POSTCARD FROM PORT CREDIT:  Sent Wednesday, February 22, 2012. 
If you received this Postcard (500px) by e-mail or through another website, below are the items and events included. 

This Newsletter is sponsored by the member groups of VIVA Port Credit. 
Anyone is welcome to post this week's Postcard image on their own website and link to this Newsletter.  Community-oriented contributions are always appreciated.

► Click image for enlarged (1384px) POSTCARD.  Image shown at left is 300px.  

BIRD WATCHING HIKES AT SADDINGTON PARK: 
Wednesday, February 22 @ 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. at J.C. SADDINGTON PARK,
53 Lake Street (map).  FREE.  Join renowned birders Luc Fazio and Dan Salisbury for winter bird watching hikes in Port Credit.  Great for families, new birders and experienced ones alike!  Bring your binoculars and cameras. 
Additional dates:  March 21, and 28.
► Sponsored by the Riverwood Conservancy (click for Winter program listing).

Contact Person: Brian Packham (905) 279-5878.

► Click image for enlargement, which shows ducks on the open water(!) of Saddington Pond on February 4, 2012 -- NO SKATING yet!

LAKEVIEW WATERFRONT CONNECTION (LWC) - PUBLIC MEETING:  Thursday, February 23 @ 6:30 p.m.  Presentation at 7:00 p.m.
at MISSISSAUGA SENIORS' CENTRE, 1389 Cawthra Road (map). 

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), working on behalf of the Region of Peel, and with the support of the City of Mississauga and Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) is launching the Lakeview Waterfront Connection Environmental Assessment Project (LWC EA) (project webpage).  Fully coordinated with the Inspiration Lakeview vision, this project will result in a new waterfront greenspace that could be designed to serve the needs of multiple recreational functions (i.e., hiking, boating, cycling, etc.), re-create critical coastal habitats and improve public access to the waterfront and trail connections.  Essentially, fill from the Hanlan Water Feedermain mega-project excavations will be used for lakefill around the Booth Wastewater Treatment Plant in order to create a land connection along the Waterfront Trail between Lakeview Promenade Park and Marie Curtis Park in Etobicoke (click for Trail map of this section, showing current waterfront by-pass).

► Click for PUBLIC NOTICE of the meeting, including Agenda and contact info.

► Click image for enlarged MAP of the Study Area.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT:  Thursday, February 23 @ 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Mississauga Valley Community Centre, 1275 Mississauga Valley Boulevard (map).  FREE.  Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development (CACD) hold their annual Black History Month celebrations featuring a day of community events and entertainment focusing on Black Canadians and how they have shaped Canada's development as a culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation.

The evening programming will kick off at 6 p.m. with a special series of exhibits showcasing black history through books, arts and crafts, a presentation on 'Black Presence in Canada', cultural music by local artists, poetry and spoken word recitals, break-dancing demonstrations, cultural skits, cultural food sampling, African drumming and a number of guest speakers, who will be making special presentations to commemorate Black History Month from 7 – 8 p.m.

► Click image for full-size POSTER.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON SECONDARY RENTAL UNITS:  There are three remaining public workshops to be held around the City, including Thurs. Feb. 23 (Malton CC); Thurs. March 1 (Meadowvale CC), Tues. March 6 (Council Chamber).

Ontario laws now require municipalities to allow second units in homes.  Second units are also called basement apartments or in-law suites.  Mississauga is working on a housing strategy that includes second units.

► See the City WEBPAGE about the consultations and register for a workshop.

► Click image for City 'story-boards' about the Second Unit consultations.

► Mississauga News (Feb. 3, 2012): City hosts meetings on basement apartments.

► Mississauga News blog (Feb. 15, 2012): Shining light on basement apartments.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MISSISSUAGA - VOLUNTEERS WANTED: 
Thursday, February 23 @ 7-9:30 p.m. is ReStore Orientation for volunteers at the Mississauga ReStore which opens in February 2012.  ReStores sell new and gently used renovation and construction materials and supplies.  Everything sold in a ReStore has been donated by companies or individuals who want to help Habitat for Humanity meet its goal of building affordable housing.  Information about donating items and shopping (prices will range from 30%-70% off regular retail prices). 

LOCATION: 1705 Argentia Road, Unit 10-12 (map).  Donations now being accepted, by appointment only: (905) 828-0987 or e-mail kate.kane@habitatmississauga.ca

► Mississauga News article (Sept. 2, 2011): ReStore coming to city.

► Click image for full-size POSTER.

Q.E.W. CREDIT RIVER BRIDGE - COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #3: 
Saturday, February 25 @ 9:00 a.m. - Noon at a venue TBA.  The Preliminary Design and Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study of the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) Credit River Bridge (project website), initiated by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is to determine a long-term strategy to address the rehabilitation needs of the QEW Credit River Bridge and the future requirements for the QEW from west of Mississauga Road to west of Hurontario Street. 
► RSVP to the project team by February 21.

► Click images (of proposed twin bridge on north side; existing bridge) for enlargements.

Rehabilitation of the bridge is a significant infrastructure megaproject in Mississauga, with the potential to improve pedestrian and cycling connectivity.

PORT CREDIT LOCAL AREA PLAN - DRAFT RELEASE: 
Monday, February 27 @ 7:00 p.m. in the COUNCIL CHAMBER, City Hall at the Planning and Development Committee (all members of Council).  AGENDA. 

The Draft Port Credit LAP and corporate report (145p PDF) will be presented with the request by Planning staff to undertake a public consultation program. 
► Click image and then view p145 for full-size land use map and legend.

THE LAKESHORE ROAD CORRIDOR AS A COMPLETE STREET: 
SUMMIT MEETING:  Saturday, March 3 @ 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at PORT CREDIT ARENA.  By INVITATION to local politicians, experts and representatives from a wide spectrum of community stakeholders.  Agenda pending.

PUBLIC MEETING:  Thursday, March 29 @ 7-9 p.m. at CAWTHRA COMMUNITY CENTRE.  Agenda pending.

Co-sponsored by:
Town of Port Credit Association (TOPCA)
and
Lakeview Ratepayers Association (LRA)

► Click images for full-size POSTER and SUMMIT INVITATION.

► Click image for JOINT STATEMENT by TOPCA and LRA on January 26, 2012.

375 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST - DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL: 
On February 16, 2012, representatives of TOPCA and other local residents' associations met with the proponent and the planning consultant for Canahahns Company regarding their proposal for the .92 acre site at 375 Lakeshore Road West (map) which includes 18 x 4-storey townhouse units with frontage on Godfrey's Lane (site shown in aerial photo).

► Click image for PHOTO ALBUM of the site and Godfrey's Lane.

► See the TOPCA '375 Lakeshore Road West' development webpage.

MISSISSAUGA GRAFFITI OCCURRENCE REPORT:  January 16 - February 15, 2012.  Did you know that the City tracks graffiti occurrences, and has a Graffiti Policy?

► See the Ward 1 community webpage concerning Mississauga's Graffiti Project.

► Click image for full-size MAP.  See also Address LOCATIONS.

► Wikipedia article: Graffiti.

► Click here to report graffiti to the City.

PORT CREDIT ARENA - WINTER ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS: 
See the City's webpage: Fun Winter Activities and Events which includes the top 3 toboggan hills in Mississauga and indoor and outdoor skating rink locations and hours, as well as the top cross country skiing / snowshoeing trails.

Left: Renovated interior of the Port Credit Arena (February 2011). 

► Click image to view enlargement. 

► Click to view YouTube video ads featuring the PC Arena.

 

Did you know that the PC Arena now provides much more community programming including Yoga classes, etc?  Think of the Arena as Port Credit's community centre!

► See the online Active Mississauga GUIDE produced by the Recreation and Parks Dept.

 

Did you also know the Port Credit Arena has just been licensed under the LLBO?  And in support of Port Credit's local brewery, is serving up Old Credit Amber Ale in addition to other beers and liquors?

► Click label for Old Credit Brewing Co. WEBSITE.

PORT CREDIT LIBRARY EVENTS:  February and March at the PORT CREDIT LIBRARY, 20 Lakeshore Road East (map).  Book clubs, reading to Therapy Dogs, Woody Allen film night - something for everyone!  FREE.

► Click to view all PC Library PROGRAMS.

► Click image for enlargement: shows renovated PC Library seating area.

► See the colourful Mississauga Library System March - April 2012 Newsletter (6p PDF) for an amazing variety of events and programs at all the City's libraries.

C.A.L.L. - CITIZENS FOR A LIVEABLE LAKESHORE: 
Mission Statement:  "We are a diverse group of South Mississauga citizens who want the development of Port Credit and Lakeview to be based on smart growth principles that include reducing urban sprawl....  If you are an individual that would like to preserve our village feel and encourage appropriate development along the Lakeshore, please send a friend request to join."

► Click image for Group Facebook Page.

► Click image for citizen PHOTO ALBUM of the C.A.L.L. march to the Trinity Open House held at the 501 Lakeshore Road East site on February 1, 2012.

► Mississauga News article (Feb. 1, 2012): Dozens protest Lakeview project. 
► Mississauga News photo albums:  OPEN HOUSE.  C.A.L.L. MARCH.

501 LAKESHORE ROAD E. BLOCK REDEVELOPMENT: 
Trinity Development Group has made an application to allow the former Inglis lands at 501 Lakeshore Road East (in the Lakeview District, bordering Port Credit, in Ward 1) to be redeveloped with a mix of mainstreet retail (including a big box department store), commercial/office and residential uses.  The 14.5 acre site extends from Lakeshore Road East, north to the CNR line, between Enola Avenue and the Cooksville Creek (as shown at left).
► Development website: The District at Lakeview.

► See the TOPCA '501 Lakeshore Road East' development webpage.

NOTE: A Public Meeting is being planned for Thursday, March 29, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m. at MISSISSAUGA SENIORS' CENTRE, 1389 Cawthra Road (map).

STOP THE CLARKSON ROAD CELL TOWER:  There is a petition in regard to the Bell Mobility Cell Tower proposal for Clarkson Road Presbyterian Church (map and link).  A public meeting was organized by the residents on January 11, 2012.  Local residents' associations have formed a Committee to address this city-wide issue and state: there needs to be community involvement and transparency for such decisions; the City must develop a protocol for Industry Canada to follow (as it does in other municipalities) when beginning any such process in Mississauga.  The proposal is now ON HOLD. 
► See the MIRANET Cell Phone Towers webpage for full details.

► Mississauga News article (Jan. 19, 2012): City asks for moratorium on cell towers.

► Click image (lawn sign) to access the Stop Clarkson Road cell tower petition site.

NOTE:  Representatives of the local residents' associations are meeting with the Church Board on Wed. February 15.  This echoes the approach taken successfully in the Mineola cell tower fight.

CELL PHONE TOWER AT SHAWNMARR PARK:  Since November 2011, residents near Shawnmarr Park (map) in Ward 1 have been asking about the new tower which has been erected in their neighbourhood. 

It turns out the City Parks Department and the Ward Councillor's Office did not have the information for residents at the time because the tower was not installed in the park, but on the adjacent road boulevard.  The Transportation and Works Dept. was able to supply information about the tower to the Councillor's Office on January 27, 2012. 

► See the MIRANET Cell Phone Towers webpage for full details.

► Click image for enlargement (supplied photo from a resident).

RENAMING OF HARTSDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL:  The Lakeview Ratepayers' Association (FB page) sent a Letter on January 13, 2012 to the Peel District School Board concerning renaming of Hartsdale Public School (map) to Janet McDougald Public School.  Excerpt: "The LRA has concerns over the optics of having the Trustee / School Board Chair who sat on the Accommodation Review Committee (ARC) which voted to close ALL of the public schools in our community being honoured with the name of the very school to which all of our Lakeview public school board children must now be bussed.  For the first time in 100 years, Lakeview has no elementary public school.  Naming the new school after one of the chief architects of this serious problem is seen as an insult to our community."

► Mississauga News article (Jan. 19, 2012): Ratepayers challenge naming.
► Mississauga News article (Jan. 25, 2012): School board to examine naming policy.
► Mississauga News article (Feb. 9, 2012): Trustees must listen, MPP [Charles Sousa] says.

► Click image for enlarged sketch of the new school (on PDSB website).

SNOW CLEARING GUIDE:  It had to happen (snow), and here is the Guide to City-Cleared Sidewalks and Routes for this winter season.

The City's Winter Maintenance Program website has been updated with a new look and  includes comprehensive information including links to the updated Winter Maintenance brochure (left) in PDF format and to the 2011-12 Driveway Windrow Pilot Program information, as well as tips for clearing your own snow and FAQ.  The Winter Maintenance brochure is available at libraries, community centres, works yards and other city locations. 

During winter maintenance operations, the City of Mississauga will provide status updates on the website.  You can also follow on Twitter at MississaugaSnow (there are numerous tweets there for January's first snowfall).  

► Click image to view full-size BROCHURE containing all the information you'll need. 

► For any snow information you can also call 311.

MISSISSAUGA NOMINATION:  Mississauga Celebration Square has been nominated as one of the Great Places in Canada for 2012.  This 2nd annual competition is sponsored by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) as "a way to recognize the work of professional planners, and to join with all Canadians in a celebration of the great places we are fortunate to share in this country." 
The Mississauga entry (VOTE HERE!) includes pics, video of the $40M revitalization MCS project in 2010/2011 and Facebook comments.

► Click logo image to view all the places nominated and vote online until Feb. 29!

PORT CREDIT NATURAL ICE RINK:  PORT CREDIT MEMORIAL PARK (map).  The rink installation (wooden frame) was completed just before Christmas and needs at least 2 floodings and sustained cold weather for a good skating surface.  Meanwhile, enjoy the photo albums from past winters, below.

Left: Painted rink hut, January 8, 2012.  Click image for enlargement.

► For more about the outdoor rink huts painting project, see Mississauga Life article (March 2011): Painted huts. 

Below left:  Status of the 'ice' on January 8, 2012.  Click image for enlargement.

► View PHOTO ALBUM: February 2011 (10p PDF), highlighting the newly painted rink hut. 

► View PHOTOS and VIDEO of the PC175 Pond Hockey Tournament at the rink in January 2010.

► View PHOTO ALBUM: January 2009 (6p PDF).

► Posted on YouTube, January 18, 2012: 1960 Port Credit Harbour Ice Skating.

PUBLIC SKATING AT MISSISSAUGA CELEBRATION SQUARE:
NOW OPEN! at MCS, 300 City Centre Drive (map).  FREE. 
Hours: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.  Patrolled daily from 4:30 - 10:00 p.m. (from 10:00 a.m. on weekends & holidays).

► See the MCS rink information and rules.  NOTE: Skate rentals are available.

Left: Dusk image from the City's live 24hr WEBCAM at the outdoor rink. 
► Click image for enlargement.  Click for night shot.

VIDEO JAM FRIDAYS: Beginning January 13, MCS features a series of FREE
                                                                       video skate parties every Friday @ 7-9 p.m. until March 16.  Click for details.

► Click image to view charity snowman sculpture at MCS, November 2011 (still there).

► Digital Journal article (Nov. 10, 2011): Snowmen Alert! Toronto Snowmen are invading for charity.

INSPIRATION LAKEVIEW MASTER PLAN:  The Lakeview District lands in southeast Mississauga, including Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) former Lakeview Generating Station (LGS) site, will be the subject of a new Master Plan, according to a Corporate Staff Report presented to the City's Planning and Development Committee on December 5, 2011.  The Master Plan, to be developed by the City, the Province of Ontario and OPG, will use the Inspiration Lakeview Vision as a starting point.  The report outlines a number of initiatives that could help residents and visitors experience the Lake Ontario waterfront in the short term, including access to OPG's western (former coal) pier (shown below left), and a lakefill project to connect the Waterfront Trail to Marie Curtis Park in Etobicoke with a bypass south of the G.E. Booth Wastewater Treatment Facility (see below).

► Press release (December 20, 2011): City To Draft A Master Plan For Lakeview.

► Click for PHOTO ALBUM (113p PDF) of the Lakeview Generating Station demolition (2007) and tour of the coal pier (shown at left) in 2010.

► See the MIRANET article about Inspiration Lakeview.

REGISTER FOR WINTER ACTIVITIES: Register online or in-person at all major community centres.  Winter session classes start Saturday, February 11, 2012.

► See the online Active Mississauga GUIDE produced by the Recreation and Parks Dept.

► Winter Activities and Events: view the City's webpage which includes toboggan hills and indoor and outdoor skating rink locations.

► See information about the 2011 Recreation Pricing Study.  There are proposed, draft recommendations for a new, simplified pricing structure for recreation programs and services.

HANLAN WATER PROJECT:  To support the needs of our growing communities, the Region of Peel has begun the largest and most extensive watermain mega-project Peel has ever designed and constructed – the Hanlan Water Project (project website).  As this multi-year project proceeds throughout the City, the resultant road reconstructions and re-pavings as the watermain excavations are back-filled present the opportunity for new bike lanes and trails.

► Excavations are now underway at the very south end of the route, on Lakefront Promenade south of Lakeshore Road.  See the Construction Maps webpage to track the location and progress of the ‘big pipe’ installation, and any current road closures.

WAR OF 1812 BICENTENNIAL:  Remembrances and events all year hosted by the Mississauga South Historical Society which meets meets at the REGENCY RETIREMENT RESIDENCE, 29 Mississauga Road North (map). 

ALL ARE WELCOME.


► See the notice of War of 1812 meetings/events on the MSHS website.

WAR OF 1812 BICENTENNIAL - EXHIBIT: 
Tuesday, January 24 - February 24 @ 9 a.m.-5 p.m. T-F, and until 8 p.m. on most Tuesdays.  Hosted by Heritage Mississauga at the Robinson-Adamson GRANGE,
1921 Dundas Street West (map).

Travelling exhibit from the Archives of Ontario.  
Presented in partnership with Peel Heritage Complex. 

► Click image for full-size Press Release.

► Mississauga News article (Feb. 6, 2012): Exhibit marks War of 1812.


► The Heritage Mississauga War of 1812 webpage contains links to other bicentennial resources, including The 1812 Heritage Gazette - Volume 1 - October 2011.

ANNUAL V.A.M. EXHIBITION:  January 12 - February 25 (hours) at the Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM), Mississauga City Hall, main floor (SE corner),
300 City Centre Drive (map).  FREE.

This is the Visual Arts Mississauga 34th Annual Juried Show of Fine Arts. 
The VAM call for entry is one of the region's most anticipated events, bringing in hundreds of submissions.  An annual opportunity to survey a variety of practices by working artists in Ontario.  Coincides with the AGM's 25th anniversary. 

► Mississauga News article (Jan. 12, 2012): Best in show honoured.  Excerpt: "A people’s choice award is still up for grabs. Visitors can pick up a ballot and vote for their favourite art piece for the duration of the exhibition."

                                                             ► Click image for details about VAM 34.

85th ANNIVERSARY OF JALNA:  2012 marks the 85th Anniversary of the publication of Jalna, the first novel in the acclaimed series by Mazo de la Roche.

► See Wikipedia article: Mazo de la Roche.  Excerpt: "The Benares Historic House of Clarkson, Ontario is believed to be the inspiration for Jalna and is now maintained by Museums of Mississauga.  A nearby park is named Whiteoaks in honour of the series, as is a nearby elementary school.  Streets in the area also bear names such as Mazo Crescent, Jalna Avenue, and Whiteoaks Avenue."

► JALNA Revisited: EXHIBITION at the Bradley Museum (The Anchorage), 1620 Orr Road (map) from January 27 - June 29, 2012.  FREE.  Open M-F @ 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Tours available Wed & Sun @ 1-5p.m. (admission).

► Benares: Is it Jalna?

► See the Mazo de la Roche Society website which lists forthcoming events including the Heritage Lecture Series presentation by Daniel Bratton on April 12, 2012 at the NOEL RYAN THEATRE, Mississauga Central Library.

Left:  Photo of original 1927 hardcover edition, as advertised on amazon.ca.

OPEN JAM SATURDAYS:  Saturdays at the PORT CREDIT LEGION, 35 Front Street North (map).

► Click image for full-size POSTER.

ADVENTURE TRAVEL FILM SERIES:  Thursday, March 8 @ 8 p.m. 
(pre-show entertainment from 7:15 p.m.) at PORT CREDIT SECONDARY SCHOOL,
70 Mineola Road East (map). 

Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Mississauga Lakeshore and Mississauga West. 

See current award winning documentaries on a large screen and speak with the film-maker after each show.

New Zealand will be shown on March 8, 2012.  TICKETS AT THE DOOR.

► Click image for full-size 2-page illustrated BROCHURE listing all 6 films in the Series.

MARCH ICE BREAKER SKATE PARTY:  Saturday, March 10 @ 2-4 p.m. 
at Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive (map).  FREE. 

Features figure skating performances presented by Skate Canada, live DJ and gourmet food truck treats (for purchase).

► Click image for City WEBPAGE about the skating parties and activities.

MISSISSAUGA MARATHON:  Weekend of May 5-6 (NOT the Mothers' Day weekend).  9th annual event. 

► Click for FACT SHEET received January 20 from the Marathon management for the information of residents, including the schedule of events.

► Click image for the Mississauga Marathon WEBSITE for Road Closures, etc.

PASSAGES PROJECT:  Sponsored by Peel Heritage Complex in 2011-2012. 

► See the Passages website, an interactive component of the Project.

6-8-10 ANN STREET BLOCK REDEVELOPMENT: 
FRAM Building Group has made an application to allow a 22-storey condominium residence with ground level retail and second floor commercial / office use on the portion of the block immediately behind (north of) the Skinner & Middlebrook Funeral Home located at 128 Lakeshore Road East (map).  The proposed development would occupy the area of the present attached residence behind the funeral home at #6 Ann Street, the adjacent parking lot at #8 Ann Street and the detached house at #10 Ann Street (at High Street).

► See the TOPCA '6-8-10 Ann Street' development webpage.

NOTE: A Public Meeting to discuss the proposal is being planned for mid-March 2012. 
Details will be provided here, once confirmed.

WARD 1 NEWSLETTER:  Fall 2011/Winter 2012.

The Newsletter has been mailed to all Ward 1 residents in November 2011.  If residents have asked or mentioned to their post office/mail person that they do not want to receive 'junk mail' this Newsletter will not go to their households (due to Canada Post rules/regulations).  Should a resident not receive a copy but wish to, contact the Ward 1 office by email or telephone with Name and full Address. 

► Contact:  Ashley DiProspero, Administrative Assistant to Councillor Jim Tovey, Ward 1 City of Mississauga, (905) 896-5085. 

► Click image for full-size NEWSLETTER (6p PDF).

NEW MIWAY SERVICE ROUTES BROCHURE:  Featuring information about more accessible service and Service Changes effective December 12, 2011.

► Click image for full-size BROCHURE.

► Mississauga News article (Dec. 31, 2011): Ride free New Year's Eve. 
► Ride FREE on MiWay Transit and GO Transit after 7:00 p.m.

PORT CREDIT HARBOUR MARINA LANDS MASTER PLAN: 
In early December 2011, representatives of 3 local residents’ associations and other groups in Port Credit met with facilitators from the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) retained by Canada Lands Company (CLC).  The purpose of the series of small meetings was to solicit residents' thoughts and opinions regarding a process for the development of a master plan for CLC's site at 1 Port Street East (map). 
► CLICK TO VIEW THE C.U.I. (consultant's) REPORT released January 20, 2012 (3p PDF).  Summarizes all the stakeholder input received in December 2011. 

The property includes an approximately 51 acre (20.6 hectare) waterlot (including the sunken Ridgetown) and 17 acres (6.8 hectares) of tableland on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Credit River.  CLC plans to proceed with various forms of public engagement regarding the future use of this property, beginning in early 2012. 

► TOPCA held a public meeting on March 22, 2011: 'Ramping-up the Port Credit Vision' featuring a presentation by CLC (18p PDF). 

► See the CLC webpage for project description and updates.

► Click aerial image of the site (at left) for enlargement and broader context.

PORT CREDIT SALMON AND TROUT ASSOCIATION:  Stay tuned to hear about future projects: fish derbies, April pen project and FREE Fisheries Symposium [April 4 @ 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. at CLARKE HALL], and proposed Fisheries Interpretive Centre (see below). 

► Click logo image for PCSTA Facebook Page. 
► See also the PCSTA website.

FISHERIES INTERPRETIVE CENTRE - PORT CREDIT:  Progress is being made on the local initiative for adaptive and functional reuse of the heritage pumping station buildings at J.C. Saddington Park, spearheaded by the recently formed Port Credit Salmon and Trout Association.  The proposal includes 4-6 fish-raising tanks, an aquarium of common sport fish and an interpretive centre in the cistern that will tie Port Credit to its fishing roots and be a resource for local school groups.  The Ministry of Natural Resources and Credit Valley Conservation are strongly in support, and there is tremendous community enthusiasm for this year-round operation including groups such as TOPCA and the Port Credit BIA.  Bob Cutmore, a PCSTA Director, is a local advocate and liaison for the project.

The Waterfront Parks Strategy: J.C. Saddington Park (15p PDF) provides discussion about the desirability of adaptively re-using these pumping buildings which have sat empty for 40 years.  The necessary pumps and pipes are already in place!  With the City's permission, the buildings were physically evaluated on December 21, 2011 by engineering consultants from AECOM as to potential design and remediation considerations in support of a formal PCSTA proposal to the City as early as April 2012.  Richard Collins, president of the Mississauga South Historical Society is concurrently preparing a Heritage Impact Statement which could go to the Heritage Advisory Committee as early as March 2012.

Above: Water cistern (c1920) located at Saddington Park, from outside and inside.

Left: Equipment inside the pumping building.

► Click images to view PHOTO ALBUM (38p PDF) of cistern tour: December 21, 2011.  Albums of the two pumping station buildings will also be posted shortly.

► YOU CAN HELP!  Citizens can help move this project along by becoming members of the Port Credit Salmon and Trout Association (see above). 

REWARD - BREUCKNER RHODODENDRON GARDENS VANDALISM: 
Port Credit is home to Mississauga's first public 'city garden', located on the west side of Godfrey's Lane (map).  In December 2010, David Culham, former Councillor and head of the BRG Stewardship Committee, reported: "Volunteers donated 1427.35 hrs in 2010.  Volunteers are involved in every aspect of the gardening operation.  This amounts to 36 work weeks at 40 hrs per week. ... Committee members donated plant stock from their gardens and one member purchased all of the roses and peonies." 

► Mississauga News article (Jan. 6, 2012): Vandals target park garden.  Excerpt:  "Vandals uprooted 30 peony plants, pushed down snow fences and set fire to burlap last night at the Brueckner Rhododendron Garden."

► Mississauga News article (Jan. 7, 2012): [Ward 1 Councillor Jim] Tovey offers reward to find vandals.  Excerpt: "'I'd also like to see as part of their sentencing that they work with Dave (Culham) and his great group of volunteers to rebuild the gardens.'" 

THEY GOT HIM!  Peel Police - Graffiti Arrest January 24, 2012.  After a lengthy investigation, 12 Division officers arrested a male party for numerous Mischief offences that occurred over several months, all involving graffiti tagging at various locations in Mississauga (including BRG). Due to the number of offences, the 19 year old was held for a Bail Hearing.

PUBLIC ART INSTALLED:  Harold E. Kennedy Park (formerly Lions' Park), 20 Rosewood Avenue (map).   Familia is comprised of nine sculptures in limestone and granite created by artist Stephen Cruise.  According to the artist, the sculptures respond to the significant natural and industrial history of the location.  The nine elements of the artwork include the following: a shell, tree, fish, fox, rail, boat, tank, lion and hive.  A splendid example of public consultation being faithfully realized!

► City's Press Release (November 10, 2011): Public Art Additions.

► Click image (Boat) for WALKABOUT of the Park and the Familia sculptures (30p PDF).  Adjust the Zoom in your PDF viewer for clearest images.

G.E. BOOTH WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: 

► Click for PHOTO ALBUM (107p PDF) of the tour of the G.E. Booth Wastewater Treatment Facility in Lakeview on October 1, 2011.  As shown in the aerial photo, the Booth plant abuts the OPG lands located immediately to the west.  Residents on the tour were told that Peel Region intends to expand the Booth plant by 2031 which will necessitate the acquisition of more land; residents on the tour were told talks are in progress with OPG -- information not included in the community visioning for Inspiration Lakeview (see above).

► See the MIRANET article about Inspiration Lakeview.

Left: Aerial view of the plant: click the image (or here) for an amazing zoom as posted on the Councillor's website.

LIVING GREEN MASTER PLAN:  The LGMP will help create a culture of environmental sustainability in Mississauga and support decision making.

► The City's Living Green Master Plan webpage has further details. 
THE PLAN WAS APPROVED on January 18, 2012.

► Press release (Jan. 18, 2012): Mississauga Council gives green light to City’s Living Green Master Plan.

► Click image for FINAL DRAFT Master Plan (108p PDF).

WORK IS STOPPED ON THE SHERWAY POWER PLANT:  During the recent provincial election campaign, Liberal and Progressive Conservative candidates in Mississauga South and Mississauga East-Cooksville (and their party leaders) promised that if elected, their respective government would cancel (relocate) the Sherway power plant. 

THE NEW GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN OFFICE:  On October 20, 2011 the new Liberal minority government officially took office with the PCs as the official opposition party. 
AS OF NOVEMBER 21, 2011, CONSTRUCTION HAS CEASED. 
The community needs to remain vigilant as further decisions are taken.

► See the MIRANET article about the Sherway Power Plant for ongoing details of the work stoppage and follow-up actions.

PORT CREDIT ARENA - SUPER BOWL AD:  To air on Sunday, February 5.  This ad was filmed in Port Credit during a rec league hockey game on December 21, 2011 and shows off our newly reno'd arena and the ice which is called the best in the City.  Hundreds of imported 'fans' were assembled at Clarke Hall and First United Church until it was time to descend on the Arena en masse and surprise the players.  The arena is located at 40 Stavebank Road North. (map).

► Read about the set-up.

► Mississauga News article (Feb. 2, 2012): Super Bowl ad filmed here.

► Click image for YouTube VIDEO.  This video has gone viral!

PORT CREDIT ARENA - SIDNEY CROSBY AD:  Now airing. 
This ad was filmed at the Arena in August 2011. 

► Click image for YouTube VIDEO.

PORT CREDIT BIA CONTEST:  There is a further use for the charity penguin snowman sculpture, located at the SW corner of Lakeshore Road East and St. Lawrence Drive (map). 

Port Credit BIA Facebook Challenge - Post your pic with the 'Snowbird' on this FB page during January 2012 for a draw at the end of the month.  Three winners will receive a $50 gift certificate at the Port Credit business of their choice! .

► Digital Journal article (Nov. 10, 2011): Snowmen Alert! Toronto Snowmen are invading for charity.

► Click image for full-size PHOTO.

MISSISSAUGA FURNITURE BANK:  The Mississauga Furniture Bank recycles new and gently used household furnishings from individuals and corporate donors to our client base which includes women and children, refugees, the homeless, families living below the poverty line and victims of domestic violence.  We also help the elderly, disabled and those who have lost all to fire, a natural disaster or personal tragedy.  These clients have been referred to us by registered community shelters, faith based organizations and social agencies.  By acting as a hub between donors and social agencies the MFB is able to connect families in need with furnishings for their homes, not only helping those in need but having a positive ecological impact as we divert furniture and home furnishings destined for local landfills.  We are a donation based agency so we depend heavily on our area neighbours to help with the needs of our clients (including financial donations).

► Click logo image for MFB WEBSITE.  See the Facebook Page.

► See the MFB BROCHURE (2p PDF) about items accepted and how to donate.

► Mississauga News article (July 14, 2011): Furniture bank needs support.  NOTE: The MFB now has warehouse space and is able to pick up donations in Mississauga, or receive drop-offs.