Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does EMSRA stand for?
A: Erin Mills South Residents Association.
Q: Why was EMSRA formed? What is its purpose?
A:Our mission is to organize, engage, represent and advocate for our interests and concerns to ensure our community remains a vibrant and liveable neighbourhood for all. We are dedicated to representing the collective voice of our residents so that our community is empowered and can shape its future. The priority issue our community must manage is the proposed redevelopment of the plaza located at 4099 Erin Mills Parkway. Other priorities can be determined in the future by the membership and the board of directors, which is why it’s important to ensure broad community participation.
Q. Has EMSRA prepared a “land acknowledgement”? Does EMSRA promote conciliation with Indigenous Nations ? Source
A: Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the lands which constitute the present-day City of Mississauga as being part of the Treaty and Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and The Huron-Wendat and Wyandot Nations. We recognize these peoples and their ancestors as peoples who inhabited these lands since time immemorial. The City of Mississauga is home to many global Indigenous peoples.
A: Statement of Reconciliation
As a municipality, the City of Mississauga is actively working towards Reconciliation by confronting our past and our present, providing space for Indigenous peoples within their territory, to recognize and uphold their Treaty Rights and to support Indigenous peoples. We formally recognize the Anishinaabe origins of our name and continue to make Mississauga a safe space for all Indigenous peoples.
Q: Are there going to be unreasonable rules enforced by the Residents Association on the homeowners or restrictions on what I can or cannot do with my property?
A: No. It is impossible for EMSRA to impose restrictive rules and fines on homeowners. EMSRA has no jurisdiction, or intention, to impose any rules and/or fines on homeowners. The Erin Mills South Residents Association is a “residents association” (RA). An RA in Ontario is not the same thing as a Homeowners Association (HOA) in the United States, which are sometimes known for their overly restrictive rules. EMSRA will not restrict or regulate personal property. You can learn more about RAs from the Mississauga Residents’ Association Network: https://miranet.ca/
Q. Why was it necessary to form EMSRA as a “Corporation” rather than relying on the prior community groups and individuals advocating for the community?
A: If the development process goes to court, the prior groups are not legal entities that can become “parties” to those court proceedings. For example, individuals are unlikely to be able to challenge the Developer at the Ontario Land Tribunal if the redevelopment of 4099 Erin Mills Parkway plaza gets to that point. Having a residents association gives our community a seat at the decision making table.
Q: What is the difference between a Class "A" Member and a Class "B" non-voting member?
A: Only one class “A” membership is permitted per household and is eligible to run as a Director and hold one vote at the Annual General Meeting. Therefore, one household gets one vote to ensure fairness. Class “A” members are only available to:
● a resident who is 18 years of age or older and lives within the geographic boundaries; or
● a landlord who is 18 years of age or older and who owns a residence within the geographical boundaries.
If there is more than one person per household that wants to participate in EMSRA activities, they can join as a Class “B” non-voting member. However, they cannot stand as a Director and are unable to vote at the Annual General Meeting. A Class "B" member is only available to:
● a resident who is 18 years of age or older and lives within the geographic boundaries.
Q. Does EMSRA have a procedure for absentee voting (advance voting) at the Annual General Meeting ?
A. EMSRA's By-law 1 and Directors Resolutions permit absentee voting (advance voting) by voting members, using either an online "Let's Vote" form (the preferred choice) or a Proxy form. Voting members have already received e-mails with password-protected links to an Annual General Meeting (AGM) web page that explains these options and contains the "Let's Vote" form. Use of absentee voting (advance voting) counts towards a quorum at the AGM, whether you use the "Let's Vote" form or the Proxy form. Using the "Let's Vote" form to vote, in advance of the meeting, is the preferred method, because it gives members more choices, and helps us achieve a quorum quickly, so that we can move ahead with the AGM, avoid any adjournments of the AGM, and have time for discussion. If you use the "Let's Vote" form, you are still welcome to attend in person, but please RSVP.
Q: Can I be held personally liable as an EMSRA member?
A: As the corporation is a separate legal entity distinct from its members and has the capacity to sue and be sued, it affords limited liability protection to its members. This means that individual members are not personally liable in certain instances, for the corporation’s debts and obligations. For more information on the matter please consult the following documents:
1) Source (Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, ServiceOntario and the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee for Ontario, Charitable Property Program of the Ministry of the Attorney General)
2) Non-for-profit incorporator’s handbook: https://volunteer.ca/vdemo/EngagingVolunteers_DOCS/Directors'%20Liability%20Discussion%20Paper.pdf
3) Directors’ Liability: A Discussion Paper on Legal Liability, Risk Management and the Role Of Directors in Non-Profit Organizations: https://coco-net.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Board-Liablity_modified2012_0.pdf
Q: Can anyone join EMSRA?
A: Any “resident” over 18 years of age who resides within the boundaries can join EMSRA.
Q: Why do I need to pay a fee to become a member?
A: The fee enables the association to engage in advocacy efforts, addressing collective concerns with local authorities and ensuring representation for the community. The fee is used to cover the costs of the Residents Association. E.g. It is used to pay for signs, flyers, the website, and to pay for meeting space for the AGM. Directors are not compensated for their involvement. Essentially, the membership fee is an investment in a vibrant and cohesive community, allowing the association to provide valuable services and create a more enjoyable living experience for everyone involved.
Q. How do I pay my membership fee to EMSRA?
A.
1. We prefer e-transfers through your own bank. We ask that you include your name and address in the comment section of your e-transfer. The recipient for such e-transfers or e-mails is a volunteer who is the Treasurer, and a Director of, the Erin Mills South Residents Association. Funds will be deposited into the EMSRA bank account. Here is an illustration of such an e-transfer.
2. Should you prefer to mail us a cheque, please make it payable to "Erin Mills South Residents Association" and use this mailing address.