COVID-19: Mississauga, Ontario Strong and Ready with Four Pillar Recovery Plans – Corporate, Financial, Economic and Community

26 Jul, 2020

City Council approved the Corporate and the Financial  Recovery Framework Pillar Plans, two of the four pillars outlined in the City’s overall COVID-19 Recovery Framework. On May 13, Council received the COVID-19 Recovery Framework, which provides a plan for what recovery operations will look like in the City of Mississauga. The framework outlines work in four key areas: Community, Economic, Financial and Corporate. The Recovery Framework supports our community and provides financial stability as the City moves from crisis to recovery. Each Pillar Recovery Plan will come to Council for review and approval before the end of July.

“Mississauga’s COVID-19 recovery plan is thoughtful, thorough, inclusive, and identifies the short and long-term actions we need to take to help our City rebound from this crisis while preventing a second wave. Residents and businesses have all felt the impacts of the pandemic over the last five months, and it’s time for us to move forward,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Recovery won’t happen overnight, and I ask that residents and businesses be patient as we work to adjust to our new normal. Our strengths as a world-class city when it comes to recovery and financial planning, innovation in technology and our willingness to adapt will be vital in our efforts to successfully recover from this crisis.  Mississauga is strong, ready and prepared to overcome any challenges before us.”

The City worked closely with Peel Public Health to develop the framework to support reopening and recovery. The City will adhere to all public health directions provided by higher levels of government in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public and employees. City staff are already engaged in recovery planning to ensure the City is prepared to restore services and respond to community needs.

“The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we work, interact and engage with residents and businesses. Through the Pillar Recovery Plans, our goal is to return the city and community to normal or near-normal operations,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “Recovery actions are likely to last months or even years but we continue to adapt, improve and innovate, so we can support our local residents and businesses on our path to recovery.”

The City’s recovery plan address four pillars:

1)    Corporate Recovery Framework Pillar (approved on July 8)

This pillar, led by Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, considers the impacts of COVID-19 on the reopening of City facilities. Highlights include:

• Restoring full operations while keeping employees and customers safe and following public health directives as City workplaces reopen
• Business units and facilities will be opened based on priorities of service
• Incorporate positive changes and efficiencies such as moving the service counters to the ground floors to improve customer service
• Managing in-person services by appointment through a new app
• Expand online services
• Screening of staff and members of the public when entering facilities
• More frequent cleaning of areas such as doorknobs and service counters

2)    Financial Recovery Framework Pillar (approved on July 8)

This pillar, led by Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, considers the financial impact of COVID-19 on the City. Highlights include:

• Seven financial principals have been established to eliminate the 2020 deficit and reduce the echo effect of 2022 and beyond
• Cost-cutting options will be analyzed over the summer and discussed with the Budget Committee in October 2020
• Staff will continue to work with Council to refine the budget and look for ways to trim the proposed increases
• The City will continue to look for cost-saving measures
• The City will continue to advocate higher levels of government for financial assistance

3)    Economic Recovery Framework Pillar (coming to Council on July 22)

This pillar, led by Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building, considers the economic impacts of COVID-19 on the business community. Highlights include:

• The City will play a key role in helping the economy and supporting businesses and community to grow and prosper through a Build Back Better campaign
  • The campaign will include the themes: buy local, a focus on the airport and preparing for a second wave
• The City will  encourage participation and collaboration with industry and business stakeholders to take into account the needs of the entire business community through the newly formed Economic Resiliency Task Force
• To assist with Mississauga’s economic recovery, the City will continue to advocate for financial relief and incentives from other levels of government
• The reduction in transit ridership has resulted in significant revenue losses. The City will continue to request financial assistance from the provincial and federal governments to help fund operations and maintain appropriate service levels. This initiative, under the Economic Pillar, will be led by Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation & Works

4)    Community Recovery Framework Pillar (coming to Council on July 22)

This pillar, led by Shari Lichterman, Commissioner, Community Services, focuses on the services, tactics and programs that are public-facing, and impact Mississauga’s residents directly. Highlights include:

• Plans for restoring and reopening City services, including Recreation, Parks, Libraries, Arts & Culture, Events, Sports and other facilities and programs
• Continued engagement and consultation with the community to understand the impacts of this crisis, both short and longer-term, to respond with programs and services to support resident and community group recovery
• Leveraging partnerships with other levels of government and community organizations to advance recovery and re-engage our residents in our vibrant municipal life

To stay informed on COVID-19 impacts on City services, please visit Mississauga.ca/recovery.

Media Contact:
Karen Flores
Supervisor, Department Communications
City of Mississauga
905-615-3200, ext. 5053
Karen.Flores@mississauga.ca
TTY: 905-896-5151

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