
  • 3D Printing Demos
  • Robot Demos
  • Accessibility Information and Demos

For more information please visit here or contact: Lorena Smith
Upcoming Community Events and Meetings

Mississauga Kicks Off National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) from June 3 to June 7th: NAAW features a series of events and activities to highlight the many services and programs available to people with disabilities. For more information click here .

Reimaging the Mall: Directions Report & Open House - Over the past year and a half, residents have shared feedback to help guide the future evolution of five communities anchored by shopping malls as part of the Reimagining the Mall study. On June 10th staff will be presenting the Directions Report and policy recommendations to the City’s Planning and Development Committee (PDC). Residents are invited to attend the PDC meeting and/or the subsequent Open House to learn more about the Directions Report and policy recommendations.
Planning and Development Committee: June 10th at 1:30 pm. in the Council Chambers at Civic Centre, 300 City Centre Drive.
Open House: June 10th from 2:00-4:00 pm & 5:00-7:00 pm in Committee Room E at Civic Centre, 300 City Centre Drive. For more information click here .

Community Meeting re: Development Proposal for 0 Bernida Road: June 10th at 6:30-8:00 pm at Lorne Park Hall, 1288 Lorne Park Road. For more information, please click here .

Community Meeting re: Committee of Adjustment Application for 1414-1426 Indian Grove: June 11th at 6:30-8:00 pm at Lorne Park Hall, 1288 Lorne Park Road. For more information, please click here.

Community Meeting re: Proposed Rogers Communications Wireless Telecommunication Antenna Installation, 2161 North Sheridan Way:   June 12th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Admiral Inn, 2161 North Sheridan Way. For more information please click here for the notice sent to residents by the applicant.

Community Meeting re: Proposed Plan for Tecumseh Park: June 17th at 6:30-8:00 pm at Lorne Park Hall, 1288 Lorne Park Road.

Third Annual Mississauga Garden Festival: J une 23rd from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Riverwood Park, 4150 Riverwood Park Lane. The festival will include special speakers, exhibitors, gardening advice, children's activities, artisan & food vendors. Admission is free. This event is proudly partnered with the Riverwood Conservancy, Credit Valley Horticultural Society, Cloverleaf and Applewood garden clubs.  For more information visit : mississaugagardenfestival.ca

If you have any questions or comments about any of the above mentioned community meetings, please do not hesitate to contact me at  karen.ras@mississauga.ca   or call 905-896-5200.