Mayor Crombie advised a matter for the Mississauga Appeal Tribunal as well as the Mississauga Board of Trade will be put on the April 8, 2020 agenda.
Mayor Crombie spoke to an update on the COVID-19 statistics in Mississauga and enforcement measures of other municipalities.
Members of Council discussed the following matters related to enforcement:
- Enforcement of provincial orders and security measures;
- Applicable fines, charges and authority;
- Staff resources and personal protective equipment;
- Parking lot closures and restricting access to only those who are in walking distance to parks, and
- COVID-19 related public education and awareness
- Public complaint process and guiding the public to call 3-1-1 or email security.security@mississauga.ca.
Councillor Damerla enquired about park access and public notice with respect to limited use. Paul Mitcham, Commissioner, Community Services, spoke to the use of social media and media releases; using the railways overhead signs, pylon signs at community centres and billboards at Mississauga Celebration Square. In response to Councillor Damerla, Mr. Mitcham will investigate additional park signage for messaging. Councillor Dasko requested static images of signage to share with the public to provide clarity.
Councillors Parrish, Dasko and Ras spoke in support of measures to limit large groups from visiting parks; being sensitive to the public; using discretion when enforcing provincial orders and increased enforcement at large parks such as Jack Darling as well as coordinating enforcement with the Credit Valley Conservation Authority. In response to Councillor Ras, Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works, spoke to enforcement priority levels for calls.
Councillor Fonseca spoke to resident complaints regarding the use of sports fields and hydro corridors for gathering and dog walking. In response, Gary Kent, Commissioner, Corporate Services advised of the ability to increase enforcement measures by updating the patrol matrix to include specific areas of concern.
Mayor Crombie spoke to requests from seniors; the need to provide messages in other languages, in more formats and community assistance available to those in need. Mayor Crombie spoke to working with Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Kent and Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works to manage enforcement issues as they arise between meetings.
Councillors Saito, Dasko and McFadden spoke to event cancellations; prospective dates for rescheduling events; existing permits; loss of deposits and grants. In response to the discussion, Ms. Baker directed staff to bring a report to Council on April 8th, outlining city and third-party events and festivals scheduled across the city to June 30; permit suspension; and deposits. Mr. Mitcham spoke to a report coming forward April 8th on grants.
Members of Council spoke to concerns about rent support for those affected by COVID-19; residential and commercial landlords working with tenants; building hygiene and urging landlords via social media to pledge to defer rent payments for those who can't afford to pay due to COVID-19. Councillor Dasko enquired about the Economic Development office providing a summary of information to Councillors to share with landlords.
In response to Councillor Saito, Mayor Crombie and Ms. Baker spoke to anticipated event cancellations for the next 90 days, consistent with the City of Toronto.