For Immediate Release | Check Against Delivery
September 24th, 2016
Mayor Crombie Marks Ground Making of Lakeview Waterfront Connection Project
The following remarks were delivered by Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie to mark the ground making of the Lakeview Waterfront Connection Project – a joint effort of the Region of Peel and Credit Valley Conservation with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority providing technical expertise. The project is supported by the Cities of Mississauga and Toronto who provide on-going review.
“Good afternoon, everyone. On behalf of the City of Mississauga and Members, I want to welcome you to south Mississauga for the formal kick off celebration for the Lakeview Connection Project.
“We have tremendous representation of elected officials and professional staff from all levels of government, including:
- Lakeview’s favourite son, Ward 1 Councillor Jim Tovey,
- Finance Minister and MPP, Charles Sousa
- Councillor Nando Iannicca, Chair of the Credit Valley Conservation Authority
- MP Sven Spengemann
“Mississauga continues to find itself in the midst of a steady, emerging and exciting urban transformation and nowhere is this exciting transformation more apparent than here in south Mississauga and in the Lakeview community.
“What we have before us is an incredible opportunity plan to create a beautiful and naturalized conservation area that will transform the Lakeview neighbourhood into a hub for waterfront recreation, a hotspot for wildlife migration and a green oasis in the heart of the city.
“The Lakeview Waterfront Connection is part of our efforts to build a complete city.
“What is a complete city? A complete city is a place where people can live, work, earn an education and enjoy an unrivalled quality of life – all within their community.
“Most importantly, complete cities, are well planned cities.
“In 2015 Mississauga once again issued over 1 billion dollars in building permits. That’s a 10 per cent increase from the year before.
“Over the next two decades, Peel will need to accommodate approximately 150,000 jobs and over 300,000 people.
“Our city is no stranger to rapid growth. In a few decades we transformed from farm fields and fruit trees into Canada’s sixth largest community.
“Today’s announcement is proof that Mississauga’s next forty years will not look like the last forty. Parking lots are road blocks to building a community. But there’s no shortage of people who want to gather in Port Credit Harbour.
“With the help of people like all of you, we are building a livable, walkable city; fully connected by public transit and accessible to quality public services; home to mixed-use residential and commercial developments; healthy, clean and both green and creative spaces; and neighbourhoods that safeguard and respect local history and embody Mississauga’s forward-looking values as an inviting, inclusive and engaging place people choose to be in.
“Our urban renaissance is building a bridge from our past, as an edge city and into the future, as a leading edge city.
“Effective urban planning is our responsibility and our legacy to future generations. The decisions we make today will affect our future in a profound way. I am proud to work with such a committed Council of professionals who have the best interests of this city at heart. Residents should be proud of their Council.
“Council and staff have undertaken a series of comprehensive studies and community consultations – forums for residents and business to share their intimate and local knowledge.
“Together, we’re envisioning a bright new future, especially here in south Mississauga. Inspiration Lakeview, Inspiration Port Credit, 1 Port Street and the Imperial Oil Lands, will change the face of these waterfront neighbourhoods forever. Under the leadership of Councillor Tovey these plans will usher in exciting new ways for people to fully embrace and appreciate the untapped potential of our sprawling waterfront.
“Mississauga still has far too many unrealized views of Lake Ontario. It’s called Lakeview for a reason! And its potential will be realized.
“Congratulations to everyone involved. Today, we take the next step together in shaping Mississauga’s promising future, as a world-class city.”
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