'Worst we have seen in North America': Avian Flu across GTA has experts concerned

'Worst we have seen in North America': Avian Flu across GTA has experts concerned

As avian flu spikes in the bird population, killing millions around the world, experts advise avoiding contact altogether if possible as the virus can be transmitted to humans, pets, and other wildlife through infected bodily fluids.

To report sick or deceased wild animals, residents within the Greater Golden Horseshoe are asked to call both 311 and the Ontario Regional Centre of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.



Caledon running out of time to complete critical studies for latest blasting quarry proposal, environmental lawyer says 

Caledon running out of time to complete critical studies for latest blasting quarry proposal, environmental lawyer says 

A meeting hosted by the Forks of the Credit Preservation Group Tuesday allowed residents to express concerns over the CBM Aggregates blasting quarry application currently being considered by the Town of Caledon.

Residents and experts pointed to the lack of transparency around the potentially destructive project and the slow pace of work to study the future of environmentally damaging aggregate operations in Caledon. 



Government help needed as exploding demand forces Mississauga Food Bank’s move to larger facility

Government help needed as exploding demand forces Mississauga Food Bank’s move to larger facility

With The Mississauga Food Bank expanding its home base to accommodate the surging demand for its services, CEO Meghan Nicholls is asking for government intervention to alleviate mounting pressure on food banks across the province. While the organization’s recent move provides much needed additional space, it does not address the root causes of food insecurity across Mississauga.



Ignat (Iggy) Kaneff: 1926-2020

Ignat (Iggy) Kaneff: 1926-2020

The Mississauga-Brampton suburban icon lived the “immigrant experience” and carefully constructed an enriched life, brick by brick.



Mississauga renames park after local legend Iggy Kaneff 

Mississauga renames park after local legend Iggy Kaneff 

The City of Mississauga, joined by the family of the late Ignat (Iggy) Kaneff, paid tribute to the former philanthropist and local businessman with the official unveiling of the sign that will be placed in the newly renamed Iggy Kaneff Park.

The dedicated greenspace commemorates Kaneff who fostered a legacy of giving back to his community. He passed away in 2020. 



Caledon mayor, council left in the dark on application for blasting quarry

Caledon mayor, council left in the dark on application for blasting quarry

Concerns about a proposed blasting quarry in Caledon are swirling after councillors and Mayor Annette Groves were left in the dark about significant updates to the project.

The continued breakdowns in communication raise questions about Caledon’s pledge to be fully transparent about an industry that has been allowed to operate with impunity across the largely rural municipality for years. 



Office of Emergency Management keeping Mississauga safe

Office of Emergency Management keeping Mississauga safe

As cities worldwide battle the threat of climate change and learn lessons from the pandemic to keep residents safe from public health risks, the City of Mississauga’s Office of Emergency Management is working to ensure future threats will be met with the best response.

As emergencies become more complex, the department’s work is continually evolving. 



As national attitudes evolve Mississauga reconsiders cannabis ban; councillors target illegal market operating with impunity

As national attitudes evolve Mississauga reconsiders cannabis ban; councillors target illegal market operating with impunity

Following several reviews of whether to allow cannabis retail in Mississauga’s city limits since its legalization in 2018, council members are once again debating the matter. Sparked by the ongoing presence of a particular illegal location operating in the middle of the city, a notice of motion presented by Councillor Dipika Damerla, who has previously voted against allowing retail cannabis twice, is calling on the City to reconsider its ban, but a discussion during Wednesday’s general committee meeting revealed some councillors want to keep the ban in place. 



Peel council appoints Len Carby to police board after years of advocacy by Black communities 

Peel council appoints Len Carby to police board after years of advocacy by Black communities 

A Black man has been appointed to the Peel Police Services Board for the first time in its history, marking a significant milestone for a community that experiences disproportionate harm at the hands of police officers. 

The decision was not without controversy as the choice narrowed to two candidates of different backgrounds. Some elected officials tried to pit Peel’s Black and Muslim communities against each other. 



Inside the workings of Canada’s organized auto theft rings

Inside the workings of Canada’s organized auto theft rings

Police, politicians and the public call for change in a system that allows Canada to remain a ‘source country’ for the international stolen car market.

Vehicles across Ontario and other provinces end up in countries where the illicit trade in stolen cars happens in the open, right under the nose of governments and local authorities.  



Peel councillors have an opportunity to add Black representation to the police board; will they show leadership?

Peel councillors have an opportunity to add Black representation to the police board; will they show leadership?

Regional councillors will appoint an individual to the Peel Police Services Board on Thursday.

Members of Peel’s Black communities are calling for representation around the table as they continue to face disproportionate harm at the hands of police. 



With ban on stores, illegal pot a growing concern in Mississauga; Peel’s worsening mental health crisis draws minister to regional council

With ban on stores, illegal pot a growing concern in Mississauga; Peel’s worsening mental health crisis draws minister to regional council

Mississauga is one of few large cities that does not allow cannabis stores due to concerns over a range of potential negative outcomes; Brampton’s Library board will present to Council after finding out its Chinguacousy branch will be evicted from the Bramalea Civic Centre; Health Minister Sylvia Jones will appear before regional council to discuss the PC government’s plan to address rapidly rising rates of mental health problems. 



Add invasive species to the list of crippling costs shouldered by municipal taxpayers

Add invasive species to the list of crippling costs shouldered by municipal taxpayers

An audit published by Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk in November found the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is severely lacking in its management of invasive species.

Her audit details the failure to collaborate with other governments, inadequate funding for municipalities and the lack of a coherent strategy as invasive species thrive due to global movement and climate change.



Caledon warehouse project exposes environmental impacts of mismatched development

Caledon warehouse project exposes environmental impacts of mismatched development

In 2021, despite backlash from the public, Caledon council passed a motion to request an MZO for a warehouse project located at Dixie Road and Mayfield Road.

The development approved in March 2022 will divert the watercourse that runs through the site—which includes portions of the Greenbelt. Despite its role in protecting a large portion of southern Ontario’s natural habitats, and a new report that looks at natural channel restoration in Brampton, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is repeating the claim that tampering with the stream will be ecologically beneficial. 



Province recommits investment for massive Mississauga Hospital redevelopment in 2023 budget 

Province recommits investment for massive Mississauga Hospital redevelopment in 2023 budget 

In December 2021, the PC government announced what will be one of the biggest hospitals in North America when the rebuild of Mississauga Hospital is completed. A second expansion within the Trillium Health network at its Etobicoke ambulatory-care site will be part of one of the largest hospital investments for one system in Canadian history.

Recently, the government made good on its 2021 promise, announcing a recommitment of funding to support the Trillium Health Partners redevelopment projects in its latest financial blueprint, as Mississauga’s growth is expected to accelerate.



Census reveals ongoing concerns with diversity, lack of advancement at Region of Peel; Brampton reviewing ward boundaries as population balloons 

Census reveals ongoing concerns with diversity, lack of advancement at Region of Peel; Brampton reviewing ward boundaries as population balloons 

Following a petition signed by a large number of Brampton residents, the City is undertaking its first ward boundary review since 2012, to ensure councillors can effectively and equitably represent all citizens.

Mississauga continues work on a set of Green Development Standards to try and grow sustainably in the face of ill-conceived PC housing legislation. 

The Region of Peel has seen improvements since its first workplace census in 2020, but major gaps remain in diversity at all levels of the organization. 



PCs vote down Bill to protect residents from increased flood risks

PCs vote down Bill to protect residents from increased flood risks

Bill 56, Fewer Floods, Safer Ontario Act, a private members Bill brought forward by Liberal MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon, was voted down by all PC MPPs last week.

It was not a surprise given the Ford government’s move to gut conservation authorities, which provide critical flood management. McMahon says she will look to municipal leaders to help protect residents from flood risks. 



PC government’s $28B highway budget criticized for ignoring emissions reduction & congestion solutions

PC government’s $28B highway budget criticized for ignoring emissions reduction & congestion solutions

The 2023 Ontario budget puts forth $70.5 billion for public transportation projects over the next decade. But NDP Critic Joel Harden says while that seems like a sizable investment, the money is not going where it is needed most. The PCs are investing almost $28 billion in highway projects, when experts say we need to move away from individual forms of transportation. 



Peel Multicultural Council’s anti-racism initiative badly needed as systemic discrimination haunts region 

Peel Multicultural Council’s anti-racism initiative badly needed as systemic discrimination haunts region 

In response to widespread discrimination, the Peel Multicultural Council, a non-profit organization, is launching its Anti-Racism Project to challenge ingrained attitudes and narratives that continue to harm the region’s racialized communities. Its largest public institutions have struggled with the dramatic demographic shift over the past three decades, failing to reflect the changes.



Home Builders' Wish List for the Easter Bunny

Home Builders' Wish List for the Easter Bunny

On April 1, the Ontario government has a surprise planning announcement for the province's residents.



Ontario government needs to do more to keep railways safe, federal agency says

Ontario government needs to do more to keep railways safe, federal agency says

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is putting the Ontario government on notice, questioning the effectiveness of its oversight and safety measures to keep provincial railways safe. The findings came out of an investigation into a 2019 accident in Kitchener when a GO Train struck two pedestrians at a public crossing. The report is a grim reminder that train-related accidents result in injury and deaths across Ontario, including in Mississauga where a four-year-old girl was struck and killed by a GO Train last July.



Ontario’s clean electricity grid becoming dirtier under Doug Ford’s government

Ontario’s clean electricity grid becoming dirtier under Doug Ford’s government

Known as a clean energy leader and the first jurisdiction in North America to eliminate coal fired electricity generation, Ontario is taking three steps backward in the race to a net zero grid.

The Province’s love of natural gas is hindering its ability to achieve what environmental organizations and intergovernmental bodies are pushing: a sustainable clean energy transition.



Mississauga searches for new integrity commissioner following Robert Swayze’s resignation after Karen Ras case

Mississauga searches for new integrity commissioner following Robert Swayze’s resignation after Karen Ras case

Citing “workload concerns,” the City of Mississauga’s integrity commissioner Robert Swayze resigned earlier this month, leaving the City searching for a watchdog to hold locally elected officials accountable. Swayze’s own understanding of the Municipal Act was scrutinized last year after former councillor Karen Ras resigned in early 2022 following allegations that former councillor Ron Starr had repeatedly harassed her throughout much of the previous council term. Ras was critical of the way Swayze handled the matter and filed a lawsuit against the City.



PDSB moves forward on student mental health plan; the latest on Brampton’s efforts to expand post-secondary education

PDSB moves forward on student mental health plan; the latest on Brampton’s efforts to expand post-secondary education

An update on Algoma University’s expansion into Brampton is coming to Council while Caledon’s advocacy for a traffic and road safety study on Highway 10 is gaining momentum with a letter of support from Dufferin County.

An overview of the PDSB Mental Health and Well-being Strategy is coming to the school board as it prepares to implement Phase 3 in the 2023-24 school year.



New report says daycare spaces in Peel lacking; national plan needs to focus on child care deserts

New report says daycare spaces in Peel lacking; national plan needs to focus on child care deserts

It has been rolled out with great fanfare, but $10-a-day daycare under the federal Liberal government’s national plan is not helping the communities that need it most. Across Peel, spaces are still desperately in need, as demand far outpaces the supply of daycare spots.



As Canada’s single-use ban rolls out, ‘Big Plastic’ takes Ottawa to court; international community vows to protect world’s oceans

As Canada’s single-use ban rolls out, ‘Big Plastic’ takes Ottawa to court; international community vows to protect world’s oceans

A coalition of plastic producers, backed by American oil companies and the governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan, went to court three weeks ago after filing a lawsuit against Canada’s federal government over the designation of plastic as a toxic substance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Three environmental organizations interjected on behalf of the Canadian government arguing in favour of the designation and subsequent single-use plastic bans. The case was heard days after members of the United Nations reached a historic treaty to protect the world’s oceans.



Millions of birds die needlessly in our cities every year, Bill 23 threatens to ratchet up the death toll 

Millions of birds die needlessly in our cities every year, Bill 23 threatens to ratchet up the death toll 

To birds, many buildings create optical problems for navigation, constantly causing collisions. With increased urban growth around the world, the easily avoidable loss of species will continue unless solutions are adopted. A group of dedicated advocates is attempting to have bird-friendly design become part of the Ontario Building Code; if the PC government does not listen they plan to take the matter to Ottawa. 



As the IPCC issues ‘final warning’ youth raise their voice in push for stronger climate action

As the IPCC issues ‘final warning’ youth raise their voice in push for stronger climate action

The release of the AR6 Synthesis Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change earlier this week provides the strongest data yet on the need for immediate action to slow global temperature increase. We are at a critical juncture.

A group of youth descended on Mississauga City Hall this week, demanding stronger action to protect their generation, following years of apathy by leaders who won’t have to deal with the consequences of their neglect. 



More chaos around Brampton medical school plan—Council feuds over displaced library & arts organizations

More chaos around Brampton medical school plan—Council feuds over displaced library & arts organizations

The Lester B. Pearson Theatre, recording studios, music and dance spaces and the entire Chinguacousy Library Branch are scrambling to find new locations after the Bramalea Civic Centre was picked to host the proposed Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine. Councillors Rowena Santos and Pat Fortini got into a heated discussion at a recent meeting as Patrick Brown tried to downplay the mismanagement of the entire plan.



PCs’ $21.3B healthcare shortfall will create even worse outcomes in Peel

PCs’ $21.3B healthcare shortfall will create even worse outcomes in Peel

The PC government’s healthcare spending plan is being heavily criticized following the Financial Accountability Office’s disturbing projections. The FAO revealed a $21.3 billion shortfall in health sector spending by 2027/2028. In Peel, and particularly in Brampton, where a healthcare crisis has gripped the area over the past decade, and where rapid growth has seen healthcare funding fall further and further behind the growing demand, projected shortfalls in the next few years will make a dire situation even worse. 



Canada’s freshwater is our greatest asset; governments are failing to protect it

Canada’s freshwater is our greatest asset; governments are failing to protect it

March 22 marks World Water Day which has sparked action by community members and environmental organizations across the province. Alongside this heightened activism, governments on all levels are increasingly overlooking the need to protect our vast freshwater supplies, which the entire world might one day rely on. 



After tragic year, Brampton Fire plans to expand; rapid growth, illegal basements still a problem

After tragic year, Brampton Fire plans to expand; rapid growth, illegal basements still a problem

Following a year in which ten residents perished due to a fire, a strategy to educate and prevent tragedies before they happen is being rolled out across Brampton. 

One of the ongoing problems unique to the city is the number of illegal secondary apartments in homes, which often do not meet basic fire code requirements.  



Police board to address auto thefts; Caledon to form aggregate-industry working group; Mississauga searches for new integrity commissioner

Police board to address auto thefts; Caledon to form aggregate-industry working group; Mississauga searches for new integrity commissioner

Caledon Mayor Annette Groves is determined to hold the aggregate/gravel industry accountable, after decades of industrial activity has left many areas of the municipality riddled with open pit operations that residents have repeatedly raised concerns about, with little action.

In Mississauga, former integrity commissioner Robert Swayze has informed the City of his resignation, following the botched handling of former councillor Karen Ras's alleged harassment at the hands of another former council member. 



Ontario’s water security must be better protected

Ontario’s water security must be better protected

Ahead of World Water Day, Andrew McCammon, Executive Director of the Ontario Headwaters Institute, questions why the province isn’t doing more to ensure the long-term sustainability of our vast and vital freshwater systems.



Doug Ford will be the master of his own demise

Doug Ford will be the master of his own demise

Across the province a coalition of nonprofits and nonpartisan citizen-led advocacy groups has come together under the banner: Alliance for a Liveable Ontario. 

After almost five years of rule under Doug Ford, as residents have watched him undermine the public healthcare system, put our critical ecosystems and natural spaces at risk and strip away key democratic functions in local government, the new umbrella organization promises to be his true legacy—the premier who brought Ontario together… to defeat him.



Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative waiting for Liberals to make good on $1 billion commitment

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative waiting for Liberals to make good on $1 billion commitment

During their most recent election campaign, the federal Liberals promised $1 billion over ten years for a renewed Freshwater Action Plan. The following year the same elected officials, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, committed two percent of the total funds promised. With threats from climate change, Bill 23 and other impacts of human encroachment on our freshwater supply, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is asking the Liberal government to live up to its commitment.



Peel a ‘cash cow’ for organized crime; police to join multi-jurisdictional task force as auto thefts surge

Peel a ‘cash cow’ for organized crime; police to join multi-jurisdictional task force as auto thefts surge

Police, politicians, manufacturing leaders and other stakeholders gathered on March 10 to discuss auto theft, a crime that has reached record-breaking levels over the last two years.

GTA police chiefs are proposing a multi-jurisdictional task force to curb what they are calling a transnational crisis. 



Nearly 60% of Mississauga’s bus fleet to be hybrid-electric by end of next year

Nearly 60% of Mississauga’s bus fleet to be hybrid-electric by end of next year

The City of Mississauga is moving forward with the $85 million purchase of 82 hybrid-electric buses to be ready for city streets next year.

The City is responsible for just over a quarter of the funds with the remainder coming from the federal and provincial governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.



‘I’ve never seen anything take this long’: City, Catholic Board reach agreement for new rec facility at neglected Malton high school

‘I’ve never seen anything take this long’: City, Catholic Board reach agreement for new rec facility at neglected Malton high school

For years, one of Mississauga’s most diverse high school communities has been without an adequate sports facility. Families have been calling on the Catholic school board and the City of Mississauga to replace the decaying field in Malton’s Anaka Park, but repeated requests have been met with inaction.

Now, after years of lobbying, an agreement appears to have been reached to rejuvenate the park.



Doug Ford’s claim of immigration as justification for Bill 23 ‘clearly not substantiated’

Doug Ford’s claim of immigration as justification for Bill 23 ‘clearly not substantiated’

Doug Ford and members of his PC caucus have repeatedly claimed that Bill 23, their unprecedented aggressive housing legislation to construct 1.5 million new homes by 2031, was driven by demand created by immigration. Accommodating newcomers, they claim, is a key objective.

The facts show this is blatantly misleading.



‘Insulting’ high-rise proposal portends Mississauga’s struggle with Doug Ford’s turbo-charged housing push

‘Insulting’ high-rise proposal portends Mississauga’s struggle with Doug Ford’s turbo-charged housing push

Staff and Council members have once again been left shaking their head after an already rejected development application was proposed at a March 6 planning and development meeting, with no changes.

The plan, which was previously denied by Council in July, proposes high-rise towers double the height restrictions for the small surrounding area in Port Credit. Edenshaw, the developer, is refusing to budge on its initial proposal, while City staff have suggested an alternative building height to avoid a run-in with the Ontario Land Tribunal.



Peel Police hosting summit to address disturbing rise in auto thefts; Region of Peel plans for desperately needed childcare expansion 

Peel Police hosting summit to address disturbing rise in auto thefts; Region of Peel plans for desperately needed childcare expansion 

Auto thefts are surging across the Greater Toronto Area and on March 10, the Peel Regional Police will be hosting a summit with community partners to address the growing issue. 

Regional councillors will receive a report outlining the challenges of adding more than 7,000 child care spaces allocated by the Ontario government. 



Peel’s wastewater system needs better testing as global concern over antibiotic resistance grows

Peel’s wastewater system needs better testing as global concern over antibiotic resistance grows

Antibiotics are a life saving medicine that has saved tens of millions of lives. But their effectiveness is under threat. With antibiotic misuse and overuse, the potential for antimicrobial resistant genes to develop in the environment grows.

The World Health Organization and the United Nations Environmental Programme have identified antimicrobial resistance as a global threat, but technology and infrastructure to test for and remove these compounds from our wastewater comes with a high cost.



As residents live longer and longer, Peel funds study into disturbing rise of elder abuse  

As residents live longer and longer, Peel funds study into disturbing rise of elder abuse  

Peel’s population is aging three times faster than the rest of Ontario. Social support systems designed to care for and keep older residents healthy and safe are under unprecedented strain. 

Family Services of Peel has been handed $75,000 to study the gaps in the region’s support system and find immediate solutions to confront the heart wrenching  increase in incidents of elder abuse, including mistreatment that is tied to many complex cultural dynamics in Peel. 



Former Peel CAS employee charged with fraud files lawsuit alleging widespread financial abuse by recently departed CEO Rav Bains 

Former Peel CAS employee charged with fraud files lawsuit alleging widespread financial abuse by recently departed CEO Rav Bains 

A lawsuit filed against Peel CAS by its former director of finance Marino Cader, who has been criminally charged for alleged financial fraud, and a statement of defence by the organization reveal a series of troubling allegations of wrongdoing, financial mismanagement and potential criminal activity at an organization responsible for protecting Peel’s most vulnerable population.

The civil claims follow nearly three years of internal strife behind the walls of an organization that has faced allegations of discrimination, intimidating leadership and widespread financial abuse, leading to the recent departure of its embattled former CEO Rav Bains, who is singled out in many of the lawsuit’s allegations.



Inspector calls for culture change at Mississauga’s Trillium Health Partners following complaints of intimidation, abuse of power by senior leadership

Inspector calls for culture change at Mississauga’s Trillium Health Partners following complaints of intimidation, abuse of power by senior leadership

A provincial probe into alleged harassment and intimidation at Trillium Health Partners, which runs both of Mississauga’s hospitals, has resulted in a series of recommendations to change the culture and improve the workplace.

The investigation followed two letters submitted by a group of concerned employees alleging inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour by hospital administration. The third-party investigator determined many of the claims could not be substantiated due to limitations of the review.



Southern Ontario continues to see dramatic changes in winter weather, how much is climate change to blame?

Southern Ontario continues to see dramatic changes in winter weather, how much is climate change to blame?

Has Ontario lost the stability of its seasons? Dramatic variability in temperature and precipitation this winter has left many wondering about the impacts of climate change on our province.

Day-to-day or even month-to-month weather patterns are influenced by a variety of factors, but overall average temperatures are increasing, leaving Ontario open to more intense winter storms—despite what the current mild conditions may suggest.



Region puts mental health, climate change, housing at top of funding wishlist; Caledon deals with air quality issues from aggregate mining, trucking 

Region puts mental health, climate change, housing at top of funding wishlist; Caledon deals with air quality issues from aggregate mining, trucking 

This week the Region of Peel lays out its strategy to attract funding for critical issues, including housing and climate change mitigation. 

The Town of Caledon will hear information about ongoing air quality concerns due to industrial activity while the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board will consider a request for an Indigenous student trustee position. 



150 nonprofits want government budgets that equitably and effectively prevent mounting social problems

150 nonprofits want government budgets that equitably and effectively prevent mounting social problems

The signs of increasing social isolation, discrimination, food insecurity and precarious employment are all around us. Walk out your door or scan the latest headlines to bear witness as the impacts of growing income disparity, mental health crisis and the mistreatment of vulnerable populations tear our social fabric apart.

A coalition of the province’s non-profit sector partners is calling on all levels of government to use public funds, for the public interest.



Award winning Brampton author and poet Ian Williams discusses Disorientation: Being Black in the World 

Award winning Brampton author and poet Ian Williams discusses Disorientation: Being Black in the World 

Ian Williams, University of Toronto English professor and inductee of the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame, spoke to a full house inside the Cyril Clark Lecture Theatre recently about his latest book, Disorientation: Being Black in the World, as part of Brampton Library’s events for Black History Month.