Families can register children born in 2006 for kindergarten from Feb. 8 to 19

Parents can register children born in 2006 for kindergarten between Feb. 8 to 19. At registration, parents will receive a Stepping into Kindergarten package of tips and activities to help prepare their child for school. Registration dates for each school are available at www.peelschools.org by clicking on 'Kindergarten Registration' from the home page, or by calling the school.

"We know that starting school is a big step for children, and for parents too," says Pat Stellick, co-ordinating principal, elementary. "That's why we provide parents with our Stepping into Kindergarten package when they come to registration. The package contains information about the kindergarten program, an activity booklet with tips and games parents and children can do together to prepare, and information about resources in community. The idea is to make the transition smooth—and exciting—for our families."

CLARKSON AND SHERIDAN MALL ONLY BRANCHES OPEN SOUTH OF DUNDAS UNTIL LATE 2010; NO ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED AS YET

This month, the City of Mississauga will close three of its older branch libraries to begin renovations through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) program. Like Burnhamthorpe Branch Library, which closed on January 31, branches in south Mississauga are scheduled for renovations to modernize the facilities for residents to gather, borrow materials and use resources.

"Projects like this bring to life one of our Strategic Plan's actions to "build and maintain infrastructure" as we complete our neighbourhoods," said City Manager Janice Baker. "Although these temporary closures may cause some inconvenience to the branch users, the improvements will be enjoyed for years to come. In the meantime, we encourage residents to explore the many services provided by locations that continue to operate."

Lakeview Branch Library will close on February 7 and reopen late 2010. The $2.5 million project will update the library with a sloped walkway and canopied entrance, new lounge area, quiet and study rooms, energy efficiencies and new windows allowing views to the park.

Similar upgrades are planned for the Lorne Park Branch Library, which will close on February 14 for $4 million in renovations, and reopen late 2010. Port Credit Branch Library will undergo renovations at a cost of $3.1 million. This library will close on February 21 and reopen late 2010.

Bookdrops at all three branches will be shut down at closing time on the last day of opening. Borrowed items can be returned to any other Mississauga Library System location. Holds placed at the branches may be picked up at their nearest operating location. For information on alternate branch library locations and services, please visit www.mississauga.ca/buildingourfutureservicedisruptions. Renderings of the library plans are also posted on the Building Our Future Mississauga website.

Parents whose children will start grade 1 or grade 7 in September 2010, one option to consider is the Peel District School Board's French immersion and extended French programs.

There is a new registration process this year. The deadline to register for either program for the 2010-11 school year is Friday, Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. Registrants after that date will be put on a waiting list. Interested parents will register directly at the school their child would attend.

To find the French immersion or extended French school for their area, parents can visit the board website, www.peelschools.org, and go to “French immersion” in the “Schools” section, or call the Peel board, 905-890-1010/1-800-668-1146 ext. 2212.

The French immersion program starts in grade 1. More than 20 per cent of first graders in the Peel board are enrolled in this popular program. The board has added five new French immersion schools for 2010-11, to keep pace with demand for the program. Extended French starts in grade 7.

City of Mississauga Property Tax Increased by 2.3% for 2010

Mississauga City Council today approved the 2010 City Business Plan and Budget, which balances priorities to meet the needs of taxpayers today, while planning for future needs.

“We believe the 2010 budget delivers value for the services provided to our citizens and businesses,” said Mayor Hazel McCallion.  “City Council and staff are committed to listening to residents and ensuring their priorities are met.  This budget delivers new initiatives like the introduction of the windrow snow clearing pilot program, the reopening of library branches on Sundays with no significant service level cuts in other areas.”

“Residents have come to expect the City to maintain service levels with the lowest possible annual tax increases,” added Janice Baker, City Manager and CAO.  “They trust the City to build transit, fix aging infrastructure and reduce gridlock while keeping property taxes low.  We believe we have successfully delivered that for 2010.”

The 2010 Business Plan and Budget includes new services highlighted below:

• Reopening off all library branches on Sundays in the spring
• A windrow pilot program for the disabled and low-income seniors
• Additional funding to enhance forestry service levels and address a backlog of work orders due to the number of severe storms in 2009
• A tax rebate program for low income seniors and the disabled

In 2010, the City’s portion of the property tax bill will increase by 2.3 per cent, resulting in an increase of 0.65 per cent on the total property tax bill.  This results in an increase of $26.32 on the average home assessed at $400,000.  In recognition of the current state of the economy Council decided not to add a 1 per cent infrastructure tax levy, as implemented in previous years.