Got it done online in no time! These are some of the top digital City services used in 2024

Time is precious. It’s something we all wished we had more of, especially at the start of a new year. To help save yourself time, why not check to see if you can do it online? Check that task off your list by accessing the City’s catalogue of online services to get it done more efficiently by not disrupting your schedule.

Last year, residents accessed City services and signed up for programs from the comfort of their computers and smartphones, skipping the travel and cost associated with doing the same task in-person or having to mail in items. And by making these online services available to residents, the City saved money on administration costs, helped reduce waiting times and contributed to a better overall customer experience.

Here are some of the top digital services used last year:

1. Library’s digital catalogue to borrow eBooks, audiobooks and use streaming platforms.
2. Active Mississauga to sign up for swimming lessons, fitness classes and creative programs.
3. Parking permit online application to get permission for on-street parking for your visitors.
4. Renewing or purchasing a new pet licence using the City’s online form to help keep your pet safe and healthy.

Participate, borrow and learn at the library

The library is a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment that can help you start that do it yourself (DIY) project you’ve always wanted to complete, participate in a cozy family storytime, or simply get swept away in your favourite fictional world for an afternoon.

Residents are able to get more done by accessing the large collection of eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines and newspapers, as well as video and music streaming on platforms such as Freegal, Hoopla and Kanopy in the digital catalogue that the library offers.

Last year, the total digital circulation for these resources, which includes borrowing of eBooks and eAudiobooks, digital magazines and newspapers, as well as video and music streaming through platforms was more than 2.5 million. This is more than an 11 per cent increase compared to 2023.

Join a team or learn a new skill

New year, new you! Are you inspired to change up your routine, meet new people or finally learn how to use that sewing machine sitting in your basement? In 2024, the City had more than 140,000 registrations for recreation and culture programs. The most popular of these programs were: swimming lessons, summer camps and sports programming, including the popular multi-sport development program where youth get to develop the skills to play a variety of sports, like soccer and floor hockey.

All you need to do is visit Active Mississauga online. From here, you can browse the different programs, camps and leagues available, and view the schedules for drop-in classes.

Want to focus on your creative side? No problem, you can browse and sign up for programs to help you write a novel, craft your own ceramics, learn how to play guitar and more! Worried that you don’t have a lot of experience with art? There are programs for various skill levels whether you’re learning the basics or perfecting a skill that you’ve been practicing.

Getting parking permits for your visitors

Do you have family or friends dropping by for an extended visit? Make sure to avoid getting a parking ticket (which you can also dispute or pay online) by applying for a temporary parking permit so they can park their car on your street. There is no cost for the permit and you can apply for and check the status of your application online, which can help save you much needed time.

Last year, Mississauga residents submitted more than 85,000 online parking permit requests. This ensured that they had the parking space they needed without worrying about receiving a parking ticket.

These temporary permits last for five days and can be used for up to five different vehicles. Each address is allowed a maximum of 14 short-term street parking permits per calendar year. Permits are not valid on private property or where there are prohibitive signs. Ensure you have your vehicle licence plate numbers before starting the permit request process.

Register or update your pet licence

If you own a dog or cat in Mississauga, you must register a pet licence with the City and keep it current. A pet licence provides important information if your pet gets lost or goes missing. In addition to peace of mind, the fees associated with purchasing a one or two-year pet licence go directly to support the care of the shelter animals at the Animal Services Centre and other animal care services. This includes feeding homeless pets, returning lost pets to their homes, providing veterinary services to animals in our care, providing 24/7 animal rescue services and more.

You can save time by purchasing or renewing your pet licence online. In 2024, 9,884 pet licences were purchased and renewed online.

Save time and check if you can get it done online. Check out the full suite of City services and programs that you can access from the comfort of your computer.

Services at City Hall

If you prefer to do your business in-person, you can drop by City Hall to get information about City services, register for a program or make a payment. The below services now have a permanent presence in the Great Hall (ground floor of City Hall) and are open during regular City business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Welcome Desk: provides assistance with wayfinding, inquiries related to City services and assisting with booking appointments at the self-service electronic kiosk.
• Legislative Services: issues marriage licenses, performs civil ceremonies, provides commissioner of oath services and intake of liquor licence applications, freedom of information (FOI) requests, claims and liens submissions, formal complaints and burial permits.
• Planning and Building: assists with in-person inquires or requests to schedule meetings for development applications, building permits or related matters.
• Security Services: provides onsite support to City staff, customers and visitors through heightened visibility at City Hall.

Tags

• Animal Services
• Arts and Culture
• Libraries
• Recreation and Sports