Thread by @aradhaverma

Right now, @citymississauga Special Council Meeting livestreamed - please watch and listen! mississauga.ca/portal/cityhal…

After land acknowledgement, a motion to allow electronic participation by Councillors, @BonnieCrombie invites members of the public to email the City Clerk with questions [e-mail]

Grateful @BonnieCrombie highlights the need to be thinking about and supporting those who are vulnerable in our communities.

First deputation is from Dr. Lawrence Loh, Peel's Medical Officer of Health. Dr. Loh shares that there are 26 cases of COVID-19 in Peel (13 in Mississauga).

Dr. Loh shares that Public Health is coordinating with many, answering phone calls, and updating the website frequently. The increase of cases here is slow. "The civic mindedness of our community is truly extraordinary." "We are in a golden window" to flatten the curve.

Dr. Loh says no playdates, no connecting for tea. Don't gather in malls. Don't go to healthcare centres unless absolutely necessary (let providers focus on addressing crisis). "We will get through this if we all work together to distance and slow the spread of the disease."

Question from @BonnieCrombie on time to get test results (5+ days). Dr. Loh: laboratory capacity, need for 1 on 1 counseling post test. Dr. Loh this morning directed staff to explore ways to expedite getting results to individuals (beyond 1 on 1 phone call).

"Aim is that people who are experiencing mild symptoms are encouraged to stay home (isolate)." If there are more serious symptoms, please get in touch. This includes respiratory issues. Please call Public Health 905 799 7700!

.@DipikaDamerla is calling in from an airport lounge!

Dr.Loh responds to @DipikaDamerla sharing basic info about how easily it is to transmitted, the fact that there is no cure or vaccine, that symptoms are often mild (including in children and adults).

.@JohnKovac4 asks about the info circulating about re-infection. Dr. Loh shares that in Asia there are some reports of re-transmission. However, nothing conclusive at this time.

"Fatality rate reflects the context of COVID-19" which includes degradation of health care services, shares Dr. Loh. "For individuals, most symptoms are mild."

.@RonStarr6 asks about information (and misinformation) circulating globally. Councillor Starr notes that Italy had a spike in reports of deaths; reference to Putin and perhaps lack of reporting by Russia?

Dr. Loh is so measured in his responses! He shares that there have been various responses from countries, some more successful than others. One example is that some countries chose not to use intntl test, instead seeking to develop in-country tests (which resulted in delays).

No screening at shelters is what Dr. Loh shares in response to Q from @Chris_Fonseca3

Nothing.

Despite the acknowledgement that underhoused and homeless folks are disproportionately at risk.

.@Chris_Fonseca3 shares that she's heard people are going door to door selling fake test kits! Dr. Loh calls this unconscionable

.@PatSaitoWard9 asks about being outdoors, including playgrounds. Dr. Loh encourages folks to still go out, but perhaps avoid playgrounds (which can be a vector for transmission, as the virus can live on certain surfaces for up to 24 hours).

.@PatSaitoWard9 suggests that signage be put up at playgrounds and basketball courts, giving information to the public. (Warning, basically)

.@CarlsonGeorge asks about status of vaccine. Dr. Loh says that there is 1 in development in the US. Currently in phase 1. Usual timeline for vaccines is 18-24 months, maybe 12-18 accelerated. (Dr. Loh says he used to work at the fed level in vaccine safety). Need to be realistic

.@carolynhparrish tells Dr. Loh's response to @Chris_Fonseca3 remark about fake kits "was too soft" and suggests that Public Health have an explicit note in big letters alerting the public that these kits are not to be used or trusted.

.@carolynhparrish shares her own experience of having a very serious flu many years ago (sick for 6 weeks), and after that has not gotten a flu, and does not get a flu shot. Wondering about developing immunity.

@RasWard2 asks about transmission through dogs. Dr. Loh says that there is some evidence that dogs can contract COVID-19, but unlikely that it can be transmitted from dog to human.

2 additional questions that I didn't get to document: about wearing masks (from @DipikaDamerla), and guidance to businesses, eg 1 that is staying open after an employee tested positive (from @RasWard2).

Next deputation is from @THP_hospital President & CEO Michelle E. DiEmanuele, sharing the immense efforts they are taking:
- reduce spread
- contain spread
- prepare for influx

This includes: no elective surgeries, change to visitor policies, screening of all staff, and more!

.@THP_hospital

2 assessment centres opened within 6 days.
A 3rd will be ready to open in hours.
A 4th will be ready to go in days if necessary.

Outpatient clinics: they have 700k visits per year. Carefully reducing, not wanting to create unintended consequences.

While there has been a 21% reduction in Emergency Department visits @THP_hospital

They have completed almost 1000 tests through the assessments.

Peel has the 2 busiest hospitals in Ontario. Need: make inpatient capacity possible for COVID-19.

200+ beds empty + available now

.@THP_hospital feels that they are ready, and can do MORE as needed.

.@carolynhparrish shares that she made an appointment @THP_hospital and made remarks about the signage and entering the building. She congratulates @THP_hospital CEO

.@DaskoWard1 brings up that some homeless folks who did test positive were released from hospital (potentially without somewhere to go). @THP_hospital CEO says they are working on ensuring protocols followed, safe discharge.

.@BonnieCrombie shares that some federal $ is coming for shelters

Very interesting how differently the first two speakers were treated. The very congratulatory tone in responding to CEO was... interesting.

While I appreciate that questions asked by Councillors (specifically to Dr. Loh) allow the public to get access to information directly from the source, shouldn't a lot of this information be known by those in positions of power, especially if they are receiving briefing notes?

Third deputation by @Mississauga_CAO - giving update that business is not as usual, many changes. Closures, part time workers, working from home (access to laptops), city departments shifting priorities. "There will likely be an operating deficit" by the end of the year.

.@Mississauga_CAO thanks all staff for their work, during "this crazy time." Don't appreciate the stigmatizing language, but yes gratitude to those who are helping people move from place to place via MiWay.

.@BonnieCrombie shares that 880 people are watching the livestream, many likely staff.

Gentle reminder that there are 720k+ residents here.

Ah now I understand the response to Dr. Loh, as Councillor Parrish makes a remark, which I think is part of the Mississauga vs Region conflict. She says Mississauga is ready, declared emergency first, and that if Region thinks they can go over them, they can't.

(lost a tweet about figuring out why the difference in response to Dr. Loh versus Trillium CEO - it's about the Mississauga versus Region conflict.

Watch the video later (I'll find the time stamp for you later) so you know what I mean)

Tim Beckett, Fire Chief/Director of Emergency Management providing a detailed update.

Important note that transit reductions (by 1/3) coming, starting March 23. This is due to reduction in usage AND transit operators.

Everything but essential services has been scaled back.

@DaskoWard1 asks Chief Beckett, has heard about concerns for homeless folks. Folks were using libraries, city facilities for multiple reasons including washrooms.
Answer: city had 8 public washrooms still open. Monitoring. Cleaned 1x a day. Looking to increase. Want to close them

I'm SO grateful to @DaskoWard1 for pushing the need for the city to have resources for homeless folks.

So far the answer has been to, imho, pass the buck to the regional level.

Councillor Dasko asks about showers. Answer: none, and no plans.

I get that there is specific planning and coordination from the Region on homelessness. BUT there is a requirement for the City to respond since homeless + underhoused folks have *always* used City facilities AND not to mention, the city had a staffer @mississaugalib

Hilariously, @Mississauga_CAO coughs into her hand. Catches herself, saying "oh dear!"

Discussion about declaring an emergency at the City level. We are currently at level 2. While other municipalities have declared an emergency, it's noted that since the province has declared an emergency, it would be moot.

Honestly, it's so hard to listen to Councillor Parrish - so many of her comments are a shot. Re: Region declaring an emergency, she says "our favorite Regional Chair."

I'm not someone who desires fake niceness.

She misunderstood @DaskoWard1's comment about @CompassFoodBank

.@DaskoWard1 shared that @CompassFoodBank is open, but that their washrooms are not available to the same extent.

Councillor Parrish chides them, saying Mississauga Food Bank is sending truckloads.

Breakfast programs & snack programs are so needed (Councillor Parrish & Councillor Fonseca talked about this.

We've known that things are going to be closed for days, why is there still no action?

5th deputation is by Gary Kent, Commissioner Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer.

This is the first financial conversation, one of many. There's a slide deck that accompanies his remarks, with good detail.

A recap of federal announcements from the Commissioner

There was also a recap of provincial announcements (sorry didn't catch the slide!)

Commissioner Kent speaking about some initial financial implications for the City, pretty much guaranteed operating deficit.

Revenue reduction from transit fares (remember that cash fares are $4 here. Yep, you read that right).

.@citymississauga is paying part time staff including those who were to work for March Break camps

After what the City is doing, the slide is about what has been heard from Businesses.

Not all points are actually about businesses. Eg free transit, grants for festivals, parking fees.

For free transit, $44 million to cover transit till November.

Opportunity now to intervene now re: property taxes, defer for 3 months. This gives people cash flow relief.

No way to ensure that landlords will pass on to tenants.

.@citymississauga can manage a 90 day tax deferral. This is what they recommend

This is the last deputation before the question period.

Did I just hear a City Councillor say "The rich pay taxes and the poor pay nothing" ?

Wow.

We shouldn't be giving charity, it is said.

What is the responsibility of @citymississauga to its residents?

What is the point of having "belong" as one of the pillars in the strategic plan? "Encouraging youth, older adults, and new immigrants thrive."

I'm disturbed (but not surprised, honestly) that there are only a few members of Council who care about folks who experience marginalization.

Saying that poor folks don't pay taxes is a HARMFUL LIE, but classic for #Mississauga

Effective tomorrow on changes to parking time restrictions in Mississauga. Relaxed enforcements except for safety. Staff can do this.

Council needs to make a decision about changes to pay parking.

Almost 4 hours into the Special Council Meeting
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Phew

Council discusses lighting of the Clock Tower.

Yellow or gold, the colour of hope.

20k pay their property taxes by post-dated cheques. Discussion on whether to send communication to all about holding off, or ask residents to get in touch to request deferral.

Staffer suggests it is easier just to defer all.

The discussion about transit will be held in-camera, as there are labour relations considerations.

Great points from @Chris_Fonseca3 & @DaskoWard1 re:festivals who are facing struggles. So far, I don't believe Culture Division has not sent anything out to festivals or arts & culture orgs.

Sure we can try to "take it easy" but festival organizers are making decisions NOW

.@PatSaitoWard9 shares that the province will have some solutions or remedies for festivals.

Locally, theatre group in Meadowvale is "in the hole" approx $20k. They would need support.

The City does have a reserve fund for festivals, arts & culture orgs.

The conversation about property tax deferral continues. @DipikaDamerla brings up issue of tenants (those who pay portion of property taxes within their rent).

Commissioner Kent knows about this - but City has no mechanism to monitor, or enforce.

The circling assumption is that all residents own their homes here.

Sigh.

Not a word about renters (other than business owners who rent).

Motion passed: 3 month deferral of property taxes in City of Mississauga!

4.5 hours into this meeting. (How am I still live tweeting?)

Motion from @DaskoWard1 with a request for financial support (payment in lieu of parking - I didn't get the exact wording) to members of Port Credit BIA ($1k per person = $477k). Councillor Parrish seconds to bring the motion to vote. It does not pass. Sorry if I've missed detail

City Clerk is going to read aloud statements & Qs!

The well-articulated statement from CareMongering Peel is read so quickly that the heart of what we asked is lost. How disappointing. We aren't even named, unlike @MBOTOntario whose requests have been discussed at length today

And Council is moving to their in-camera meeting.

4:45pm meeting ends.

[End live tweeting!]

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