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
  • Deputy Mayor and Vice-Chair John Kovac, Ward 4
  • Mayor Carolyn Parrish, Mayor
  • 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
Marisa Chiu, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
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
Sacha Smith, Manager/Deputy Clerk, Secretariat and Access & Privacy
Angie Melo, Legislative Coordinator


Deputy Mayor and Councillor Mahoney, Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM 

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

Approved (Councillor S. McFadden)

Glenn Gumulka, President and CEO Mississauga Foundation spoke to the Foundation's support of small groups and organizations in the community, Vital Signs tools used to assess community well-being and key data insights, and the Foundation’s next steps. G. Gumulka emphasized that although the Foundation strives to meet community needs, the demand for support exceeds their capacity.

Responding to the Committee’s clarification, Geoff Wright, City Manager and CAO noted that that the findings serve as key indicators and align with the city’s Strategic Plan and Engagement Plan. The Committee commended the foundation for its efforts, while suggesting that they engage the Region of Peel on their initiatives.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0102-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor C. Fonseca

    That the deputation and associated presentation by Glenn Gumulka, President and CEO Mississauga Foundation with respect to "Vital Signs" be received.

    Received

Andy Seto and Lisa Hood, YMCA,  provided an overview of the Peel School Nutrition Program, the funding from the federal and provincial governments, a breakdown of existing allocation of funds, the increased demand for the program which has created a shortfall, and requested financial support from the City of Mississauga.

It was suggested that the organization engage with the Region of Peel and other organizations to explore additional funding opportunities. Mayor Parrish advised that she would collaborate with staff to explore potential funding avenues to support the program.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0103-2025
    Moved ByMayor Parrish

    That the deputation and associated presentation by Andy Seto and Lisa Hood, YMCA. with respect to Peel School Nutrition Program, be received.

    Received

Deryn Rizzi, Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Management, announced the successful implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG-911) by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services, as part of the Joint Fire Communications Centre.

Sandy Hayer, Division Chief of Training Accreditation & Communications explained that the NG-911 system will replace the current 911 infrastructure to better meet the evolving needs of emergency communications and service delivery. S. Hayer noted that the Joint Fire Communications Centre is ahead of the Canadian Radio Television Commission deadline, having transitioned to NG-911 two years before the mandated March 31, 2027, deadline for all provinces and Public Safety Answering Points across Canada.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0104-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the deputatoin and associated presentation by Sandy Hayer, Divisional Chief of Communications with respect to Corporate Report from the Commissioner of Community Services dated February 11, 2025 entitleld Joint Fire Communication Centre – Next Generation 911 (NG9-1-1) Launch, be received.

    Received

Deryn Rizzi, Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Management provided an overview of the Verisk Canada's Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS), the Public Fire Protection Classification (PFPC) and Dwelling Protection Grade (DPG). 

Fire Chief, D. Rizzi noted that the City of Mississauga is the only municipality in Ontario to receive a Class 1 PFPC rating, which may result in lower insurance premiums, boost business development, and strengthen public confidence in Mississauga’s fire protection services.

Jodi Robillos, Commissioner of Community Services, expressed praise for the efforts of the fire services.

Members of the Committee commended the Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Management for their exceptional work, particularly given the limited funding available.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0105-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the deputation and associated presentation by Deryn Rizzi, Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Management with respect to Corporate Report from the Commissioner of Community Services dated Februaary 3, 2025 entitled Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) Update and Public Fire Protection Classification Grade Improvements, be received.

    Received

Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Economic Development provided an overview of the economic impacts that the tariffs will have on businesses and individuals which may result in a rise of unemployment in the manufacturing, trade and transportation sectors and the potential for a recession by mid-2025.  Christina Kakaflikas presented the proposed procurement action plan,  outlined six key areas to consider, including strategies to advocate for affected sectors and asses the economic implications. 

Responding to Councillor Damerla, Graham Walsh, City Solicitor and Eleonora Filippone Legal Counsel Municipal Law, advised that the plan is to restrict U.S. bidders based on specific criteria.

Members of Committee engaged in discussion on the subject matter and recommended that the team closely monitor the tariff issue.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0106-2025
    Moved ByMayor Parrish

    That the deputation and associated presentation by Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Economic Development, with respect to Economic impact of Tariffs and Mississauga's Response, be received.

    Received

Kelly Ralston, Executive Director, Port Credit Business Improvement Area (BIA) spoke to the mobile food truck pilot program and expressed concerns regarding the potential impact to local businesses.  K. Ralston noted a significant decline in retail sales and an increase of restaurant closures in Port Credit, and emphasized  that the introduction of the pilot program may further affect local businesses that already experiencing hardship. K. Ralston requested that food trucks not be permitted near local establishments.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0107-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor S. Dasko

    That the deputation by Kelly Ralston, Executive Director, Port Credit Buisness Improvement Area, with respect to the Corporate Report from the Commissioner of Community Services dated January 28, 2025 entitled Mobile Food Vendors in Public Spaces Pilot Program be received.

    Received
  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0108-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the following items were approved on the consent agenda:

    10.1 One Mississauga Campaign
    10.4 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Fee Policy
    10.9 Automated Speed Enforcement – Administrative Penalty System

    YES (10)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    ABSENT (1)Councillor A.Tedjo
    Carried (10 to 0)
  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0109-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the launch of an anti-discrimination and hatred public campaign as outlined in the Corporate Report entitled" One Mississauga Campaign" dated February 7, 2025 from the City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, be approved.

    YES (10)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    ABSENT (1)Councillor A.Tedjo
    Carried (10 to 0)

This item was discussed under item 7.3 

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0109-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the Corporate Report titled “Joint Fire Communication Centre – Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1)” dated February 11, 2025, from the Commissioner of Community Services be received for information.

    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)

This item was discussed under item 7.4

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0110-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor J. Horneck

    That the Corporate Report dated February 3, 2025, from the Commissioner of Community Services entitled “Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) Update and Public Fire Protection Classification (PFPC) Grade Improvements be received for information.

    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-0112-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla

    That the Draft Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Fee Policy, attached as Appendix 1 to the Corporate Report entitled “Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Fee Policy” dated January 29, 2025 from the Commissioner of Community Services be approved.

    YES (10)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    ABSENT (1)Councillor A.Tedjo
    Carried (10 to 0)

Councillor Dasko spoke to the subject matter and expressed concerns regarding the impact to local businesses with the implementation of the food truck program, and requested that the following locations be exempt from the pilot program:

  • Ann Street West High Street East and Park Street East
  • East High Street and Park Street East
  • Elizabeth St North East High Street and Park Street East
  • Helene Street North East High Street and Queen Street
  • High Street South Elizabeth Street North and Ann Street North
  • Park Street East North Elizabeth Street and Ann Street
  • Park Street East South Stavebank Road and Elizabeth Street

In response to Councillor Dasko’s enquiry regarding exempting certain locations from the pilot program, Jodi Robillos, Commissioner of Community Services, advised that these locations can be removed if it is the desire of Council.

In response to Councillor Damerla's enquiry regarding raising awareness among business owners, Jodi Robillos, Commissioner of Community Services advised that a checklist will be created for this purpose and circulated accordingly.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0113-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor S. Dasko

    1. That the Corporate Report entitled "Mobile Food Vendors in Public Spaces Pilot Program" dated January 28, 2025,from the Commissioner of Community Services be approved to allow for Food Vendors with the appropriate Mobile License to vend in public places at designated paid on street parking and designated City parks for the period of May 1, 2025 - April 30, 2026, with the exception of the following areas identified in Appendix 1 attached to the report:

    • Ann Street West High Street East and Park Street East
    • East High Street and Park Street East
    • Elizabeth St North East High Street and Park Street East
    • Helene Street North East High Street and Queen Street
    • High Street South Elizabeth Street North and Ann Street North
    • Park Street East North Elizabeth Street and Ann Street
    • Park Street East South Stavebank Road and Elizabeth Street

    2. That the following By-laws be amended to implement the Mobile Food Vendors in Public Spaces Pilot Program:

    a) Parks By-law 0197-2020, as amended;
    b) Ice Cream Truck Vendors By-law 0523-2004, as amended;
    c) Vehicle Licensing By-law 0520-2004, as amended;
    d) Vendors’ By-law 0522-2004, as amended;
    e) The Traffic By-law 0555-2000, as amended;
    f) The User Fees and Charges By-law 0221-2024, as amended; and
    g) Prohibit Sale of goods on Highways By-law 0127-1995, as amended.

    3. That the Licensing Administrative Penalty By-law 0135-2014, as amended, be further amended to designate the Parks By-law 0197-2020 and Vehicle Licensing By-law 0520-
    2004 and to introduce administrative penalties for contraventions of these by-laws in the range of $75.00 to $300.00 in relation to the Mobile Food Vendors in Public Spaces Pilot
    Program.

    4. That all other 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)

This item was discussed under item 7.5

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0113-2025
    Moved ByMayor Parrish
    1. That the Corporate Report entitled “Impacts of US Tariffs on City Procurements and Amendment to Procurement By-law 0013-2022” from the Commissioner of Corporate Services, dated February 20,2025 be approved.
    2. That all necessary by-laws be enacted.
    YES (10)Councillor S. Dasko, 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
    ABSENT (1)Councillor C. Fonseca
    Carried (10 to 0)

In response to Councillor Reid's enquiry regarding renovations, Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building, explained that an error was identified in the Rental Housing Protection By-law. The report recommends updating the amendments to better facilitate collaboration with developers.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0114-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor M. Reid
    1. That the Rental Housing Protection By-law 0121-2018 be amended generally in accordance with Appendix 1 to the report titled “Rental Housing Protection By-law Update and Amendment” dated February 17, 2025 from the Commissioner of Planning and Building.
    2. That staff be directed to conduct industry engagement as well as further review the Rental Housing Protection By-law in combination with future 2025 Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (“CMHC”) data releases and report back to Council by March 2026.
    3. That all necessary implementing by-laws be enacted at a future City Council meeting.
    YES (10)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    Carried (10 to 0)

Councillors Dasko and Reid spoke in support of keeping the current messaging practice on MiWay buses.

Members of Committee engaged in discussion and expressed concerns that the messaging on MiWay buses other than route destination can be distracting particularly for persons with visual impairment and, that it may create confusion and cause delays for riders trying to board the correct bus, and noted that there are other methods available to display holiday messaging throughout the city.

Mayor Parrish agreed with staff's recommendation, and emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional approach.

In response to Councillor Kovac’s enquiry regarding whether transit operators were consulted, Sam Rogers, Commissioner of Transportation and Works confirmed that there were no objections.

In response to Councillor Dasko's enquiry regarding how long messaging, other than route destination, has been displayed on MiWay buses, Graham Walsh, City Solicitor advised that a previous Committee of Council recommended that messaging other than route destination continue and staff have over several years been monitoring and collecting data.  Councillor Dasko requested that he be provided a copy of the data collected.

  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0116-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor N. Hart

    That only route information be displayed on MiWay bus signs as outlined in the report in the Corporate Report entitled “MiWay Bus Destination Signage” dated January 27, 2025 from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works.

    YES (8)Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    NO (2)Councillor S. Dasko, and Councillor M. Reid
    ABSENT (1)Councillor A.Tedjo
    Carried (8 to 2)
  • RECOMMENDATIONGC-0117-2025
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Damerla
    1. That a by-law be enacted, effective April 1, 2025, to establish and implement an
      Administrative Penalty System for contraventions detected using camera systems in the City of Mississauga, substantially in the form set out in Appendix 1 to the corporate report entitled “Automated Speed Enforcement - Administrative Penalty System” dated February 11, 2025 from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works.
    2. That the Commissioner of Transportation and Works and the City Clerk or designates be authorized to execute, on behalf of The Corporation of the City of Mississauga, an agreement for Automated Speed Enforcement Administrative Penalty with His Majesty the King in Right of Ontario, as represented by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, including all necessary agreements and related ancillary documents, all in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, as outlined in this corporate report.
    3. That the City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer and the City Clerk or designates be authorized to execute, on behalf of The Corporation of the City of Mississauga, an Agreement for Camera Systems Administrative Penalty Enforcement Systems with His Majesty the King in Right of Ontario, as represented by the Attorney General, including all necessary agreements and related ancillary documents, all in a form in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, as outlined in this corporate report.
    4. That the Commissioner of Transportation and Works or designate be authorized to execute, on behalf of The Corporation of the City of Mississauga, a Centralized Municipal Processing Centre Agreement for the Automated Speed Enforcement System(s) with the City of Toronto and other partnering municipalities, including all necessary agreements and related ancillary documents, all in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, as outlined in this corporate report.
    YES (10)Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Mayor Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart
    ABSENT (1)Councillor A.Tedjo
    Carried (10 to 0)

Mayor Parrish advised the Committee that staff are preparing a Motion regarding the transfer of waste collection from the Region of Peel to the City of Mississauga.  Mayor Parrish will provide an update on whether the Motion will be presented at Regional Council or to City Council.

In response to Councillor Damerla’s enquiry regarding the extension of the Request For Quote (RFQ) for the Living Arts Centre project, Raj Sheth, Commissioner of Corporate Services confirmed that the deadline for application submissions has been extended until the end of March 2025.

Members of Committee shared stories of their experiences with Jodi Robillos, Commissioner of Community Services and acknowledged her contribution, dedication and passion to ensure quality service to the community. Members of Committee extended best wishes to Ms. Robillos on her retirement. 

Ms. Robillos reflected on her time with the City and expressed thanks to Community Services staff, and expressed gratitude for those who contributed to her success.

Members of Council spoke to various events and celebrations taking place in Mississauga.

12:01 (Councillor S. McFadden)