Today, Mississauga City Council enacted the City's first Idling Control By-law and corporate policy on Unnecessary Vehicle Idling.

"Reducing vehicle emissions is a good example of how we can make clean air and a healthy environment our shared legacy," stated Ward 11 Councillor George Carlson, Chair of the Environmental Advisory Committee. "The Environmental Advisory Committee spearheaded the call for a by-law to help encourage all vehicle owners and operators in Mississauga to take immediate steps to fight climate change and improve air quality."

Carlson explained, "Internal combustion engines in cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses and boats emit greenhouse gases and air contaminants including carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment and our health."

"Unnecessary vehicle idling is wasteful, negatively impacts the environment and the health of residents," said Janice Baker, City Manager and CAO. "For these reasons we have developed a comprehensive idling control program to reduce emissions, fuel consumption and the cost of operating city-owned vehicles to further the city’s goals under the Living Green strategic pillar for change."

According to the staff Corporate Report to Council, the new by-law and policy are based on the principle that the most effective way to reduce the harmful effects of vehicle emissions is to turn engines off when stopped for an extended period of time. Both the by-law and policy set an idling limit of three minutes.

The City's Municipal Law Enforcement officers will enforce the by-law and work with City staff to increase public awareness concerning the negative impact of unnecessary vehicle idling. Under the Municipal Act, 2001, the City of Mississauga is authorized to pass by-laws for the health, safety and well-being of persons.

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.

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Media Contact:
Catherine Monast
Team Leader Media External Communications
City of Mississauga
905-615-3200 ext. 5046
catherine.monast@mississauga.ca
TTY: 905-896-5151