City services | December 17, 2014
At today’s City Council meeting, Mississauga celebrated three awards for active and sustainable transportation.
Silver WALK Friendly Community Designation
“The Silver WALK Friendly Community Designation shows the steps we have taken as a City to become more walkable,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Our Official Plan leads to a more pedestrian friendly environment with more transit and active transportation opportunities. We will continue this work that helps the environment and quality of life in our City.”
The City received the designation for work from its Strategic Plan, Downtown21 Master Plan, traffic calming initiatives, school travel planning and walkable neighbourhoods.
“The City of Mississauga is to be congratulated for creating outstanding plans and policies that will result in a vibrant city centre with walk-friendly block lengths, mixed uses, and an animated pedestrian environment. Their efforts to become more walkable will support the City’s significant investment in the transitway initiative – all transit trips begin and end with a walk. This is a city to watch.” Kate Hall BA, MSc Pl Program Manager, WALK Friendly Ontario Canada Walks, Green Communities Canada
Smart Commute Awards
“It is an honour the City of Mississauga is being recognized for encouraging and supporting commuting choices for employees,” said Janice Baker, City Manager and CAO. “Smart Commute is valued by our employees. A 2013 survey found the program had a 90 per cent approval rating among City staff. Whether it is to reduce costs or to improve health we are hearing more from staff who are choosing to carpool, take transit or bike to work. It’s becoming part of our culture.”
“Over the past 9 years, as a member of Smart Commute, the City of Mississauga has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to continuous improvement of their workplace program that is resulting in significant benefits for staff and the entire organization,” says Nadine Navarro, manager, Smart Commute. “The City can be proud of its achievements, and we thank them for their leadership in promoting sustainable travel options.”
WALK Friendly Ontario Program
The goal of the program offered through Green Communities Canada is to provide recognition, encouragement and feedback to municipalities that are committed to improving the conditions for walking for transportation and recreation.
Green Communities Canada
Green Communities Canada is a national association of community organizations that help people go green – in their homes and gardens, on the road, at work, and in the community.
Smart Commute Awards
The Smart Commute Awards were introduced in 2007 to recognize the top employer in each region implementing Smart Commute programs. The Regional Employer of the Year Award recognizes the overall highest achievement of any Smart Commute employer across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area in which there are currently more than 340 employers implementing Smart Commute programs. Winners are selected for outstanding achievement in the areas of commitment, leadership, innovation and results. Smart Commute is a Program of Metrolinx and the municipalities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Media Contact:
Catherine Monast
Senior Communications Advisor
Transportation and Works
City of Mississauga
905-615-3200 ext. 5046
catherine.monast@mississauga.ca
TTY: 905-896-5151