Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works spoke to the report recommendations; the challenges with reduced capacity due to physical distancing, implementing mandatory face masks on buses for riders and employees, and a future education plan for riders. Mr. Wright spoke to the increased capacity to 50% ridership to reduce instances of riders being left behind.
In response to Councillor Mahoney, Geoff Marinoff, Director, MiWay spoke to displaying bus capacity on the app and noted that until the entire fleet is equipped with the technology to automatically count passengers, it will not be available. At this time, only 70% of the fleet is equipped with the technology. Councillor Mahoney spoke in support of pursuing opportunities for obtaining more technology to provide information to the riders. Mr. Marinoff spoke to the operational and supply challenges to have hand sanitizer available for riders and noted it will not be possible in the short term.
In response to Councillor Damerla, Mr. Wright spoke to the limited supply of masks to riders as the program launches and noted other options for face coverings such as scarves. Mr. Marinoff spoke to the presto system and noted it is non-contact.
In response to Councillor Ras, Mr. Marinoff spoke to enforcement of mask wearing and noted there will be no refusal of service if a rider will not wear a mask. Mr. Wright noted that rear-door boarding will be avoided in the future due to the installation of the bio-hazard barriers.
COVID-19 Discussion
Mayor Crombie spoke to the current statistics in Missisauga and re-opening in phase 2.
In response to Councillor Ras' concerns, Gary Kent, Commissioner, Corporate Services spoke to increasing messaging through Corporate Services and Park and Forestry social media streams related to littering and garbage dumping in parks.
Councillor Damerla enquired about the possibility of allowing the sale and use of fireworks for Canada Day. Tim Beckett, Fire Chief spoke to bringing a report on the subject to the next Council meeting that will include what has been decided in the City of Toronto. In response to Mayor Crombie, Chief Becket confirmed that lighting of fireworks in city parks is in contravention of the By-law.
In response to concerns addressed by Councillor Saito, Jodi Robillos, Director, Parks and Forestry spoke to the chaining of swings and slides in identified hotspots and increased education of the public about not using the amenities.
Councillor Saito enquired about the opportunity for warehouses such as the International Centre to host sales. In response, Andra Maxwell, City Solicitor spoke to provincial orders and noted that permission from the municipality is not required. Ms. Maxwell will follow up with Council to confirm the classification of warehouses under the provincial order. Ms. Maxwell confirmed that garage sales are now permitted with a maximum of 10 people and social distancing.
In response to Councillor Starr, Mr. Wright will follow up regarding the issuing of permits for parades versus a congregation of vehicles being allowed.
In response to Councillor Fonseca, Mr. Kent spoke to increased security officers in parks and advised that the public contact 3-1-1 to report off-leash dogs in parks.