Aquitaine Road Safety Pilot Project Updates

Road Reconfiguration in Spring 2025
The Aquitaine Road Safety Project monitoring and study is being extended until spring of 2025, in order to complete data collection and monitoring. Reconfiguration of the roadway back to 2 general traffic lanes per direction and removal of the bike lanes and centre turn lanes is scheduled for the spring of 2025, which will occur after the next public meeting on the project.

Public Meeting
The public meeting to look at the future of Aquitaine Avenue is now being planned for the first quarter of 2025. It will be part of a larger meeting to look at future permanent cycling infrastructure on three corridors: Aquitaine Avenue, Argentia Road (East of Winston Churchill Boulevard to Turner Valley Road), and Millcreek Drive. In this meeting, staff will present the results of the data collection conducted on Aquitaine Avenue, as well as preferred alternatives for permanent cycling infrastructure on all three corridors.

Pavement Markings Changes
Over the summer, some bike lane markings on Aquitaine Avenue were modified, to add a solid line at bus stops, where there previously was a dashed line. There was confusion reported by motorists as to whether they were permitted to enter the bike lane either to make a right turn or to stop. Motorists should not enter the bike lane; motorists should only cross the bike lane when making a right turn, while yielding to cyclists in the bike lane. At these locations, dashed lines were replaced with solid lines, along with “BUS STOP” pavement markings, to communicate that only buses should pull into and stop in the bike lane.

The City is conducting a study to find out which cycling infrastructure should be permanently implemented on three corridors in Ward 9.

Ever wonder how your tax dollars are spent or how the City prioritizes its investments? The City’s proposed 2025-2028 Business Plan & 2025 Budget, presented in the budget document, can help answer questions including ones commonly asked by residents like, “how will this year’s budget impact my taxes?” or “how does the City prioritize certain projects?”.

On Oct. 1, 2024, the ministry is making changes to the Ontario Works application process. The new model will focus on promoting a “digital first” experience increasing automation and will help streamline processes.

Peel residents can continue to visit the Ontario Works in Peel site to get more information about financial assistance, including how to complete a social assistance application. Residents can also call 1-888-999-1142 to apply over the phone. The changes to the application process do not impact benefits or ongoing eligibility for social assistance clients.

Open Window Hub is a resource and information centre designed to support and empower individuals and

families who are unhoused and/or experiencing mental health issues within the City of Mississauga.

#DYK help for the homeless is available at Erin Meadows and MCC? Services and resources

are offered to support at-risk and unhoused individuals including shower access and the Region of Peel Street Helpline.

Do you know a cyclist or a group in your community who has made an impact in cycling or other forms of

sustainable active transportation in 2024? Submit a nomination by Dec. 13, 2024.

Budget Committee approves free transit for seniors, along with other fees and charges for 2025

Fees and charges help to recover costs for services or activities that the City provides, while keeping the tax burden low.

City services | October 3, 2024

FYI: Pleased to announce the Peel Public Health Meadowvale clinic is now open for walk-ins on

Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

FYI: Regional staff will be updating the water system soon along Copenhagen Rd as shown in image. For project details and to receive alerts click link below.

FYI: The RoadWatch program encourages citizens to help and report dangerous and aggressive driving? If you witness an incident of dangerous or aggressive driving report it:

Announcement: Planning & Building’s New Online Guide to City Planning and Development

The City recently launched a new online Guide to City Planning and Development! The new online Guide is dedicated to educating residents about planning and development issues while answering your questions. Staff knows that housing is also top of mind for many residents including questions about housing affordability, how neighbourhoods are changing and what the City can do about it (or not). 

What’s Included
The Guide is organized around the topics we get asked about the most:

• What is city planning explains how planning works and why it’s so important
• Guiding city growth outlines our housing targets, how we plan for growth and where it goes
• How land gets developed gives a primer on the development application process
• Development in your neighbourhood helps residents find information about proposed development and construction near them
• Ways to get involved explains how and when residents can have their say

It also connects residents to resources like maps and data that our city planners use to help guide their work.

There are a number of ways you can reach out to Toronto Pearson and learn more about aircraft noise issues, including:

• Phone: Call 416-247-7682 to ask questions or share concerns.
• Online Flight Tracking Tool (WebTrak): Track flights in real-time and see noise levels in your area.
• Insightful Online Portal: This easy-to-use online resource allows you to access information about noise management and learn more about aircraft operations.
• Noise Complaint Form: Submit up to 50 noise complaints simultaneously via the online form.

As part of their ongoing efforts to improve services, the GTAA has updated their noise complaint form to enhance system security and efficiency. These updates include:
• Email Requirement: Residents must now provide an email address, name, and address when submitting a complaint.
• CAPTCHA: A CAPTCHA feature has been added to protect our data and reduce the risk of a cybersecurity incident while verifying that individuals make submissions.
These changes will help us continue responding to residents’ concerns promptly and securely.

From August 17 to 18, our city saw varying amounts of rainfall from 6.2 mm up to as much as 170 mm in some areas – leading to high water levels and major disruptions on roads, creeks, and highways. This only serves to show the unpredictability of these types of storms and range of impacts our city can see.

This is what’s called a “100-year storm”. Unfortunately, we had another 100-year storm on July 16th and many will recall the storm in July 2013, as well.

We are taking stormwater management seriously. In 2024, we have allocated $33.7 million for stormwater improvements, focusing on projects along Cooksville Creek, Etobicoke Creek, and erosion control initiatives. Since 2016, we have invested over $231.5 million in stormwater infrastructure. Our 10-year plan includes an additional $340 million for ongoing upgrades and maintenance to enhance our resilience against future storms. And, we remain committed to continued investments in further enhancing our stormwater infrastructure to withstand future weather events like this one. These investments include stormwater ponds, new pipes in the ground, and repairs to creek and river banks to prevent erosion.

As your Councillor, I am working closely with my colleagues to urge the province to activate the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program.

We are asking those whose property was impacted by the recent rain event this weekend, to please contact 311 to provide your name and address. This information will be shared with the Government of Ontario to support our efforts in urging them to activate their DRAO program for Mississauga.

Additionally, please be sure to document any damage with photos or videos and inform your insurance provider as soon as possible.

Flooding on your property
If your home or basement has flooded and you’re in immediate danger or require assistance, call 911.
• If you’ve suffered damages due to a basement flood, call 311. The City creates a record documenting these type of calls.
• If you think there’s a problem with your sanitary sewer pipe, you can request emergency help with a sewer backup.
• Call 311 if your property was impacted by the rain event that occurred over the weekend. The data collected aims to help the Government of Ontario decide on the activation of their Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program.
• Record the details of the flood damage by taking photos or videos. Register the amount of damage to your home with your insurance provider immediately.
• Don’t attempt to shut off electricity if any water is present. Leave your home immediately and don’t return until authorities confirm it’s safe to do so.
• After you have evacuated your home or if water has risen above your electrical outlets, baseboards or furnace, call Alectra at 1-833-253-2872 to report it.

You may have noticed construction activity commenced on July 23, 2024 at Lake Aquitaine Park. Please be advised Park signage is expected to arrive onsite shortly. In the meantime, I provide the following information.

The City of Mississauga received funding from the Government of Canada through the Canada Community-Building Fund for various park improvements. Funding for these projects has been allocated for the Lake Aquitaine Park Adventure Playground Expansion.

The Lake Aquitaine playground will be expanded to improve accessibility, increase play opportunities, and provide additional seating and shade. New custom adventure focused play equipment, made of Robinia wood, will be integrated with the existing play equipment, on rubber safety surfacing, to create a unique and adventurous play space for children of all ages and abilities.

The construction of the playground will be in 2 phases.

Phase 1 of the playground construction is anticipated to be completed by September 2024.

Phase 1 work includes:
– Replacement of the existing playground surface with rubber safety surfacing
– Site preparation for Phase 2 playground expansion
– Existing play equipment to remain

Phase 2 of the playground is anticipated to be completed in May 2025, weather permitting.

Phase 2 work includes:
– Expansion of the existing playground area
– Installation of adventure playground equipment, sand play area, shade structure
– Addition of paved trail connections and seating area

As the project moves along, I will continue to provide you with updates. Please visit Ward9.ca and register to receive my e-newsletter, where updates will be posted.

I am excited to see these improvements come to the Lake. I hope you and your family will enjoy the new space. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at: martin.reid@mississauga.ca.

For additional project questions or concerns, please contact:
Jordan Wu, Project Manager, Park Development
T 905-615-3200 ext.3168
jordan.wu@mississauga.ca

Last updated: July 24, 2024.

Reminder: Be safe out there on our shared trails and park paths

Head outside and enjoy Mississauga’s 500-kilometre network of multi-use trails, park pathways, bike lanes and signed bike routes. The City’s system of shared paths and trails is expansive and allows you to see Mississauga landmarks and more of the city.

Before heading out for a ride, don’t forget to brush up on safety, rules and etiquette.

For safety, rules and etiquette before you ride, visit link below.

Residents can now rent electric pedal-assist bicycles (e-bikes) and kick-style scooters (e-scooters) in Mississauga for a fee. The City has partnered with Lime Technology, Inc. and Bird Canada to launch its first system of shared e-bikes and e-scooters. The City is offering this new service as an alternative mode of transportation, whether you’re getting to school, work or to run errands. Up to 300 e-bikes and 900 e-scooters will be made available throughout Mississauga at more than 600 locations including near community centres, libraries, bus stops and park entrances. This program allows users to travel throughout Mississauga using another mode of transportation that’s sustainable, convenient and accessible.

All devices are programmed with:

No-ride zones on sidewalks and other restricted areas.
Slow-ride zones on busy shared trails and areas with high foot traffic.
No-parking zones to ensure trips can only end in areas approved for parking.
All e-bikes have a bell, front and rear lights, reflectors, a height adjustable seat, a step-through frame, a lock, a front basket and a helmet.

All e-scooters have a bell, front and rear lights, turn signals, a lock and a helmet.

Thank you to those who joined us on May 30 for the public information session on the Aquitaine Avenue Road Safety Improvement Pilot Project. I want to continue to dialogue with the community as staff continues to monitor the project. If you have questions, comments or concerns, please email me at martin.reid@mississauga.ca or contact project lead:
Fred Sandoval
905-615-3200 ext. 8299
fred.sandoval@mississauga.ca

For those asking, what is the status of the project? The installation of the pilot road reconfiguration is complete. The City will be monitoring road operations throughout 2024 to inform a permanent future road reconstruction. We will host an in-person public information session in fall 2024 to update you on the status of this project and future permanent alternatives.
If you were unable to join us on May 30, 2024, please visit the link below to access the slide presentation.

The success of crime prevention initiatives depends on your support and involvement. For just $25, your much needed contribution will help sustain the crime prevention programs provided by Safe City Mississauga. Join me in supporting our community. Donate today!

Did you know Alectra offers Payment Assistance programs and support if your payments are overdue? To learn about or apply for their Flexible Payment Arrangements, Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) or Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), visit the link below.

I join the Ward 9 Senior’s community in their concerns in the rise in scams, fraud and personal safety. Please visit Ward9.ca to collect important tips to keep you and our community safe.

The Wellness Response and Assistance Program (WRAP) offers mental health and addiction support to individuals and families, in-person or virtually. The support includes but are not limited to:

– Offer mental health and addiction counseling and programs.
– Help reduce health risks with harm reduction supplies, health education, and needle exchange.
– Help with completing Ontario Disability Support (ODSP) applications, if eligible.

Several community-based non-profit organizations offer free mental health and addiction support. You can call or email any of the agencies listed here if you’re an Ontario Works client seeking help.

If you need help with transportation or child care costs, please ask your Ontario Works Caseworker to request financial support.

Become part of the Meadowvale Business Community today! MBA opens the door to a wealth of opportunities designed to elevate your business to new heights. Through dynamic networking events, you’ll forge meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals, fostering collaborations that can lead to mutual success. Fore more, visit link below.

On Thurs. Dec. 7 at Regional Council, staff brings forward a report: Phase 2 of the Peel 2051 Municipal Comprehensive Review: Consideration of Potential Employment Area Conversions Results. 

RECOMMENDATION
1. That the findings outlined in the report from the Commissioner of Public Works,
listed on the December 7, 2023 Regional Council agenda titled “Phase 2 of the
Peel 2051 Municipal Comprehensive Review: Consideration of Potential
Employment Area Conversions Results”, be endorsed; and

2. That staff be directed to undertake the next steps outlined in the subject report
and report back to Regional Council with a recommendation on a Regional Official
Plan Amendment to consider removing Site 1 and the western portion of Site 2 in
the City of Mississauga, as well as the Dry Industrial lands in the Bolton GO
Station Area of the Town of Caledon, from the “Employment Area” designation on
Schedule E-4 of the Region of Peel Official Plan; and

3. That a copy of the subject report be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing, City of Brampton, Town of Caledon and City of Mississauga for
information.

As I watch a number of residents gather on various social media applications to form independent community forums and groups, I am hopeful there is community interest in officially forming a Ward 9 Residents Association group. Ward 9 has not had an official Residents Association group for a number of years and is the only Ward in the City of Mississauga without a registered group.

Did you know non-profit, volunteer-run groups can register with the City to access benefits and resources? Neighbourhood associations strengthen and support resident engagement and provide opportunities for greater active participation in the local community. I encourage you to take advantage of City services and staff support by registering your community today!

Why register:
Discounts to rent space at community centres and City facilities
Permission to place promotional mobile signs next to City roads
General liability insurance through the City’s affiliate insurance program, if eligible
Community grants and funding

Residency and membership requirements:
All group members and registered participants must be residents of Mississauga
Must have a clearly defined membership with geographic boundaries
Must have one or more neighbourhood based activity, program, or event that supports the City’s strategic master plans

Benefits:
Discounted affiliate group rental rate for facilities and equipment
One free room rental per month for executive meetings
One free room rental per year for your annual general meeting
Permission to place a promotional mobile sign next to a City road
Access to a City liaison
Discounted community rate for Special Event Vendor Licences
Use of the Registered Group Civic Mark on your group’s promotional materials like your website, posters or flyers
Priority booking for City facilities and parks

How to apply:
After you’ve determined your group’s category, and you meet the residency requirements, review the policy requirements in the Community Group Registry Program Policy. If your group meets all the requirements, complete the Statement of Interest Form online. We’ll contact you within four to six weeks to discuss next steps.

Have questions, email: community.group@mississauga.ca or call 905-615-3200 ext. 5054.

Learn about registering a community group, hosting an outdoor event or applying for a grant. Visit:

Many of you have been asking me, what is the City of Mississauga doing to address the affordable housing crisis? Mississauga adopted its affordable housing strategy – Making Room for the Middle – in 2017 to help provide housing that is affordable for all. At the time, the City was one of the first municipalities in Canada to develop a housing strategy focused on middle-income earners. As of 2023, almost 90% of the strategy’s 40 actions have been completed, are ongoing or underway. 

In 2022, the Province of Ontario passed two major housing bills that have implications for the City’s efforts to deliver affordable housing. While the new legislation aims to increase housing supply, neither bill guarantees that housing will become more affordable. The City is committed to helping the Province increase supply while continuing to focus on – and advocate for – ways to make housing more affordable. 

In recent weeks, many of you have approached me to ask, “How can I help?” Write, call or visit your MPP today to lend your voice to this crisis. To find out who your MPP is, click on the link below.

To learn about the city’s Affordable Housing Strategy, click below.

Next-Steps Employment Centre – Meadowvale

Free employment support and resource centre in Greater Toronto Area

If you are a job seeker in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan or surrounding cities, Next-Steps Employment Centres can help you secure employment – for free.

Please view our Job Listings for current career and employment opportunities through our employer partners.

Take advantage of our free services or to fill out our contact form and someone from our team will get in touch with you.

We help Ontario residents, including newcomers, with:

• Job matching with reputable employers
• Job search support
• Help develop your resume and cover letter
• Improving your interview skills
• Career exploration
• Job placement supports
• Skills development and training
• Applying to Better Jobs Ontario

Registration is required to access our services. Individuals must meet eligibility criteria, including unemployment or underemployment, to register.