Loss of airline passengers will cost Mississauga millions years after COVID-19 has passed

Loss of airline passengers will cost Mississauga millions years after COVID-19 has passed

Instead of paying property tax, Toronto Pearson Airport pays the City of Mississauga based on how many passengers fly through annually.

A series of regulations favour the airport and hinder the city, meaning Mississauga will feel the pain of the pandemic long after it passes.



50 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Peel Monday; province developing new data tool to combat pandemic

50 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Peel Monday; province developing new data tool to combat pandemic

A new tool that would use artificial intelligence and existing data to predict future outbreaks of COVID-19 is currently under development by the province. 

Infection rates across Ontario have decreased but hospitals are preparing for more cases, as those diagnosed weeks ago could develop more serious symptoms.



Why are bus drivers at Brampton Transit’s Sandalwood Facility contracting COVID-19?

Why are bus drivers at Brampton Transit’s Sandalwood Facility contracting COVID-19?

A fourth transit operator in Brampton has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus. Three of them worked in the same facility, but the City takes its cues from the local public health authority, which has not advised the declaration of an outbreak. It's unclear if contact tracing investigations have been used to figure out why this is happening, while some in the public continue to rely on transit.



Growth rate for COVID-19 cut in half in Peel, first sign that physical distancing measures are working

Growth rate for COVID-19 cut in half in Peel, first sign that physical distancing measures are working

At the end of March, COVID-19 cases were growing at nearly 25 percent, on average, everyday across the Region of Peel.

With physical and social distancing measures in place, April has seen much different numbers. 



Our population is accelerating out of control; this pandemic is the latest threat humans have long been warned about

This pandemic is the latest threat humans have long been warned about

The warnings were clear that how we have lived our lives might lead to the latest pandemic. This has been articulated by scientists for years – who have been mostly mocked or ignored in the past. While we’re bivouacked at home, there’s plenty to read about our vulnerabilities, and how we can now move toward a more universal and enlightened truth in battling pandemics, and other fundamental threats to our existence.



Truckers eat up millions of kilometres of asphalt to keep us safe in the time of coronavirus

Truckers drive millions of kilometres to keep us safe in the time of coronavirus

There are many unsung heroes in the war against COVID-19, like the road warriors in our trucking industry who keep our store shelves stocked with the goods we need to survive and the medical supplies moving to keep us safe. Mississauga and Brampton are the epicentre of this industry, often looked down on by many in our society.



Is the Conservative Party of Canada ready for Leslyn Lewis?

Is the Conservative Party of Canada ready for Leslyn Lewis?

She’s a Black woman who wears her pro-life convictions on her sleeve. She wants to bring social conservatism out from the closet, where the party has completely botched efforts to hide many of its central values, according to her. And Leslyn Lewis tells The Pointer she wants to put the needs of cities like Mississauga and Brampton at the top of her agenda. 



With places of worship closed, religious leaders find virtual ways to help others keep the faith

With places of worship closed, religious leaders find virtual ways to help others keep the faith

Hundreds of religious groups in Peel were forced to close their doors to stop the spread of COVID-19. Leaders of different faiths are doing their best to connect with community members hurting during a time of need. In-person services, online sermons, digital classes and prayers and check-ins over the phone are now becoming routine for those who help take care of our spiritual well-being.



In a time of crisis residents, leaders and business owners across Peel are putting others first

In a time of crisis residents, leaders and business owners across Peel are putting others first

By the time COVID-19 subsides, numerous projections show small businesses including restaurants will continue to suffer for many months. Some likely won't open their doors again. Despite these looming concerns, it’s not enough to stop residents, local politicians and business owners who are offering services to help people during the crisis.



54 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Peel Saturday; province extends emergency measures as Ontario enters critical stage in pandemic

54 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Peel Saturday; province extends emergency measures as Ontario enters critical stage in pandemic

The province of Ontario has extended its emergency declaration after more than 400 new cases were confirmed Friday evening.

The announcement also came with a number of new initiatives to make it easier for hospitals to expand capacity, something Peel’s previously stretched healthcare facilities have already benefited from.



Victims of domestic abuse are suddenly trapped at home, while COVID-19 rips through Peel’s social safety net

Victims of domestic abuse are suddenly trapped at home, while COVID-19 is ripping through Peel’s social safety net

With the implementation of mandatory physical distancing measures, many people have been cut off from organizations they rely on. This includes victims of domestic violence, who may not be able to seek help when they need it most. Others across the region in desperate need because of the impacts of the pandemic have also been cut off from support.



Second COVID-19 outbreak at a Mississauga hospital; 46 new cases in Peel Friday

Second COVID-19 outbreak at a Mississauga hospital; 46 new cases in Peel Friday

For the second time, a Mississauga hospital has had to declare a COVID-19 outbreak. Trillium Health Partners has said approximately 10 staff members at Mississauga Hospital are infected with the virus.

The news comes as Peel confirmed 46 new cases of the novel coronavirus in the region Friday morning.



Brampton restaurant owners desperate for help; COVID-19 decimating business

Brampton restaurant owners desperate for help; COVID-19 decimating business

Deemed non-essential, restaurants and small eateries across the province have been tossed into limbo. Forced to close their doors and attempt to survive on take-out orders, many face the grim reality that COVID-19 could leave them shuttered for good. 

Brampton restaurateurs say they need government assistance immediately to survive the pandemic.



Stats Can survey reveals fear for health, violence and civil disorder during COVID-19; 102 new cases confirmed in Peel Thursday

Stats Can survey reveals fear for health, violence and civil disorder during COVID-19; 102 new cases confirmed in Peel Thursday

Canadians are anxious and fearful during this global pandemic, new data from Statistics Canada shows.

However, a closer look at Peel’s numbers reveals a flicker of light as the region hopes to move toward the other end of the crisis, for now.



An employee at Brampton Civic has passed away from COVID-19 at the hospital where he worked

An employee at Brampton Civic Hospital has passed away from COVID-19

The details around the man’s death Thursday morning remain unclear, but Peel Public Health has released a brief statement.



Patient honesty a crucial factor in keeping Peel Paramedics safe

Patient honesty a crucial factor in keeping Peel Paramedics safe

Before recent changes at the provincial level, paramedics did not have adequate protocols to protect themselves against the spread of COVID-19. Part of what they did have included the words of the patients they help each and every day. Unfortunately, not all those who depend on these everyday heroes are being honest.



Work begins on temporary hospital space in Mississauga to treat COVID patients; 17 new cases of the virus confirmed Wednesday

Work begins on temporary hospital space in Mississauga to treat COVID patients; 17 new cases of the virus confirmed Wednesday

Trillium Health Partners is constructing an 80-bed care facility on the grounds of Mississauga Hospital to deal with increased demand created by COVID-19.

The facility is the latest attempt by the hospital system to expand its ability to care for residents, as the number of those requiring treatment in hospitals for COVID-19 continues to rise in Canada’s sixth largest city.



Brampton announces further closures, reduces transit service as 29 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed Wednesday

Brampton announces further closures, reduces transit service as 29 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed Wednesday

Brampton has seen another significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases as residents wait to see if strict physical distancing measures are having an impact.

In order to slow the spread, city staff have closed burial grounds and plan to reduce bus service to a temporary Sunday schedule.



Almost $60M in losses by end of spring — City of Mississauga predicts consequences of COVID-19 will ‘echo for years’

Almost $60M in losses by end of spring — City of Mississauga predicts consequences of COVID-19 will ‘echo for years’

Shuttered recreation centres and free transit are necessary for Mississauga’s response to COVID-19. The measures, introduced over the past few weeks, are in place to keep people apart and slow the spread of the virus. The fallout: ending public life and a massive drop in revenues is emptying city coffers which are predicted to finish the year tens of millions in the red. 



UPDATE: Peel hospitals get desperately needed reinforcements — region steadies itself for difficult month

UPDATE: Peel hospitals expand ICU capacity; number of critical patients drops as region steadies itself for difficult month

Only days after reporting a lack of resources, the health networks covering Peel’s two cities have added extra ICU beds and ventilators. Now, Brampton is part of a network of hospitals with more than 80 percent of its ventilators free, waiting to fight the novel coronavirus.



45 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Mississauga Tuesday; Ontario nurses push for further assurances for PPE supplies

45 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Mississauga Tuesday; Ontario nurses push for further assurances for PPE supplies

It’s been described as the “wild west” of procurement. Right now, all countries are trying to stock up on necessary personal protective equipment for front line workers, making international competition fierce. 

As the battle for PPE continues, the City of Mississauga and its hospitals are bracing for the full impact of the virus.



Peel sees largest single-day spike in new COVID cases Tuesday, 31 in Brampton which now faces recent rise in infection rate

Peel sees largest single-day spike in new COVID cases Tuesday, 31 in Brampton which now faces recent rise in infection rate

As the provincial government moves to provide further information to first responders to warn them about potential exposure to COVID-19, Brampton saw a spike in cases.

The new cases are part of the bad news across Peel according to the Region’s data for confirmed cases each day, as the only full-service local hospital looks for ways to increase alarmingly low critical care capacity in the city.



Thousands wait for federal benefits to flow while food banks and colleges pick up the slack in Peel

Thousands wait for federal benefits to flow with food banks and colleges picking up the slack in Peel

The federal government is in the middle of rolling out its enormous relief package to Canadians impacted by COVID-19. The support is aimed at keeping food on the table for families around the country. However, even as the money comes out, thousands are relying on food banks, bursary funds and other sources of funding to plug the gaps.



COVID-19 response enters crucial phase as 10,000 ventilators being produced by Brampton-based company 

COVID-19 response enters crucial phase as 10,000 ventilators being produced by Brampton-based company 

O-Two Medical Tech has been producing medical equipment for the last 50 years, shipping it out to more than 60 countries around the world. With hundreds of lives on the line across Ontario, this latest job is its most important yet.  



Funding set to flow for strained local social services as 34 new Brampton cases of COVID-19 confirmed Monday

Funding set to flow for strained local social services as 34 new Brampton cases of COVID-19 confirmed Monday

After a weekend when the number of new infections reached a brief plateau in Brampton, the city registered a jump of 34 infections Monday morning. 

In an effort to help those impacted by the virus, further funds have been announced by the province to support social service organizations and frontline workers.



Mississauga COVID-19 cases increase by 105 percent in a week; hospital capacity expands to help ICUs; 37 new cases confirmed Monday and Peel’s number of dead doubles to 8

Mississauga COVID-19 cases increase by 105 percent in a week; hospital capacity expands to help ICUs; 37 new cases confirmed Monday and Peel’s number of dead doubles to 8

The city’s healthcare network is expanding capacity for critical care as Ontario enters a critical stage in its battle against COVID-19. 

As Mississauga continues to experience a spike in new infections, and community spread sets in, more hospital-admitted patients with the virus are being reported by the local health network.



Brampton residents call for more mental health support, mirroring national survey that reveals the toll of COVID-19

Brampton residents call for more mental health support, mirroring national survey that reveals the toll of COVID-19

Experts say Canadians should not be surprised by their anxious reaction to the global pandemic and all the uncertainty suddenly surrounding them. But it’s also important to know there are resources that can help ease the fear enveloping many.



As our world slows down, are you a pensive introvert or a restless extrovert?

As our world slows down, are you a smiling introvert or a struggling extrovert?

The novel coronavirus cases are over a million worldwide and thousands have died. This crisis has also created a new imperative: humans have to slow down, to self-isolate, to retreat into a smaller world that centres on their home – whether that’s a sprawling mansion or a one-bedroom apartment. This is a challenge faced by the two major personality types in society: introverts and extroverts. How will they respond to this massive societal realignment, and which type is better equipped to thrive?



Slicing up suburbia: how profitable lot severances signal a new dawn for Mississauga development

Slicing up suburbia: how profitable lot severances signal a new dawn for Mississauga development

In the past, people moved to Mississauga to take advantage of the suburban dream, a single-family home complete with white picket fence.

As millennials enter the real estate market, with limited finances and a climate conscious perspective, housing patterns are changing. In recent years, more and more people are choosing to cut large areas of land in half and build two houses where there used to be one.



Brampton sees decline in new COVID-19 cases Sunday, 5 infections reported; second Brampton Transit bus driver tests positive for the novel coronavirus

5 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Brampton Sunday; second Brampton Transit bus driver tests positive for the novel coronavirus

The region's public health unit now reports 177 total cases of COVID-19 in the city. Meanwhile, the province is now reporting more than 4,000 cases across Ontario.



31 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Mississauga Sunday

31 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Mississauga Sunday

In Mississauga, the latest COVID-19 case tally brings the city’s total to 279. The spike in new cases comes after the city announced the layoffs of 2,000 part-time employees in non-essential services.



If province moves to a lockdown, this is what it could mean for you

If province moves to a lockdown, this is what it could mean for you

As the province releases alarming projections for the impact of COVID-19 in the coming weeks and months, the premier has resisted pressure to implement stricter measures on individuals and companies. Instead, Doug Ford has further limited the number of essential businesses operating in the province and is begging people to stay home.

In Europe, many countries have had severe mobility restrictions in place since March, with residents told not to leave the house. For Ontario, questions remain about whether similar rules will be applied and what exactly they would look like.



Ravages of COVID-19 hit Mississauga City Hall—2,000 part-time and non-essential employees to be laid off

Ravages of COVID-19 hit Mississauga City Hall, 2,000 part-time and non-essential employees to be laid off

With news that the pandemic’s grip on Ontario will continue for weeks, possibly months, The City of Mississauga announced Friday that it will have to lay-off 2,000 staff. The novel coronavirus has led to the partial or complete shutdown of many city services, while most facilities remain shuttered, making it impossible to keep everyone on the payroll, the same reality faced by businesses across Mississauga.



Can contact tracing aid the fight against COVID-19 in Peel Region?

Can contact tracing aid the fight against COVID-19 in Peel Region?

The old saying goes, “know your enemy”. In the case of the coronavirus, the knowing part is difficult, but not impossible. In the Region of Peel this task comes down to a small group of public health professionals relying on an epidemiological investigative technique known as contact tracing. 

The use of contact tracing has assisted countries like Singapore and South Korea to reduce their infection rates. With case counts surging across Ontario, could it be the difference?



Credit Valley ICU full; health network covering Brampton reports negative ventilator capacity as COVID-19 takes toll on Peel

Credit Valley ICU full; health network covering Brampton reports negative ventilator capacity as COVID-19 takes toll on Peel

On Friday, the provincial government released projections suggesting 1,600 Ontarians could die by April 30 as a result of COVID-19, under current isolation measures. While increased measures take effect Saturday at midnight, the dire modelling shows the worst impact of the virus is still to come. In Peel, hospital beds are already filling up, with one struggling as of April 1 and others confronting worsening numbers. There is mounting concern that some local healthcare systems are not being open and transparent with the public about the reality they face.



After Mississauga firefighter tests positive for COVID-19, emergency system braces for an influx of patients

After Mississauga firefighter tests positive for COVID-19, emergency system braces for an influx of patients

In Mississauga, more than half of the fire service’s calls are for medical incidents, with many patients experiencing shortness of breath and respiratory issues. 

Now, with a positive COVID-19 case confirmed in its own ranks, Mississauga Fire is preparing for staffing issues and a rise in call volume.



21 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Brampton Friday; region apologizes for mailing incorrect virus test results to Peel residents

21 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Brampton Friday; region apologizes for mailing incorrect virus test results to Peel residents

An unfortunate error led a number of Peel residents to receive negative results to their COVID-19 tests when in fact they were positive. The error comes as cases in Brampton more than doubled in four days. 



30 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Mississauga Friday; province invests millions to expand access to mental health resources

30 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Mississauga Friday; province invests millions to expand access to mental health resources

In an effort to protect the mental health of those doing the right thing and staying home, the province has announced millions of dollars to expand online and virtual mental health resources for Ontarians. The investment comes amid the frightening release of projections for the number of new cases that could cripple the province by the end of the month.



Are Ontario’s measures enough to save thousands of lives the province knows will be lost if COVID-19 response is too weak?

Are Ontario’s measures enough to save thousands of lives the province knows will be lost if COVID-19 response is too weak?

The COVID-19 crisis in Ontario has created a new level of fear across the province, after health and government officials revealed the devastation that will be caused by the virus. If the current isolation measures are not increased there will be 80,000 cases and 1,600 deaths in Ontario by the end of April.



University students worried by spiralling COVID-19 infection rates develop online tool to track local spread of virus

University students worried by spiralling COVID-19 infection rates develop online tool to track local spread of virus

Mississauga resident Shrey Jain and a team of fellow university students are working on an online mapping app to track the local spread of infection caused by novel coronavirus. The group hopes its work can assist public health investigators frantically working to identify and contain the spread of COVID-19 as the numbers get worse by the day.



‘Our opportunity to flatten the curve is coming to an end,’ Peel warns as 200 total COVID-19 cases confirmed in Mississauga Thursday; Ontario reports 827 new cases over past two days

‘Our opportunity to flatten the curve is coming to an end,’ Peel warns as 200 total COVID-19 cases confirmed in Mississauga Thursday; Ontario reports 827 new cases over past two days

The Region of Peel has released strong recommendations and new penalties in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19 as 26 new Mississauga cases of the novel coronavirus were reported Thursday. 

For the second consecutive day, the province of Ontario recorded more than 400 new cases, and a surprising number of people below the age of 60 being infected.



20 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Brampton Thursday as local firm pledges to make 10,000 ventilators; almost 70% of those infected in Ontario are below the age of 60

20 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Brampton Thursday as local firm pledges to make 10,000 ventilators; almost 70% of those infected in Ontario are below the age of 60

It will be a crucial week ahead for Brampton and the rest of the country as Peel Public Health announces new instructions to stay home and the city cancels some weekend bus services. 

Despite harsh penalties for breaking physical distancing rules, municipal an ld provincial cases are spiking.



Province will find hospitals for patients if Mississauga or Brampton become overwhelmed by COVID-19

Province will find hospitals for patients if Mississauga or Brampton become overwhelmed by COVID-19

Mississauga and Brampton had strained healthcare systems well before COVID-19 turned everything upside down. As the pandemic continues and the number of positive cases in Peel grows, pressure on hospitals will only increase.

Instead of encouraging cities to build temporary treatment spaces, Ontario is hoping to coordinate care between different health networks and alleviate pressure on those hit hardest.



Ontario should mimic international examples of how to stop the spread of COVID-19 before it’s too late

Ontario should mimic international examples of how to stop the spread of COVID-19 before it’s too late

Peel’s healthcare systems were already struggling to keep up with patients before the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as rates of infection spike and after Mississauga’s Credit Valley Hospital just declared an outbreak, the region and province can follow international examples of how to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent it from reaching the tipping point.



Rent is due but Peel tenants are still unsure where they stand

Rent is due but Peel tenants are still unsure where they stand

With the turn of the calendar page, thousands of Peel tenants now owe their landlords rent. Job loss and income disruption as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have left many without the funds necessary for shelter.

Tenant advocates want definitive assurances from the provincial government there won’t be serious consequences for not paying rent.



11 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Brampton Wednesday

11 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Brampton Wednesday

The City of Brampton has signed a new bylaw that allows officers to fine individuals not following physical distancing measures. Meanwhile, Peel Public Health has confirmed 11 new cases of the novel coronavirus in Brampton Wednesday.



20 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Mississauga Wednesday

20 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Mississauga Wednesday

On Tuesday, Trillium Health Partners announced an outbreak at Credit Valley Hospital with four patients in one unit testing positive for COVID-19. Peel Public Health confirmed 20 new cases of the novel coronavirus in Mississauga Wednesday. Meanwhile, the city has enacted new measures to ensure residents practice physical distancing.



‘It feels like the calm before the storm’: local MPP moonlights as nurse to fight COVID-19

‘It feels like the calm before the storm’: local MPP moonlights as nurse to fight COVID-19

There’s a lot of fear, uncertainty and risk for those on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19, and one local politician has thrown herself into the middle of it. 

Natalia Kusendova, a registered nurse, and Mississauga Centre MPP, talks about her transition from Queen’s Park to the emergency room, and how healthcare providers and the PC government are preparing for a looming wave of infection.



Peel’s taxi industry running on ‘bare bones’ as physical distancing decimates demand

Peel’s taxi industry running on ‘bare bones’ as physical distancing decimates demand

Politicians at all levels of government have told Canadians one thing: stay inside. The advice hopes to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the strain on limited hospital resources.

One side effect of this shutdown is a near total lack of demand for private transit. The federal government has rolled out a series of aid programs for different workers that could help the taxi industry, with drivers and companies facing a bleak future.



COVID-19 prevalence in Mississauga exceeds Toronto as 29 new cases confirmed Tuesday

COVID-19 prevalence in Mississauga exceeds Toronto as 29 new cases confirmed Tuesday

Social and physical distancing measures are becoming increasingly significant in Mississauga as new numbers show COVID-19 is more prevalent in the city than Toronto on a per capita basis.

As the pandemic continues, the city has launched a new online resource directing local business owners to provincial and federal aid programs. Taxes have also been deferred for residents and businesses that have lost work or been forced to close as a result of the novel coronavirus.