Highway 413
Councillor Mahoney spoke to the proposed Highway 413 and noted that Council unanimously objected to the highway at the February 24, 2021 Special Council meeting. He further noted that at Regional Council, the item was referred to staff to report back with more information including environmental concerns. Councillor Mahoney noted that the Committee Members could submit their comments online regarding the proposed highway and requested that the Legislative Coordinator provide the EAC Members with webpage to submit their comments.
Direction to staff was given to provide the Members of EAC with the webpage link to submit comments pertaining to the proposed Highway 413.
Brad Butt, Community Group Representative (non-voting member) noted that the Mississauga Board of Trade as not taken a position on the matter and that a few affiliated organizations are in support of the highway. Chelsea Dalton, Citizen Member brought forward a motion opposing the proposed highway.
Greenhouses
Alice Casselman, Community Group Representative noted the need for an increase of greenhouses within the City of Mississauga. Ms. Casselman suggested creating greenhouses on school property; such as high schools and post secondary institutions. Chelsea Dalton, Citizen Member responded by noting that University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) currently has two greenhouses on campus, however these facilities are not open to the public as one is a research lab and not always staffed to allow for public access.
Members of the Committee further noted using under-utilized spaces to create greenhouses, urban agriculture, native seed planting, plant adoptions and other grass root initiatives. Dianne Zimmerman, Manager of Environment noted that the launch of the Urban Agriculture Strategy in April as well as further exploring greenhouses, grass roots efforts and public engagement.