Special Edition Fall 2007 Table of Contents ’s Message...... 1 Why it Matters...... 2 Questions for Party Leaders...... 3 – 5 A 21st Century Conversation...... 6 This update contains information on issues critical to the success of the City of and of major importance during the upcoming Provincial Election on October 10, 2007. Residents can review the information enclosed and also visit the City’s website at: www.mississauga.ca under the heading Mississauga Matters. Also, we are asking you to get involved in planning for the future. Council has asked staff to facilitate A 21st Century Conversation where residents and the community can share their ideas and vision for the next 30 years. Visit www.conversation21.ca

Message from Mayor Hazel McCallion, C.M. s Mayor of the sixth largest city 3. Underfunding of Municipal Services hall meeting in Canada, I believe our city is 4. Status of The City of Mississauga proceedings Aentering into a critical stage Within The Region of Peel on our web site. of development. We have grown by Finally, it is approximately 480,000 citizens in the A report was presented and endorsed by Council on each of these topics. As important to last 33 years and through the provincial reach out government legislation called Places part of our strategy, we distributed the series of reports to all official political to you, our citizens, in advance of to Grow, we are identified for more the provincial elections. I’m asking growth. This means that Mississauga parties and candidates registered in the October 2007 provincial election. you to do your homework. Ask your has a key role to play in the province provincial candidates about these and in particular the GTA. The success Then we asked each official party and all local candidates of official parties issues and where they stand. Ask of the 905 and our city is tied to the them to tell you what they will do success of the province. recognized by the Legislative to answer three questions related to their position to build strong, vibrant and liveable With a Provincial Election on October on these issues. For your reference, we communities. On October 10th, 10, endorsed a have posted all the answers received up make an informed decision; make report on June 20, 2007 to engage key to the time of publication on our City’s your decision count for our city stakeholders and provincial parties with website at www.mississauga.ca under and the Province of . the view to favourably influence policies the heading Mississauga Matters. on issues of major importance to our city. We feel strongly that in order Most important, we invited party to continue to succeed, we need to leaders or designates to a town hall meeting on September 19th, 2007, have commitments from our provincial held in the Council Chambers. The town representatives on four key topics. Hazel McCallion, C.M. hall meeting allowed each party to Mayor 1. Investment in Transit and speak to the key issues as outlined in Transportation our reports, as well as an opportunity 2. Current Value Assessment, Airport to clarify each party’s stand on these Taxes and a New Method to Fund issues through a moderated session. Capital Projects You may follow the entire town Why it Matters Mississauga is Canada’s sixth largest city with a population of more than 700,000. With well-established infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities, the City is considered to be an employer of choice delivering quality municipal programs and services to its citizens. Mississauga is a dynamic, diverse and progressive municipality known for its economic strength and for being Canada’s safest city. It’s important for the Province of Ontario to support growing cities like Mississauga. Province of Ontario City of Mississauga GROWTH GROWTH Ontario Places to Grow Act will mean an additional 2 million Mississauga has grown by approximately 480,000 citizens people in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. in the last 33 years and under Places to Grow Act will see added growth.

TRANSIT TRANSIT Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) estimates that Transportation (both traffic gridlock and the need for better the new investments required just to stay afloat are almost transit) is number one issue amongst Mississauga residents as large as the entire sum currently invested in all transit (2006 Environics survey). capital projects.

FUNDING FUNDING The Association of Ontario Municipalities currently In 2007, Mississauga residents were responsible for funding estimates the fiscal imbalance to be at least $3 billion. 63% of the Region of Peel tax levy, which translates into Municipal property taxpayers in Ontario continue to shoulder $190 million on the costs of health and social services. the heavy burden of paying for health and social services. In addition, the City of Mississauga continues to pay a disproportionate share of the Region of Peel’s taxes, over contributing by $24million annually.

CURRENT VALUE ASSESSMENT CURRENT VALUE ASSESSMENT In 2006, the Province deferred reassessment until 2008 Mississauga Council has endorsed current value assessment for 2009 taxation to allow MPAC time to implement the (CVA) since it was legislated in 1998. CVA is the basis upon recommendations of the Provincial Ombudsman. In 2007, the which property taxes are calculated. Fairness and equity in Province announced that reassessment would begin again in taxation has always been of concern to Council. We do not 2008 with updates every four (4) years. Further reassessment support suggestions for a “freeze til sale” assessment system increases for residential properties would be phased in over which would tax some people at CVA and others at less than each four year period, while decreases would be immediate. CVA. A four year reassessment cycle with the phasing in of reassessment increases and decreases would address tax volatility and predictability concerns cited by the public while ensuring tax fairness and equity.

STRONG CITIES STRONG CITIES Ontario’s municipalities are the foundation of our As the third largest city in Ontario and the sixth largest in local, provincial and national economies. Yet, growing Canada, Mississauga seeks the status and ability to make its responsibilities and shrinking resources are stifling our own decisions like other cities in Ontario, including cities like communities, large and small. Provincial investments in London, Kingston, Windsor and Barrie, cities that are less local communities have been made, and are appreciated, but than half our size. a great deal more needs to be done if Ontario communities are to be liveable, sustainable, and competitive in the national and global marketplace. (excerpt from AMO Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs January 2007) Questions for Party Leaders Each of the three Party Leaders: Howard Hampton (New Democratic Party- NDP), Dalton McGuinty (Liberal Party) and John Tory (Progressive Conservative Party) were asked to submit answers to three questions of importance to Mississauga residents. The answers as submitted are reproduced . Do you commit to the measures outlined by the City of Mississauga regarding the need for investments in transportation and 1 .specifically, what additional measures and investments will you make in transportation in the next four years? Liberal NDP Progressive Conservative I’m pleased to answer your question The NDP will take the following steps John Tory and the Ontario PC Party agree in detail. I first want to take a moment to improve transit funding for Ontario with the City of Mississauga regarding the to thank you, the city and people of municipalities: need for investments in transportation. Mississauga, for working with me and our 1) Maintain 2 cents/litre Gas Tax funding A John Tory government will: Mississauga caucus, these past four years. for transit. Please watch for the release of our election • Spend gasoline and fuel taxes the 2) Provide funding for the proposed Transit way they are supposed to be spent: platform which will include new initiatives City and related transit projects of benefit to Mississauga and all Ontarians. on our roads, bridges, highways and 3) As of January 1, 2008, pick up 50% of the transit systems. By fiscal year 2011-12, Overall, our government will be spending municipal contribution to operational 100 per cent of the funds collected $4.9 billion on transit in Ontario in our funding for transit. from these taxes will be spent on 4-year term. transportation and transit building, We are the first government to dedicate repair, maintenance and improvement. 2 cents of the gas tax to public transit. That This represents an additional annual alone has meant more than $15 million a investment of over $1 billion. year for transit in Mississauga. • Expand GO Transit’s network of intercity Our government has committed $65 million rail service to better reach unserved and as our 1/3 share for the new Mississauga underserved communities. Transitway rapid bus project. For GO • Expand service on GO Transit’s network Transit, our government has invested more of existing rail routes where possible – than $1.8 billion in service improvements, with a view to creating regular new vehicles and stations — resulting in two-way service. better, more frequent service. • Expand the network of inter-city Even with these significant improvements, bus routes to provide flexible and we realize more needs to be done. That’s responsive service. We would support why we launched MoveOntario 2020, a the creation of new lanes dedicated $17.5 billion rapid transit plan for the GTA. for bus-ways, wherever practical. John Tory’s plan will cut $100 million a We also need improved bus terminals year from provincial funding for municipal with the parking facilities necessary to transit. Our plan includes 16 projects make them attractive alternatives totaling over $6 billion in new investment to commuters. in Mississauga. Our government will • Plan for a new east-west inter-regional also cover the municipal share of cost rapid transit line to relieve pressure on for these projects. Union Station. • Support the investments of local transit These include the: authorities in initiatives along their • Eglinton LRT (Renforth-Kennedy) high-volume corridors. • Dundas West LRT (Kipling-Hurontario) • Make transit easier to use. Hubs have • Lakeshore GO Rail electrification to be true “commuter gateways” that (SuperGO) offer easy fare payment, seamless • Lakeshore West GO Rail capacity connections and improved options for expansion cycling and car park-and-ride. Together, • Milton GO Rail capacity expansion we need to create a culture of service • Airport link to Union Station and reliability that makes public transit • And the GO 407 BRT Transitway Peel ‘the way to go.’ segment (401 to 427). Like you, we’re dedicated to public transit, because it fights gridlock, reduces greenhouse gases, and keeps our economy moving. But, perhaps most importantly, it means more time together for hard working families. continued

Will you make the commitments outlined by the City of Mississauga regarding current value assessment, airport 2.payments in lieu of taxes and tax incremental financing? Liberal NDP Progressive Conservative We are committed to a fair and predictable The NDP would replace the current version Our tax system has to be fair, and it has property tax system based on current of CVA with a “freeze-til-sale” assessment to be administered by people who are value assessment. In our 2007 Budget we model that would work as follows: respectful of the taxpayers they serve. It introduced a number of reforms to property • Rather than assess properties on their has been obvious for several years that taxes that will improve predictability market value and then increase the Ontario’s property tax assessment system and stability of the system. Moving to a property tax according to the difference fails on both counts. four year cycle, phasing in assessment between the assessment increase and Dalton McGuinty has dithered on the increases and improving the fairness of the city-wide average increase, under issue for years and continues to reject the appeals process form the foundation the NDP approach there would be no calls to cap assessment increases. Only of our reforms. As a result of our reforms, re-assessment until the property when the Provincial Ombudsman released property owners will no longer see any is sold. In other words, the present a devastating report, putting in writing sudden, unmanageable increases. We also assessment would stay the same until the arrogance and unfairness that once again raised the threshold for the the property is sold (or has more than taxpayers had already experienced, seniors property tax credit so that more $40,000 in renovations at one time). did McGuinty even acknowledge that senior homeowners now qualify. there was a problem. The Conservatives’ promise to cap and Dalton McGuinty’s so-called solution of freeze assessments is a bad idea. It will 4-year assessment cycles and assessment be complex, limit transparency and create averaging simply gives people four years inequities by switching property tax to pack their bags before they are forced burdens to younger families with starter out of their homes. This approach amounts homes and those owning homes in slower to nothing more than tinkering with the growth neighbourhoods. It is ironic that system and has not provided changes the Conservatives now criticize the very that will offer protection to Ontario property tax system they created. homeowners against massive assessment On the issue of airport payments, we will (and tax) increases. continue to work with Mississauga and A John Tory government will implement the federal government to ensure that a 5 per cent cap on annual assessment Mississauga receives a fair share of tax increases for as long as an individual owns revenues from the airport. their home and this protection will be On tax incremental financing, we are proud transferable to a spouse. This will preserve that ours is the first government in Ontario the principle of market value assessment, to move forward with this new creative while shielding property owners from financing tool that will help trigger new sudden, unexpected assessment increases. development and strengthen our existing This item and the other parts communities and their infrastructure. We of our plan are laid out will work with municipalities to review the in our ‘Plan for a effectiveness of our initiatives to date and Better Ontario’ explore broadening these tools. continued

Will you make the commitments outlined by the City of Mississauga regarding the under funding of municipal services, 3.including the uploading the costs of health and social services to the Province from the municipal property tax over the next three years and the phasing out of the GTA Pooling Program completely over the next three years? Liberal NDP Progressive Conservative The previous Conservative Government The NDP believes that the key to reducing John Tory and the Ontario PC Party agree was wrong to download social service pressures on property tax and to free with the City of Mississauga that real costs onto municipal taxpayers. Given the up resources for municipal services action must be taken to address the deficit they left us, it has been a challenge is to upload downloaded provincially municipal-provincial fiscal gap. We to reverse this downloading, but we have mandated programs that have no business agree that GTA Pooling needs to come made significant progress. For example, being funded off the property tax base. to an end. We also agree that all three we uploaded the provincial share for public Towards that end, the NDP has outlined an levels of government need to forge better health funding from 50% to 75% and moved ambitious 4-year plan to begin to upload relationships. to cover 50% of ambulance costs. these services as follows: When Dalton McGuinty cynically pushed Our progress will continue. Our • As of January 1, 2008, the NDP would the financial issues of the municipalities government initiated the Provincial-Mu- ensure that the provincial government beyond the next election we expressed nicipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review, has assumed full responsibility for 50% our opposition. There was and is no need which will set the stage for a sustainable of the operating costs of public transit for the review to take so long and property approach for both orders of government to in return for a two-year fare freeze. tax payers and the municipalities are the deliver and fund services in Ontario in the • As of January 1, 2008, an NDP ones that suffer. We have called for the 21st century. The report from this Review government would honour the provincial final report of the review to be submitted will be released in spring 2008. government’s agreement with Ontario this year – not next. As well, we have We recognize the GTA Pooling Program municipalities and assume its rightful committed to begin addressing these implemented by the previous Conservative share of administrative costs related to very real issues in our first budget (2008). Government is an unfair burden on the original downloading agreement. No other party has made the financial property taxpayers in Mississauga. That • As of January 1, 2008, an NDP challenges of municipalities a greater is why in our 2007 Budget we initiated a government would pick up the full priority. phase out plan to eliminate pooling. Our costs of security at courts; and Unfortunately, Dalton McGuinty chose not plan will save GTA municipalities $200 • In it’s first term, the NDP would upload to address the issue of GTA pooling and million a year once fully implemented. the Ontario Disability Support Program. the unfair burden it was placing on GTA Our government has achieved a level of Beyond the first term, the NDP would property taxpayers until the dying months cooperation with Ontario’s municipalities begin to upload other provincially of his government. GTA pooling is unfair, that has never been seen before. Instead mandated programs. it should be put to an end, and we will do of downloading or arguing in the media, just that. we see municipalities as equal partners. The people of Mississauga want all of their We have built constructive relationships representatives to work together because resulting in stronger communities. We ultimately there is only one taxpayer. will continue this effort in the years We agree that we must do better. Dalton ahead. And we’ll have more to say on McGuinty sees the federal government as a municipalities’ fiscal arrangements in the ready-made excuse and a convenient place weeks ahead. to pass the buck. We see them as a partner Let me conclude by thanking you for and we will foster a more positive and this opportunity. The more we talk to each collaborative relationship with them. other, the more we can do for the people we serve together. Thanks, Madame Mayor. How do you want to get around? Where do you want to play? What makes this a great city to live in? What do you want to see in the Mississauga of the 21st century? Let’s have a conversation about your future Mississauga. ississauga is one of the most Mississauga of the 21st century. Our half day community visioning session. successful cities in Canada. future is full of many possibilities, and The charrette is the opportunity for M We should be proud of what we we’ve developed eight themes to focus everyone to bring what they learn in the have accomplished since our City our conversation in key areas fall to an exciting forum where ideas was formed in 1974. of interest. will be channelled into a meaningful In just 33 years, we’ve built a • Getting around in Mississauga; action plan for the City. world-wide reputation. We are the • Going green in 905; I challenge you to get involved by country’s safest city, we have a strong talking with us about your City of economic engine, a diverse population, • Creating wealth in our community; Mississauga of the future. Let the and beautiful parks and amenities. • Embracing our social diversity; conversation begin by attending the We’ve built a dynamic and urban • Positively influencing our quality events, or in one of the following ways: downtown and still have maintained of life; • Call the 21st Century Conversation our strong, distinct and vibrant • Investing in creativity and knowledge; line for meeting/event information: neighbourhoods. 905-615-3200 ext. 2100. • Creating a vibrant downtown; and, Our success has been guided by clear, • Visit our website at focussed strategic plans based on • Realizing the opportunities of being www.conversation21.ca where the values of public trust, enhancing part of the Golden Horseshoe meeting dates will be posted. community quality of life and delivering Our conversation kicks off this excellence in public administration. • Book a “21st Century” presentation September with a Community Leaders for your community or association And your input in the decision-making Forum and the launch of an interactive process has made this a great city. meeting by calling the conversation website where we invite you to express line, or book a presentation online. But that’s not enough. We have to your ideas about the future. have a vision for our children, and our • Go to our website and register grandchildren, and plan for the kind of Here you will find more information to receive email updates about city they want Mississauga to be in the about the free educational Speakers meetings and forums. future, in the next 20, 30 and 40 years. Series we have planned in October and November. International speakers, • Send us your ideas through our That is why this fall we’re launching website discussion bulletin boards. the largest community engagement and experts,including Stephen Lewis initiative the City has ever undertaken, and , will provide an • Fill out and drop off a “21st Century called A 21st Century Conversation – opportunity to learn about best Conversation Idea Card” at the City My Future Mississauga. practices from around the world, and facility or library closest to you, or you will be able to share your ideas fill in your card online. We want to involve you in forming a with them about what Mississauga can new strategic plan for Mississauga become in the future. It’s our city, that will build on your ideas, hopes and dreams for our city. We’d like to Our conversation will conclude in early it’s our future….. have a conversation with you about the 2008 with a charrette – a two and a Have your say! Information Sources City of Mississauga Website Elections Ontario’s Website Town Hall Meeting on www.mississauga.ca under www.electionsontario.on.ca Wednesday, September 19, 2007 Mississauga Matters banner Click on: Watch Rogers Cable 10 or live streaming on the City’s website for You can access Candidates and Parties to search for how the provincial candidates answer Council Corporate Reports registered candidates and questions that matter most Frequently Asked Questions to find to Mississauga. your electoral district. 250/2007