April 8, 2025 • 30 mins
Norm Murray speaks with Mississauga Ward 1 Councillor, Stephen Dasko about the latest happenings in his part of the city. Tariffs, Pickle Ball, Floods and Canada Day! Visit http://www.stephendasko.ca
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The views expressed in the following program are those of
the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of
SAGA nine sixty AM or its management.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
I'm Norm Murray. You're listening to News Talk SAGA nine sixty.
Nice to have you long today, Good afternoon. I hope
you're enjoying your day as we're heading into the week here.
You know, this hour is called the norm, and that
really there's anything but the norm. It seems every day,
every day of the normal takes on a whole new meaning,
if there even is such a thing anymore. All I
know is this one thing that is is you know,
(00:56):
sustained in normalcy here at News Talk SAGA nine sixty
in this hour is having our friend Stephen Dasco on
the program every month. He is the Ward one counselor
in Mississauga. Go to Stephendasco dot ca for some outstanding
information about not just Ward one, but I think Mississauga
in general, but especially focused on Ward one, his ward.
(01:19):
So it's always a pleasure to welcome him to the program.
How are you today, Stephen Dasco?
Speaker 1 (01:24):
I know him. I'm doing terrific. Great to hear your voice.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Thank you very much. I know you're on the road there.
I don't want any road rage while we're on the radio.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
Okay, oh, absolutely not. I'm hands free. It's Bluetooth, so
it's an absolutely pleasure to be chatting.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
All right. Well, thanks for being here. Here we are
at the beginning of April. I know we always get
you in here in the first few days of the
month at least anyways, to talk about what's been going
on in the past leading up to this and what's
coming up going forward anyways, but we appreciate that very much.
So how's the month of March bin for you? I mean,
you went through March Break there, and I suppose some
(02:04):
local activities going on. Anything you want that sticks out
in your memory right away?
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Well, what are they called? The IDEs of March are
upon us, and so far I must say it's the
month of March. Was it was just a nice well
I was hoping to be a finale to winter, but
it seems to be holding on to us a little
bit here. We had really nice March Break activities and
(02:32):
things of that nature. And and now coming into springtime
now it's nice to see that we're I feel we're
almost emerging from from our winter slumber. The big kickoff,
of course, is the Carmen Corbus and Community Center. And
when city staff told me, I said, I really want
(02:55):
it open in March, they said, yes, yes, we'll get
it to you in March, and they were a little
chea with it because they gave it to us on
March thirty first. But we do have Carmen corbuson Community Center.
It's back open, it's accepting people coming through, and that
we have the entire center essentially open, except we do
(03:16):
not have the swimming pools open yet. They're still going
through their final bit of testing and work by the region,
et cetera, and they should be open in May.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
So those not familiar with the Carmen Corbus and Community Center,
can you fill us in a little bit as to
what that's all about. And also thanks a lot for
the throwback to the word cheeky, which we just don't
hear and use often enough anymore, but in.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Old I supposed you know. And so with Carmen Corbus
and Community Center, some might also know it as the
Cawtri Community Center. It was renamed I think somewhere around
twenty twelve, yeah, twenty eleven, twenty twelve in memory of
(04:05):
Carmen Corbuson. She was a long standing executive assistant to
former Counselor Harold Kennedy and then she was a long
standing counselor in her own right at the City of
Mississauga and at the region and sadly she passed away
fairly suddenly and the center was renamed in her honor.
(04:29):
And this the site if those that are not familiar.
It's also has two skating rinks in it, so it's
a twin rink pad, twin ringk paths that are there.
It's also that a walking track. There's a gymnasium that's
got basketball and now pickleball added into there as well.
(04:51):
We do have. Previously there was not a gym with
a weight room that that's now been added in. And
there's also exercise rooms that will accommodate dance as well
that have been put in there, and uh, brand new showers,
washrooms that have gone in also, and it's it's they've
(05:13):
our staff have done a really nice job paying tribute
to the building as it was before, but the enhancements
that they've done to it, and that's and this is
coming from somebody that was not one hundred percent sold
on the design of what they were coming up with,
and uh, and some of our city staff said, trust us,
you'll you'll be very happy with the results. And uh,
(05:36):
I think I think they've done a wonderful job. And
even coming in, it's very bright, it's spacious, a lot
of natural light that's coming through and uh and use
of some great wood as well. We've got the ceilings
are all in h in timber, raw timber. It's it's
it's quite quite nice. And when the pools are open,
(05:58):
they literally look right into the car ash woods right
next door and it's quite the sight to behold.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Sounds like it. I'm also reading on your website, Stephen
Dasco dot Ca, there's a brand new lane pool for
fitness and recreation and what is now the largest therapeutic
pool in the entire city, which is designed for health
and wellness programs. Who can access this remarkable community center here, Stephen.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
It is open to the public. You can go check
online or feel free walk in, have a look at
the center itself, go up to the desk. Their staff
there are super friendly and helpful and they also have
kind of a welcoming person there that's there right now
that will just come and give you an orientation of
(06:48):
the center. There's different memberships that you can get. There's
single use, but there's also memberships that you can have
and as of April first, basic memberships for our community
centers for those that are sixty five years of age
and older is free in the City of Mississauga.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Wow. Well, thank you for that. I think a lot
of people are very very happy. But that that is
money well spent by the sounds of it there, and
it even makes people from other wards want to, I'm
sure come and visit. Also, that's the Carmen Corbus and
Community Center that is now opened. And there's a great
picture of you, although you look pretty small next to
(07:29):
the giant community center that this isn't a photograph, it's
really something there.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
Oh my, it is quite beautiful. And I will also
say the memberships that you can get are you can
walk in with your card. If you do have a membership,
you can walk in with your card to any one
of our city facilities and go and use them.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Awesome. Great to hear that. We're speaking with Steven Dasco,
the Ward one counselor in Mississauga, and of course he
joins us every month around about the beginning of the
month or so to let us know what's happening in
ward one. And we talked about the city in general.
I suppose sometimes, but there's always something going on in
your area, especially now the weather is starting to change
a little bit. I know some days are colder than others.
(08:11):
Even well, look, I mean snow in April is not unusual.
Let's just remember that. And that's okay, So we're going
to get through that. But I guess there's been a
lot going on in the last month or so since
I last spoke to you, Stephen.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
There sure has. There's a lot of different things that
have happened. One of those things that has been happening
is we also have another project which is down in
for Credit. It's just at the Credit River and Lake Shore,
immediately south of where the lighthouse is. And what that
(08:47):
is is Marina Park. Some people have seen some construction
activity that's been going on for about a year and
a half now, and what that is is our new
our our new park, our latest park that's coming into fruition.
We are going to have from one ramp for boats
(09:08):
to launch. It's going to be that ramp was moved
just a little bit. It will take in boats and
vessels to be able to launch on a daily basis.
And then also there's going to be a non motorized
ramp for those that have kayaks and canoes for example,
so that not everybody is in the same space. They'll
(09:29):
get some differentiation there. And then of course I know
it's been well anticipated and it's coming. Is the charter
fisher boats are going to be back again. Also, we've
got a paarasailing company that I believe they're back again
as well. And also for those that like their fishing,
(09:51):
there is a brand new fish cleaning station that will
be in place there and all of that will be
open very very soon. We're looking to have that open
as soon as we possibly can to the public, and
we're look at the beginning of May.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
Okay, I'll be sure not to be downwind of the
fish cleaning station, Stephen, But yeah, that sounds very exciting.
Of course, everything opening up the whole waterfront there and
everything else going on into it. At the same time,
it's so nice to have Stephen here. Of course, I know, Stephen,
you've spent your whole life really in Ward One specifically,
so I can throw out at you a name like
(10:28):
Carmen Corbuson, and you know right away who we're talking about,
what the center is all about. And we appreciate your
wealth of historical knowledge, which just lends to your credibility,
I say, as being Ward one counselor So, what else
is happening in Ward one these days? I mean, is
still everybody coming up to you at all and asking
you about the tariff situation? I realized that that is
(10:50):
a national issue international really, but you know what, you're
our local politician guy, I mean in Ward one at least,
And do people come up to you and talk to
you about that sort of stuff?
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Some people do. It's very topical right now. I think
that's that's probably the biggest issue that the federal candidates
tend to be fielding right now. We certainly get them
when it comes to you know, is there a preference
for buy Canadian UH and buying basically x U s
(11:26):
And there are some there are some of that that
we have been working on as a city also at
the region UH. There's a lot of picturement that that
we do at both levels. We've got a lot of
different projects that are happening at the city capital projects
(11:46):
and then also at the region, whether it's putting in
new sewer pipes and water pipes and other types of
facilities and and so it's how and who are we
buying from and so these always are in there, but
we always look at the bottom line for the taxpayer
to make sure that we get the best deal on
(12:07):
top of that. So I know our staff have been
working very diligently. I know the mayor she has been
working very hard on this as well, and she's got
our full support to make sure that we have standards
in place that are going to be sensitive to what
we're going through right now. And quite frankly, you know
(12:31):
show that you know, as Canadians were, we've got a
little bit of grit to us.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Yeah, I know that we could easily speak with the
Mayor Carolin Parish on this. I will ask you, though,
as you're in counsel with all the other counselors there
and of course the mayor, if you had to describe
the temperature, so to speak, the temperature are people angry
at counsel because of what's been thrust upon us and
you guys, because it distracts you, I'm sure from your
(13:00):
uh signed on for duties that you expect to have
and now here's this giant elephant in the room, if
you will, that now everybody has to not ignore and approach.
Are people kind of angry about this in council? Well,
how would you describe that?
Speaker 1 (13:16):
Now? I don't find that there's an anger towards counsel
or and counselors uh you know that that's my personal experience.
It's there's concern, there's some some fear that's out there
and right now it's I think overall and you even
see this from some of the uh you know, financial
(13:36):
pundits that are out there. People tend to be able
to deal and work with what they know and when
things tend to change frequency, that's what makes it more
difficult to be able to keep up with and to
to be able to come up with some sort of
a plan as things roll out.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Going in to the federal election. How do you see
the different parties in terms of this in council in Mississauga?
What do you think I mean, do you think that
the Council in Mississauga is sort of cheering for one
party or another? Left or right, more so because of
the Donald Trump factor. What do you think, Well, who's
(14:22):
what party do you think we can work with best
here in Canada at the end of our federal election.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
Well, I will say, and I will not speak for
anybody else on council. I'll speak for you know where
I come from and for me. You know, as I
came into office, I said, I am not going to
be of any political stripe. I don't think that there's
any benefit or merit that comes out that we can
(14:54):
put forward to the residents that we're looking after. Governments
come and go, and and when the governments are there,
you want to have great working relationships with them because
some of these funding streams that we that we we
hope to get and want to get to get large
things done, we need participation by federal and provincial governments.
(15:19):
And so what Hazel used to always say is give
me a group that we can work with, and I'll
tell you I have spoken to most of the local
people that are running for office, and they all have
a commitment to working on behalf of the community. And
and so what I would say to all those that
(15:41):
are listening, if you happen to be you know, not
decided on who you're going to vote for. Elections always matter,
and so perhaps reaching out to one of the local
candidates to ask some questions that you might have is
what I would recommend. Always, casting a vote is always
(16:03):
so important, just because there's other countries out there that
people wish they had the ability to be able to
vote and they don't have it, and we have it,
and so what's out there right now you can control
your ability to vote, and I encourage everybody to go
and do that.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Switching gears a little bit, you know, in the Mississauga
News and on Mississauga dot com just a couple of
days ago, missus was announced. I guess that Mississauga Fire
is looking for a new leader after what appears to
be the sudden exit of the department's fire chief, Darren Rizzy.
Your response to that or was that? Was that a
shocker for you and everybody at council.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
Yeah, it's not something that I thought was you know,
was imminent or aware of. You know, I heard about
her departure like many others and wishing her well and
you know, all of her future. And as a matter
of fact, I recently just had a community meeting with
(17:06):
our acting fire chief, Stefan Mello. Were in good hands
with him. He's been with the fire department since nineteen
ninety six, and so he was actually we're talking about
a potential new fire hall, and so he was there,
(17:27):
and you know, he answered each and every question. We
had over one hundred people in our community meeting, and
he took the time to answer each and every question,
and he was very knowledgeable as well.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
And also it looks like, i mean, this is typical
this time of year, and I'm sure in Ward One
and throughout the city. But another story is that Mississauga,
the City of Mississauga has closed a number of parks
due to flooding concerns. And I'm sure that that's a
(18:00):
concern where you are. I've got a short list here
Streetsville Memorial Park for example, or at least it was
over the weekend, meadow Vale Conservation Area, Arundale Park, Sawmill
Valley Trail Park there at Burnhamthorpe up to the Collegeway
at Credit Meadows as well, and others. I'm sure Steven,
your thoughts and concern about that and cautions for everybody.
Speaker 1 (18:22):
Flooding is a significant concern it really is to the
point where we recently just struck a storm water Advisory committee.
There was a tremendous amount of damage that had been
done this past summer in July and August, two significant
storm events that we did have, and so we have
(18:44):
been working with our transportation and work staff to find
the best way, the most efficient way to get some
flood relief or initiative well relief. But also there's some
major work that has to get done. For example, the
little Letoboco Creek that straddles essentially Ward three in Ward one,
(19:08):
So Ward three being just north of Dundas, right around
Dixie and Ward one is south of Dundas, right in
the same area, and it impacts a significant amount of
people and it's been the problematic so working to get that,
you know, looked after for some short term benefit medium
(19:31):
turnot of course with that longer term project that that
will be a significant benefit for everybody in the community
as well. And so we struck this committee. It was
a counselor, Chris Ponseka and myself that put the motion forward.
We had support from council. It was great support right
(19:51):
across from every area of the city. And then we're
right now in the midst of putting that advisory team
together and it's to be pretty nimble and action oriented.
So that's all coming forward. Some of the things that
(20:12):
we had done because I know there's a lot of concern.
Is we put out a thousand dollars one time initiative
that people can send in if they were negatively impacted
by flooding, that they could get this. And you might say, well,
one thousand dollars is great, but it might not cover
the damage. Not intended for that. We don't at the
city have that type of financial firepower. But what that
(20:35):
is is it's for those that you have insurance with
the deductible. It's meant to help offset the cost of
the deductible and look after some of that. There's also
some other measures that we do have for putting in
a sump pump and other initiatives like that backwater valve.
(20:56):
So these are different types of things. And again you
can just feel free to my website at Stephen Dasco
dot ca A and UH and you can find out
all the information there as well.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Yeah, right on the homepage as a matter of fact,
right away, thank you for that, Steve and Stephen Dasco
dot c A. We're speaking with Stephen Dasco, World One
counselor in Mississauga, and uh, moving forward here into the
month of April. You want to plug some things coming up?
I mean, where are you going to be cutting ribbons
and kissing babies and all of the cliche political things.
I guess I probably shouldn't be saying that anymore. That's
not even something even you can't even joke about that
(21:28):
sort of stuff now.
Speaker 1 (21:29):
Anyway, I don't even know. Yeah, what can we say normally?
I don't know.
Speaker 2 (21:33):
I don't you know what I mean?
Speaker 1 (21:36):
Though, yes, yes, and we're gonna be rebels I suppose, right,
So we we do have some some things coming up.
What I'm what I'm hoping for is to be able
to to uh to talk about for example, Canada Day.
We unfortunately last time we were chatting, we had some
(21:58):
some some sad news the Paint the Town Read, which
is this is a volunteer group that year after year
put their heart and soul to bring in Canada Day
celebrations into poor credit and and for you know, a
few different reasons, they weren't able to come and do
(22:18):
what they wanted to UH this year, so they said
they're looking to take a pause this year. What we've
done is, uh, We've said, look, how can we all
work together and this is the Port Credit b i A,
this is Visit Mississauga or our Tourism department, and and
also of course the paint the town red group sat
(22:40):
down and said let's how how how can we work
on this for everybody's benefit. And also the mayor has
been very supportive. And also we do have some some
great community groups as well that that are very supportive.
So hoping we have some great stuff to announce there
(23:01):
very soon, you know, just stay tuned. So that's something
that we're looking to come up with because of all
years that we need to celebrate Canada Day, norm this
is that year. It really is. And and so we'll
see if we can all band together like we do
as proud Canadians to help celebrate that. So fingers crossed
(23:21):
and stay tuned.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
Yeah, it's gonna be a big one this year for sure. Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (23:26):
Well. I must mention another initiative that I have been
working on. I think I've mentioned several times on the
show before, and I'll mention again is what we really
do need to is we need a police station down
in the south end of the city. And this is
one that we've got a lot of density that's coming
(23:47):
our way. Whether we you know, we were big fans
of it or we're not. I mean, the reality is,
this is what's coming, and you always want to be prepared.
I think being you know, a little bit in front
of things as opposed to behind things is always so important.
And so working very hard on getting a new police
station down on the south end of the city, and
(24:10):
I'm hoping that we might be able to come up
with some news to share with everybody soon there.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
And Steven, I think, if I'm not mistaken, Peel Region
Police is doing a lot of hiring too, so that
would make a lot of sense if there's going to
be some sort of expansion on their locations like that.
For sure.
Speaker 1 (24:25):
Yeah, they are in hiring mode right now. They're trying
to bring in some more officers for this year. They're
looking at the three hundred officers that they want to
bring in and train.
Speaker 2 (24:35):
Yeah. Absolutely, a couple of minutes remaining here, any ice
cream parlors opening up, I mean, you know, we're always
good for some sort of like a cookie shop or
somewhere to eat.
Speaker 1 (24:47):
About the food, well, absolutely, and I don't blame you.
I will tell you that I did happen to go
out very recently with Miss Maria and actually in my
mother and my brother and we made our first trip
of the year to dairy Cream on Lake Shore, right.
(25:08):
It is a long standing staple in the community, and
I think it is known right across the GTA for
having great quality ice cream and so have the first
trek and trip into there. So that's one that I
will definitely mention. And of course, yeah, there's so many
different places down in the south end of the city.
(25:29):
We've got Scoops as well down in Port Credit, and
of course Baskin Robbins, which is again another staple in
the community. Right at Applewood Plaza.
Speaker 2 (25:37):
Oh yeah, for sure. You know, there's always something exciting
going along the strip there. If I can call it
that in a way, I mean a fantastic place to go.
It's lively restaurants. I'm glad to hear that. You know,
as spring is springing upon us a bit, we're going
to see some movement and a lot more activity and such.
And of course the ice cream places are part of
(26:00):
that for sure. Anything else to look forward to, you
wanted to plug, any names, you want to mention anything
like that, Steven.
Speaker 1 (26:08):
Well, just marking off on your calendar. May third is
when we're looking to do the opening of Marina Park
and then stay tuned for our official opening. We do
have the Carmen Corbus and Community Center is currently open,
but stay tuned for the actual opening event for that
(26:30):
as well. Oh and I would be remiss if I
didn't mention that we do have towards the end of
actually beginning of May as well. Is we are going
to have the opening. I believe it's on May the
tenth of a kind of a public open house for
(26:51):
all of the new changes that have been made to
Station one oh two, which is a fire hall right
in Lakeview on cawtra right at Third Street, so essentially
Costra and lake Shore, and that has been made into
a two bay station. It's still one truck for right now,
but it can't handle two. But we are going to
(27:13):
have the public coming through and seeing that, and we'll
make sure that it gets off to a proper start
as well.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
That area is all is building up pretty quickly, isn't
it a.
Speaker 1 (27:24):
Lot of different changes that are happening, and you know,
it's trying to be prepared. You know, we can control
the controllable parts, and so we'll try to be prepared.
And also I will say this happens to be a time, unfortunately,
where we do tend to see an upward tick in
things like graffiti, and as you know, I've got absolutely
(27:46):
no tolerance for seeing it anywhere in our community, and
so I just ask if anybody happens to come across it.
Whenever I see it, or you know, people get have
it called in. We try to get it addressed immediately.
And for those that would like if you ever do
see it, please feel free to call in. My office
(28:08):
number is nine oh five eight nine to six fifty
one hundred. That's nine oh five eight nine six five
one zero zero, or of course you can email me
at my name Stephen sd E p HN dot DASCO
DA s KO at Mississauga, dot CA.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
Yep. And don't forget to pick up your garbage. I
know that you're as we all are, I mean, and
certainly should be real sticklers for that. And I see
you constantly as we get into spring cleaning, so to speak.
Outdoors Steven after the winter and such, it's a great
time just to remind everybody about.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
That, right, yes, and we do have some words at
spring cleanups that are coming up, and again just feel
free to go to my website at Stephen dasco dot
ca or as well, feel free if you have not already,
feel free to sign on to my e newsletter and
you can do that by going onto the website and registering.
(29:02):
And I put out a monthly blast keeping everybody up
to date the best that I possibly can with everything
that's happening. And part of that is when we have
things like community cleanups, that'll definitely be on there as well.
Speaker 2 (29:14):
Stephen, thanks so much for this. I know you're very
busy and ongoing every single day and I don't even
I don't even often I don't even tell you what
I'm going to be talking about or asking you, but
you always handle it right away without hesitation, without any
argument or being shy about it, so to speak. And
(29:35):
I just want you know I appreciate that, and anybody
listening appreciates that too, that you are very hardcore, honest.
You tell it like it is, and you tell what
you're able to tell. And we appreciate that always going forward.
You're the man, So listen, have a great month in
April and we'll talk to you. Wow at the beginning
of May. It's going to be Stephen.
Speaker 1 (29:57):
I cannot believe where the time has gone this year already.
We just we just need some better weather to come
along with it.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
That's right, Thank you, my friend. All the best to
you and to you, my friend.
Speaker 1 (30:08):
Take care.
Speaker 2 (30:08):
Stephen Dasco go to Stephendasco dot c A and of
course follow him on all your favorite social media platforms
at dasco Ward one. That's at Dasco Ward one. I'm
Norm Murray. This is News Talk Saga nine sixty. Stay tuned.
We'll be back right after this
Speaker 1 (30:35):
Stream us live at SAGA nine sixty am dot c
The views expressed in the following program are those of
the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of
SAGA nine sixty AM or its management.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
I'm Norm Murray. You're listening to News Talk SAGA nine sixty.
Nice to have you long today, Good afternoon. I hope
you're enjoying your day as we're heading into the week here.
You know, this hour is called the norm, and that
really there's anything but the norm. It seems every day,
every day of the normal takes on a whole new meaning,
if there even is such a thing anymore. All I
know is this one thing that is is you know,
(00:56):
sustained in normalcy here at News Talk SAGA nine sixty
in this hour is having our friend Stephen Dasco on
the program every month. He is the Ward one counselor
in Mississauga. Go to Stephendasco dot ca for some outstanding
information about not just Ward one, but I think Mississauga
in general, but especially focused on Ward one, his ward.
(01:19):
So it's always a pleasure to welcome him to the program.
How are you today, Stephen Dasco?
Speaker 1 (01:24):
I know him. I'm doing terrific. Great to hear your voice.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Thank you very much. I know you're on the road there.
I don't want any road rage while we're on the radio.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
Okay, oh, absolutely not. I'm hands free. It's Bluetooth, so
it's an absolutely pleasure to be chatting.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
All right. Well, thanks for being here. Here we are
at the beginning of April. I know we always get
you in here in the first few days of the
month at least anyways, to talk about what's been going
on in the past leading up to this and what's
coming up going forward anyways, but we appreciate that very much.
So how's the month of March bin for you? I mean,
you went through March Break there, and I suppose some
(02:04):
local activities going on. Anything you want that sticks out
in your memory right away?
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Well, what are they called? The IDEs of March are
upon us, and so far I must say it's the
month of March. Was it was just a nice well
I was hoping to be a finale to winter, but
it seems to be holding on to us a little
bit here. We had really nice March Break activities and
(02:32):
things of that nature. And and now coming into springtime
now it's nice to see that we're I feel we're
almost emerging from from our winter slumber. The big kickoff,
of course, is the Carmen Corbus and Community Center. And
when city staff told me, I said, I really want
(02:55):
it open in March, they said, yes, yes, we'll get
it to you in March, and they were a little
chea with it because they gave it to us on
March thirty first. But we do have Carmen corbuson Community Center.
It's back open, it's accepting people coming through, and that
we have the entire center essentially open, except we do
(03:16):
not have the swimming pools open yet. They're still going
through their final bit of testing and work by the region,
et cetera, and they should be open in May.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
So those not familiar with the Carmen Corbus and Community Center,
can you fill us in a little bit as to
what that's all about. And also thanks a lot for
the throwback to the word cheeky, which we just don't
hear and use often enough anymore, but in.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Old I supposed you know. And so with Carmen Corbus
and Community Center, some might also know it as the
Cawtri Community Center. It was renamed I think somewhere around
twenty twelve, yeah, twenty eleven, twenty twelve in memory of
(04:05):
Carmen Corbuson. She was a long standing executive assistant to
former Counselor Harold Kennedy and then she was a long
standing counselor in her own right at the City of
Mississauga and at the region and sadly she passed away
fairly suddenly and the center was renamed in her honor.
(04:29):
And this the site if those that are not familiar.
It's also has two skating rinks in it, so it's
a twin rink pad, twin ringk paths that are there.
It's also that a walking track. There's a gymnasium that's
got basketball and now pickleball added into there as well.
(04:51):
We do have. Previously there was not a gym with
a weight room that that's now been added in. And
there's also exercise rooms that will accommodate dance as well
that have been put in there, and uh, brand new showers,
washrooms that have gone in also, and it's it's they've
(05:13):
our staff have done a really nice job paying tribute
to the building as it was before, but the enhancements
that they've done to it, and that's and this is
coming from somebody that was not one hundred percent sold
on the design of what they were coming up with,
and uh, and some of our city staff said, trust us,
you'll you'll be very happy with the results. And uh,
(05:36):
I think I think they've done a wonderful job. And
even coming in, it's very bright, it's spacious, a lot
of natural light that's coming through and uh and use
of some great wood as well. We've got the ceilings
are all in h in timber, raw timber. It's it's
it's quite quite nice. And when the pools are open,
(05:58):
they literally look right into the car ash woods right
next door and it's quite the sight to behold.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Sounds like it. I'm also reading on your website, Stephen
Dasco dot Ca, there's a brand new lane pool for
fitness and recreation and what is now the largest therapeutic
pool in the entire city, which is designed for health
and wellness programs. Who can access this remarkable community center here, Stephen.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
It is open to the public. You can go check
online or feel free walk in, have a look at
the center itself, go up to the desk. Their staff
there are super friendly and helpful and they also have
kind of a welcoming person there that's there right now
that will just come and give you an orientation of
(06:48):
the center. There's different memberships that you can get. There's
single use, but there's also memberships that you can have
and as of April first, basic memberships for our community
centers for those that are sixty five years of age
and older is free in the City of Mississauga.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Wow. Well, thank you for that. I think a lot
of people are very very happy. But that that is
money well spent by the sounds of it there, and
it even makes people from other wards want to, I'm
sure come and visit. Also, that's the Carmen Corbus and
Community Center that is now opened. And there's a great
picture of you, although you look pretty small next to
(07:29):
the giant community center that this isn't a photograph, it's
really something there.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
Oh my, it is quite beautiful. And I will also
say the memberships that you can get are you can
walk in with your card. If you do have a membership,
you can walk in with your card to any one
of our city facilities and go and use them.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Awesome. Great to hear that. We're speaking with Steven Dasco,
the Ward one counselor in Mississauga, and of course he
joins us every month around about the beginning of the
month or so to let us know what's happening in
ward one. And we talked about the city in general.
I suppose sometimes, but there's always something going on in
your area, especially now the weather is starting to change
a little bit. I know some days are colder than others.
(08:11):
Even well, look, I mean snow in April is not unusual.
Let's just remember that. And that's okay, So we're going
to get through that. But I guess there's been a
lot going on in the last month or so since
I last spoke to you, Stephen.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
There sure has. There's a lot of different things that
have happened. One of those things that has been happening
is we also have another project which is down in
for Credit. It's just at the Credit River and Lake Shore,
immediately south of where the lighthouse is. And what that
(08:47):
is is Marina Park. Some people have seen some construction
activity that's been going on for about a year and
a half now, and what that is is our new
our our new park, our latest park that's coming into fruition.
We are going to have from one ramp for boats
(09:08):
to launch. It's going to be that ramp was moved
just a little bit. It will take in boats and
vessels to be able to launch on a daily basis.
And then also there's going to be a non motorized
ramp for those that have kayaks and canoes for example,
so that not everybody is in the same space. They'll
(09:29):
get some differentiation there. And then of course I know
it's been well anticipated and it's coming. Is the charter
fisher boats are going to be back again. Also, we've
got a paarasailing company that I believe they're back again
as well. And also for those that like their fishing,
(09:51):
there is a brand new fish cleaning station that will
be in place there and all of that will be
open very very soon. We're looking to have that open
as soon as we possibly can to the public, and
we're look at the beginning of May.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
Okay, I'll be sure not to be downwind of the
fish cleaning station, Stephen, But yeah, that sounds very exciting.
Of course, everything opening up the whole waterfront there and
everything else going on into it. At the same time,
it's so nice to have Stephen here. Of course, I know, Stephen,
you've spent your whole life really in Ward One specifically,
so I can throw out at you a name like
(10:28):
Carmen Corbuson, and you know right away who we're talking about,
what the center is all about. And we appreciate your
wealth of historical knowledge, which just lends to your credibility,
I say, as being Ward one counselor So, what else
is happening in Ward one these days? I mean, is
still everybody coming up to you at all and asking
you about the tariff situation? I realized that that is
(10:50):
a national issue international really, but you know what, you're
our local politician guy, I mean in Ward one at least,
And do people come up to you and talk to
you about that sort of stuff?
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Some people do. It's very topical right now. I think
that's that's probably the biggest issue that the federal candidates
tend to be fielding right now. We certainly get them
when it comes to you know, is there a preference
for buy Canadian UH and buying basically x U s
(11:26):
And there are some there are some of that that
we have been working on as a city also at
the region UH. There's a lot of picturement that that
we do at both levels. We've got a lot of
different projects that are happening at the city capital projects
(11:46):
and then also at the region, whether it's putting in
new sewer pipes and water pipes and other types of
facilities and and so it's how and who are we
buying from and so these always are in there, but
we always look at the bottom line for the taxpayer
to make sure that we get the best deal on
(12:07):
top of that. So I know our staff have been
working very diligently. I know the mayor she has been
working very hard on this as well, and she's got
our full support to make sure that we have standards
in place that are going to be sensitive to what
we're going through right now. And quite frankly, you know
(12:31):
show that you know, as Canadians were, we've got a
little bit of grit to us.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Yeah, I know that we could easily speak with the
Mayor Carolin Parish on this. I will ask you, though,
as you're in counsel with all the other counselors there
and of course the mayor, if you had to describe
the temperature, so to speak, the temperature are people angry
at counsel because of what's been thrust upon us and
you guys, because it distracts you, I'm sure from your
(13:00):
uh signed on for duties that you expect to have
and now here's this giant elephant in the room, if
you will, that now everybody has to not ignore and approach.
Are people kind of angry about this in council? Well,
how would you describe that?
Speaker 1 (13:16):
Now? I don't find that there's an anger towards counsel
or and counselors uh you know that that's my personal experience.
It's there's concern, there's some some fear that's out there
and right now it's I think overall and you even
see this from some of the uh you know, financial
(13:36):
pundits that are out there. People tend to be able
to deal and work with what they know and when
things tend to change frequency, that's what makes it more
difficult to be able to keep up with and to
to be able to come up with some sort of
a plan as things roll out.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Going in to the federal election. How do you see
the different parties in terms of this in council in Mississauga?
What do you think I mean, do you think that
the Council in Mississauga is sort of cheering for one
party or another? Left or right, more so because of
the Donald Trump factor. What do you think, Well, who's
(14:22):
what party do you think we can work with best
here in Canada at the end of our federal election.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
Well, I will say, and I will not speak for
anybody else on council. I'll speak for you know where
I come from and for me. You know, as I
came into office, I said, I am not going to
be of any political stripe. I don't think that there's
any benefit or merit that comes out that we can
(14:54):
put forward to the residents that we're looking after. Governments
come and go, and and when the governments are there,
you want to have great working relationships with them because
some of these funding streams that we that we we
hope to get and want to get to get large
things done, we need participation by federal and provincial governments.
(15:19):
And so what Hazel used to always say is give
me a group that we can work with, and I'll
tell you I have spoken to most of the local
people that are running for office, and they all have
a commitment to working on behalf of the community. And
and so what I would say to all those that
(15:41):
are listening, if you happen to be you know, not
decided on who you're going to vote for. Elections always matter,
and so perhaps reaching out to one of the local
candidates to ask some questions that you might have is
what I would recommend. Always, casting a vote is always
(16:03):
so important, just because there's other countries out there that
people wish they had the ability to be able to
vote and they don't have it, and we have it,
and so what's out there right now you can control
your ability to vote, and I encourage everybody to go
and do that.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Switching gears a little bit, you know, in the Mississauga
News and on Mississauga dot com just a couple of
days ago, missus was announced. I guess that Mississauga Fire
is looking for a new leader after what appears to
be the sudden exit of the department's fire chief, Darren Rizzy.
Your response to that or was that? Was that a
shocker for you and everybody at council.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
Yeah, it's not something that I thought was you know,
was imminent or aware of. You know, I heard about
her departure like many others and wishing her well and
you know, all of her future. And as a matter
of fact, I recently just had a community meeting with
(17:06):
our acting fire chief, Stefan Mello. Were in good hands
with him. He's been with the fire department since nineteen
ninety six, and so he was actually we're talking about
a potential new fire hall, and so he was there,
(17:27):
and you know, he answered each and every question. We
had over one hundred people in our community meeting, and
he took the time to answer each and every question,
and he was very knowledgeable as well.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
And also it looks like, i mean, this is typical
this time of year, and I'm sure in Ward One
and throughout the city. But another story is that Mississauga,
the City of Mississauga has closed a number of parks
due to flooding concerns. And I'm sure that that's a
(18:00):
concern where you are. I've got a short list here
Streetsville Memorial Park for example, or at least it was
over the weekend, meadow Vale Conservation Area, Arundale Park, Sawmill
Valley Trail Park there at Burnhamthorpe up to the Collegeway
at Credit Meadows as well, and others. I'm sure Steven,
your thoughts and concern about that and cautions for everybody.
Speaker 1 (18:22):
Flooding is a significant concern it really is to the
point where we recently just struck a storm water Advisory committee.
There was a tremendous amount of damage that had been
done this past summer in July and August, two significant
storm events that we did have, and so we have
(18:44):
been working with our transportation and work staff to find
the best way, the most efficient way to get some
flood relief or initiative well relief. But also there's some
major work that has to get done. For example, the
little Letoboco Creek that straddles essentially Ward three in Ward one,
(19:08):
So Ward three being just north of Dundas, right around
Dixie and Ward one is south of Dundas, right in
the same area, and it impacts a significant amount of
people and it's been the problematic so working to get that,
you know, looked after for some short term benefit medium
(19:31):
turnot of course with that longer term project that that
will be a significant benefit for everybody in the community
as well. And so we struck this committee. It was
a counselor, Chris Ponseka and myself that put the motion forward.
We had support from council. It was great support right
(19:51):
across from every area of the city. And then we're
right now in the midst of putting that advisory team
together and it's to be pretty nimble and action oriented.
So that's all coming forward. Some of the things that
(20:12):
we had done because I know there's a lot of concern.
Is we put out a thousand dollars one time initiative
that people can send in if they were negatively impacted
by flooding, that they could get this. And you might say, well,
one thousand dollars is great, but it might not cover
the damage. Not intended for that. We don't at the
city have that type of financial firepower. But what that
(20:35):
is is it's for those that you have insurance with
the deductible. It's meant to help offset the cost of
the deductible and look after some of that. There's also
some other measures that we do have for putting in
a sump pump and other initiatives like that backwater valve.
(20:56):
So these are different types of things. And again you
can just feel free to my website at Stephen Dasco
dot ca A and UH and you can find out
all the information there as well.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Yeah, right on the homepage as a matter of fact,
right away, thank you for that, Steve and Stephen Dasco
dot c A. We're speaking with Stephen Dasco, World One
counselor in Mississauga, and uh, moving forward here into the
month of April. You want to plug some things coming up?
I mean, where are you going to be cutting ribbons
and kissing babies and all of the cliche political things.
I guess I probably shouldn't be saying that anymore. That's
not even something even you can't even joke about that
(21:28):
sort of stuff now.
Speaker 1 (21:29):
Anyway, I don't even know. Yeah, what can we say normally?
I don't know.
Speaker 2 (21:33):
I don't you know what I mean?
Speaker 1 (21:36):
Though, yes, yes, and we're gonna be rebels I suppose, right,
So we we do have some some things coming up.
What I'm what I'm hoping for is to be able
to to uh to talk about for example, Canada Day.
We unfortunately last time we were chatting, we had some
(21:58):
some some sad news the Paint the Town Read, which
is this is a volunteer group that year after year
put their heart and soul to bring in Canada Day
celebrations into poor credit and and for you know, a
few different reasons, they weren't able to come and do
(22:18):
what they wanted to UH this year, so they said
they're looking to take a pause this year. What we've
done is, uh, We've said, look, how can we all
work together and this is the Port Credit b i A,
this is Visit Mississauga or our Tourism department, and and
also of course the paint the town red group sat
(22:40):
down and said let's how how how can we work
on this for everybody's benefit. And also the mayor has
been very supportive. And also we do have some some
great community groups as well that that are very supportive.
So hoping we have some great stuff to announce there
(23:01):
very soon, you know, just stay tuned. So that's something
that we're looking to come up with because of all
years that we need to celebrate Canada Day, norm this
is that year. It really is. And and so we'll
see if we can all band together like we do
as proud Canadians to help celebrate that. So fingers crossed
(23:21):
and stay tuned.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
Yeah, it's gonna be a big one this year for sure. Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (23:26):
Well. I must mention another initiative that I have been
working on. I think I've mentioned several times on the
show before, and I'll mention again is what we really
do need to is we need a police station down
in the south end of the city. And this is
one that we've got a lot of density that's coming
(23:47):
our way. Whether we you know, we were big fans
of it or we're not. I mean, the reality is,
this is what's coming, and you always want to be prepared.
I think being you know, a little bit in front
of things as opposed to behind things is always so important.
And so working very hard on getting a new police
station down on the south end of the city, and
(24:10):
I'm hoping that we might be able to come up
with some news to share with everybody soon there.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
And Steven, I think, if I'm not mistaken, Peel Region
Police is doing a lot of hiring too, so that
would make a lot of sense if there's going to
be some sort of expansion on their locations like that.
For sure.
Speaker 1 (24:25):
Yeah, they are in hiring mode right now. They're trying
to bring in some more officers for this year. They're
looking at the three hundred officers that they want to
bring in and train.
Speaker 2 (24:35):
Yeah. Absolutely, a couple of minutes remaining here, any ice
cream parlors opening up, I mean, you know, we're always
good for some sort of like a cookie shop or
somewhere to eat.
Speaker 1 (24:47):
About the food, well, absolutely, and I don't blame you.
I will tell you that I did happen to go
out very recently with Miss Maria and actually in my
mother and my brother and we made our first trip
of the year to dairy Cream on Lake Shore, right.
(25:08):
It is a long standing staple in the community, and
I think it is known right across the GTA for
having great quality ice cream and so have the first
trek and trip into there. So that's one that I
will definitely mention. And of course, yeah, there's so many
different places down in the south end of the city.
(25:29):
We've got Scoops as well down in Port Credit, and
of course Baskin Robbins, which is again another staple in
the community. Right at Applewood Plaza.
Speaker 2 (25:37):
Oh yeah, for sure. You know, there's always something exciting
going along the strip there. If I can call it
that in a way, I mean a fantastic place to go.
It's lively restaurants. I'm glad to hear that. You know,
as spring is springing upon us a bit, we're going
to see some movement and a lot more activity and such.
And of course the ice cream places are part of
(26:00):
that for sure. Anything else to look forward to, you
wanted to plug, any names, you want to mention anything
like that, Steven.
Speaker 1 (26:08):
Well, just marking off on your calendar. May third is
when we're looking to do the opening of Marina Park
and then stay tuned for our official opening. We do
have the Carmen Corbus and Community Center is currently open,
but stay tuned for the actual opening event for that
(26:30):
as well. Oh and I would be remiss if I
didn't mention that we do have towards the end of
actually beginning of May as well. Is we are going
to have the opening. I believe it's on May the
tenth of a kind of a public open house for
(26:51):
all of the new changes that have been made to
Station one oh two, which is a fire hall right
in Lakeview on cawtra right at Third Street, so essentially
Costra and lake Shore, and that has been made into
a two bay station. It's still one truck for right now,
but it can't handle two. But we are going to
(27:13):
have the public coming through and seeing that, and we'll
make sure that it gets off to a proper start
as well.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
That area is all is building up pretty quickly, isn't
it a.
Speaker 1 (27:24):
Lot of different changes that are happening, and you know,
it's trying to be prepared. You know, we can control
the controllable parts, and so we'll try to be prepared.
And also I will say this happens to be a time, unfortunately,
where we do tend to see an upward tick in
things like graffiti, and as you know, I've got absolutely
(27:46):
no tolerance for seeing it anywhere in our community, and
so I just ask if anybody happens to come across it.
Whenever I see it, or you know, people get have
it called in. We try to get it addressed immediately.
And for those that would like if you ever do
see it, please feel free to call in. My office
(28:08):
number is nine oh five eight nine to six fifty
one hundred. That's nine oh five eight nine six five
one zero zero, or of course you can email me
at my name Stephen sd E p HN dot DASCO
DA s KO at Mississauga, dot CA.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
Yep. And don't forget to pick up your garbage. I
know that you're as we all are, I mean, and
certainly should be real sticklers for that. And I see
you constantly as we get into spring cleaning, so to speak.
Outdoors Steven after the winter and such, it's a great
time just to remind everybody about.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
That, right, yes, and we do have some words at
spring cleanups that are coming up, and again just feel
free to go to my website at Stephen dasco dot
ca or as well, feel free if you have not already,
feel free to sign on to my e newsletter and
you can do that by going onto the website and registering.
(29:02):
And I put out a monthly blast keeping everybody up
to date the best that I possibly can with everything
that's happening. And part of that is when we have
things like community cleanups, that'll definitely be on there as well.
Speaker 2 (29:14):
Stephen, thanks so much for this. I know you're very
busy and ongoing every single day and I don't even
I don't even often I don't even tell you what
I'm going to be talking about or asking you, but
you always handle it right away without hesitation, without any
argument or being shy about it, so to speak. And
(29:35):
I just want you know I appreciate that, and anybody
listening appreciates that too, that you are very hardcore, honest.
You tell it like it is, and you tell what
you're able to tell. And we appreciate that always going forward.
You're the man, So listen, have a great month in
April and we'll talk to you. Wow at the beginning
of May. It's going to be Stephen.
Speaker 1 (29:57):
I cannot believe where the time has gone this year already.
We just we just need some better weather to come
along with it.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
That's right, Thank you, my friend. All the best to
you and to you, my friend.
Speaker 1 (30:08):
Take care.
Speaker 2 (30:08):
Stephen Dasco go to Stephendasco dot c A and of
course follow him on all your favorite social media platforms
at dasco Ward one. That's at Dasco Ward one. I'm
Norm Murray. This is News Talk Saga nine sixty. Stay tuned.
We'll be back right after this
Speaker 1 (30:35):
Stream us live at SAGA nine sixty am dot c
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