Ward 11 E-Newsletter - June 2021 |
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Welcome to the June 2021 issue of my Ward 11 E-Newsletter! I hope you find this newsletter informative.
As always, I am pleased to assist you and your family with any municipal issue that you may have. Please don't hesitate to contact my office directly at any time at 905-896-5011 or george.carlson@mississauga.ca
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Eden Food for Change Satellite Food Bank in Streetsville |
Eden Food for Change has opened a new satellite Food Bank in Streetsville. Located behind Streetsville United Church at 274 Queen St. S., the satellite location is open on a weekly basis on Wednesdays between the hours of 2 to 5 p.m.
The satellite location was made possible by many community donors, including the Rotary Club of Mississauga-Meadowvale and Rotary Club of Mississauga-Streetsville, Lions Club, Streetsville Legion and community members who have helped raise more than $45,000.
This is a permanent satellite location and individuals and families using the new location will receive the same quality and quantity of food served in hampers at Eden Food For Change’s other locations (3185 Unity Dr. and 3051 Battleford Rd.). Eden provides 10-12 days of food each month to recipients. At Eden Food for Change, over 80% the food distributed is fresh and nutritious food.
The same COVID-19 policies apply across all locations, including wearing face masks at all times. Visitors are being reminded that the use of hand sanitizer will be required upon entry.
New to Eden? Just bring ID for all household members and proof of address.
Eden Food for Change is your local food bank. “GOOD FOOD for ALL”. For more information, please visit https://edenffc.org
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Mississauga Official Plan Review Meetings to Discuss Housing, Growth, Transportation and Environment |
The City is hosting three virtual community meetings to discuss key directions of Mississauga’s Official Plan Review. Housing, growth, transportation and the environment will be the focus in this phase of public engagement. The City’s Official Plan policies address important parts of city-building that affect how the city grows, including transportation, housing, culture and heritage, the environment and the economy.
Mississauga is reviewing its current Official Plan, which guides growth, to ensure it reflects the changing needs, opportunities and aspirations of the city. Since launching the Official Plan Review in June 2019, the City has conducted ongoing public consultation.
Having reviewed the community feedback to date, this current phase of engagement focuses on confirming policy directions for the environment, transportation and growth. Engagement for housing options will explore ideas from the community.
What & When:
Virtual community meetings to discuss our future city:
· What are the priorities for the environment and transportation?
Tuesday, June 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
· Where will major growth go?
Thursday, June 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
· How can we increase housing choices in our neighbourhoods?
Wednesday, June 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Who:
· Mississauga residents and property owners
· Business owners and employees
· Members of Council and City staff
How:
To participate:
· Register here or call 311. Registered participants will receive meeting instructions and background materials. If you are unable to attend, the meetings will be recorded and can be viewed following the sessions.
To prepare for the meetings:
· Official Plan Review: Visit the project engagement site to review the research briefs, theme summaries and project engagement to date
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Apartment Building Standards and Maintenance Program |
The proposed program could include a proactive rental building inspection plan.
Anyone with an interest in rental apartment building standards and maintenance can share their experiences, thoughts and ideas by visiting the public engagement website at mississauga.ca/apartment-standards-and-maintenance to ask a question and take the online survey.
The input received will help determine the need for a standards and maintenance program for rental apartment buildings in Mississauga.
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City Launches 2021 Gypsy Moth Management Program |
The City of Mississauga is launching its annual Integrated Pest Management program to help reduce the number of gypsy moth caterpillars in Mississauga. This invasive insect causes tree destruction by feeding on the leaves of oak and other deciduous trees. After repeated defoliation, trees may die or become so weakened that they are vulnerable to secondary infestations.
The City will focus its efforts on areas in Mississauga that have higher populations of gypsy moth egg masses. Three strategies will be implemented:
1. Egg Mass Scrapings: scraping gypsy moth eggs off infested trees and soak egg masses in soapy water for at least 48 hours to kill eggs.
2. Tree Injections: injecting trees with TreeAzin® a botanical insecticide. Tree injections are anticipated to be conducted in four City parks: Applewood Hills Park, Paul Coffey Park, Huron Park and Sugar Maple Woods.
3. Ground Sprays: licensed operators will use a product containing Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk). Heavily infected trees will be sprayed from the ground using a controlled mechanism such as a pressurized hand-held hydraulic sprayer. Ground spraying is anticipated to be conducted in two city parks: Cedarbrook Park and Jaycee Park.
New this year, the City is launching an Interactive Treatment Map and a Reporting Form. The Interactive Treatment Map will display the publicly-owned trees along specific streets and in certain parks proposed for treatment. The Reporting Form will allow residents to report gypsy moth observations by inputting details including quantities and life stage observed and sharing photos.
Over the next few weeks, City staff and contractors will be applying pest management strategies in certain areas around the city. Residents are reminded to maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres (or 6 feet) from staff.
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Safe, Interactive Activities for Bike Month this June |
June is Bike Month! Now is a great time to hop on your bike and get to know Mississauga on two wheels.
Outdoor exercise is an important part of maintaining physical and mental health and, at every level of experience, biking is an activity that can be safely enjoyed solo or with your household.
Try these Bike Month activities that are sure to get you pedalling.
Explore a Mississauga trail
From shaded wood trails to waterfront views, there’s something for everyone! Use the new Mississauga cycling map to locate these trails and for ideas on where to cycle.
· Etobicoke Creek Trail: Escape the city and surround yourself with nature. Enjoy a short ride to Centennial Park or challenge yourself to bike to Brampton or Caledon.
· Lakefront Promenade Waterfront Trail: Bike along the lakefront and enjoy the breeze!
· Culham Trail: Looking for something with rougher terrain? This trail is perfect for hybrid and mountain bikes.
· Erin Woods Trail: Enjoy the shade and chirping birds on this short 1 km trail through the woods.
· Sugar Maple Woods Trail: Bike this unpaved trail through the woods and check out nearby parks.
Cycle along a self-guided bike route
The City has mapped out bike routes across Mississauga so that residents of all ages and cycling abilities can enjoy a route in their neighbourhood either solo or with their household. Two Community Rides will take place in June:
Cooksville
Saturday, June 12
Huron Park Community Centre
Malton
Saturday, June 26
Malton Community Centre
Bike the Creek Event
Bike the Creek returns this year from Wednesday, June 9 to Wednesday, June 30 as a self-led bike route that will take you through Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. Along the route, enjoy spectacular valleys, trails, historic landmarks and urban and rural settings across the Peel Region. This free event is open to cycling lovers of all ages and abilities. Registration is not required; however, participants can register for the event to be entered into a draw for a chance to win a prize.
Safe Cycling Webinars
Learn how to safely use streets whether you’re on foot, in a car or on a bike. Topics include sharing road space, common misconceptions, parking and passing.
Make all-weather cycling a breeze. Learn about clothing, gear, bicycle maintenance, storage and more.
The library is also offering two cycling webinars to help keep you safe on your ride. The webinars are open to anyone ages 13+ and are free with registration.
Learn how to fix different parts of a bike as well as proper maintenance and storage to prevent damage.
Topics will include equipment, safe riding techniques, rules and responsibilities, interactions with other road users and trail users and choosing your route.
Children under the age of 13 can also get in on the fun! On Friday, June 18 and Tuesday, June 22, head over to the Mississauga Library’s YouTube channel to enjoy bike safety videos aimed at keeping young riders safe on their bike.
Play Bike Month Bingo
Download your own Bike Month bingo card and try out local bike routes, adventures and activities you’ve never experienced before. Submit your bingo card online for a chance to win a gift package!
Kilometre Counter
Ever wonder how many kilometres you cycle every week? Log your bike rides with the online kilometre counter. Challenge your friends, family and co-workers to see who can cycle the most kilometres during Bike Month or push yourself to cycle a little further each week.
When taking part in outdoor Bike Month biking activities, remember to follow COVID-19 guidelines by staying at least two metres (six feet) from those not in your household and wearing a mask when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Remember to follow the rules of the road, be courteous to other trail users and obey all shared trail etiquette. Cyclists who are under the age of 18 must wear a helmet; however, everyone is encouraged to wear a helmet when riding their bike.
For more information on cycling safety, where to ride your bike and cycling events in Mississauga, visit mississaugabikes.ca.
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Coyote Safety in Mississauga |
City of Mississauga Animal Services would like to remind residents that coyotes are an important part of our ecosystem as they help to control rodent and rabbit populations. They are also are normally shy, and will try to avoid human contact. However, note that they will watch or follow humans out of curiosity. A coyote’s natural instincts tell it to run from aggressive actions; however, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources, coyotes may lose their natural fear of humans if people feed them intentionally or unintentionally. Feeding coyotes can also cause them to have more interactions or conflicts with off leash or unattended pets. Coyote’s can be active during the day and night, but prefer to hunt after dusk or before dawn.
Protecting your pets from coyotes:
· Keep a close eye on pets when you let them in your yard.
· Go outside with your pet when they’re in the yard.
· When walking your pet, keep them on short leash (no longer than 6 ft.).
· If you see a coyote, pick up your dog if it is small
If you encounter a coyote:
· Stay calm and wait until it goes away.
· Do not turn your back or run. Like dogs, coyotes chase anything that runs.
· If a coyote approaches – stand tall, wave your arms, clap, yell, make startling movements and back away slowly.
· Startle the animal by opening an umbrella, using a flashlight or activating an audible alarm.
· Do not feed coyotes (including any other wildlife) as it is prohibited under the Animal Care and Control By-law and is often linked to bold behaviour.
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As you and your family enjoy the outdoors with your furry friends this summer, please remember to pick up after your dogs when outdoors to keep our City safe and clean. Pet owners are also reminded to keep dogs on a leash when visiting parks and trails or out for a walk in their community. You might think that pet waste is harmless, but it can be harmful to our environment, and you can also be fined for not scooping that poop! Here are some facts about pet waste that you may not know:
Did You Know?
· Dog waste is not recyclable. Place it in a waste container designated for dog waste or take it home and dispose of it responsibly.
· Dog waste is not fertilizer - it does not break down naturally. Dog waste takes months to break down, is highly acidic and can harm the soil, killing grass and plants.
· Dog waste contains E-coli bacteria and other parasites that are harmful to humans and animals. Diseases can be transmitted by contact with dog waste. Dog waste contaminates beaches and other public spaces, posing serious health hazards to children playing nearby and to other people and animals.
· Dog waste can contaminate the water supply. When it rains, dog waste soaks into groundwater and into storm sewers which flow to nearby streams and watersheds, affecting our drinking water and making swimming areas unsafe.
· Dog waste can attract wildlife. Dog waste can attract coyotes into residential neighbourhoods and parks, which can lead to pet conflicts and nuisance behaviour.
· It’s the law. You can be fined for not picking up after your dog. As per the Animal Care and Control By-law 0098-04, as amended, Part VII, Section 25) subsection 1) Every owner of an animal shall remove forthwith any excrement left by the animal on any property including highways. Failing to do so carries a maximum penalty of $5000.00.
Let's work together to keep our public spaces healthy and clean by following these simple guidelines when out with your dog:
· Respect public and private property, and pick up after your dog
· Avoid areas where children play such as parks and schoolyards
· Carry spare waste bags with you
· Carry a flashlight at night
· Use scooping tools designed for mobility issues
· Toss the bag containing dog waste in the trash or take it home
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Have Your Say on Creating Vibrant Cultural Districts within Mississauga |
What cultural opportunities would you like to see in Mississauga? With a growing arts, culture and creative industry scene and unique neighbourhoods that are emerging as popular hubs of creativity and innovation, Mississauga is well-positioned to be an arts-friendly city. Many neighbourhoods in Mississauga are intensifying and we are witnessing a growing cluster of arts and culture facilities, and diverse entertainment, retail and dining options. The City will build on these existing assets and support the growth of these neighbourhoods as distinct Cultural Districts through new cultural infrastructure and unique programming.
Mississauga has identified six Cultural Districts, each with its own unique identity and community priorities, under its Cultural Districts Implementation Plan:
· Clarkson
· Cooksville
· Downtown Core
· Malton
· Port Credit
· Streetsville
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You can share your ideas and complete an online survey to share your feedback on the Cultural Districts Implementation Plan and ideas for future activities in the Districts. Your input will help inform the development of arts and culture spaces and opportunities and help the City map out the first phase of implementation in the Districts. Many exciting things can happen in the Districts (e.g. public art, public space improvements, street festivals, pop-ups, performances, patios) and we want to hear from the community.
Benefits of Cultural Districts
Cultural Districts play an important role for the city. They offer residents and visitors alike a diversity of experiences within a distinct, concentrated mixed-use area. Cultural Districts help strengthen the local economy, create a sense of place and support community well-being, and deepen local cultural capacity. The six cultural districts will provide opportunities for the City to attract visitors, support local businesses, increase arts and culture and create vibrant neighbourhood hubs. Major benefits of Cultural Districts include:
· Creating opportunities for participating in arts and culture activities
· Enhancing and beautifying public spaces and streets
· Celebrating the unique local character and heritage of a neighbourhood
· Providing new avenues for social interaction and community gathering
· Encouraging and supporting economic development and business growth
· Supporting the growth of creative industries and cultural production
· Addressing needs of specific neighbourhoods
· Boosting local tourism and the evening economy
· Preserving and reusing historic infrastructure, buildings and landmarks
· Connecting people to outdoor spaces (e.g. parks, open spaces)
In February 2021, Council approved the Implementation of Cultural Districts, which are a key recommendation within the Culture Master Plan.
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We are Resilient Outdoor Exhibition |
The City’s Environment Section and Museums of Mississauga are collaborating to deliver a 3 year climate change outreach and exhibition program that will include an outdoor exhibition and travelling exhibition inspired by the City’s Climate Change Action Plan, titled: We Are Resilient. Climate change is an issue that impacts everyone whether it is evident or not. We Are Resilient aims to connect individuals through stories and experiences about climate change. The program will launch with a photography and stories contest. The photographs and stories collected during the contest will be displayed as part of an outdoor exhibition in 2022 and a travelling exhibition in 2023.
We are Resilient will demonstrate the relevance of climate change to our daily lives, and some of the ways we can and are currently taking action in Mississauga through resident photographs and stories.
Objectives and Outcomes
· Create awareness and understanding of climate change in Mississauga;
· Explore resident experiences with climate change in our backyard through storytelling and photography;
· Showcase climate action projects in Mississauga to demonstrate the resilience of our community through engaging exhibitions and public programming;
· Engage with the public on climate change using culture as a medium to ignite dialogue and participation;
· Empower residents to take climate action and work towards creating a sustainable community.
How Can Residents Participate?
From April 22- August 31, residents can submit (electronically or by mail) their photos with accompanying stories that represent their experience with climate change in Mississauga.
· Mail to 201 City Centre Dr., 9th floor, Mississauga, ON, L5B 4E4, Attention: Environment
Judging Criteria
· Photos with accompanying stories will be judged according to their originality, creativity, and emotional appeal. Submissions should meet the following criteria:
· Photos must be shot in the City of Mississauga
· Photos and/or stories must be original work
· Photo quality: 300 PPI (pixels per inch) is recommended
· Story max character limit of 1000 or approximately 140 words
· Up to three photographs and stories per submission
Themes
Residents can take creative liberty and submit their own photographs and stories. However, the following themes can be considered.
The Past
How has your neighbourhood grown in the past 10 or even 50 years? Were there more or less forests and trees in your childhood compared to today? Do you have old photographs of your neighbourhood? Show us how your neighbourhood has changed in the past several years.
The Present
Have you noticed more frequent extreme weather alerts? Have you been caught in a heavy rainstorm lately? Show us examples of how climate change is affecting your family and your neighbourhood today.
The Future
What does a resilient city of the future look like to you? Do you picture a walkable city with plenty of green spaces? Help us create a roadmap for the future and express your creative vision for the City of Mississauga.
Climate Action and Resiliency
What are you doing right now to take climate action? Do you carpool to work or have a pollinator garden at home? Maybe you are the master of upcycling or eat a plant-rich diet. Show us how you are taking climate action today.
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Councillor George Carlson
george.carlson@mississauga.ca
300 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1
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