Region debates plan to deal with organic waste and recycling contract; Mississauga provides update on speed cameras

Peel Democracy Watch is The Pointer’s weekly feature aimed at increasing the public’s awareness and political involvement in the Region of Peel by highlighting key agenda items, motions and decisions. A light schedule this week as public organizations and governments slow down for the summer.

Policies and Procedures Committee

Date: Thursday June 30 at 10:00 a.m. | Delegate  | Full agenda  | Watch live

Councillors to discuss Regional Chair compensation

Councillor Carolyn Parrish is spearheading a discussion on how Regional government should be staffed. Her proposal (not an official motion) to council debates compensation for a vice-chair position, if it's used. The report explains how a large portion of the compensation could be paid for by the lower tier municipality which the member represents. It also offers an option for two vice-chairs or an outside chair, which would cost more.

Read the options here.

Previous reporting:

• Iannicca acted unethically but watchdog clears him; Mississauga probably won’t 

• Peel works just fine, and let’s keep it that way, regional chair says

Waste Management Committee

Date: Thursday June 30 at 1:00 p.m. | Delegate  | Full agenda  | Watch live

Peel organics facility running out of space

After Regional Council quietly cancelled the anaerobic digestion facility (which would have haelped solve Peel’s organic matter capacity issue) staff developed a long-term plan. Instead of signing short-term contracts, staff believe it makes more sense to sign one long-term contract for 20 years. The strategy involves a facility where organic material is combined and then taken to another location to further decompose. The current system cannot process diapers or pet waste and is nearing its life cycle. Peel’s goal is to divert 75 percent of this waste by 2034 to meet provincial standards.

Read the report here. 

Previous reporting:

• Public left in the dark as Peel quietly cancels $124M organic waste facility

• Region takes steps to build waste facility crucial to meet climate targets 

Staff recommend contract with GFL Environmental Inc. be amended

The recycling facility which separates blue box materials has reached its capacity limit. The contract with GFL Environmental Inc. allows a residue rate of only 29 percent, which the Region exceeds often. The new contract proposed by staff would be for a residue rate of 29.01 to 33.0 percent. The staff report also mentions the current average inbound contamination rate is 38 percent, which is the amount of materials the facility receives for processing. The contract between the Region and GFL is set to expire in 2024. The extra processing fees are $270,000. 

Read the report here.

General Committee

Date: Wednesday June 29 at 9:30 a.m. Delegate | Full agenda | Watch live

Automated speed enforcement camera update

Since July 2021, Mississauga’s automated speed enforcement (ASE) program brought online two cameras operating throughout the city. Throughout 2021 and into 2022, the city added 20 more cameras to areas deemed as community safety zones. According to the report the average decrease in speed was eight kilometres per hour. Typically cameras recording vehicles quickly overwhelm the courts, but Mississauga along with other municipalities asked the Province to allow an administrative penalty system, similar to how parking infractions are dealt with. Framework to implement the system is taking effect July 1 with Council to amend its bylaw in the near future. Since the beginning of the program 8,258 tickets have been issued. In 2022 people caught speeding by ASE cameras paid a combined total of $320,874 with $234,912 going back into the program. 

View a map of the current and future cameras here.

Previous reporting:

• Can’t stop, won’t stop: New road cameras revealing Mississauga’s addiction to speed 

• Two photo radar cameras coming to Mississauga. Will it be enough to curb speeding on city streets? 

• Can cameras slow Mississauga’s chronic suburban fixation with speed? 

Staff asking for contract amendment on Applewood Creek work

Aquafor Beech Ltd. has been working on the Applewood Creek Erosion Control project since 2019. The company was retained to undertake an environmental assessment, a detailed design and provide construction supervision of the creek restoration work. According to a staff report, the original contract included for up to four months of construction supervision. Council approved an extension to the restoration project which is taking place in the Mississauga golf course, in December 2021 to allow the company to continue work for nine months. The extra services will increase the costs by $89,330 bringing the total to $550,721.

See more details here. 

Previous reporting:

• Mississauga flood study shows dire need for cities to prepare for climate change

•  Climate change threatening Peel waterways, putting humans & wildlife at risk  

In-camera matters

15.1 A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board:

Authorization to Approve and Execute an Agreement of Purchase and Sale to Sell Vacant Lands being a closed portion of Queen Street East to the adjoining owner, Edenshaw Queen Developments Limited (Ward 1)

Previous reporting:

• Another piece of public land sold to developers with no affordable housing commitment; Region of Peel & Mississauga ignore ongoing crisis 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @taasha__15

COVID-19 is impacting all Canadians. At a time when vital public information is needed by everyone, The Pointer has taken down our paywall on all stories relating to the pandemic and those of public interest to ensure every resident of Brampton and Mississauga has access to the facts. For those who are able, we encourage you to consider a subscription. This will help us report on important public interest issues the community needs to know about now more than ever. You can register for a 30-day free trial HERE. Thereafter, The Pointer will charge $10 a month and you can cancel any time right on the website. Thank you