300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, ON • L5B 3C1 • 905-896-5500 • bonnie.crombie@mississauga.ca • ward5mississauga.ca

Regional Councillorʼs Report - WARD 5

Winter 2012

Bonnie Crombie • Regional Councillor Ward 5 • Visit ward5mississauga.ca

Just over a year ago I was elected as your Councillor. Since that time I have worked hard to be as open and as accessible as possible. My goal has been to bring City Hall to you, and I hope that I have been successful in that goal. There is still much work to be done and I am as committed as ever to working diligently on your behalf to strengthen and build capacity in our communities and ensure that you, the residents of Ward 5, have a strong voice at City Hall.

Every year I have the opportunity to send you two newsletters, one in my role as Mississauga City Councillor and another as a Region of Peel Councillor. In May I sent my City newsletter and today you have my Regional newsletter. In this newsletter, you will fi nd information about some of the large Regional infrastructure projects occurring in our Ward, including the Hanlan Water Project, as well as information about waste collection, public housing and seniors. You will also see an update about important municipal projects in your community, including the Goreway Bridge, the Malton BIA and the Hurontario Light Rail Transit Plan.

A lot has taken place in Ward 5 since I was elected a year ago. Although I am only able to afford to send two printed newsletters per year, I have started an online information portal at ward5mississauga.ca. Through this website I try to keep residents up-to-date on developments at City Hall, the Region of Peel and in the ward. I also post my online newsletter “Focus on Five” to this website. If you’re interested in receiving this e-newsletter, or want to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Ward 5, please send me your email address to bonnie.crombie@mississauga.ca.

As always, my door is open. Please feel free to contact me with your comments and concerns, as well as suggestions on how I can better keep you informed.

Sincerely,

Bonnie Crombie

Councillor’s Message

Hello Residents of Ward 5!

Malton offi ce hours

UpcomingeVeNTS

JaN. 20, 2013

2nd Annual Ward 5 Skate-A-Thon (Malton): Malton Arena, 1:45 - 3:45 p.m.

JaN. 29, 2013

McLaughlin Road Environmental Assessment Public Meeting (Venue TBD): 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

FeB. 3, 2013

2nd Annual Ward 5 Skate-A-Thon (Britannia): Iceland Arena, 3:45 to 5:15 p.m.

If you would like to receive a monthly copy of the Ward 5 electronic newsletter, “Focus on Five,” please send an email to bonnie.crombie@mississauga.ca

with the subject “Newsletter.”

Councillor Crombie joins members of the Malton community, Imtiaz Rangrez, Binder Singh, Saleem Shah and Abdul Kazi, as well as Mississauga Hockey League Executive Director Jeff Leavens, to launch the Malton Shinny Hockey Program for 20 excited youth aged 7-13. The program will run for 24 weeks and will hopefully bring hockey back to Malton permanently. It was made possible through a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Mississauga, Toronto Pearson and the J. W. McConnell Family Foundation, along with support from the Aero Business Campus in Malton. (Oct. 21, 2012)

Hanlan Water Project to begin in Ward 5 in 2013 Construction for the Hanlan Water Project, the largest and most extensive water infrastructure project the Region of Peel has undertaken, began in south Mississauga in late 2011. Ward 5 construction is scheduledto start in late summer/early fall 2013 and be completed by mid-2016.

The project includes the installation of:• The 2,400-mm (2.4 metres or 8 feet) diameter Hanlan Feedermain from Lakeview Water Treatment Plant,

located at East Avenue in south Mississauga, to Hanlan Pumping Station at Tomken Road and Britannia Road East

• The 1,500-mm (1.5 metres or 5 feet) diameter Mississauga City Centre Subtransmission Watermain from the Hanlan Pumping Station to the intersection of Cawthra Road and Burnhamthorpe Road

As shown on the map, both the Hanlan Feedermain and the Mississauga City Centre Subtransmission Watermain run down Tomken Road south of Britannia Road East to Eastgate Parkway. To maximize effi ciency and minimize future disruptions some local distribution watermains will also be replaced. This work will begin late this year (2012) or in early 2013.

Ward 5 residents who live west of Dixie Road — closer to the construction route — will have recently received the fi rst Hanlan newsletter, which provides an excellent overview of the project. If you would like to read an electronic copy you can download it at hanlanwaterproject.ca.

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Hanlan FeedermainMississauga City Centre Subtransmission Watermain

the Hanlan Water Project is one of the biggest construction projects now happening in Ward 5 and in Mississauga. Here, Councillor Crombie poses with the watermain to show just how big it is.

Councillor Crombie joins the seniors at Villa Forum to celebrate Italian HeritageMonth in June.

If the waste that we throw away is not properly managed, it can affect our environment and our health. Check the Region’s Waste Management Guide or visit wheredoesitgo.ca to learn what to do with your waste materials. What you can do to help control waste: • Support organics recycling - divert material from

landfi ll and have it converted into compost• Consider donating gently used items instead of

throwing them in the garbage• Use the Community Recycling Centres

(1126 Fewster Dr. in Ward 5 or the Brampton CRC at 385 Chrysler Dr. to name a few) for free disposal of:

o household hazardous waste o reusable goods o dedicated loads of blue

box materials o electronics o passenger or light truck tires o large metal appliances

and fi xtures

For more information on how to manage your waste, visit peelregion.ca/waste or call 905-791-9499.

Put waste in its placeWaste and recycling is to be put out for pick-up the night before the designated collection day. If it is put out too early, this waste can attract animals and begin to smell. As well, it can become an eyesore for neighbours.

Residents can report waste-related issues, such as early waste set outs, to the Region of Peel by calling 905-791-9499. The Region’s Customer Contact Centre representatives will document the details of the report, which will be addressed by the Region’s Municipal By-law Enforcement Offi cers (MBEO). The MBEO will educate the residents about proper waste set out procedures and the Waste Collection By-law and, if necessary, may issue an Offence Notice (fi ne) or waste-removal surcharge for repeat offenders.

Did you know?4

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Gardenview Court got a brand new playground this summer thanks to the hard work ofresidents and property manager Sherri Wiggins. Councillor Crombie was there to help with theoffi cial opening.

To keep you informed and help minimize disruptions as much as possible, the Region has put the following initiatives in place:• ambassador Program: Dave Abreu is your Ambassador for the north section. He can

answer any questions or concerns you have and provide the most up-to-date information about construction. As part of his role, Dave has been visiting businesses and institutions along the route to provide information and the special services that are available. I encourage Ward 5 residents and businesses to speak with Dave, ask questions and give feedback about the project.

• drivers’ hotline: The drivers’ hotline at 1-855-hanlan1 (1-855-426-5261) provides up-to-date information about the construction, including road delays, closures and detour routes. You can also get traffi c information by following the project on Twitter @hanlanwp.

• Website: I encourage you to visit hanlanwaterproject.ca for the latest news and information about the project. Of special interest is the Schedule and Construction Update section that provides specifi c details on construction contracts, timing and schedules. Be sure to check back often as information will be updated regularly.

• Matthew Bennett is managing the Hanlan Water Project in Ward 5, with Rick Wells supervising the local distribution works. You can contact them by email at northhanlanwp@peelregion.ca.

List oF initiatiVes First year as Ward 5 Councillor• Formed a steering committee for a Malton Business Improvement

Area (BIA), which will likely be operational by 2013

• Brought hockey back to Malton through a program that provides children aged 7-13 the ability to play hockey or “shinny” and receive coaching

• Fought vigorously against the proposed changes to the federal riding boundaries that would see part of Malton split off from a Mississauga riding

• Moved motions for a by-law that was passed unanimously at Peel Regional Council, which will prohibit persons under 18 from using indoor tanning equipment

• Moved two motions calling on the federal and provincial governments to preserve the data already collected from the federal long-gun registry

• Moved a motion to create a Governance Committee at City Council (passed unanimously)

• Held regular office hours every Thursday from 3-5 p.m. at the Malton Community Centre

• Brought community groups and youth agencies together to formalize a plan to establish a youth drop-in centre in Malton

• Worked closely with City staff to expedite the Malton Community Improvement Plan (campaign commitment)

• Worked with staff and the community to draft a by-law to prohibit the location of crematoriums that are no less than 300 metres from residential areas

• Hosted nine community and town hall meetings

• Started the process of forming residents’ associations

• Finalized a construction timeline and completion date for the Goreway Bridge

• Twice voted against pay raises for City Councillors in the 2012 City Budget

• Voted against closing the Region of Peel Learn.Play.Care Centres and joined the Child Care Task Force at the Region to further study the implications of closing these centres in the future

• Created a community website/information portal (ward5mississauga.ca) for residents to access information about their community

Child Care

On Sept. 13, 2012, Peel Regional Council approved a recommendation from the Early Learning and Child Care in Peel Task Force that the Region’s Learn.Play.Care. Centres will be closed over the next two years. The reason behind this was to free up more funds that will provide a greater number of child care subsidies to families who are currently on the waiting list.

The current funding will be redirected to:• Help more families access child care• Improve child care quality and standards• Provide early intervention and supports to children with special needs

The Task Force will continue to meet and guide the implementation of the recommendations, which will occur over the next two years. I was a member of this Task Force and one of the few dissenting voices on Peel Regional Council. I do not believe that these child care centres should be closed as they provide a high level of child care. Furthermore, I am not convinced that there is enough capacity in the private sector to accommodate a greater number of families using the child care subsidy. I am disappointed by this decision. Access to affordable child care is essential for young families and I will continue to work with child care providers and partners in the community to ensure there are enough child care spaces for those who need them. If you have any questions or require more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 905-896-5500 or bonnie.crombie@mississauga.ca.

Long Range transportation Plan in the Region of Peel

The recently completed Long Range Transportation Plan Update 2012 provides the Region with an important transportation strategy and a master plan to address congestion. Traffic congestion is one of the top issues facing Peel residents and businesses. In fact, recent studies have shown that traffic and congestion in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is worse than anywhere else in North America. According to a study conducted by Metrolinx, the organization that oversees transit in Ontario, the annual cost of congestion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area is $6 billion. Metrolinx concludes that in the next 20 years, the average commute time for Peel residents will increase by 150 per cent and this will have a significant impact on the quality of life for all residents in Peel Region and the GTA.

To combat traffic congestion, the Region of Peel is taking steps through the Long Range Transportation Plan. These steps include: • Keyimprovementstotheroadnetworkuptotheyear2031• Increasingtransitandtransportationdemandmeasures(e.g.carpooling)• Promotingactivetransportation(e.g.bikingandwalking)• Utilizinganeffectivegoodsmovementprogramtosupportbusinessesand

private sector companies • Greaterintegrationofland-useandtransportation

The Region of Peel, in partnership with the Cities of Mississauga and Brampton and the Town of Caledon, is reaching out to various private sector partners and all levels of government to provide safe and efficient transportation services for Peel residents and businesses.

Partnership is a key component in addressing the congestion issues, and we need support from all levels of government and the private sector.

For more information on the Long Range Transportation Plan, please visit peelregion.ca/lrTP.

Don’t split MaltonEvery 10 years, a Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission is assembled to change the country’s federal riding boundaries to reflect changes in population to ensure that every riding has an equal number of voters. Unfortunately, the Commission has proposed to divide the community of Malton. Some residents will be included in the new federal riding of Mississauga-North, whereas others will be included in the federal riding of Brampton-Gore. I do not believe this is the right approach and that it ignores the character and identity of the Malton community and its residents. On Oct. 11, 2012, I held a public meeting at Malton’s Victory Hall and heard from over 150 Malton residents about their opposition to the new riding boundaries. On Oct. 31, 2012, I presented a strong case to the Electoral Boundaries Commission public meeting that Malton be kept intact and that it be included within a Mississauga riding. The Commission has heard our message loud and clear. However, there are still opportunities for you to have your say. If you want to get involved or find out more about this important issue, please contact me at bonnie.crombie@mississauga.ca, 905-896-5500 or visit ward5mississauga.ca/categories/electoralboundaries. With your voice, we can change the boundaries to ensure Malton is not divided and remains in Mississauga.

Despite the weather forecast, the “Meet Your Neighbours” BBQ on Sept. 8, 2012 was a huge success! Malton moms were on hand to share their cultural dance routine. Councillor Crombie was asked to join in!

Councillor Crombie grabbed her shovel and joined the Grade 5 classes at RidgewoodPublic School for a tree planting in Victory Park. (May 24, 2012)

Over 120 Malton residents joined Councillor Crombie for a community meeting on the proposed changes to the federal riding boundaries in Malton. (Oct. 11 2012)

300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, ON • L5B 3C1 • 905-896-5500 • bonnie.crombie@mississauga.ca • ward5mississauga.ca

a PiCtuRe oF WaRD 5: the 2011 Census results

Every five years, the federal government conducts a census of the population. This allows us to track changes in population and demographics across Canada, including right here in Ward 5. During the five-year period between 2006 and 2011, Ward 5 in Mississauga experienced an estimated growth of 4.7 per cent. According to the estimate, Ward 5 grew from 75,415 residents in 2006 to approximately 79,000 residents in 2011.

Between 2006 and 2011, the population of Peel Region grew from 1,159,455 to 1,296,814, a growth rate of 11.8 per cent, whereas the City of Mississauga grew 6.7 per cent.

Some of the 2011 Census highlights for the Region of Peel include:• Peel grew by an average of 27,472 persons each year, or 137,359

people in total, between 2006 and 2011 • Peel has the second-largest share of the Greater Toronto Area’s (GTA)

population • Peel’s population is projected to continue growing• Median age in Peel was 36.9 years, the lowest in the GTA • 49.1 per cent of Peel’s population in May 2011 was male;

50.9 per cent was female • Peel had 29.2 per cent more people aged 15 to 24 entering the

workforce than leaving (aged 55 to 64), compared to the GTA that had 15.8 per cent more people entering the workforce than leaving

• In Peel, the languages most often spoken at home other than English and French include Punjabi (7.38%), Urdu (2.71%) and Polish (1.75%)

• The top non-official home languages in Peel by municipality were Brampton: Punjabi (14.87%); Mississauga: Urdu (3.42%); Caledon: Italian (1.99%)

• English was the language most often spoken at home by 63.9 per cent of Peel residents, down from 67.8 per cent in 2006

The results of the census also show that Mississauga accounted for 55 per cent of Peel’s population, while Brampton and Caledon accounted for 40.4 per cent and 4.6 per cent, respectively.

new Ward 5 website launchedMy goal is to bring City Hall to the residents of Ward 5. One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is online. That is why I have recently launched a new Ward 5 website at ward5mississauga.ca. I am excited about this new site because it will allow me to have a conversation with residents and provide up-to-date information about what is happening at the City and the Region.

It will also enable you to provide me with your feedback through a number of outlets. For instance, the website includes a discussion board where you can post your BIG IDEAS for Ward 5 for me and others to see. The site also includes a calendar of upcoming community and city events, as well as a map of the Ward that features areas of interest and attractions. And, it includes links to the most important government resources at the City and Regional level.

The site is dedicated to the residents of Ward 5 and I am always open to suggestions. If there is something you feel should be included on the website or if you think changes could be made to better serve residents, please let me know. And, don’t forget to visit the site often for updates.

On Sept. 27, 2012, the Region of Peel’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Mowat, recommended to Council that we should proceed immediately with a by-law to ban minors from using indoor tanning equipment. Dr. Mowat’s report and by-law were unanimously accepted by Regional Council. Peel Region is now the second municipality in Ontario to ban underage tanning. We also have the most stringent by-law in place, with fines ranging between $10,000 and $100,000 for offenders.

On May 23, 2012, I moved a motion that passed unanimously at Mississauga City Council instructing City staff to investigate whether we should proceed with a by-law to prohibit persons under 18 from being able to use indoor tanning equipment. On May 24, 2012, I moved the same motion, which was accepted unanimously, at Peel Regional Council.

I am passionate about this issue because I believe strongly that we can save lives by prohibiting youth from tanning. Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, is now the second-most-common cancer among youth. Unfortunately, in 2012, melanoma rose from the eighth most-frequently-occurring cancer in Canada to the seventh. The World Health Organization, among many other medical and scientific bodies, has concluded that there is a correlation between exposure to the ultraviolet rays emitted by indoor tanning equipment and a higher risk of developing

skin cancer and melanoma. In some cases, the risk can be as high as 75 per cent for those who first used a tanning bed before the age of 35.

As youth are the most likely to develop melanoma, I thought it was important that we take action on this issue as soon as possible. We do not allow youth under 18 to purchase cigarettes, alcohol or fireworks, or get a tattoo. We disallow these activities to protect youth from harming themselves. For this reason, I believe we must also prohibit them from tanning indoors.

Peel Region is not alone in Canada as the provinces of Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba, along with the Town of Oakville, have all introduced regulations to ban teens under 18 from tanning indoors. It is my hope that Ontario will soon follow suit and join the growing list of jurisdictions around the world that have already taken action on indoor tanning. I believe we have an opportunity to save lives and I am pleased that Regional Council has moved forward with this by-law.

Region of Peel moves ahead to prevent teens from tanning

COBS Bread has opened in Ward 5! Councillor Crombie, along with COBS Bread owners Laura Niro and Rich Baillie, helped cut the ribbon and celebrate the new addition at the corner of Eglinton Avenue and Hurontario Street.

The 2012 Malton Festival was a huge success! Mayor McCallion joined in the festivities and received a sincere thank you from the Malton Rejuvenation Initiative for all of herhard work and dedication to Malton.

Follow me on social media @crombieward5 facebook.com/bonniecrombie

The Hurontario LRT project is moving full steam ahead. In October 2010, the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga completed a Master Plan for the Hurontario corridor, which sets out a strategy to create a “beautiful street.” After a great deal of study, it was decided that an LRT would be the best way to beautify this street and effi ciently and effectively move people north and south.

In December 2011, Brampton and Mississauga entered into the Preliminary Design and Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP), which will study the cost and outline the design of the LRT system. SNC Lavalin won the competitive bidding process to conduct that TPAP. Over the coming months staff will engage in a thorough public participation process, during which the project team will be asking the public and stakeholders for input about the proposed LRT and its integration in both cities. This consultation will include large public meetings, which started with the fi rst informal open house back in April 2012, to review the Master Plan and early design issues and to gather feedback on LRT proposals, concepts and solutions.

Progress on the

Hurontario Light Rail transit Corridor (LRt)

Councillor Crombie hosted a community meeting on public safety at the Frank McKechnie Community Centre on Oct. 22, 2012. The meeting was attended by over 80 residents and featured great discussion with members of Safe City Mississauga and Peel Regional Police who provided helpful safety tips to residents to use to keep their homes and their neighbourhoods safe. If you would like to host a similar meeting in your neighbourhood, please give my offi ce a call.

Bia will put Malton on the map!During the by-election campaign in 2011, I committed to the residents of Malton that if elected, I would pursue the creation of a Business Improvement Area (BIA). From January to June, I held three breakfast meetings with more than 75 local Malton businesses as well as hand-delivered literature on the Malton BIA to over 350 businesses in three languages.

On June 19, 12 businesses came together to form a Malton BIA steering committee and asked Council to draft a report to approve a Malton BIA. On June 20, 2012, City Council unanimously recommended that staff write this report and on Sept. 17, 2012, the City’s Planning and Development Committee unanimously approved the creation of a Malton BIA. Between October and December, notices were sent to businesses within the Malton BIA boundary. It is my hope that by the end of 2012, the Malton BIA will be offi cially created and commence operations in 2013.

There are more than 280 BIAs in Ontario. They are designed to pool money from all commercial and retail businesses in an area for beautifi cation, promotion and economic development. I am confi dent that the BIA in Malton will attract more businesses to the community and boost economic development, beautify and revitalize the area and put Malton on the map as a destination to visit not only for the residents of Mississauga, but also for those across the Greater Toronto Area. The BIAs in Streetsville and Port Credit have been very successful at creating beautiful business districts that attract people from all over Mississauga and the GTA. I believe the Malton BIA can do the same. There are a number of businesses committed to this cause and I know that they will do a great job.

If you are interested in learning more about the Malton BIA, please contact me at bonnie.crombie@mississauga.ca or 905-896-5500.

Throughout the summer and into the fall staff have hosted Public Information Centres on the project. The information from these sessions can be viewed at lrt-mississauga.brampton.ca/en/Public-Consultation/Pages/Welcome.aspx.

I am very excited about this project because of the potential it brings for economic development and intensifi cation along the Hurontario corridor. Residents and visitors from Mississauga will be able to make their way quickly and easily from the Lakeshore to Brampton, and all points in between. The Hurontario LRT will revitalize the Hurontario corridor and act as the backbone of a large, regional transit network that also includes the soon-to-be-completed Bus Rapid Transit Network.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 905-896-5500 or bonnie.crombie@mississauga.ca.

Malton town HallCouncillor Crombie held two successful and informative town hall meetings at the end of May. She was joined by several members of the Mississauga City Staff, including by-law offi cers who were there to answer residents’ questions. In 2012, Councillor Crombie hosted 10 community meetings.Looking for information on

subsidized housing in Peel?

Peel Access to Housing (PATH) is the point of access for residents who want to apply for subsidized housing in Peel. PATH is managed by the Region of Peel and maintains a centralized waiting list for all social housing providers in Peel.

There is currently a high demand for subsidized housing in our community, resulting in a waiting list. For more information on subsidized housing in Peel, visit peelregion.ca/housing or call 905-453-1300.

Do you need immediate shelter?If you are in need of immediate shelter, please contact Ontario Works in Peel at 905-793-9200 during normal business hours.

For after hours emergency assistance, please call 905-451-6108.

Do you have questions about being a parent and don’t know where to turn? The Vita Centre can help.Vita Centre is a charitable organization dedicated to providing life affi rming community support to all pregnant and parenting men and women in Peel. They provide free programs and training, including life skills training workshops, multiple group parenting programs and care for the most vulnerable parents. They are located in Ward 5 at 75 Watline Ave., Unit 101 and can be reached at 905-502-7933 or at vitamanor.org.

300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, ON • L5B 3C1 • 905-896-5500 • bonnie.crombie@mississauga.ca • ward5mississauga.ca

Goreway Bridge I want to set the record straight and assure you that the completion of the Goreway Bridge remains a top priority for both the City of Mississauga and the City of Brampton.

In recent months there has been a great deal of discussion in the community about the Goreway Drive Grade Separation over the CN Railway line on Goreway Drive, better known as the “Goreway Bridge.” I have heard from many residents in the community that they want this project completed as soon as possible. In response, I want to assure you that both cities are committed to finishing the project as soon as possible.

The proposed Goreway Bridge would cross the CN Railway that separates Mississauga and Brampton, which means that both cities are involved in the funding and construction of the project. Although Brampton has taken the lead on the planning and design, Mississauga will continue to provide its input and will fund 50 per cent of the project.

To date, the Environmental Assessment and 60 per cent of the design work have been completed, with full completion of the design expected by the end of this year (2012). To finish the design and plan for construction, the City of Brampton must acquire some property that it currently does not own. Brampton is hoping to do so by the end of 2013.

At this time, the plan is also to finalize agreements with CN Rail as the construction of the bridge will have an impact on train service, causing significant scheduling difficulties and delays for CN Rail. During the 2014/2015 construction seasons, the plan is to fund the relocation of the existing utilities (such as gas, electric and water) and to build a detour road to accommodate traffic while the project is being built. Finally, in 2016, we are planning to begin construction of the Goreway Bridge.

Before construction can proceed, it is important to remember that the project must be funded and that the funding for this project is subject to the approval of both Mississauga and Brampton City Councils. Although Mississauga has not yet set aside the money for this project, it is recognized in our Ten-Year Capital Plan. Brampton has budgeted for it in its 2016 Capital Roads Program.

Over the coming months, staff in both cities will continue to work together to ensure this project moves along on time and on budget. It is our hope that very soon no one will be delayed by passing trains on Goreway Drive. Should you have any questions about this project or need further details, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Profile of an Outstanding Community Member: Helene Burrowes Communities are built by volunteers and people who go above and beyond the call of duty. One of these individuals is long-time Malton resident Helene Burrowes. If you live in Malton, you have likely met or heard about Helene and her husband Clem. The two are a dynamic duo who have given their time and energy to the Malton community for more than three decades.

Helene is often referred to as the “Mayor of Malton,” an apt characterization as she is everywhere and involved in most projects in the community. There are few who share Helene’s commitment to her community.

In speaking with others in Malton, Helene always receives high praise. Whether through her work with the Mount Zion Food Bank, as the former Chair of the Malton Festival, a volunteer with the Holy Cross Breakfast Club or her service with Airport Rotary, Helene has had a tremendously positive effect on her community. The list of organizations in which Helene is involved is too numerous to note here, but through her work she has greatly improved the lives of those around her and the entire Malton community.

What I find most remarkable about Helene is not just her organized volunteer work, but also her daily and often-not-discussed work on behalf of those who are most vulnerable in our community. Up at 5 a.m. every morning, Helene heads to her computer to respond to emails from people in the community who are looking for help. Whether it is working with her contacts to find bread donations for the local food bank or connecting those in need with community resources, Helene goes the extra mile for residents in the Malton community.

She is neither paid nor asked by anyone to do this extra work. She does it selflessly and in her words, “because I feel exhilarated when I can help people and make a difference.” I am pleased to recognize Helene Burrowes as an outstanding community volunteer. Her example is one we should all strive to emulate and her commitment and dedication to her community are second to none.

Each month I will feature an outstanding member of the Ward 5 community on my website: ward5mississauga.ca. If you know a person who has done a great deal for the community, please let me know. Send me a note outlining his/her contributions, their contact information and a short paragraph as to why you believe the individual is an outstanding member of our community. I can be reached at bonnie.crombie@mississauga.ca or 300 City Centre Dr., Mississauga, ON L5C 3B1.

Volunteer MBC Volunteering is a great way to get involved in our community and Volunteer MBC, our local volunteer centre, is here to help. The centre can connect you to meaningful volunteer opportunities where you can share your knowledge or talent, learn a new skill, meet new people and make a positive impact. You can either visit their website to access an online volunteer opportunity database that lists hundreds of volunteer opportunities, or you can give the centre a call to book a personal consultation with their referral team at one of their three convenient locations in Mississauga, Brampton or Caledon. You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook or visit them at volunteermbc.org.

The Region of Peel is proud to be the first municipality in Ontario to participate in a carpet reclamation program at its Community Recycling Centres. Clean, dry and debris-free material is accepted at these centres and is then sent to CarpetCycle Canada for recycling into new carpet or products. In Mississauga, we have two Community Recycling Centres: Fewster Community Recycling Centre – 1126 Fewster Dr., and Battleford Community Recycling Centre – 2255 Battleford Rd. For more information, please visit wheredoesitgo.ca.

Did you know?4

Councillor Crombie joined Mayor McCallion and Councillors Ron Starr, Chris Fonseca and Katie Mahoney to celebrate Canada Day at Celebration Square.