Category

Announcement

Peel Regional Police Update: Launch of Youth Engagement Strategy

By Announcement, Resources, Youth

On Friday March 21st, 2025, Peel Regional Police launched a progressive and forward-thinking strategy that is aimed at shaping the service’s future engagement with youth, parents/guardians and community partners who serve youth.

Their new Youth Engagement Strategy will be carried out in consultation with community partners and youth over the coming years. This will include the creation of specific initiatives, such as establishing a youth mentorship program, providing training opportunities for PRP members to better engage with youth, and strengthening support to youth affected by hate and bias.

In 2024, a survey and focus groups were conducted to provide an independent, unbiased lens on youth safety, policing and police interaction with youth within Mississauga and Brampton. This research will help to shape the development of new programs and the refinement of existing ones.

PRP has several existing programs that bring young people and officers together in the spirit of cooperation, education and mentorship, including the Youth In Policing Initiative, the Young Women’s Mentorship Program which is aimed at empowering at-risk girls by fostering leadership skills, building confidence and providing mentorship opportunities, and the Boys to Men Program – an initiative designed to provide at-risk boys with guidance, support and positive role models.

The new strategy builds on the foundation of these and other existing programs and is designed to encourage a positive relationship between youth and police and to ensure youth feel comfortable engaging with police officers, something that ultimately supports the safety and well-being of youth and the broader community.

Please take a moment to view the Youth Engagement Strategy here.

PRP’s news release here: https://x.com/PeelPolice/status/1903111382159200477

 

March 24, 2025
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City awards funding for affordable rental units in eight new Mississauga developments

By Announcement, Planning & Development

The funding will help get more than 1,400 new rental units under construction including 25 per cent with more affordable or below-market rents.

March 24, 2025

Today at Planning and Development Committee, Mississauga will formally announce the recipients of the City’s $44 million Affordable Rental Housing incentive program. The program, funded in part, by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, will kick-off a new wave of purpose-built rental construction citywide.Since 2005, only 2,200 rental units have been constructed in Mississauga. This funding will immediately unlock more than 1,400 shovel-ready rental units including almost 400 with more affordable rents.

As the City works to address the housing crisis, this represents another bold step to expand the supply of affordable rental housing for Mississauga residents.

Approved in July 2024, the incentive program is designed to help quickly increase Mississauga’s supply of affordable and below-market rental units. It offers financial incentives for private and non-profit rental developers including capital grants per affordable unit and waivers/grants for certain municipal fees and charges.

Successful applicants

The City received 12 applications from a variety of non-profit and private sector developers during an open call for applications. Located in six of the City’s 11 wards, the eight successful developments will bring:

  • 1,450 new purpose-built rental units including 384 units with more affordable rents
    • 261 units with affordable rents – which means rent is at or below 100 per cent of average market rent ($1,625 per month maximum for a 1-bedroom unit)
    • 123 units with below market rents – which means rents are below 125 per cent of average market rent ($2,031 maximum for a 1-bedroom unit)
  • A variety of unit sizes including 200 family-sized units (two or more bedrooms)

Average market rent is published annually by Canada Home and Mortgage Corporation (CHMC) and refers to the value of all units in the primary rental market (including older units, rent controlled etc.). Average market rent is typically lower than the rents landlords advertise for new tenants.

Financial incentives

The funding is designed for shovel-ready projects that have demonstrated they are ready to start construction within the next two years.

Successful applicants will receive a set capital grant per affordable unit ($130,000 per unit for affordable units or $60,000 per unit per below-market unit). They will also receive waivers/grants for certain municipal fees and charges. The funding will be issued approximately one month after building permit issuance provided all eligibility requirements are met.

Units that are funded through the program must meet minimum unit sizes and remain affordable for a minimum of 25 years.

Mississauga needs more purpose-built rentals

Purpose-built rentals are built specifically for the rental market – unlike private condominiums which are often used as rentals but offer fewer protections for tenants.

In recent years, Mississauga’s development has been almost entirely comprised of market condominiums. In the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area, which includes Mississauga, approximately 60 per cent of apartment condominium units built between 2016-2021 were occupied by renters.

Getting more purpose-built rental housing under construction in Mississauga is important and is a key action under the City’s housing plan and the Mayor’s Housing Task Force. These types of homes are more attainable for people who are new to the housing market or who have moderate incomes. They also provide more security for tenants over the long-term.

Next steps

City staff will work with successful applicants as their projects move towards Building Permit issuance to ensure they continue to meet all necessary eligibility requirements.

Fact Sheet

Read our fact sheet for details about the new rental developments.

Images

Artist rendering of apartment building
Artist rendering of 596 Lolita Gardens, Hanseatic Holdings Ltd/ Park Property Management Inc.
Artist rendering of apartment building
Artist rendering of 4094 Tomken Road, Kindred Works
Artist rendering of apartment building
Artist rendering of 45 Agnes Street, JD Development Group
March 24, 2025
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Peel Region strengthens youth violence prevention efforts with $270,000 in grant funding

By Announcement, Resources

BRAMPTON, ON (March 20, 2025) – Peel Region is reinforcing its commitment to preventing youth violence by providing additional support to community partners through a new grant funding opportunity. An expression of interest (EOI) has been made available to community partners to fund racialized trauma, trauma-informed and violence-informed training for providers serving youth in Peel.

This initiative, totaling $270,000 in funding, will run from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, and is designed to enhance the capacity of service providers to address the complex needs of youth in our region, particularly those from vulnerable and racialized communities.

Youth violence remains a growing concern in Peel, and tackling it requires a comprehensive approach that includes investing in early intervention, to improve the well-being of young people.

This funding is part of the $7.3 million time-limited investment from Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF), which has been instrumental in expanding youth violence prevention programs.  Funding in Peel has been allocated to community-based service providers to deliver critical programs and services to support youth well-being. Some examples include:

  • Deliver holistic support for racialized and at-risk youth, including mental health counseling, housing assistance, and employment services.
  • Provide 1:1 support for young men on parole, helping them access education, employment, and psychological care.
  • Connect young women at risk of gang involvement with positive role models and life-skills support.
  • Expand access to arts, sports, and recreational programs to help youth develop positive peer relationships.
  • Offer life skills training and mentorship opportunities in schools and the community.

This ongoing collaboration with community partners has led to meaningful improvements to critical services for at-risk youth, including strengthened engagement with more young people and providing service providers with the necessary tools to support them effectively.

This latest training initiative is informed by needs and opportunities identified through Peel Region’s partnership with community organizations and through the ongoing collaborative development of the Youth Violence Prevention (YVP) strategy.

“This funding opportunity shows the power of collaboration between Peel Region and our dedicated community partners. By listening to and learning from the needs of local youth, we are co-creating a more inclusive, responsive, and effective approach to youth violence prevention. Together, we are building stronger, safer communities for and with young people in Peel.

Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services, Peel Region

March 20, 2025
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Learn gardening basics at a “Spring Season Garden Planning” workshop

By Announcement, Food for thought

Register online to participate in a Homegrown Mississauga workshop to learn about garden preparation and setup.

March 20, 2025

Are you interested in getting into gardening this spring but you’re not sure where to start? The City, in partnership with Ecosource, will be hosting a series of Homegrown Mississauga gardening workshops throughout the growing season.

The first of the series is the “Spring Season Garden Planning” workshop, which will run in March, April and May. Attendees will learn the basics of garden planning (e.g. crop planning and building healthy soil) and how to grow their own fruits and vegetables (e.g. seed starting and transplanting). Subsequent seasonal workshops in the summer, fall and winter will cover topics such as tending to the garden, harvesting and preparing for colder weather.

These workshops support the Urban Agriculture Strategy, by teaching residents gardening skills, so that they can access healthy foods by growing them close to home. The workshops will be great for residents with limited or no gardening experience. Everyone is welcome. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The first workshop will include a presentation and a hands-on gardening activity involving soil, seeds and water so please dress appropriately.

What

An in-person workshop that will teach you the basics of starting a garden.

When and where

The same “Spring Season Garden Planning” workshop will run at four different locations and dates in March, April and May:

Cost

Free – online registration is required as space is limited.

March 20, 2025
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Mississauga increasing parking fines to encourage better compliance and address safety concerns

By Announcement, Parking

Increased fines for 76 parking offences will go into effect on April 1, 2025.

March 20, 2025

Effective April 1, 2025, fines will increase for 76 parking offences in Mississauga. This week, Mississauga City Council approved updates to the City’s Traffic By-Law and Administrative Penalty By-law, following approval of a staff report on February 5, 2025. By increasing fines, the City aims to encourage better compliance with parking regulations and prevent safety risks caused by illegally parked and stopped vehicles.

Since 2021, the City has experienced a significant increase in parking service requests and penalties issued, with numbers continuing to trend upwards.

  • In 2024, the City received 182,096 service requests and issued 208,433 penalties.
  • Compared to 2021, this is a 75 per cent increase in service requests and a 60 per cent increase in issued penalties.

Updates to the Administrative Penalty By-law, effective April 1, 2025

  • A 38 per cent fine increase will be applied to 66 parking offences as they relate to the City’s Traffic By-law.
  • Of the 66 offences, an additional $10 increase will be applied to the City’s most common parking violations, such as parking in a prohibited area, parking during the prohibited period between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., and parking at a paid parking machine without displaying a receipt. A $50 fine increase will be applied to offences that pose heightened public safety concerns, such as parking or stopping in a bike lane, in a school zone, on a sidewalk or crosswalk, and within three metres of a fire hydrant.
  • A $50 fine increase will be applied to parking offences as they relate to the City’s Fire Route By-law and the Accessible Parking By-law.

Updates to the Lakefront Increased Penalty Zone, as per the Traffic By-law

Each year, from May 1 to September 30, parking and stopping violations incur a fine of $100 on local roads, in City parks and municipal parking lots south of Lakeshore Road. Effective April 1, 2025, fines will increase to beyond the current fine amount of $100 for four parking offences within the Lakefront Increased Penalty Zone, including stopping a vehicle on a sidewalk, parking within three metres of a fire hydrant, and parking and stopping in a school zone. The boundaries of the Lakefront Increased Penalty Zone will also be extended, extending from the city’s east limit to the city’s west limit. The west limit was previously Meadow Wood Road.

Road sign indicating Lakefront Increased Penalty Zone. Parking fines increased May 1 to September 30.
Road sign indicating Lakefront Increased Penalty Zone.

Residents can report a parking offence online.

To learn more about parking in Mississauga, visit mississauga.ca/parking.

To learn more about road safety in Mississauga, visit mississauga.ca/roadsafety.

Mississauga Enforcement officer placing parking ticket on hood of car.

March 20, 2025
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Reminder: Tax Season and Housing Benefits

By Announcement, Resources

 Mississauga Community Legal Services (MCLS) is reminding residents who are receiving housing benefits from the Region of Peel, such as the Rent Geared to Income (RGI) program, that tax season is upon us.

As you may know, the Region of Peel offers free tax clinics to help residents file their taxes. These clinics are staffed by trained volunteers who can provide assistance with a variety of tax-related issues, including claiming the Ontario Trillium Benefit and the GST/HST credit.

This hopefully will help ensure that residents who are receiving housing benefits are aware of this valuable resource and help to avoid preventable issues that can snowball from minor errors to cumbersome, lengthy legal matters.

Annual reviews for housing benefits are mailed out at the end of the year. These reviews are important to ensure that residents are receiving the correct amount of assistance and having a copy of the CRA Notice of Assessment is necessary, see for example: https://peelregion.ca/sites/default/files/2024-04/tenant-annual-review-for-rent.pdf.

If residents have any questions about their taxes or their annual reviews, they can contact MCLS at 905-896-2052 or online at: https://www.mississaugalegalclinic.ca/contact-us/.

March 19, 2025
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Call for Musicians for Summer Concert Series

By Announcement, Events, Ward 1

The City of Mississauga presents the Summer Concert Series at Streetsville Village Square (Fridays), Cooksville Four Corners (Saturdays) and Port Credit Memorial Park (Sundays) during the months of July and August.

Submissions are open to Mississauga-based musicians. For musical groups, at least 50% of members must be residents of Mississauga.

Musician payments are based on the number of performers:

  • Solo musician: $414 (+HST if applicable)
  • Duo: $621 (+HST if applicable)
  • Trio: $828 (+HST if applicable)
  • Four piece: $1,035 (+HST if applicable)
  • Five piece and up: $1,242 (+HST if applicable)

Selected musicians will be contacted for scheduling upon acceptance.

Selected performers are required to produce a Certificate of Insurance on the City template or purchase 2 million dollars liability insurance naming the City of Mississauga as an additional insured. Insurance can be purchased through the City of Mississauga for $26.76.

Performances are 90 minutes in length, with an option for an intermission at the performer’s discretion.

A PA system and sound technician will be provided by the City of Mississauga. All instruments (including backline) must be provided by the performers(s).

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by a panel of local industry professionals based on artistic merit and potential for wide audience appeal. Musicians performing in all genres are encouraged to apply.

Submissions

Applications are open until Tuesday, April 8 at 11:59pm.

Apply now

Contact

For more information, contact Corey Poole, Music Development Coordinator via email at corey.poole@mississauga.ca.

March 19, 2025
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Peel Public Health investigating a confirmed case of measles

By Announcement, Issues

(March 18, 2025) – Peel Public Health (PPH) is investigating a case of measles that was confirmed on March 14.

The public may have been exposed at the following locations:

  • Hazel McCallion Central Library on March 7 between 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    301 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Mississauga
  • Multi-Specialty Med Clinic between March 8 from 7:03 p.m. to March 9 at 1:00 a.m.
    21 Queensway W, Mississauga
  • Aboud Health Group on March 10 between 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
    422 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Mississauga
  • Credit Valley Hospital Emergency Room on March 11 between 10:30 a.m. to 7:55 p.m.
    2200 Eglinton Ave W, Mississauga

Peel Public Health directly contacts people who were at exposure sites if possible. PPH advises anyone who was at these sites or thinks they have been exposed to the measles virus to do the following:

  • Check their immunization record to confirm they and their family members are up-to-date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Those who are unsure can check with their health care provider. Two doses are generally recommended for anyone born in or after 1970. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
  • Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider, or if not available, Peel Public Health as soon as possible to get advice. Do not attend work or school. Those concerned about symptoms should call their health care provider before going to see them to inform them they may have been in contact with someone who has measles.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to those who are not immunized or have not previously had measles. Infants under one year of age, unimmunized pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications.

Measles symptoms begin 7-21 days after infection and may include:

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis, i.e. pink eye), sensitivity to light
  • Red rash lasting 4 to 7 days

The situation in Peel 

  • So far in 2025, there have been 4 confirmed cases of measles in Peel.
  • In 2024, Peel had 3 confirmed cases of measles.
  • Of Peel’s 4 cases, 2 were related to international travel, and 2 were from community spread. Peel’s cases are not known to be connected to the current multi-jurisdictional measles outbreak in Ontario.
  • 2 of Peel’s 2025 cases resulted in hospitalizations both of which occurred in unvaccinated children. Vaccination is the best protection against the spread.
  • Peel Public Health continues to monitor the situation and investigates every new case.

For questions, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 / 1-888-919-7800 (toll-free). Phones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

For more information about the measles situation across Ontario, please visit Measles Exposures in Ontario | Public Health Ontario.

March 18, 2025
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Controlled Burn at Jack Darling Memorial Park and Lorne Park Prairie

By Announcement, Parks

Since 2012, the Forestry section has regularly completed controlled burns at Jack Darling Memorial Park to help maintain rare tallgrass prairie habitat. These burns have proved successful in restoring the prairie. In 2022, the remnant prairie at Lorne Park was also added to the burn schedule. The burns are completed every 3-4 years with the last burns completed in 2021 and 2022. As a result, a burn is scheduled for spring 2025 at both locations.

Tallgrass prairies once covered over 40,000 ha of land in Ontario, including a large proportion of Mississauga, but less than three percent (3%) of this habitat remains in Southern Ontario. By protecting these remaining areas, we help preserve biodiversity and our natural heritage. The prairie is threatened by invasive species and controlled burns are an effective way to maintain the habitat and support rare grasses and wildflowers that grow there. The controlled burn will be scheduled to take place between mid-March to early-May 2025, with exact date(s) determined based on weather conditions (ie. wind speed and precipitation). The entire burn process will take approximately 4 to 6 hours over the course of 1 to 2 days.

The controlled burn will be completed by Wildfire Specialists Inc., a company with over 20 years of specialized experience in tallgrass prairie restoration and management through controlled burns. Forestry and Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services staff will be on site with the contractor throughout the burn process. Residential homes adjacent to the site will receive direct notification regarding the burn, and temporary signs will be erected in both parks prior to the burn to inform park users of temporary park closures.

Controlled burns will continue on a maintenance schedule of every three to four years, augmented by annual maintenance practices. This will ensure the ongoing preservation of prairie habitats in these parklands.

March 14, 2025
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