General Committee

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 2nd Floor
300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 3C1
and Online Video Conference
Members Present
  • Deputy Mayor and Chair Matt Mahoney, Ward 8
  • Councillor and Vice-Chair John Kovac , Ward 4
  • Mayor Carolyn Parrish
  • Councillor Stephen Dasko, Ward 1
  • Councillor Alvin Tedjo, Ward 2
  • Councillor Chris Fonseca, Ward 3
  • Councillor Natalie Hart, Ward 5
  • Councillor Joe Horneck, Ward 6
  • Councillor Dipika Damerla , Ward 7
  • Councillor Martin Reid, Ward 9
  • Councillor Sue McFadden, Ward 10
  • Councillor Brad Butt, Ward 11

Staff Present

Geoff Wright, City Manager and CAO

Raj Sheth, Commissioner of Corporate Services 

Sam Rogers, Commissioner of Transportation and Works

Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building

Jodi Robillos, Commissioner of Community Services

Graham Walsh, City Solicitor

Diana Rusnov, Director of Legislative Services and City Clerk

Sacha Smith, Manager of Legislative Services and Deputy Clerk

Heleana Tsabros, Legislative Coordinator


Deputy Mayor and Councillor Mahoney, Chair called the meeting to order at 9:31 am.

Deputy Mayor and Councillor Mahoney, Chair recited the Indigenous Land Statement.

The 3 letters listed below were added to the agenda under Correspondence:

*12.4 Letter dated January 21, 2025 from Robert Blazevski, DiamondCorp with respect to Agenda Item 10.1 – Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report
*12.5 Letter dated January 21, 2025 from David McComb, Edenshaw Developments with respect to Agenda Item 10.1 – Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report
*12.6 Letter dated January 21, 2025 from Morgan Dundas, Sajecki Planning with respect to Agenda Item 10.1 – Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report

Verbal Motion

Moved by: Councillor Fonseca

That the agenda of the January 22, 2025 General Committee meeting be approved as amended. 

Approved 

This item was heard after 7.5.

Anna-Maria Kaneff, Kaneff Group of Companies spoke in support of the Mayor's Housing Task Force initiative, highlighting the reports' recommendations to address the housing crisis and a need for provincial reforms. In response to Mayor Parrish, A. Kanneff noted that the proposed tax reduction incentive for new rental housing would improve timelines by encouraging developers to prioritise housing projects over other options. 

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0008-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor C. Fonseca

    That the deputation by Anna-Maria Kaneff, Kaneff Group of Companies regarding the report from the Commissioner of Planning and Building, dated January 20, 2025 and titled "Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report", be received.  

    Received

Chris Zeppa, President, City Park Homes spoke in support of the Mayor's Housing Task Force Report and shared highlights as a task force member. Mayor Parrish expressed appreciation for C. Zeppa's contribution. 

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0009-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor J. Horneck

    That the deputation by Chris Zeppa, City Park Homes regarding the report from the Commissioner of Planning and Building, dated January 20, 2025 and titled "Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report", be received.  

    Received

Brian Sutherland, Vice President, Argo Development Corporation spoke in support of the Mayor's Housing Task Force Report and echoed comments made by deputants who spoke on the same matter prior to him.  

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0010-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor B. Butt

    That the deputation by Brian Sutherland, Argo Development Corporation regarding the report from the Commissioner of Planning and Building, dated January 20, 2025 and titled "Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report", be received.  

    Received

Steve Nightingale, Vice President, Oxford Properties Group spoke in support of the Mayor's Housing Task Force Report recommendations to address the housing crisis and to the need for regional support. S. Nightingale noted that Veronica Maggisano, Vice President, Development, Oxford Properties who was to speak to the matter was unable to attend the meeting.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0011-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor S. Dasko

    That the deputation by Steve Nightingale, Oxford Properties regarding the report from the Commissioner of Planning and Building, dated January 20, 2025 and titled "Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report", be received.  

    Received

This item was heard after 7.9 and before 7.1.

Joseph Feldman, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Camrost Felcorp Inc. spoke in support of the Mayor's Housing Task Force Report recommendations. In response to Mayor Parrish, J. Feldman explained the impact of the proposed tax reduction for new purpose-built rental housing and emphasised the need for action by all levels of government. In response to Mayor Parrish's question about how many units would be ready for permit submission, Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building responded that he would be able to provide an accurate number at a later date.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0012-2025
    Moved ByMayor Parrish

    That the deputation by Joseph Feldman, Camrost regarding the report from the Commissioner of Planning and Building, dated January 20, 2025 and titled "Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report", be received.  

    Received

Gavin Bailey, Director, Development Planning, Tridel spoke in support of the actions outlined in the Mayor's Housing Task Force Report highlighting the goal of making housing development easier and more affordable. In response to Mayor Parrish, G. Bailey noted that despite industry's challenges, both parties worked together toward the common goal of building more homes and infrastructure.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0013-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor M. Reid

    That the deputation by Gavin Bailey, Tridel regarding the report from the Commissioner of Planning and Building, dated January 20, 2025 and titled "Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report", be received.  

    Received

David McComb, President and CEO, Edenshaw Developments who was to speak to the matter was unable to attend the meeting. Diana Rusnov, Director of Legislative Services and City Clerk read D. McComb's submitted letter with respect to item 10.1 – Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report. 

  • Carried

Daryl Chong, President, Greater Toronto Apartment Association discussed the actions outlined in the Mayor's Housing Task Force Report and emphasised the need for immediate action. Councillor Butt expressed support for the task force's work. Mayor Parrish spoke about converting condo buildings into rentals, reducing development charges and incorporating schools in new developments. 

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0014-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor B. Butt

    That the deputation by Daryl Chong, Greater Toronto Apartment Association regarding the report from the Commissioner of Planning and Building, dated January 20, 2025 and titled "Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report", be received.  

    Received

Item 7.9 was heard prior to 7.1 and item 10.1 was brought up for discussion and was voted on under this item.

Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building provided an overview of the "Mayor's Housing Task Force Report",  spoke to the housing affordability crisis, outlined the industry engagement process, and identified actions in ongoing areas of focus.  

In response to Councillor Kovac, A. Whittemore noted that zoning by-law and official plan actions were considered with development charges in Ontario prioritised to stabilise growth and address financing impacts.

Mayor, Parrish spoke to upcoming recommendations to be voted on by Council and anticipated positive news from provincial and federal governments and encouraged task force members to communicate with the respective Councillors at a regional level.  

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0015-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor J. Kovac

    That the deputation and associated presentation by Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building regarding the report from the Commissioner of Planning and Building, dated January 20, 2025 and titled "Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report", be received.  

    Received
  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0016--2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the following items were approved on the consent agenda:

    10.3     2023 Annual Report for Access Requests under Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

    11.1     Heritage Advisory Committee Report 1 - 2025 - dated January 14, 2025

    11.2     Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee Report 1 - 2025 - dated January 14, 2025

    12.1     Letter dated January 14, 2025 from Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing of Ontario in response to Mayor Parrish's letter dated December 16, 2024 with respect to  Bill 240, Peel Transition Implementation Act

    12.2     Letter dated January 13, 2025 from Minister and Associate Minister of Public Safety with respect to Hizb ut-Tahrir Conference

    *12.3    Letter dated January 21, 2025 from Paula J. Tenuta, Senior Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, Bild with respect to Agenda Item 10.1 – Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report

    *12.4    Letter dated January 21, 2025 from Robert Blazevski, DiamondCorp with respect to Agenda Item 10.1 – Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report

    *12.5    Letter dated January 21, 2025 from David McComb, Edenshaw Developments with respect to Agenda Item 10.1 – Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report

    *12.6    Letter dated January 21, 2025 from Morgan Dundas, Sajecki Planning with respect to Agenda Item 10.1 – Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report

    YES (11)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)

Item 10.1 was brought  up for discussion and was voted on under item 7.9.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0017-2025
    Moved ByMayor Parrish
    1. That the report titled "Mayor's Housing Task Force Report" dated January 20, 2025, from the Commissioner of Planning & Building be received for information; and
    2. That the City Clerk provides this report and its attachment to the Provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Mississauga's Members of Provincial Parliament, the Association for Municipalities Ontario, the Region of Peel and the Federal Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
    YES (11)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)

Councillor Damerla spoke to rain gardens and the City's potential role in working with Credit Valley Conservation to offer an incentive program for rain gardens to be built through the SNAP program. 

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0018-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the Cooksville Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP), which is attached as Appendix 1 to the corporate report entitled “Cooksville Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan” dated December 18, 2024 from the Commissioner of Community Services, be endorsed.

    YES (10)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (10 to 0)
  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0019-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the report from the Commissioner of Corporate Services, dated January 8th 2025, entitled “2023 Access Requests under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act” be received.

    YES (10)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (10 to 0)

In response to Councillor Butt, Emma Calvert, Director, Infrastructure Planning and Engineering Services spoke to other available credits for business owners through the stormwater charge credit program. In response to Councillor Fonseca, E. Calvert clarified that the program was intended to be an ongoing initiative every year subject to budget approval. In response to Councillor Dasko and Councillor Fonseca's request for a simplified one-page information for residents, E. Calvert noted that a FAQ would be shared with all Council members to address resident inquiries until the official website and one-page information are prepared. 

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0020-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor B. Butt
    1. That the Foundation Drain Collector (FDC) Sump Pump Subsidy Program cease accepting applications for sump pumps installed after February 3, 2025, and that the program be discontinued after all eligible applications have been processed and By-law 0210-2017 repealed.
    2. That Council approve an increase in the maximum rebate allowed for the Basement Flooding Prevention Rebate Program, from $6,800 to $7,500, as outlined in the report entitled “Foundation Drain Collector Sump Pump Subsidy Program and Basement Flooding Prevention Rebate Program Update (All Wards)” dated January 10, 2025 from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works.
    3. That the Foundation Drain Collector (FDC) Sump Pump Subsidy Program By-law 0210-2017 be repealed effective February 3, 2025.
    4. That all necessary by-laws be enacted.

       

    YES (11)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)
  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0021-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    HAC-0001-2025

    That the request to alter the heritage designated property at 40 Stavebank Road (Ward 1), as outlined in the Corporate Report dated November 28, 2024 from the Commissioner of Community Services, be approved.

    (HAC-0001-2025)

    (Ward 1)

    YES (11)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)
  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0022-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    MCAC 0001-2025

    That the deputation and associated presentation from Stephen Laidlaw, City of Brampton Active Transportation Advisory Committee regarding the Etobicoke Creek Trail Storm Damage, be received.

    (MCAC 0001-2025)

    MCAC 0002-2025

    That the deputation and associated presentation from Fred Sandoval, Coordinator, Active Transportation regarding the Cycling Program Quarterly Update, be received.

    (MCAC 0002-2025)

    MCAC 0003-2025

    That the deputation and associated presentation from Matthew Sweet, Manager, Active Transportation regarding the Bicycle Parking Program Overview, be received.

    (MCAC 0003-2025)

    MCAC 0004-2025

    That the Mississauga Cycling Communications and Promotions Subcommittee update on January 14, 2025 from Vicki Tran, Citizen Member, be received.

    (MCAC 0004-2025)

    MCAC 0005-2025

    That the Mississauga Cycling Network and Technical Subcommittee update on January 14, 2025 from Mark Currie, Citizen Member, be received.

    (MCAC 0005-2025)

    MCAC 0006-2025

    That the Draft Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee Work Plan, be deferred to the next Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee meeting.

    (MCAC 0006-2025)

    MCAC 0007-2025

    That up to $1,625.00 plus HST from the 2025 Council and Committees Support Budget be spent towards the exhibitor space costs for the 2025 Toronto Bicycle Show and E-Bike Expo held March 7 – 9, 2025.

    (MCAC 0007-2025)

    MCAC 0008-2025

    That the updated "How to Use the Crossover" signage for pedestrian crossovers shared for information by Mississauga School Traffic Safety Action Committee, be received.

    (MCAC 0008-2025)

    MCAC 0009-2025

    That the letter dated November 20, 2024 from Mayor Parrish to the Minister of Transportation regarding Mississauga’s Cycling Master Plan and Bill 212, be received.

    (MCAC 0009-2025)

    YES (11)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)
  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0031-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the letter dated January 14, 2025 from Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing of Ontario in response to Mayor Parrish's letter dated December 16, 2024 with respect to  Bill 240, Peel Transition Implementation Act, be received.

    YES (11)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)
  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0032-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the letter dated January 13, 2025 from Minister and Associate Minister of Public Safety with respect to Hizb ut-Tahrir Conference, be received.

    YES (11)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)

Item 10.1

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0033-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the letter dated January 21, 2025 from Paula J. Tenuta, Senior Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, Bild, be received. 

    YES (11)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)

Item 10.1

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0034-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the letter dated January 21, 2025 from Robert Blazevski, DiamondCorp with respect to Agenda Item 10.1 – Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report, be received.

    YES (11)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)

Item 10.1

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0035-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the letter dated January 21, 2025 from David McComb, Edenshaw Developments with respect to Agenda Item 10.1 – Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report, be received.

    YES (11)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)

Item 10.1

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0036-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the letter dated January 21, 2025 from Morgan Dundas, Sajecki Planning with respect to Agenda Item 10.1 – Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report, be received.

    YES (11)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)

Councillor Reid spoke to a report on a Service Ontario partnership with the region, to be presented at an upcoming Region of Peel Council meeting.

Members of the General Committee spoke to upcoming events and celebrations taking place in Mississauga.

Councillor Fonseca expressed condolences on the passing of Pieter Kool, long time member of the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. 

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

  • Moved ByCouncillor B. Butt

    Whereas the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, requires Council to pass a motion prior to closing part of a meeting to the public;

    And whereas the Act requires that the motion states the act of the holding of the closed meeting and the general nature of the matter to be considered at the closed meeting;

    Now therefore be it resolved that a portion of the General Committee meeting to be held on  January 22, 2025 shall be closed to the public to deal with the following matter:

    1. Pursuant to Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001
      1. 16.1 An educational or training session for the member of Council, committee or local board provided that no member discusses or otherwise deals with the matter in a way that materially advances the business or decision making of Council, the committee or local board:
        2025 Culture and Community Grants Processes

      2. 16.2 A position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local Board:
        Region of Peel Tax Allocation (Verbal Update)

    Received

    The Committee went into Closed Session at 10:49 AM and returned into Open Session at 1:19 PM. Mayor Parrish left at 1:18 PM. The following matters were voted on in Open Session. 

    Carried

16.1
An educational or training session for the member of Council, committee or local board provided that no member discusses or otherwise deals with the matter in a way that materially advances the business or decision making of 

 

Council, the committee or local board: 2025 Culture and Community Grants Processes

Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services provided background information regarding the subject matter. J. Robillos and Sean Robertson-Palmer, Community Development Coordinator responded to questions raised by the General Committee.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0037-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor S. McFadden

    That the closed education session with respect to 2025 Culture and Community Grants Processes be received for information.

    YES (10)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    ABSENT (2)Mayor Parrish, and Councillor J. Horneck
    Carried (10 to 0)

16.2
A position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local Board:

 

Region of Peel Tax Allocation (Verbal Update)

Mayor Parrish provided information regarding the subject matter and responded to questions raised by Members of the General Committee. 

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0038-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor N. Hart

    That the closed session update with respect to Peel Tax Allocation be received for information.

    YES (10)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A.Tedjo, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    ABSENT (2)Mayor Parrish, and Councillor J. Horneck
    Carried (10 to 0)

(Councillor Fonseca)