This is an exciting time for the City of Mississauga.  Thanks to the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) and the Recreation Infrastructure Canada Fund (RInC) dollars provided by the Provincial and Federal governments in 2009, this year we will have completed and be opening 138 projects (ISF and RInC combined) including: Mississauga Celebration Square; Burnhamthorpe, Lorne Park, Lakeview and Port Credit redeveloped library branches; new pools at Malton and Clarkson Community Centre; six renovated outdoor pools across the city; 15 sidewalks; 20 noisewalls; 73 park pathways; and the repair of 165 kilometres of road.

We are also moving forward with the implementation of our Strategic Plan.  We have a number of projects and initiatives underway including the new MiWay brand for our transit service, building the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, and completing higher order transit assessments on our major transportation corridors of Hurontario Street and Dundas Street.  Our downtown core is coming alive with the opening of the Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning this fall and the implementation of Downtown 21 mainstreet master plan.  We are also advancing on our waterfront revitalization, implementing our Economic Development Strategy and Cycling Master Plan; and continuing with our Youth, Older Adult and Cultural master plans.

Our Mayor, City Council and staff are all committed to listening carefully to the citizens of Mississauga and delivering on our priorities.  As a public service organization we are mindful of the current economic climate and are careful to ensure our actions match up against this economic reality.  To help us achieve this, the City follows the 2011-2014 Business Plan and Budget.  It is our road map in allocating resources to achieve the priorities set by Council, and strikes a balance between meeting service expectations and achieving fiscal restraint.  It lays out detailed plans around five areas of focus: Delivering Existing Services; Implementing the Strategic Plan; Delivering Value for Money through Continuous Improvement; Maintaining our Infrastructure; and Continuing to be an Employer of Choice. In other words, it helps ensure we are doing the right things, in the right order, with the right coordination, and the right resources.  Our Business Plan also ensures transparency into our operations and decision making processes.

We are committed to balancing our City's current needs with our vision for the future and will continue to review our business processes for efficiencies and cost savings; build upon our existing partnerships; and lobby the provincial and federal governments for long-term sustainable funding solutions in order for municipalities, such as ours, to remain strong and vibrant.

I look forward to your questions and comments.  You can reach me by e-mail or by phone at 905-896-5550, or by fax at 905-615-3376.

Janice M. Baker, CA
City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer