Lifestyle

NOT YOUR AVERAGE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

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We recently had the opportunity to speak with a young up-and-coming entrepreneur.  

Ciara is a newly graduated nurse and the founder of Not Your Average Scrub Caps. She started her business during the pandemic in hopes to help healthcare workers showcase their personalities at work.  

The response has been overwhelming and she is so thankful for all the support.  

Continue reading to gain even more insight into this young entrepreneur’s business and what surprised her most about starting a business in the healthcare sector. 

Describe your business

I am the founder and the business owner behind Not Your Average Scrub Caps. It all started when I received my very first sewing machine eight years ago.  

It sat in my basement for many years.  

In 2020, I began my very first nursing job.  I started working in the hospital and needed to wear full PPE including face shield and mask for 12 hours at a time. 

I found that the face shield really caused my hair to be all over the place.  I saw so many scrub caps that day and really wished I had one.  The only thing was they were all very similar to one another and none of them really stood out to me. 

I thought that a scrub cap should be truly unique and show some personality.  Afterall we are hard to recognize and who doesn’t want to cheer someone up with a fun patterned cap!?

I went home that night and sewed my very first cap.  It was three days before Christmas, and It had Santa on it.

I had so many questions on where it was from, and I was shocked by the positive response. 

Before I knew it NYA Scrub Caps was born.  

I thought the face is where hospital patients look to for a reassuring smile and honestly, they are a fun conversation starter. 

What makes your scrub caps different?

NYA Scrub Caps are created from unique limited release fabrics.  This helps to ensure that you don’t (unintentionally) show up to work matching.  All scrub caps have dual buttons to securely hold your mask.  The buttons help combat skin breakdown on your ears.  

My goal is to make people happy, and I believe that seeing a cheerful scrub cap is a good way to start. 

All scrub caps are 100% cotton and prewashed.  NYA Scrub Caps are breathable, comfortable, and ready to get you through the next 12 hours.

What surprised you about starting a business in the healthcare sector?

The overwhelming support of the healthcare professionals. Honestly, I have really been welcomed and everyone has been so very kind to me.  Most of my customers are new to the nursing profession and they are looking for a way to show their personality.  I really feel lucky to be able to engage with such a great group of professionals.  I started NYA Scrub Caps during the pandemic, and I really enjoy how it brought all different healthcare sectors together. 

Any advice for anyone just starting out?

Yes, just start.  Your future self will thank you.  It won’t be a walk in the park at first, but anything worth doing is hard. Keep going. You got this! 

If you need a fun scrub cap look no further! Find your perfect Not Your Average Scrub Cap here.

City of Mississauga, Ratepayers, Streetsville, Traffic

Slow Streets have Rolled Out in Mississauga Neighbourhoods

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With COVID-19 public health protocols still in place this summer, the City has decided to move forward with expanding its Slow Streets initiative, piloted as Quiet Streets in 2020, in all City wards. Slow Streets have rolled out in neighbourhoods throughout Mississauga to give residents ample space to safely move around their neighbourhood. They will be in place until the end of October 2021, to allow time to prepare for the winter season. 

Slow Streets are a temporary traffic calming measure that involve installing road barricades and signage on neighbourhood streets. Slow Streets are intended to provide additional space for pedestrians and cyclists to move around their neighbourhood while safely maintaining physical distancing, following COVID-19 public health recommendations. Slow Streets also reduce speeding and limit traffic to local vehicles. Slow Streets will remain accessible to car traffic and two-way travel. Posted speed limits will remain the same.

Slow Streets direct drivers to slow down and share the road with other road users. By implementing Slow Streets, those walking, running, biking and using mobility devices can comfortably use the road while being able to physical distance.

Temporary barricades and signs will be installed at main vehicle entry points. This installation signals to drivers to slow down, avoid passing and take extra care if they live in the area and are navigating the road. The barricades will also allow for easy movement of essential emergency service vehicles as well as waste and road maintenance vehicles. Specific layouts will vary somewhat depending on characteristics such as road width and parking usage on each roadway.

Slow Streets are not intended for multi-lane major collector or arterial roadways or with roads that have MiWay routes. 

There are no changes to services such as waste collection. Please put your green, blue and grey carts at the curb following your regular schedule.

Learn more about the City’s road safety initiatives, visit mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/transportation-and-streets/road-safety/slow-streets/

City of Mississauga, Ratepayers

Budget Committee Meeting Scheduled for June 21, 2021

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A Budget Committee meeting is scheduled for June 21, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. where staff will report on an updated financial position for 2021 and budget outlook for 2022.

In April, staff provided an update on the impacts of COVID-19 as well as projections regarding the City of Mississauga’s Budget and Business Plan for future years.

The budget and business planning process enables the City to efficiently provide residents and businesses with municipal services, projects and programs. The City’s budget allocates the funding and resources needed to deliver services and maintain the infrastructure that residents and businesses depend on, while meeting the City’s short and long-term operational and strategic goals.

Stream the meeting day of or catch up on previous Budget Committee meetings.

Learn more about the City’s Budget and Business Plan at mississauga.ca/budget.

City of Mississauga, Development

Mississauga Official Plan Review Meetings to Discuss Housing, Growth, Transportation and Environment

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The City is hosting three virtual community meetings to discuss key directions of Mississauga’s Official Plan Review. Housing, growth, transportation and the environment will be the focus in this phase of public engagement.

Mississauga is reviewing its current Official Plan, which guides growth, to ensure it reflects the changing needs, opportunities and aspirations of the city. Since launching the Official Plan Review in June 2019, the City has conducted ongoing public consultation. Having reviewed the community feedback to date, this current phase of engagement focuses on confirming policy directions for environment, transportation and growth.  Engagement for housing options will explore ideas from the community.

What & When:

Virtual community meetings to discuss our future city:

·        What are the priorities for the environment and transportation?

Tuesday, June 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  

·        Where will major growth go?

Thursday, June 17, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

·        How can we increase housing choices in our neighbourhoods? 

Wednesday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Who:

·        Mississauga residents and property owners

·        Business owners and employees

·        Members of Council and City staff

How:

To participate:

·        Register here or call 311. Registered participants will receive meeting instructions and background materials. If you are unable to attend, the meetings will be recorded and can be viewed following the sessions.

·        Provide feedback or ask a question on the project engagement site.

To prepare for the meetings:

·        Official Plan Review: Visit the project engagement site to review the research briefs, theme summaries and project engagement to date

·        Housing: Help shape the conversation by taking the survey and sharing your ideas.Visit the Increasing Housing Choices in Neighbourhoods for more information

·        Transportation: For more information, see related studies including Changing Lanes and the Transportation Master Plan

·        Environment: For more information, see related studies including the Climate Change Action Plan  

Background:

The City’s Official Plan policies address important parts of city-building that affect how the city grows, including transportation, housing, culture and heritage, the environment and the economy.

The Official Plan addresses:

  • where housing, industry, offices, shops and roads should go
  • which services and amenities (e.g., parks, schools, transit) are needed and where they will be located
  • what parts of the city will be the focus for growth and what it will look like e.g., heights and densities
  • ways to enhance economic development and job growth

The City launched the Official Plan Review at a Special Council meeting held on June 10, 2019. For more information and to sign up for email updates, visit the public engagement page.

City of Mississauga, Meadowvale, Transit

Proposed Ninth Line Improvements Will Support Future Travel Demand for Everyone

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The City of Mississauga is proposing transportation improvements for Ninth Line from Eglinton Avenue West to Derry Road West. In a corporate report presented at General Committee today, City staff identified opportunities to support future transportation needs for all road users – pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and drivers. Improvements will also support the City’sShaping Ninth Line study, that looks at transforming the last remaining greenfield into a sustainable, transit-supportive, connected and distinct neighbourhood.

“Great transportation infrastructure is a key foundation to an evolving city,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “That’s why it’s important that we continue to invest in transportation and make necessary changes to get people moving throughout Mississauga. Whether they walk, cycle, take transit or drive, residents want options and alternatives to support their preferred mode of transportation.”

The City completed an Environmental Assessment Study – as required under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act – to identify issues, opportunities, solutions and design concepts. Residents and stakeholders were involved in multiple engagement sessions to provide input and recommendations.

“I am excited for the future of Ninth Line. These changes will make getting around more accessible and safer for everyone in the community, and is much needed as our city continues growing,” said Sue McFadden, Ward 10 Councillor. “It’s another important step in transforming the Ninth Line lands – including future additions of a new sports park and community centre – and to see its potential as a major transportation artery in Ward 10. Thanks to all residents who engaged with us on this important project.”

Significant proposed changes will include:

·       Separated boulevard cycle tracks and sidewalks

·       Road widening from two to four lanes

·       New signalized intersections

·       Crossrides at all signalized intersections and intersections without signals

·       Upgraded and new transit stops

·       Posted speed limit to decrease from 70 km/h to 60 km/h

·       Intersections designed in compliance with Accessibility for Ontario with Disabilities Act

·       Enhanced streetscaping features

“As Mississauga experiences more traffic on its roadways, the City continues to find ways to improve traffic flow and how people move around,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “Improvements will greatly benefit everyone as we provide more transportation options on Ninth Line. This includes better active transportation and transit infrastructure, and increasing capacity for road users to accommodate existing and future demand. Prioritizing safe travel options for all road users will also help advance our goal of achieving Vision Zero. Transportation improvements like this, along with those for Dundas Connects, are all part of the City’s Transportation Master Plan for future mobility.”

The proposed Ninth Line improvements will now go to Council on June 16, 2021 for final approval. To learn more, read the corporate report: https://pub-mississauga.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=13018

Learn more about Shaping Ninth Line at mississauga.ca/ninthline.