Category

Announcement

Mississauga unveils ‘once-in-a-generation’ vision to transform the downtown core

By Announcement

New cultural and tourist venues, landmark open spaces, housing and office development will act as major economic drivers for the City while creating a livelier urban centre.

March 11, 2026

 

Artist rendering of vision for downtown with titles showing performing arts centre, hotel, retail, rental apartments, convention centre, office

City Council has endorsed a transformative new vision for the future of Mississauga’s downtown core. The vision re-imagines 12 acres of City‑owned land next to City Hall, creating a vibrant, new downtown area that will spur economic growth and become a destination for residents and visitors alike.

The vision is anchored by a conference centre, hotel and state-of-the-art music hub with a performance venue, recording studios and a music school. It also features a new office and rental development with atrium-style retail space along a re-designed pedestrian-friendly Princess Royal Drive. A mix of innovative open spaces, including a signature Sky Park, will help strengthen and connect public spaces in the downtown core.

The new vision is part of Mississauga’s ongoing efforts to transform the downtown core from its suburban origins into a dynamic, walkable, urban centre supported by light-rail transit. It emphasizes a renewed commitment to music excellence, tourism and economic development.

Revitalizing City-owned lands and facilities

The redevelopment site includes the Living Arts Centre (LAC) and four other parcels of City-owned land that are currently used as parking lots and underutilized, passive open space. While the LAC remains a cornerstone of Mississauga’s cultural infrastructure, the building is outdated and requires significant investment to make it viable to meet the needs of a modern city.

In total, these lands provide a rare opportunity to revitalize almost 12 acres of the City’s downtown through a comprehensive, rather than incremental, planning approach. This area serves as a key downtown connection, linking the City’s Civic Centre area including Sheridan College, with the urban neighbourhoods growing up around Square One to the east and along Confederation Parkway to the west. It will also provide a connection to major downtown greenspaces including a new urban park and the newly revitalized Zonta Meadows Park.

Artist rendering showing vision of streetscape with pedestrian bridge connecting buildings in downtown

Guiding framework – next steps

The vision for the redevelopment was informed by technical, financial and cultural analysis including hotel and convention centre feasibility study, land appraisals and development analysis. It also builds on the recommendations of related Council-approved studies, including the City’s Music StrategyTourism Master Plan and the newly released Economic Development Strategy, which highlights the need for and importance of fostering and promoting vibrant communities and creative sector growth.

The vision endorsed today sets the guiding framework for future analysis and decision-making related to the redevelopment. With the framework in place, staff will develop a project plan including required technical analysis, business case studies and financial strategy for project delivery.

Public engagement has been central to the City’s ongoing work to revitalize the downtown, and it will continue to play a key role in this redevelopment. As the project advances, residents, businesses and partners will be invited to help refine the vision and provide input at every stage.

Staff will provide an update on the project in June 2026.

Quick facts

Economic benefits

  • Tourism is a major economic driver in Mississauga, providing:
    • $493.6 million in government revenues across all levels including $83.6 million in Mississauga in 2024
      • Provincial and municipal revenues generated by visitor activity offset the need for approximately $1,100 per household in taxes (in 2024)
      • The redevelopment is expected to further increase accommodation demand in the downtown, generating an estimated $1.7 to $2.0 million annually in additional Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) revenues, providing a recurring and dedicated funding source that can be reinvested into tourism, culture, and destination development.
  • Local jobs and businesses:
    • The redevelopment build-out is expected to also spur additional economic growth and activity, resulting in approximately:
        • 28,000 job-years in construction trades, engineering and professional services as well as indirect local employment
        • $4 billion in total economic output

Tourism uses

  • 400,000 – 500,000 square foot convention centre and 400-room hotel with 1,500 – 3,000 underground parking spaces
  • Regional economic and tourism catalyst supporting business tourism and conference activity

Cultural facilities

  • New state‑of‑the‑art music hub, including a 2,500–5,000 capacity performance venue, recording studios, and a music school
  • Positions downtown Mississauga as a regional centre for music, culture, and creative industries

Office and residential development

  • New 9-storey office building and 20-storey purpose-built rental development
  • Supports employment growth, housing affordability, downtown vibrancy and transit‑oriented living

Open spaces

  • A signature Sky Park creating a unique elevated open space, and more programmable Community Common urban park
  • Creates visual landmarks and strong publicly accessible open space and park connections

Improved streetscape and activity

  • A redesigned and widened Princess Royal Drive with “atrium style” open space
  • Prioritize programming and events, and retail activity to animate the downtown and to generate more pedestrian activity

Transit

  • Leverages existing and planned higher-order transit, including the
    Hurontario LRT and a potential downtown loop extension
  • Supports compact, accessible downtown core and transit-oriented living

The Living Arts Centre is Mississauga’s premier arts and culture facility. It will continue to operate throughout the visioning and procurement process serving as a dynamic space for cultural programming in the downtown core.

Mississauga receives $28 million in federal funding to help ongoing efforts to boost housing supply

By Announcement, Planning & Development

The third installment of the Housing Accelerator Fund will help the City continue to get more homes built and make them more affordable.

March 10, 2026

The City has received $28.2 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) to help get more homes built faster in Mississauga. This is the third installment the City has received under the HAF, totalling more than $84 million in federal housing funding to date.

The HAF is designed to support the delivery of new homes, including important housing enabling-infrastructure. The City will use the third installment of the HAF to:

  • Support the funding available for grants under the City’s multi-residential stream of the Affordable Rental Housing Community Improvement Plan. This program offers incentives to private and non-profit developers. It’s designed to get shovel-ready rental housing projects with affordable units under construction as soon as possible.
  • Offsetting shortfalls resulting from reductions to development charges and fees. The City’s development charges incentives program – which was recently expanded to provide deeper incentives for purpose-built rental apartments – is helping kick-start construction to make housing more affordable.

Stimulating housing construction

The City has made significant strides in changing the housing landscape since receiving its first HAF installment. In January 2025, following the release of the Mayor’s Housing Task Force report, Mississauga became one of the first municipalities in Ontario to reduce and/or eliminate development charges for residential housing. Other important actions include:

  • Tax relief for new multi-residential development: In response to a motion by Mayor Parrish, Peel Region approved a resolution adopting a new municipal Multi-Residential Property Tax subclass to help encourage the development of much-needed rental housing. The new subclass provides a 35 per cent property tax reduction for eligible properties.
  • Incentives for additional residential units and fourplexes: The City’s gentle density incentive program provides grants to cover city fees and development charges (if applicable). The City also offers pre-approved garden suite design plans that residents can use free of charge and has partnered with the federal government on its Housing Design Catalogue.
  • Making it easier to build housing in neighbourhoods: Council approved updates to the City’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law to allow fourplexes as well as semi-detached homes and homes on smaller lots in residential neighbourhoods.
  • Simplifying planning approvals for housing near transit: Mississauga is moving forward with pre-zoning lands in the City’s Protected Major Transit Station Areas. Mississauga is one of the first municipalities in Ontario to pre-zone lands of this scale. When fully implemented, this will help speed up the construction of new housing while ensuring meets the City’s vision for new development.

To learn more visit Mississauga.ca/housing.

Big win for Mississauga! Unveiling the new gym and Raptors 905 practice court at Paramount Fine Foods Centre

By Announcement, Resources

Unveiling the new gym and Raptors 905 practice court at Paramount Fine Foods Centre.

March 10, 2026

Join Members of Council, along with Raptors 905 and the G League President, to celebrate the grand opening of the new gym and Raptors 905 practice facility at Paramount Fine Foods Centre – Sportsplex.

Event details

What

Opening of new gym and Raptors 905 practice facility

When

Saturday, March 14, 2026.

  • 1 p.m. – Ceremony
  • 1:30 p.m. – Media interviews and Raptors 905 basketball clinic, featuring youth from local community groups, including participants from Erin Mills Youth Centre, PDM Basketball and the Mississauga Monarchs.

Where

Paramount Fine Foods Centre – Sportsplex
5600 Rose Cherry Pl.
Mississauga, ON

The new gym will be a shared amenity between the City of Mississauga and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. The gym will serve as the new practice facility for Raptors 905.

During the basketball season, Raptors 905 will have an allocation of 75 per cent of the gym time, with the remaining 25 per cent available for community use. In the off‑season, this allocation will shift, with community use increasing to 75 per cent and Raptors 905 using the court 25 per cent of the time.

Paramount Fine Foods Centre with blue sky behind.

TRCA Flood Information: Stay Flood-Ready This Spring

By Announcement

Stay Safe and Informed This Spring

As winter transitions into spring, warmer air temperatures and melting snow and ice can create hazardous conditions near rivers, lakes, and streams.

Follow these safety tips around water:

  1. Call 911 in an emergency. Rescuing someone from cold or fast-moving water is extremely dangerous.
  2. Exercise caution around all water bodies. Riverbanks, shorelines, and trails near water will be slippery due to melting snow and ice.
  3. Avoid recreational activities in or around water. Always stay off ice-covered rivers, ice jams and all bodies of water.
  4. Keep family and pets away from rivers and streams. Cold, fast-moving water poses a serious risk if you fall in.
  5. Never drive through flooded roads. Even shallow water may be deeper than it appears.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) reminds residents to stay cautious and aware of changing water conditions during the spring season.


TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program monitors watershed and weather conditions and issues flood messages to municipalities and emergency services and members of the public who subscribe.

Peel Region partners with Ontario government to strengthen emergency preparedness

By Announcement, Resources

BRAMPTON, ON – March 5, 2026. Peel Region is the first municipality in Ontario to partner with the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response (MEPR) to deliver IMS 101: Incident Management Overview training.

This partnership supports Peel’s Future Disruption Readiness Strategy and reflects Peel’s ongoing commitment to emergency preparedness, organisational resilience, and business continuity across all programs and services. Peel’s Future Ready pillar is a core component of Peel’s Strategic Agenda to ensure Peel is prepared for disruption, volatility, uncertainty, growth, complexity, and ambiguity with resilience and foresight.

The Incident Management System (IMS) is a standardised emergency management framework used across Ontario. It is aligned with North American response systems to ensure coordinated emergency planning, response, and recovery. By making the Ministry’s IMS 101 e-learning program mandatory for all staff, Peel ensures every employee receives foundational training in emergency preparedness principles.

Quotations

“Ensuring Peel Region’s future readiness is essential. This partnership strengthens Peel’s ability to deliver the programs and services residents rely on – even during times of emergency and uncertainty.”

Brad Butt, Regional Councillor and Chair, Emergency Management Program Committee

“Preparing our organisation for emergencies is an investment in resilience. When our employees are trained and ready, Peel Region can act quickly and effectively to provide the steady, coordinated support our community depends on in tough times.”

Gary Kent, Chief Administrative Officer, Peel Region

Mississauga taps into provincial funding to expand investments into road safety measures

By Announcement, Issues

The City of Mississauga welcomes funding from the province to enhance road safety measures in school and community safety zones across the city.

City services | March 5, 2026

While the use of automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras ended last November as a result of provincial legislation, Mississauga remains committed to road safety. Following the province’s decision to cancel the ASE program, the City has received interim provincial funding of $2,242,888 from the Road Safety Initiatives Fund (RSIF). Additional provincial funding of $8,934,513 will be provided to enhance road safety initiatives in school zones and community safety zones across Mississauga, reimbursed after costs are incurred by the City.

In November 2025, the Government of Ontario passed Bill 56Building a More Competitive Economy Act2025, an omnibus bill that includes amendments to the Highway Traffic Act to ban the use of speed cameras throughout the province. The bill required all municipalities to discontinue the operation of its speed camera program. To comply with the new legislation, the City ended its ASE program on November 14, 2025. To offset the loss of the speed cameras, the Government of Ontario introduced the Road Safety Initiatives Fund to allow municipalities to invest more money into road safety measures in school zones and community safety zones.

How the funds will be spent

RSIF is only eligible to be used in school zones and community safety zones where ASE cameras were deployed or were intended to be deployed.

The City is planning to implement the immediate interim RSIF equally across all 11 wards, approximately $200,000 to be used in three to four school zones in each ward. The additional $8,934,513 will also be made available to the City but will only be reimbursed after costs are incurred.

City staff will review the data collected before and during the deployment of the ASE cameras to determine the impact this program has had on speeds at each location where they were installed to identify priority locations. Staff will also consult and work with each Ward Councillor in selecting the most appropriate school zones to receive safety improvements in their respective wards.

Other road safety investments

In addition to the new projects that will be implemented as a result of RSIF, the City’s existing road safety programs help reduce speeding and promote safety. They include:

  • Designating 31 school zones on major roadways as Community Safety Zones in 2025, bringing the total to more than 200 Community Safety Zones designated in Mississauga as of September 2025. These are designated sections of the roads where public safety is of special concern. Many set fines are doubled in these zones, such as speeding and traffic-signal related offences.
  • In 2025, new traffic calming projects were installed on 24 roads in residential neighbourhoods and near school zones to help reduce speeding and aggressive driving.
  • Installing more pedestrian crossovers to provide protected pedestrian crossings. In 2025, 13 new pedestrian crossovers were installed to help increase safety for pedestrians crossing the road.
  • Continuing the School Walking Routes program to guide the way to school and alert drivers to watch for children.

Yard waste collection begins the week of March 9

By Announcement, Resources

BRAMPTON, Ont. – March 2, 2026. Curbside yard waste pickup begins the week of March 9 in Peel. The cities of Brampton and Mississauga will receive weekly yard waste pickup, while urban areas in the Town of Caledon will receive bi-weekly yard waste pickup. Rural areas of Caledon will have yard waste picked up on designated Fridays.

Residents can check their collection calendar to find their pickup day or sign up to receive free waste collection reminders.

Remember:

  • Yard waste must be at the curb by 7 a.m. on your pickup day.
  • Put yard waste at the curb in kraft paper bags (plastic bags not accepted) or reusable containers clearly labelled ‘yard waste’ with a sticker or marker.
  • Grass clippings are not accepted at the curb or at Community Recycling Centres.

Visit our website to view more curbside set-out tips and acceptable yard waste items.

Daylight Saving Time: Smart tips for a smooth time change

By Announcement

As clocks move forward by an hour on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2 a.m., remember these tips to help you ease into Daylight Saving Time.

February 24, 2026

While all clocks in Mississauga will jump ahead by one hour next Sunday (March 8, 2026, at 2 a.m.), Daylight Saving Time means longer daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities and warmer weather. Remember to update all clocks, in vehicles, on appliances, wrist watches, electronic devices and cell phones which might not change automatically.

While the time change means additional daylight, it can take a few days for your body to adjust. Try easing into the time change by going to bed earlier as losing an hour of sleep can affect alertness and concentration. Give your body time to adjust to a new morning routine.

Consider these Daylight Saving routine reminders

Feeling tired or unfocused can chip away at your concentration. Staying alert and keeping safety top of mind will help you stay on top of what matters and ease smoothly into the spring season as the days feel longer.

Check your transit schedule and delivery windows

If you rely on transit to get around, don’t forget to confirm route times to avoid delays on bus routes, GO train departures or rideshare pickups. Check schedules the night before and give yourself extra buffer time to avoid missing connections and unnecessary stress. At the same time, take a quick look at scheduled deliveries you might be expecting, as times might have shifted.

Stay alert on roads

More daylight means more people, including children, who will be out and about on roadways, walking, cycling, and spending time outdoors especially as the weather warms up. As always, drivers need to stay alert, follow speed limits, and watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Pay extra attention especially when turning, driving through school zones and residential neighbourhoods. If you’re walking or cycling, use designated crosswalks or crossrides, and cyclists should ensure their bikes have proper lights and reflectors to stay visible in early mornings and evenings.

Check your home

As warmer days arrive, spring is the perfect time to take care of your home and yard. Melting snow and spring rain can reveal problems that may have gone unnoticed over the winter months. Spending some time looking into your home can help prevent water damage, protect your property, and keep functioning to its full potential. Check and test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, get your furnace and AC inspected, check outdoor faucets, clear out dry vents, check for cracks in the foundation of your home, on your driveways or, check windows for proper seals.

Check vehicles

A vehicle tune up after a long winter is never a bad idea for safety reasons. Once the weather warms up, consider taking off your winter tires and switch to all‑season or summer tires. Check your car battery, refill fluids, coolant, and consider replacing windshield wiper blades. For better visibility, clean headlights, vehicle camera lenses and your windshield. Restock your emergency preparedness kit, ensuring that any expired items are replaced.

Pets need to adjust

Pets may need a few days to adjust to new feeding or walking schedules. Gradually shifting their routines can help reduce stress for your pet.

Daylight Saving Time brings longer days and brighter evenings, however, remember to set your clocks ahead for one hour and take a few simple steps to stay safe this spring.

Calling all concert presenters: Mississauga’s Live Music Grant opens on March 2

By Announcement, Resources

Following a successful three-year pilot, Mississauga City Council voted to make the Live Music Grant a permanent program that will continue supporting the industry for years to come.

February 19, 2026

It’s official: “Music City” Mississauga’s Live Music Grant is here to stay! On February 4, 2026, City of Mississauga staff presented the results of the popular grant over its three-year pilot with recommendations to enhance its impact moving forward. In recognition of its resounding success, Mississauga City Council accepted the recommendations and voted to make the grant a permanent addition to the City’s funding initiatives.

The Live Music Grant pilot program has helped grow Mississauga’s music sector by creating more spaces and opportunities for live music events, supporting paid gigs for musicians and taking advantage of the economic impact of Ontario’s growing live music industry. Grants will be increased starting in 2026, providing up to $5,000 to better support economic opportunities for musicians and venue operators.

Eligible applicants can receive funds to help offset the costs of hosting concerts and live music events taking place in Mississauga. It is open to for-profit applicants, including artists, venue operators, promoters, bars, restaurants and other potential music event hosts. While applicants do not need to be based in Mississauga to apply, the events must take place within the city.

Application process

Applications open on March 2, 2026 and must be submitted through the City’s grants portal. For more details on eligibility and the application process, please review the program guidelines.

The deadline to apply is Friday, March 27, 2026.

Webinars

Two webinars are available to help new and returning applicants understand the process and what’s new for the 2026 program. Attendance is optional:

Impact of the Live Music Grant 2023-2025 pilot

  • During the first three years, the pilot issued 61 grants of up to $2,500, supported 165 new concerts and created 385 gig opportunities for musicians, representing a total economic impact of $278,486 for Mississauga’s music sector.
  • There is a strong and growing demand for the grant, which received more than 100 applications and was oversubscribed during each year of the pilot.
  • Staff anticipate that by 2027, the Live Music Grant will generate 150 new concerts each year, 300 annual gig opportunities for local musicians and $300,000 in annual economic impact to Mississauga’s music sector. This equates to $3 in local economic impact for every dollar invested through the grant.
  • In 2026, the grant will be increased to provide up to $5,000 for applicants, and the overall budget for the program will be increased to $75,000. The Music Office will also be developing a live music venue registry to make it easier for concert presenters to find spaces to host events.
A vocalist performs onstage under blue lighting, holding a microphone while a guitarist sits nearby playing. A microphone stand and other stage equipment are visible in the background.
Nadri Nami performing at “The Hustle,” an event funded by the Live Music Grant. Photo credit: Adam Pulicicchio

Background

  • The Live Music Grant pilot program launched in 2023 as a key action from the Mississauga Music Strategy (2022-2026), designed to help capitalize on the growth of Ontario’s live music industry and create new spaces for live music events. The Live Music Grant also contributes to the Economic Development Strategy: Path to Prosperity 2030 and Future Directions Culture Plan.
  • Grant applications were evaluated by a panel of adjudicators, who are music industry professionals based in Mississauga.
  • Eligible applicants are concert presenters operating on a for-profit basis, which can include music venues, promoters and musicians who produce their own events. During the three-year pilot, the grant provided up to $2,500 towards eligible expenses, including musician fees, venue fees, marketing and AV staffing and rentals.
  • The grant is made possible by the City’s portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax.
  • Mississauga’s live music sector continues to grow and, in 2023, added an estimated $28 million to the city’s gross domestic product, supported an estimated 290 full-time equivalent jobs and generated $14.7 million in labour-based income.
  • Mississauga was named the “2023 Music City of the Year” by the Canadian Live Music Association and Canadian Music Week in recognition of the City’s efforts to build a stronger and more resilient music ecosystem.
A jazz ensemble performs onstage in a dimly lit venue. Musicians play piano, brass instruments, saxophones, drums, and bass while an audience watches from their seats.
Carson Freeman and his band performing at “A Night of Modern and Historic Saxophone Music,” an event funded by the Live Music Grant. Photo credit: Adam Pulicicchio

Alectra crews continue 24/7 line “washing blitz” to prevent more power outages this weekend

By Announcement, Resources

Vaughan, ON – With rainy weather expected this weekend, Alectra crews are continuing their line “washing blitz” to help minimize intermittent outages that have been experienced in York Region and parts of Peel Region. We’re working 24/7 to clean salt residue and contamination from power lines to help prevent further outages, but there is a risk of more issues this weekend.

Alectra and other utilities that operate in cold climates can expect to see some outages caused by salt and other contamination every winter. Salt and other de-icing products used on roads during the prolonged stretch of cold and snowy weather that we experienced throughout December, January and February, have made their way onto overhead distribution lines.

“What is unique about this winter is that the levels of salt and contamination on Alectra’s equipment and infrastructure are considerable, and customers are experiencing more outages compared to recent years,” said Jim Butler, Vice-President of Centralized Operations, Alectra Utilities. “The last time that the GTHA experienced something similar was in 2015, which was a winter that was also marked by a prolonged cold snap.”

When temperatures rise and rain hits, as we anticipate this weekend, that contamination can cause electrical arcing, sometimes resulting in pole fires, damaged equipment, or brief outages.
Alectra’s Washing Blitz

The way to prevent outages is to wash the salt contamination off of our infrastructure. Alectra does this as part of its standard maintenance program, however, the challenge this winter has been that washing cannot be undertaken at very cold temperatures. When temperatures warmed up sufficiently last week, Alectra began operating a full washing blitz to physically remove contaminants from overhead power line equipment. Additional crews and support contractors have also been deployed to support washing and restoration efforts to help prevent further outages.

We apologize for the inconvenience and want to assure customers we’re working hard to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible. We appreciate customers’ continued patience and understanding as we work through this issue. The safety of our employees, contractors and the community is our top priority.

Customers can get outage updates on the company’s X account, @AlectraNews, or by viewing the outage map at alectrautilities.com.