Whereas climate change has resulted in Mississauga’s residents experiencing extreme and destructive storms;
Whereas the flooding that results from those storms has seriously damaged homes, businesses, property and municipal infrastructure;
Whereas repeated flooding has resulted in many home and business owners no longer being able to purchase property insurance that specifically covers flooding;
Whereas the City proactively introduced a Stormwater Charge in 2016 to be used specifically to upgrade aging and undersized stormwater pipes, modify areas surrounding watercourses and provide other measures to strengthen the City’s ability to withstand flooding;
Whereas the City approved a new storm water master plan in 2023 “Build Beautiful” that builds on the existing stormwater management program to refine the stormwater program, stormwater management systems and infrastructure, including actions to help prevent floods, improve water quality, control erosion and reduce pollution;
Whereas the stormwater drainage system is one of the largest assets owned and operated by the City with a 2024 Asset Management Plan estimating a replacement value of $7.6 billion;
Whereas the City has recently established a series of grants intended to assist homeowners in dealing with damage from flooding and installing measures to prevent future property damage;
Whereas the City has recently received grants from the Province to assist with preventive measures specifically in the Little Etobicoke Creek area - but much more assistance is needed;
Whereas recent local Stormwater community meetings, as well as a city-wide information session, resulted in continued dissatisfaction on the part of some residents who attended;
Whereas the City has a successful history of creating Advisory Committees to help educate the public, evaluate policies, encourage resource sharing and serve as a liaison with the community;
Whereas Advisory Committees provide an opportunity for residents - especially those chosen for their knowledge of subject areas under discussion - to widen detailed studies and provide a broader opportunity to include community support;
Whereas properly constituted and directed Advisory Committees can help make public services and municipal processes more accessible and better understood by the public;
Whereas Advisory Committees provide a structure for the involvement by a variety of community members who can offer support to processes and programs provided by the city and become a vehicle for worthwhile collaboration with the broader community;
Whereas Advisory Committees provide a ‘small group’ opportunity to study issues and policies in depth, empowering ambassadors to help garner support for city programs;
Whereas Advisory Committees elicit greater acceptance of decisions on the basis that there has been citizen participation;
Therefore Be It Resolved
1. A Stormwater Advisory Committee be approved composed of no fewer than two City Councillors and no more than three, plus no fewer than five and no more than eight citizens possessing a range of specific qualifications.
2. Citizens should be chosen based on qualifications or significant interest in the areas of environment, sustainable development, climate change, conservation and property insurance.