‘Unprecedented’ increase in asylum claimants, extreme weather leads to proposed zoning changes in Mississauga

Mississauga is proposing changes to bylaws due to an “unprecedented” increase in asylum claimants and extreme weather.

The city’s shelter system has been under stress and planning staff hope changes zoning bylaws could address some issues.

“Due to global unrest, Canada, including Peel Region, has experienced an unprecedented increase in the number of asylum claimants needing emergency shelter since June 2023, putting a strain on public services,” a report to the Planning and Development Committee states.

In February,1,300 asylum seekers were in the shelter system and overflow hotels in Mississauga and Brampton.

The initial response to the increase in asylum claimants was a short-term solution to an urgent situation but now the city and Peel Region are looking for long-term solutions.

Planning staff reviewed existing shelters in Mississauga and found that most are located in employment, commercial and residential apartment zones. Many operate in hotels and motels, which are classified as overnight accommodation in the zoning bylaw.

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The proposal is to change zoning to permit transitional housing in the same zones where overnight accommodation is permitted in many areas across Mississauga.

A map shows areas where the zoning bylaw could be changed to allow for transitional housing for asylum claimants.

“This approach makes it more likely that shelters will not concentrate in one particular location and provides those in need of shelter with access to essential services, amenities and the flexibility to respond to emergencies,” Trista James, City of Mississauga planner said at the Sept. 16 meeting.

Councillor Stephen Dasko asked that the shelters be in areas near transit.

The city is also proposing changes to allow for more emergency shelters.

“Severe and unpredictable weather has highlighted gaps in our emergency shelter system,” said James.

Temporary shelters are needed during extreme weather and natural disasters as existing shelters are often at or over capacity, James added.

The change, called an “Ancillary Crisis Shelter use” would allow some non-residential buildings, such as community centres, libraries, churches, temples or faith-based institutions, to serve as short-term shelters during severe weather warnings or natural emergencies as declared by a public authority.

Ancillary Crisis Shelters should have essential infrastructure, such as adequate sanitation, fire safety measures, and access to public transportation, to safely and effectively accommodate larger groups of people.

Councillor Alvin Tedjo asked if the wording in the bylaw could allow the facilities to deal with insurance as it has been an issue in the past. Staff said they would look into that.

Another change in the same report was to allow grocery stores to add seating for in-store dining.

The zoning change would increase the number of seats permitted for dining in a retail store from six seats to 25 seats.

“This proposed change reflects a trend in the retail food industry, where many grocery stores now offer in-store dining options to enhance the customer experience,” the report states.

The food dining area would be an accessory to the main function of the retail store.

Mayor Carolyn Parrish raised concerns about Ridgeway Plaza shops using this zoning change to add more seating areas when the place is already dealing with overcrowding and traffic issues.

“This is kind of an unintended consequence of this policy that could potentially come back and get us,” said Councillor Matt Mahoney.

Staff said they can ensure that it will be for a particular size of store and would look at parking considerations.

The proposed changes were presented for information and will be voted on after consultations.

For more information, see the Planning and Development Committee meeting here.

Lead photo: Marcus Loke