FEDERAL PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION 2021 - City of Mississauga
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2021
FEDERAL
PRE-BUDGET
SUBMISSION
1 2021 Federal Pre-budget Submission
Mayor’s Letter
On behalf of the City of Mississauga The pandemic hit cities hard and
Council and residents, I am pleased to Mississauga was no exception. At
submit to you the City of Mississauga’s the close of 2020, Mississauga was
2021 federal pre-budget submission. projecting a $55M deficit. Through some
As you prepare your government’s unprecedented actions including layoffs,
2021 Budget, we request that you hiring freezes, cuts to discretionary
keep in mind our priorities and spending, and offering free transit, we
recommendations, not only in saw our revenues disappear, but our
Mississauga specifically, but across costs continued. Like all governments,
our community and the broader we sought to provide relief, within our
municipal sector. No government has means, by deferring taxes for residents
all the answers, but every government and businesses, waiving fees and charges,
has a role to play. and adjusting our business practices to
meet the needs of a suffering community,
COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of among many other measures. Thanks
our society – from how we connect, to the cooperation of all three levels of
do business, travel, and enjoy our time government, we were able to secure the
with family and friends. It has impacted Safe Restart Funding, which has allowed
our health and well-being, mentally and Mississauga to weather the financial
physically, and laid bare the inequalities storm and continue to play our role as
within our community. COVID-19 has a front line service provider – from snow
forced us to confront uncomfortable plowing, to fire and emergency services,
truths and question how our society and to business supports, our teams have
institutions operate. At the same time, the continued to work for our community.
crisis has provided us with opportunities This pandemic has shown what is
to build back to a better society that possible when we work together
is more equitable, stronger, and more toward shared objectives.
resilient than before. All governments
have a responsibility to make investments
today to build for a better future.
2 2021 Federal Pre-budget Submission
Mayor’s Letter
As we look to 2021 and beyond, Cities across Canada, including The following document outlines
Mississauga continues to face significant Mississauga are seeking provincial Mississauga’s priorities in relation to
financial pressures. The echo effects and federal government support, the federal government. These priorities
of this pandemic will be felt for many including stable, long-term, predictable are not ranked, but grouped in our
years to come. At the same time, we funding, and a stronger voice at the table priority areas. The information and
know that to build back better requires and greater autonomy in managing our recommendations contained within
making investments. While we must affairs. The pressures on cities continue have been approved by our Council
make sacrifices now, we cannot cut our to increase, which is why we need to and reflect the top priorities of our City.
way to prosperity over the long term. have a discussion on the role of cities Our recommendations are organized
Transit, affordable housing, supports and ensure we have the tools, both by our City’s recovery pillars: Financial,
for main street and small businesses legislative and financial, to meet our Economic, and Community. The City
and our competitive sectors, as well growing responsibilities. We are your of Mississauga is ready and willing
as promotion of our hard hit tourism partners and ready to work with you to work with your government as we
and cultural sectors is crucial, now to meet the challenges of the present not only recover, but broaden our
more than ever. So too are investments and future. connections and build toward a brighter
in public health and protections for future. We are all in this together and so,
our essential workers. We will not we must work together.
return to “normal” as we knew it pre-
pandemic and as such, all three levels Thank you for your consideration.
of government must continue to work Sincerely,
together to ensure no one is left behind
during the recovery.
Mayor
3 2021 Federal Pre-budget Submission
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Invest in Cities. Return to Prosperity.
Mississauga Matters.
MISSISSAUGA TODAY STRONG MUNICIPAL OUR COVID RESPONSE
PARTNER
Canada’s sixth largest
city home to almost
800,000 people Mississauga hit hard by
pandemic lost revenue
and increased costs.
Mississauga has
a strong reputation
for fiscal responsibility
and budgetary planning. Provided relief to
Economic engine residents and businesses:
• 17 years - AAA Credit Rating
more than 94,000 businesses, deferring taxes, free transit,
• 31 years - GFOA award budget reporting
75+ Fortune 500 companies and waiving fees and charges
1,400 multinational firms • 22 years - GFOA award financial reporting
Hard hit sectors
continue to struggle:
Strength small businesses &
in diversity food/drink, live music,
145+ languages tourism, air travel,
spoken and 55% of our self-employed
Continuous improvement
residents born outside Smart City
of Canada Mississauga’s LEAN program
828km fibre Our proactive response
drives efficiency with $68.4m in to COVID-19:
optic network
total cumulative savings since 2009.
connecting • took immediate action
$10.8 million in savings identified
346 sites to reduce deficit
for 2021 (equivalent to reducing
the City’s net costs 2%). • limited spending and
Quality of life discretionary costs, hiring freeze
58.5 B
2 major hospitals, and staffing reductions, deferred
Economic output
2 post-secondary campuses, 489 parks, capital projects and debt
in Mississauga,
22km waterfront, 393km trails debenture issue until 2021
2019
373 sports fields, 3 beaches
4 2021 Federal Pre-budget Submission
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Strong Cities
Build a Strong
Country With COVID-19 the role of local
LET’S BUILD
TOGETHER >>
government has never been more
important. During the pandemic,
the federal and provincial
governments have been strong
partners with municipalities.
In Mississauga, funding received
to date has been used for our 2020
operating deficit and will provide
additional relief for 2021.
Going forward, we need continued
support and collaboration from our
government partners. Strong,
long-term and predictable funding
partnerships across our recovery
pillars are essential to ensuring that
Mississauga, Ontario and Canada
build back to better, creating
stronger communities and
a stronger country for all.
5 2021 Federal Pre-budget Submission
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Our 12 Recommendations
FINANCIAL
1 Continue to provide Safe
Restart funding to
municipalities to deal
2 Deliver sustainable, long-term
and predictable funding for
infrastructure renewal, transit,
3 Provide the funding and
support necessary to assist
Mississauga in realizing our
4 Support a green recovery through
investments in projects that mitigate
the impacts of climate change
with the ongoing impacts and active transportation major infrastructure projects. and increase the resiliency and
of COVID-19 on city services projects to keep our adaptability of our communities.
and operating budgets. communities moving.
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC
5 Invest in the Mississauga
community to create great
places and amenities for
6 Partner with cities to fund and
build affordable housing to close
the supply gap and ensure
7 Support our small
businesses and sectors
hardest hit by the
8 Ensure our tourism
industries can rebound
through investments in
everyone. everyone has a safe place to live. COVID-19 pandemic to existing and the creation
kick-start the local and of new funding programs.
national economy.
9 Keep our workers
safe by providing
adequate sick pay.
10 Invest in innovation to
jumpstart the economy
and help entrepreneurs
11 Provision of meaningful
financial supports for
domestic and foreign
12 Assist in the recovery
and growth of the air
transportation sector.
succeed. direct investment.
6 2021 Federal Pre-budget Submission
FINANCIAL
2021 FEDERAL PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION
7 2021 Federal Pre-budget Submission
Financial
COVID-19 has put extraordinary to budget for deficits. At the same a global pandemic, to building 21st
pressures on government budgets, time, cities do not have the same Century infrastructure, to responding
particularly at the municipal level financial tools of the provincial or to the impacts of climate change, and
from a public health and economic federal government to respond to adapting to changes in the national
perspective. In Ontario, the Financial a health and economic crisis of the and global economies. Cities need
Accountability Office (FAO) scale and scope of the COVID-19 the support of federal and provincial
reported the cumulative deficit for pandemic. Property taxes and user partners to continue to provide
municipalities in the province is fees are the main sources of funding essential front-line services, as well
$6.8 billion over the next two years for cities like Mississauga. They are as invest in critical infrastructure.
as a result of COVID-19. Provincial insufficient tools to address the issues
legislation does not permit cities we face, from managing through
Recommendation 1
Continue to provide Safe Restart funding to municipalities to deal with the ongoing
impacts of COVID-19 on city services and operating budgets.
Despite declining revenues due to The City of Mississauga is appreciative of deficit in 2021. Continued Safe Restart
COVID-19, the City of Mississauga is still the support it has received to date from funding, and an extension of the Phase 2
expected to provide services to residents. the federal and provincial governments Transit stream to December 31, 2021 would
Early in the pandemic, Mississauga Council from the Safe Restart Agreement, assist the City in reducing its projected
took decisive action and implemented Municipal Transit Enhanced Cleaning 2021 deficit.
measures including, staff layoffs and Program, ICIP COVID-19 Resilience
temporary hiring freezes, reducing Stream, and Emergency Support for The City of Mississauga will need the
discretionary costs, and deferring Heritage Organizations. These programs continued support of both the provincial
capital projects. Despite these efforts, helped lessen the financial impact of and federal governments in order to
the City still posted a year-end shortfall this pandemic, but the echo effects financially recover effectively over the next
of approximately $55 million for 2020. of COVID-19 will continue to be felt few years. This is not a one-year event, but
throughout 2021 and for many years to an economic crisis that will affect significant
come. In fact, before accounting for any service industries such as Transit, Recreation
additional Safe Restart funding the City is and the air travel industry in Mississauga for
still projecting an approximate $22 million many years to come.
8 2021 Federal Pre-budget Submission
Financial
Recommendation 2
Deliver sustainable, long-term and predictable funding for infrastructure renewal, transit,
and active transportation projects to keep our communities moving.
Like other Ontario municipalities, the The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund
City of Mississauga cannot maintain or (PTIF) and the Investing in Canada
grow it’s infrastructure on the local tax Infrastructure Program (ICIP) are good
bill. In order to help with recovery efforts examples of allocation-based funding
and continue to build Mississauga into formulas. These programs need to be
a world-class city, we need long-term, made permanent and predictable, as well
predictable and sustainable funding as increased over time to parallel the cost
models for infrastructure renewal of construction.
projects. This would ensure sufficient
time and resources are in place to apply The Federal Gas Tax Fund is also a
best practices to the management of good tool as it provides muncipalities
these projects and allow us to focus with predictable and accountable
on local priorities. funding which allows money to flow
to municipalities in a timely and more
efficient manner. Increasing the Federal
Gas Tax Fund is recommended.
Local Governments own the majority
of infrastructure but receive the
smallest share of tax dollars.
9 2021 Federal Pre-budget Submission
Financial
i. State-of-Good Repair
The City of Mississauga owns The City has been able to manage While the two per cent infrastructure
approximately 60 per cent of the total financially throughout 2020 because and debt repayment property tax levy
infrastructure in Mississauga, which is of our financial strength and the policies assists, additional funding from other
worth about $12.4 billion, including $2.9 and practices adopted by Council over levels of government is required. The
billion in roads, $4.5 billion in stormwater the years, such as the implementation City’s current funding does not fully fund
systems, and $935 million in bridges. of an infrastructure levy. In 2021, our all capital requirements, but balances the
infrastructure gap in Mississauga is need to maintain our infrastructure, fund
Infrastructure must be maintained in a $291 million. This is despite prudent new projects as required, and minimize
state-of-good repair in order to avoid measures undertaken for the last debt. As a result, the condition of some
excessive future repair costs, put safety decade to manage our capital assets. of our assets is starting to decline and will
first and ensure that Mississauga, Ontario With current financial tools, Mississauga require increased investment the longer
and all of Canada build back to better, will not be able to significantly close they are allowed to decline.
creating stronger communities and a this gap in the years ahead.
stronger country for all.
2021-2030
Total Capital Plan
State of Good
Repair $2.5 B
10 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionFinancial
ii. Active Transportation
COVID-19 has changed our travel The City of Mississauga’s 2018 Cycling The Master Plan details an 897 km cycling
patterns and how we move. Now, more Master Plan’s vision is to build a safe, network at a cost of approximately $270
than ever, more people are turning to connected, convenient and comfortable million. At the City’s current funding
alternative modes of transportation from cycling network that Mississauga level it will take 27 years to complete
walking to cycling. In a time when we residents and visitors of all ages and this network. As a result, additional
are staying home more than ever before, abilities will feel comfortable using not sustainable funding from senior levels
going for a walk, roll or bike ride might only for recreational use, but also for of government is required in order to
be the only way for some to get fresh commuter travel. build a truly multi-modal Mississauga.
air and exercise. Without proper active
transportation infrastructure in place,
individuals may choose to stay indoors,
leading to increased feelings of isolation
and loneliness.
11 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionFinancial
Recommendation 3
Provide the funding and support necessary to assist Mississauga in realizing our major infrastructure projects.
The City of Mississauga requires a reliable, efficient and sustainable inter-regional transit system.
In order to construct our major transit priority projects outlined below, we require a committed provincial partner.
i. Regional Express Rail on GO Corridors and Building the Missing Link
The City of Mississauga continues to Mississauga continues to encourage the objective is to increase two way service
eagerly await the development of Regional relocation of heavy rail freight traffic from on the Milton Corridor and for the province
Express Rail (RER), which will provide the the Milton and Kitchener GO Rail lines, to announce their plan for this critical line.
Milton and Kitchener Lines with two-way, to a proposed bypass rail line adjacent
all-day service. to Highway 407 (the “missing link”).
While increased service on the Milton The Missing Link is one of the best ways
corridor is in the 2041 Regional to remove freight and allow for all-day,
Transportation Plan, improvements two-way GO service on the Milton Line,
are not proposed until after 2025 however, it is not the only way. Mississauga
and are subject to physical constraints supports the Missing Link, but it is open
and negotiations with freight operators. to working with the provincial government
to realize all-day, two-way GO service
Together with Toronto, Milton, Kitchener,
in other ways. The City of Mississauga’s
Cambridge, and Waterloo, the City of
ii. Downtown Mississauga Terminal and Transitway Connection
Mississauga’s 18-km, 12-station Transitway terminal, would provide for a continuous Construction of the Mississauga Transitway
has made it faster and easier for commuters Transitway that would maximize the benefits has been made possible through funding
to travel to, from and through Mississauga and success of previous investments. from the federal and provincial governments,
and across the region. While the west and but the vital link that will be our Downtown
The new terminal will be a critical transit hub
east portions of the Transitway have access Mississauga Terminal and Transitway
servicing Mississauga and the western GTHA
to dedicated lanes, the Downtown portion Connection remains unfunded at this time.
and provide a vital connection to Pearson
experiences delays because it relies on
International Airport.
accessing local city streets.
The completion of the Downtown segment
of the Mississauga Transitway, with a
dedicated transit corridor and new bus
12 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionFinancial
iii. Restoring the Downtown Loop to the Hurontario LRT Design
In March 2019, the Ontario government Currently thousands of jobs, businesses Moving forward with the HuLRT
announced scope changes to the project and housing units are located along the project inclusive of the downtown
that removed a key component of the Hurontario corridor and Canada’s largest loop represents major steps towards
Hurontario Light Rail Transit (HuLRT), development by Oxford Properties will be transformational transit improvements
the downtown loop. In order to help the built in Mississauga’s downtown Square that our residents and businesses within
City realize the full potential of downtown One District. the downtown and along the Hurontario
Mississauga, the downtown loop should corridor are depending on.
be considered as a funding priority.
iv. Dundas Bus Rapid Transit Corridor
The City’s Dundas Connects project The next steps in advancing this transit
produced a Master Plan for the Dundas initiative are the completion of a Transit
Corridor, which makes recommendations Project Assessment Process, and
on land-use intensification and rapid preliminary engineering and design.
transit for Dundas Street. Specifically, Federal and provincial funding for
the Master Plan recommends a Bus this work, such as funding available
Rapid Transit facility for the entire length through ICIP and for which the City has
of Dundas Street. This supports major applied, would ensure that growth and
improvements to transportation, land use redevelopment along Dundas will follow,
and the public realm along the Dundas and implementation of transit may
Street Corridor. occur sooner.
13 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionFinancial
Recommendation 4
Support a green recovery through investments in projects that mitigate the impacts of climate
change and increase the resiliency and adaptability of our communities.
The federal government’s strengthened • Accelerating discovery and driving We all have a role to play, and tackling it
climate plan ‘A Healthy Environment innovation in regards to climate action requires global action, and collaboration.
and a Healthy Economy,’ will require all to create jobs; Mississauga is seeking committed funding
municipalities to play a critical role in from all levels of government to help
meeting established targets. Mississauga • Enhancing green infrastructure advance transformative climate action
is already taking action on climate investments and management projects, two of which are described
change through its endorsement of the practices to improve local resilience; on the following page.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
recommendations for a green and • Supporting low carbon energy
inclusive economic recovery and through systems, such as district energy,
the development of the City’s first-ever in the community; and
Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP).
• Supporting a Mississauga hydrogen
Our 10-year CCAP plan focuses on hub: hydrogen fueling infrastructure
both community and corporate actions and hydrogen fuel incentives to support
that decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) transit and trucking companies.
emissions and help the City become more
resilient to changing climate conditions.
These actions include:
• Decreasing GHG emissions from our
buildings, transport sectors and city
vehicles;
• Building our resilience to the
expected impacts of climate change;
• Increasing our capacity to deal with
climate events;
14 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionFinancial
i. Transition of Bus Fleet to Zero-Emission Vehicles
Mississauga Transit (‘MiWay’) is In order to meet this target, MiWay will The essential benefits of zero-emission
committed to reducing overall GHG no longer purchase conventional diesel buses in today’s marketplace are
emissions significantly over the next buses, and will be required to purchase considered environmentally friendly by
decade. As of 2020, roughly 70 per cent zero-emission buses at some point over producing little to no greenhouse gas
of the City’s GHG emissions stem from the next decade. The cost of this premium emissions, simpler to maintain, produce
Public Transit Buses alone and MiWay is around $200 million. Federal and less noise pollution, better driveability,
must decrease emissions by 40 per cent provincial investments are necessary and positive public perception and
by 2030 and 80 per cent by 2050. in order to transition the fleet and population health for residents.
cover the premium.
ii. Bus Maintenance and Storage Facility Zero-Emission Conversion
In order to operate Zero-Emission Buses MiWay may need to install electrolysers For our infrastructure to accommodate
(both Battery-Electric and Hydrogen and fueling infrastructure. From a such a transition, support from higher
Fuel Cell), MiWay must convert their maintenance perspective, Zero-Emission order levels of government is required.
traditional diesel facilities to a facility Bus technology is relatively new and will
that will accommodate charging or require technicians to learn new skills
fueling infrastructure. This will require including high voltage systems.
extensive structural overhauls, and in
most cases, existing facilities may need
to be completely rebuilt and future
facilities constructed. The cost for this
is currently unfunded.
In the case of battery-electric buses, there
are two charging options, which include
depot charging and on-route charging.
If on-route charging is a viable option,
this will lead to additional infrastructure
required on-street and within terminals
and stations. For hydrogen fuel cell buses,
15 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionCOMMUNITY
2021 FEDERAL PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION
16 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionCommunity
Community recovery efforts will help Through the City’s work with its many
to ensure that residents continue community stakeholders, residents will
to choose to live in the City of be encouraged to join and participate in
Mississauga based on community opportunities to re-engage in our vibrant
amenities, support networks, municipal life.
activities, and other facets that make
Mississauga a great place to live.
Recommendation 5
Invest in the Mississauga community to create great places and amenities for everyone.
A recent survey conducted by Park The City of Mississauga is seeking
People, highlighted that 70 per cent funding in order to proceed with the
of Canadians appreciation for parks development of a sustainable and
and green spaces has increased during creative community along its waterfront.
COVID-19, noting that they would like The City is currently focusing on two
more access to public space, nature projects: Lakeview Village and the Port
and outdoor programming as part of Credit Harbour Marina. The revitalization
COVID-19 recovery; and 87 per cent of of these sites will help deliver on the
Canadians support increased spending City’s Strategic Plan action of creating
on parks. a model sustainable creative community
on the waterfront.
17 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionCommunity
i. Lakeview Village
This site will connect the former Ontario A condition of sale from OPG to Lakeview The City is seeking investment
Power Generation (OPG) lands to the Community Partners Limited requires that opportunities for sustainability
waterfront trail system and will create a 67 acres of waterfront land be remediated opportunities like District Energy,
new 1,300m waterfront trail adjacent to and transferred to the City of Mississauga the animation of the proposed cultural
Lakefront Promenade. An interconnected for parkland, institutional and cultural uses hub, the innovation corridor, and the
system of parks and open spaces will consistent with the Inspiration Lakeview waterfront amenities, including the pier,
provide a range of passive and active Master Plan. The City of Mississauga is which is envisioned to become a defining
recreation opportunities; and contribute engaged, ready, and willing to complete feature of this site and Lake Ontario.
to the character and identity of Lakeview these next steps.
Village and reinforce a healthy, active,
and vibrant community.
18 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionCommunity
ii. Port Credit Harbour Marina
Through the Inspiration Port Credit The marina supports one of the
Charting the Future Course – 1 Port Street largest salmon-fishing derbies in
East Master Plan process, community Canada, provides an important
support to “keep the port in Port Credit” supply of recreational boat slips
was established and reinforced the for the City and the region, and is
need for a future public marina at 1 Port a cultural heritage link to the Great
Street East. The comprehensive Master Lakes. Substantial new investment is
Plan, which articulated a concept for the required for the infrastructure that
future revitalization and redevelopment supports the marina function.
of the site into a vibrant mixed-use
neighbourhood, ensures the historic
marina function is preserved.
19 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionCommunity
Recommendation 6
Partner with cities to fund and build affordable housing to close the supply gap
and ensure everyone has a safe place to live.
Proactive intervention by all levels of middle-income households. However,
government is imperative to ensure municipalities lack the financial tools
that our communities continue to and legislative authority to close the gap
thrive. Mississauga is doing what it between what the market will produce
can to protect existing affordable and what households can afford. New
housing supply and remove current powers and revenue sources are required
regulatory and administrative barriers to incent housing affordable to middle
to the development of housing for income earners.
20 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionCommunity
Affordable Housing
In 2017, Mississauga took the lead by 5. Expand programs for housing One of the greatest barriers
developing a made-in-Mississauga plan developers to access financial to affordable housing is access
(“Making Room for the Middle”) to backing and insurance to build to reasonably priced land. As a
address issues of housing affordability more affordable housing (e.g. landowner, the federal government
in our city. The plan identified 40 rental construction financing); is in a position to have a significant
recommendations, of which seven impact on the affordable housing
require federal support to give the City 6. Work with senior levels of supply by implementing a Housing
and affordable housing developers the government to make their surplus First approach when disposing of
ability to incentivize the building of lands available for affordable surplus federal lands suitable for
affordable, middle-class housing. housing; and housing to the City or non-profit
These recommendations include: housing providers. In addition, the
7. Provide standardized local housing federal government can provide
1. Create enduring and sustainable data and consistent methodologies additional assistance to non-profit
funding programs that realize to measure housing affordability. housing producers in the form of seed
developer timeframes and financial money or a feasibility grant in order
needs (e.g., low-cost loans and to bridge the gap to National
grants); Co-investment and other funding.
2. Expand affordable homeownership
assistance to individuals (e.g., shared-
equity mortgage programs);
3. Consider taxation policies that incent
affordable housing (e.g., HST rebates,
tax incentives for new or rehabilitated
purpose-built rental housing and
second units);
4. Explore tax credits and
exemptions for affordable housing
(e.g. income tax credit for second
unit homeowners, low income
housing tax credits);
21 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionECONOMIC
2021 FEDERAL PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION
22 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionEconomic
The City of Mississauga has and will continue to play a key role in helping the
local economy respond to this new normal. Currently, the City provides a range of
programs and services designed to support economic development. It is our goal
not only to recover the losses suffered during this pandemic, but to find every
opportunity to help Mississauga businesses build back to better; and adopt an
inclusive, whole community approach that leaves no one behind.
Recommendation 7
Support our small businesses and sectors hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic
to kick-start the local and national economy.
Recommendation 8
Ensure our tourism industries can rebound through investments in existing
and the creation of new funding programs.
Recommendation 9
Keep our workers safe by providing adequate sick pay.
The City of Mississauga has a strong
local economy, comprised of a highly
diverse business community that
reaches across a wide variety of sectors.
Home to over 94,000 businesses, with
a GDP of $60 billion, the City is a major
contributor to the Greater Toronto Area
economy. It is imperative that we remain
responsive to the needs of the business
community as recovery unfolds.
23 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionEconomic
i. Small Business Supports
The City of Mississauga recognizes A number of interventions and supports It is imperative for the success of our
small business is the foundation of can only be delivered through the local small businesses and Mississauga’s
Mississauga’s economy. From traditional federal and provincial governments. local economy that ongoing federal and
main street small businesses to high- The following actions will be critical to provincial support is provided to the small
growth scale-ups, the economic health support the small business community: business community that addresses their
and vitality of these establishments specific challenges and needs.
directly impact the overall well-being • Continuation of the Digital Mainstreet
of the local economy. Unfortunately, Program to the end of 2021 without
the small business community has been interruption;
hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with
small and main street businesses having • Funding of full annual municipal
to temporarily close physical locations. employment surveys in order to
Throughout Mississauga, the largest strengthen data sets; and
impacts on local main street businesses
include: • Extend the Canada Emergency Rent
Subsidy Program beyond June 2021.
• business closures;
• employee layoffs;
• reduced revenues/business
activity; and
• rent challenges.
In recognition, the City’s Economic
Development Office (EDO), which
includes the Mississauga Business
Enterprise Centre has prioritized
supporting the small business community
through focusing on outreach and
communication activities; and supporting
local small business in adopting digital
technologies. EDO however cannot
deliver all actions outlined in the City’s
Economic Recovery Plan alone.
24 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionEconomic
ii. Tourism and Cultural Industry Support
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 As such, sustainable funding for
pandemic, the Province has indicated the Tourism and Cultural industry is
that 350,000 jobs in Ontario’s culture required from the federal and provincial
sector have been lost resulting in an governments. Not only will this support
estimated $17.5 billion drop in economic drive more people to our City as we are
impact from the culture sector to able to reopen, but will also help the local
Ontario’s economy. economy through tourism spending.
Ensuring Mississauga remains competitive
In Mississauga, the story is no and attractive to film and music
different. Local creative industries production is also a vital component
and entrepreneurs were forced to to Mississauga’s recovery efforts.
cease operations and are facing
mass uncertainty. As there are still
many unknowns about the future,
organizations are unsure of sustainable
funding opportunities such as
government and sector-specific grants
and if they will be able to cover costs
moving into 2021 and beyond.
25 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionEconomic
iii. Paid Sick Leave
A successful and strong economic Workers in precarious employment who While the City of Mississauga
recovery from COVID-19 will require are most likely not to have paid sick days, acknowledges that measures have
strong and effective support and including low-income workers, essential been taken to provide support to
collaboration from federal, provincial workers, contract and agency workers, workers, such as through Bill 186 they
and municipal governments. The City those who cannot work remotely, and are limited and time-sensitive. Both the
of Mississauga has made it a priority to many health-care workers, simply cannot federal and provincial governments
engage with our residents and business afford to take time off work. A lack of must quickly implement and fund the
community, listen to their needs and paid sick days, income supports and necessary policies and programs to
advocate on their behalf to federal and sick leave protection are known barriers provide adequate paid sick day benefits
provincial representatives for stronger to compliance to COVID-19 control to ensure accessible and timely financial
and more effective supports. measures, including testing and self- support in order to remove barriers facing
isolation due to the fear of income-loss precariously employed individuals.
Workplaces are a source of COVID-19 and financial hardship.
transmission in Peel and a Peel Public
Health Surveillance identifies that among
COVID-19 cases the most frequently
reported occupation categories after
health (8.9 per cent), are trades, transport
and equipment operators (5.5 per cent),
sales and service (3.9 per cent) and
manufacturing and utilities (3.4 per cent).
26 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionEconomic
Recommendation 10
Invest in innovation to jumpstart the economy and help entrepreneurs succeed.
Recommendation 11
Provision of meaningful financial supports for domestic and foreign direct investment.
The City of Mississauga recognizes that the ability of our local businesses
and entrepreneurs to generate, commercialize and scale up new technologies
and processes is critical to our long-term competitiveness. In recognition,
the City has prioritized the following initiatives.
i. Innovation Hub
A central space within Mississauga to The launch of this collaborative is planned Funding from higher order levels
promote, connect and develop innovation for 2022, and the City is currently working of government will assist in driving
activity, the Innovation Hub will bring closely with all key stakeholders including these programs and benefit our
entrepreneurs, investors, established University of Toronto, Sheridan College region, the province and the country.
companies and innovation service and the RIC Centre to provide start up
providers together to share challenges supports. The City’s goal is to drive scale-
collaborate and support innovation and up activity through industry and investor
entrepreneurial activity in Mississauga. connectivity and mentorship programs.
ii. Business Attraction and Investment
Mississauga’s economic well-being is sustain and grow our key sectors: foreign direct investment, including
supported through the presence of key Life Sciences Sector Strategy (Ontario) retention and expansion incentive
industry sectors including Advanced and Incentive Program(s); and Aerospace programs (CDN & ON) is critical in
Manufacturing, High Value Business Sector Strategy (Canada) and Incentive Mississauga’s key target sectors and
Services (including Finance and program(s). growth centres within the city.
Information Technology), Smart Logistics
and Life Sciences. Together these sectors The City has also pivoted its services to
account for almost half of Mississauga’s support business investment attraction
total employment. In recognition, the City and expansion in Mississauga. Meaningful
has prioritized the following initiatives to financial supports for domestic and
27 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionEconomic
Recommendation 12
Assist in the recovery and growth of the air transportation sector.
Airports are recognized as economic As the fourth largest global entry As governments around the world
catalysts for the communities they point into the U.S.A, it boards flights impose border restrictions and advise
serve, delivering jobs and investments to 210 destinations and more than their citizens against non-essential travel,
to the local municipalities. The impact 22 million trans-border passengers the air transportation sector has faced
of international airports is even greater; annually. Unfortunately, due to significant declines in air passenger
they provide links to global markets while COVID-19, passenger activity at Pearson traffic, staff layoffs, and grounding
fostering trade, investment and tourism. International Airport fell by 69.5 per cent of planes. The federal and provincial
during the first nine months of 2020. governments must step in to assist in
Mississauga is home to Canada’s the recovery and growth of this sector,
largest airport. Serving over 49 million to prevent further job loss and to
passengers annually, Toronto Pearson encourage economic growth and tourism.
International Airport is a major global
hub, providing Canadians with a gateway
to the world. With over 330,000
surrounding jobs, the airport is home
to the second largest employment
zone in the country.
28 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionCONCLUSION
Mississauga’s COVID-19 Recovery Framework prepared by
the City’s Leadership Team, and in alignment with Ontario’s
‘Framework for Reopening our Province’, serves as the
City’s guiding principles supporting reopening and recovery.
Municipalities play a vital role in the delivery of critical
services that residents rely on, and are on the frontline of
safely reopening the economy.
The federal government is an important partner in ensuring
the City meets its objectives, realizes its vision, and achieves
its city-building priorities, specifically through proper funding
mechanisms. We know the course of COVID-19 is uncertain.
Our plans and actions will need to remain agile to respond as
needed. One thing we can be certain of, whatever challenge
we face, we will overcome it together.
29 2021 Federal Pre-budget SubmissionYou can also read
