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The City of Mississauga has proposed some sweeping (but temporary) changes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the March 19 Special Emergency Council meeting, council decided to temporarily defer property tax payments, waive transit fares and suspend some aspects of parking enforcement.

"We have heard from residents and businesses that they are worried and need relief. That's why we took action yesterday to help them during this unprecedented and difficult time by deferring property tax due dates by 90 days, offering free transit and suspending some parking offences," said Mayor Bonnie Crombie in a statement.

"These steps will provide relief and assistance to our community. We will continue to assess the situation in the coming days and weeks to ensure we are doing what we can to help."

The city says council decided to defer the April, May and June interim property tax due dates by 90 days to help ease the economic impact of COVID-19.

All property taxes need to be paid before the end of the year.

The April payment will not be due until July; the May payment will be due in August; the June payment will be due in September. The deferral applies to residential and commercial properties.

The city says its positive liquidity position allows it to manage this 90-day deferral and that there will be no impact on city services as a result of the change.

For anyone who has provided post-dated cheques for April, May and June - they will not be cashed during those months. Each payment will be deferred for 90 days and will be cashed instead in July, August and September.

Preauthorized tax payment due dates have also been deferred by 90 days. There will be no payments withdrawn from taxpayers' bank accounts in April, May and June. Payment withdrawals will resume from July to September.

The city has also announced that transit will be free until social distancing requirements are lifted by the Region of Peel

Starting Saturday, March 21, MiWay customers will board from the rear doors only. Customers with accessibility needs requiring the use of the ramp may continue to use the front doors.

No fare payment will be required and monthly PRESTO pass holders will be notified of the status of their March and April pass in the coming weeks.

The city also says it's temporarily suspending parking enforcement for:

On-street time limit offences; such as five (5) and fifteen (15) hour parking

Overnight 2 a.m. - 6 a.m. parking restrictions

The city says the above parking offences may be enforced in exceptional circumstances where a significant traffic safety and/or community concern exists.

The city says all other parking offences will continue to be enforced to maintain public safety. Existing rules regarding fire routes, accessible parking, stopping, prohibited parking areas, and metered areas where payment is required will stand.

"This will ensure an adequate level of street parking, traffic flow and to maintain traffic and pedestrian safety," the city said in a news release.

Cover photo courtesy of @idris.yyz