General Committee

Meeting #:

Date:

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Time:

9:30 A.m. - 2:30 P.m.

Location:

Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 2nd Floor

300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 3C1

And Online Video Conference

Members Present

• Mayor Bonnie Crombie
• Councillor Stephen Dasko, Ward 1
• Councillor Alvin Tedjo, Ward 2
• Councillor Chris Fonseca, Ward 3
• Councillor John Kovac, Ward 4
• Councillor Carolyn Parrish, Ward 5
• Councillor Joe Horneck, Ward 6
• Councillor Dipika Damerla , Ward 7
• Councillor Matt Mahoney, Ward 8
• Councillor Martin Reid, Ward 9
• Councillor Sue McFadden, Ward 10 (CHAIR)
• Councillor Brad Butt, Ward 11

Staff Present

Shari Lichterman, Acting City Manager and CAO

Andra Maxwell, City Solicitor

Raj Sheth, Acting Commissioner of Corporate Services 

Geoff Wright, Commissioner of Transportation and Works

Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building

Kristina Zietsma,  Acting Commissioner of Community Services

Diana Rusnov, Director of Legislative Services and City Clerk

Sacha Smith, Manager of Legislative Services and Deputy Clerk

Allyson D'Ovidio, Legislative Coordinator

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

Councillor McFadden, Chair called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM.

2.

INDIGENOUS LAND STATEMENT

Councillor McFadden, Chair recited the Indigenous Land Statement.

3.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The following matter was added to the agenda:

Item 15.1 - Revised Notice of Motion regarding a motion for the City of Mississauga to lift its prohibition on cannabis retail stores and permit cannabis retail stores to be located in Mississauga. (Councillor Damerla)

Approved (Councillor C. Parrish)

4.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Nil.

5.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

5.1

General Committee Minutes - March 29, 2023

Approved (Councillor C. Parrish)

6.

PRESENTATIONS - Nil

7.

DEPUTATIONS

7.1

Kathryn Garland, Supervisor, Culture, Youth Poet Laureate Announcement regarding the appointment of the 4th Youth Poet Laureate and their Poetry reading

Ms. Garland announced the incoming 4th Youth Poet Laureate 4th, Lisa Shen for a term from 2023-2025. Qurat Dar, 2021-2023 Youth Poet Laureate and Lisa Shen, the Youth Poet Laureate for the 2023-2025 term each shared a poetry reading. Mayor Crombie and Councillor Damerla spoke in support.

• RECOMMENDATION GC-0133-2023
  Moved By Mayor Crombie

  That the deputation and associated presentation by Kathryn Garland, Supervisor, Culture with respect to the announcement of the 4th Youth Poet Laureate, be received.

  Received

7.2

Mike Douglas, Executive Director, Mississauga Arts Council regarding an update on their Council Activities

Mr. Douglas provided an update on projects completed and those underway through the Mississauga Arts Council.
 
Councillor Dasko spoke in support of all the work done. Mayor Crombie spoke in support and to the upcoming Mississauga Arts Awards.

Councillor McFadden spoke in support of the Mississauga Arts Council work and noted funding support has been received for a future project in Ward 10.

• RECOMMENDATION GC-0134-2023
  Moved By Councillor S. Dasko

  That the deputation and associated presentation by Mike Douglas, Executive Director, Mississauga Arts Council with respect to an update on their Council activities, be received.

  Received

7.3

Item 10.1 - Adrian Wood, Resident

Mr. Wood spoke to the subject matter and addressed concerns about the recommendations contained in the report and the location of Community Safety Zone signage.

Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works noted that staff would review the specific location addressed by Mr. Wood being the Community Safety Zone signage at the intersection of Camilla Road and Cherry Post Drive. 

Members of the General Committee spoke to financial implications in relations to the speed limit project; driver behaviour; citywide implementation of the recommendations; speed and fatalities as well as Community Safety Zones.

• RECOMMENDATION GC-0135-2023
  Moved By Councillor S. Dasko

  That the deputation by Adrian Wood, Resident with respect to the report entitled “School Zone Speed Limits”, dated March 31, 2023 from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works, be received.

  Received

7.4

Item 10.4 - Omar Khan, High Tide Inc.

Mr. Khan spoke to the subject matter; provided background information with respect to the business of High Tide Inc; the benefits of legal sales; clustering software applications; negative aspects of the illegal stores and uncontrolled substances and provided visual samples of unregulated products.

In response to Councillor Dasko and Mayor Crombie, Mr. Khan spoke to the decline of illegal stores in Canada in cities that have legalized stores; enforcement; revenue; rent districts and location sourcing. Robert Trewartha, Director, Strategic Communications spoke to lost revenues as a result of Mississauga having not opted in. 

Councillor Damerla spoke in support of opting into legal stores in Mississauga and enquired about the process if Mississauga opts in.

Councillor Reid spoke to stores in Nova Scotia; Milton shops; clustering and saturation and the lack of change to illegal stores. Mr. Khan spoke to the data that supports illegal stores reducing as a result of legalized stores.

Councillor Parrish spoke about clustered stores in Brampton; High Tide Inc., store locations; and clustering on Queen Street E., in Toronto.

In response to Mayor Crombie, Mr. Khan spoke to the location competition strategy. 

• RECOMMENDATION GC-0136-2023
  Moved By Mayor Crombie

  That the deputation by Omar Khan, Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, High Tide Inc., regarding the report entitled “Cannabis Retail Sales Update”, dated March 27, 2023, from the Acting City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, be received.

  Received

7.5

Item 10.4 - Athina Tagidou, on behalf of MIRANET

Ms. Tagidou spoke on behalf of MIRANET with respect to the report on an Update on Retail Sales; raised concerns about notice and communication and consultation with the public. 

Mayor Crombie spoke to Ms. Tagidou’s comments.

• RECOMMENDATION GC-0137-2023
  Moved By Mayor Crombie

  That the deputation by Athina Tagidou, Resident on behalf of MIRANET regarging the report entitled “Cannabis Retail Sales Update”, dated March 27, 2023, from the Acting City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, be received.

  Received

7.6

Item 10.4 - Krista Raymer, Vetrina Group

This item was withdrawn.

8.

PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD - 15 Minute Limit

Adrian Wood, Resident spoke to item 15.1 regarding a motion for the City of Mississauga to lift its prohibition on cannabis retail stores and permit cannabis retail stores to be located in Mississauga.

9.

CONSENT AGENDA

• RECOMMENDATION GC-0138-2023
  Moved By Councillor C. Parrish

  That the following items were approved on the consent agenda:
  •    10.2    Amendment to Schedule "A" - General Fees and Charges of the User Fees and Charges By-Law 0244-2022.
  •    11.1    Mississauga School Traffic Safety Action Committee Report 2 - 2023 - dated March 29, 2023
  •    11.2    Environmental Action Committee Report 1 - 2023 - dated April 4, 2023
  •    16.1    A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board: Metrolinx Expropriation of a Sub-Surface Easement affecting Matheson Boulevard (Ward 5)

  YES (11)	Mayor Crombie, Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor C. Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor B. Butt
  ABSENT (1)	Councillor S. McFadden

  Carried (11 to 0)

10.

MATTERS CONSIDERED

10.1

School Zone Speed Limits

Members of the General Committee spoke to the subject matter and engaged in a discussion with respect to the following:

• Deferring the report for further review and discussion;
• Location of signage; 
• Financial implications;
• Citizen input
• The use of flashing lights; and
• Automated Speed Enforcement

In response to Councillor Fonseca, Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works spoke to how Automated Speed Enforcement works and location eligibility.

In response to the discussions, Shari Lichterman, Acting City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer spoke to the process of reports going through Advisory Committees of Council in advance of General Committee.

Councillor Dasko moved a motion to refer the report to staff and bring the revised report to General Committee. The motion failed.

Councillor Mahoney moved a motion to refer the report to staff and Advisory Committees.

• RECOMMENDATION GC-0139-2023
  Moved By Councillor M. Mahoney
  1. That the report entitled “School Zone Speed Limits”, dated March 31, 2023 from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works be referred to staff, the Road Safety Committee, Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee and the Mississauga School Traffic Safety Action Committee for further review.
  2. That an updated report be brought back to a future General Committee meeting. 

  YES (12)

  Mayor Crombie, Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor C. Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor B. Butt

  Carried (12 to 0)

10.2

Amendment to Schedule "A" - General Fees and Charges of the User Fees and Charges By-Law 0244-2022 (CONSENT)

• RECOMMENDATION GC-0140-2023
  Moved By Councillor C. Parrish
  1. That the amendments to Schedule “A” of the User Fees and Charges By-law 0244-2022 as outlined in Appendix 1 attached to the Corporate Report, dated March 22, 2023, from the Acting Commissioner of Corporate Services entitled “Amendment to Schedule “A” – General Fees and Charges of the User Fees and Charges By-law 0244-2022” be approved.
  2. That a by-law be enacted to amend Schedule “A” of the User Fees and Charges By-law 0244-2022 to authorize the City Manager or Commissioner of Corporate Services or the Director of Facilities and Property Management, as applicable, or their designate, to impose a new fee, waive, reduce or otherwise vary the fee or charge for the “Meeting Room Rentals” section listed in Schedule “A” in accordance with the general criteria for any such imposition of a new fee, waiver, reduction or variation.

  YES (11)	Mayor Crombie, Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor C. Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor B. Butt
  ABSENT (1)	Councillor S. McFadden

  Carried (11 to 0)

10.3

2023 Cooksville Business Improvement Area Budget (Ward 7)

In response to Councillor Dasko, Councillor Damerla spoke to the timing of the report and noted a change in Board Members and the scheduling of the annual general meeting. Councillor Dasko spoke to the deadlines and challenges of other Business Improvement Areas. 

• RECOMMENDATION GC-0141-2023
  Moved By Councillor S. Dasko
  1. That the 2023 budget submission for the Cooksville Business Improvement Area (BIA’s), as set out in Appendix 1 of the Corporate Report dated April 5, 2023, from the Acting City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, entitled, “2023 Cooksville Business Improvement Area Budget” be approved.
  2. That all necessary By-laws be enacted and that the necessary budget adjustments be made.

  YES (12)

  Mayor Crombie, Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor C. Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor B. Butt

  Carried (12 to 0)

10.4

Cannabis Retail Sales Update

Members of the General Committee engaged in a discussion with respect to the subject matter and addressed the following:

• Results from the online Angus Reid Cannabis survey;
• Location clustering and rental rates with respect to location;
• What controls are in place about the number of stores;
• Licensing process; 
• Benefits of regulation;
• Training and staffing at legalized stores;
• Support for the health and well being of Mississauga; and
• Compliance and regulations in business

Councillor Damerla spoke to the procedure as it relates to Notices of Motion. Shari Lichterman, Acting City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer responded. Sacha Smith, Deputy City Clerk and Manager of Legislative Services provided clarity and spoke to the Council Procedure By-law. 

• RECOMMENDATION GC-0142-2023
  Moved By Councillor D. Damerla

  That the Corporate Report entitled “Cannabis Retail Sales Update”, dated March 27, 2023, from the Acting City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, be received for information.

  YES (12)

  Mayor Crombie, Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor C. Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor B. Butt

  Carried (12 to 0)

11.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORTS

11.1

Mississauga School Traffic Safety Action Committee Report 2 - 2023 - dated March 29, 2023 (CONSENT)

• Moved By Councillor C. Parrish

  GC-0145-2023

  1. That the warrants have not been met for the placement of a school crossing guard at Artesian Drive and Dunoon Drive for the students of Artesian Drive Public School.
  2. That the Principal of Artesian Drive Public School be requested to:
     1. Encourage parents to use the Kiss and Ride in the morning to drop off students and to leave the Kiss and Ride open after supervision ends at the AM school entry.
     2. Open the Kiss and Ride fully to have school busses on the West side of the school to unload and load students.
  3. That Parking Enforcement be requested to increase enforcement in the "no stopping" zones in front of Artesian Drive Public School at 3325 Artesian Drive between the hours of 8:15 - 8:40 AM and 2:40 - 3:10 PM.
  4. That Transportation and Works be requested to review the feasibility of extending the "no stopping" zone on the east side of Dunoon Drive, 8 AM - 4 PM, Monday - Friday, September - June, to allow through traffic to navigate Dunoon Drive.(MSTSAC-0009-2023)

  (Ward 8)

  GC-0146-2023
  That the warrants have not been met for the placement of a school crossing guard at Duncairn Drive and Quartermain Crescent (East Leg) for the students of Divine Mercy Catholic Elementary School.

  (MSTSAC-0010-2023)
  (Ward 9)
  
  GC-0147-2023
  That the warrants have not been met for the placement of a school crossing guard at Confederation Parkway and Hillcrest Avenue.
  (MSTSAC-0011-2023)
  (Ward 7)

  
  GC-0148-2023
  That the Principal of Kenollie Public School be requested to remind parents to offload and load their students on the curb side once the snow has melted.
  (MSTSAC-0012-2023)
  (Ward 1)

  
  GC-0149-2023
  That Mississauga School Traffic Safety Action Committee be requested to schedule a second site inspection at Terragar Boulevard and Rosehurst Drive for the students of St. Albert of Jerusalem Catholic Elementary School and Kindree Public School and add a second location for the students of Kindree Public School at Terragar Boulevard and Cork Tree Row.
  (MSTSAC-0013-2023)
  (Ward 10)

  
  GC-0150-2023

  1. That the warrants have not been met for the retention of the school crossing guard at Camilla Walkway, in front of 2246 Camilla Road for the students of Corsair Public School and that the school crosswalk be removed at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, June 2023.
  2. That Transportation and Works be requested to remove the school crosswalk lines and signs at the end of the school year, June 2023.
  3. That the Principal of Corsair Public School be requested to advise that parents and students that the school crosswalk at Camilla Walkway, in front of 2246 Camilla Road will be removed at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, June 2023.

  (MSTSAC-0014-2023)
  (Ward 7)

  
  GC-0151-2023

  1. That the warrants have been met for the placement of a school crossing guard at the Hydro Corridor, Rathburn Road East and Trail 11, on a temporary basis during constructions on Rathburn Road East once construction commences.
  2. That Mississauga School Traffic Safety Action Committee be requested to re-inspect once construction is completed on Rathburn Road East in the area of the Hydro Corridor, Trail 11 to determine if the warrants continue to be met for the retention of a crossing guard.

  (MSTSAC-0015-2023)
  (Ward 3)

  
  GC-0152-2023
  That the Site Inspection Statistics Report for March 2023 be received for information.
  (MSTSAC-0016-2023)

  
  GC-0153-2023
  That the verbal update from Miles Roque, Citizen Member regarding the Site Inspection Form be received for information.
  (MSTSAC-0017-2023)

  
  GC-0154-2023
  That the verbal update from Louise Goegan, Citizen Member regarding the task force working group, investigating safety issues around Mississauga schools be received for information.
  (MSTSAC-0018-2023)

  
  GC-0155-2023
  That the Parking Enforcement in School Zone Report for February 2023 be received for information.
  (MSTSAC-0019-2023)

  
  GC-0156-2023
  That the Transportation and Works Action Items List for January 2023 be received for information.
  (MSTSAC-0020-2023)

  
  GC-0157-2023
  That the Transportation and Works Action Items List for February 2023 be received for information.
  (MSTSAC-0021-2023)

  YES (11)	Mayor Crombie, Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor C. Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor B. Butt
  ABSENT (1)	Councillor S. McFadden

  Carried (11 to 0)

11.2

Environmental Action Committee Report 1 - 2023 - dated April 4, 2023 (CONSENT)

• Moved By Councillor C. Parrish

  GC-0158-2023

  1. That the deputation and associated presentation from Dianne Zimmerman, Manager, Environment and LJ Prabaharan, Environmental Outreach Assistant regarding the Living Green Master Plan: Final Report, be received.
  2. That the comments made regarding the Living Green Master Plan: Final report provided by the Environmental Action Committee Members be considered.
     (EAC-0001-2023)

   

  GC-0159-2023

  1. That the deputation and associated presentation from Edward Nicolucci, Urban Designer, regarding the Mississauga Green Development Standards Update, be received.
  2. That the comments made regarding the Mississauga Green Development Standards provided by the Environmental Action Committee Members be considered.
     (EAC-0002-2023)

   

  GC-0160-2023
  That the deputation from Bryan Purcell, VP, Policy and Programs, The Atmospheric Fund with respect to the Mississauga Green Development Standards Update, be recevied for information.
  (EAC-0003-2023)

  YES (11)	Mayor Crombie, Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor C. Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor B. Butt
  ABSENT (1)	Councillor S. McFadden

  Carried (11 to 0)

12.

MATTERS PERTAINING TO REGION OF PEEL COUNCIL

Councillor Reid spoke to the Police Services Board selection process. Councillor Parrish provided clarity regarding how the matter will be handled in Camera at the Region of Peel.

13.

COUNCILLORS' ENQUIRIES

In response to Councillor Mahoney, Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works will coordinate with Community Services to provide messaging with respect to an update on the spring garbage cleanup.  

In response to Councillor Parrish, Mr. Wright spoke to fees and support services for surrendered cats and dogs through Animal Services. Mr. Wright will circulate information about support programs to Members of Council.

In response to Councillor Horneck, Mr. Wright spoke to the illegal signage cleanup blitz and street sweeping program and noted an update will be coming soon. 

14.

OTHER BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Councillor Dasko recognized Councillor Reid's birthday. Mayor Crombie announced various events and activities taking place in Mississauga. 

15.

NOTICES OF MOTION

15.1

A motion for the City of Mississauga to lift its prohibition on cannabis retail stores and permit cannabis retail stores to be located in Mississauga (Councillor Damerla)

• RECOMMENDATION GC-0161-2023
  Moved By Councillor J. Horneck

  That the notice of motion for the April 19, 2023 Council meeting regarding a motion for the City of Mississauga to lift its prohibition on cannabis retail stores and permit cannabis retail stores to be located in Mississauga from Dipika Damerla, Councillor, Ward 7, be received.

  Received

16.

CLOSED SESSION

(Pursuant to Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001)

16.1

A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board:

Metrolinx Expropriation of a Sub-Surface Easement affecting Matheson Boulevard (Ward 5) (CONSENT)

No discussion took place as the matter was approved on the Consent Agenda.

• RECOMMENDATION GC-0162-2023
  Moved By Councillor C. Parrish
  1. That the report dated March 27, 2023 from the City Solicitor titled “Metrolinx Expropriation of a Sub-Surface Easement affecting Matheson Boulevard (Ward 5)” be received for information;
  2. That the City Solicitor or her designate be authorized to file a Notice of Arbitration and Statement of Claim with the Ontario Land Tribunal (“OLT”) in response to Metrolinx’s expropriation of a sub-surface easement from the City, with the objective of securing full and fair compensation for the City in accordance with the Expropriations Act (the “Act”);
  3. That the City Solicitor or her designate be authorized to represent the City at any oral arbitration hearing or through written submissions, and to continue pursuing discussions with Metrolinx to ensure the City’s interests are fully addressed, protected and settled.

  YES (11)	Mayor Crombie, Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor C. Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor B. Butt
  ABSENT (1)	Councillor S. McFadden

  Carried (11 to 0)

17.

ADJOURNMENT

1:29 PM (Councillor S. Dasko)