Mississauga looking for commitments from provincial and federal governments

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Mississauga Council is urging the federal and provincial governments to better address impacts of the pandemic and inflation, as well as dealing with the impacts of housing affordability, traffic and congestion, climate change, and job creation.

The city detailed recommendations in pre-budget submissions to both levels of government.

“Maintaining the services and high quality of life that our residents deserve and have come to expect are more important than ever as we continue to support our recovery from the pandemic,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “From delivering reliable public transit to addressing the housing crisis to building more complete, walkable and sustainable communities, we’re taking strides to build a bright and prosperous future for Mississauga.

“Cities are the backbone of our province and country, and we know that city building is nation building. Strong, long-term and predictable funding partnerships and investments from our federal and provincial partners play a critical role in service delivery, and even more so during times of economic uncertainty. By working together, we can address the pressures facing our residents and economy and emerge stronger on the other side.”

Mississauga’s pre-budget submissions include recommendations grouped in three themes: City Building, Housing Affordability and the Local Economy.

Highlights include:

1. City Building

• Pause the implementation of Bill 23 and fully compensate the City of Mississauga for any and all financial losses incurred as a result of the legislation including but not limited to, losses related to development charges and cash in lieu of parkland.
• Work with municipalities to develop new revenue and funding tools, as well as predictable funding streams, to ensure cities can fulfill their responsibilities and properly invest in infrastructure growth and renewal.
• Provide the additional Justices of the Peace required to address the growing backlog of Provincial Offences Act notices in our court system.
• Provide the funding and support necessary to assist the City of Mississauga in achieving its priority transit projects.
• Provide investments in projects that mitigate the impacts of climate change and increase the resiliency and adaptability of our communities.

1. Housing Affordability

• Partner with cities to fund and build affordable housing to close the supply gap and ensure everyone has a safe place to live, including nine recommended actions to advance this goal.

1. Local Economy

• Continue targeted support for sectors hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, including main street businesses, recreation, travel and tourism, creative sector and air travel. Support should be sector specific when appropriate and prioritize non-repayable financial assistance.
• Invest in talent development and access.
• Prioritize investments that support a fair and inclusive economic recovery, including access to affordable childcare, providing adequate sick pay and other actions to advance this goal.
• Develop and fund education and skills-retraining programs to ensure an adequate supply of labour in the trades and construction industry to meet the demands as a result of the province’s housing target of 1.5 million homes in 10 years (120,000 in Mississauga).