The City of Mississauga is searching for its fifth Poet Laureate to fill a two-year term starting this April until March 2026.
The role of the Poet Laureate is to elevate the status of poetry, literary arts and writers within their community and beyond. This honourary position recognizes a poet who writes excellent poetry or spoken word and has written on themes that are relevant to Mississauga’s residents.
Mississauga’s current Poet Laureate, Ayomide Bayowa, will conclude his term this spring.
The application period is currently open until March 1, 2024. Interested applicants are asked to submit their applications by 4:30 p.m. on March 1.
The funds raised from the silent auction will be allocated towards enriching educational experiences, supporting student activities, facility and infrastructure enhancement as well as inclusive initiatives.
Mississauga is a vibrant and diverse city that always has something to celebrate. As the Lunar New Year approaches, families across the city are getting ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon with food, fireworks, decorations, music, lanterns, gifts and more.
Lunar New Year is one of the largest celebrations for Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Southeast Asian communities around the world, including Mississauga. Families and friends will come together to give thanks for the blessings of the year, exchange gifts and celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
Follow these safety reminders to ensure your Lunar New Year celebrations are safe and enjoyable for everyone:
Fireworks
The City of Mississauga has a Fireworks By-law to regulate the lighting of fireworks within Mississauga. Fireworks for Lunar New Year are allowed at home on your private property on Saturday, February 10 from dusk until 11 p.m.
To dispose of used or unused fireworks, completely submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out, and dispose of them in your garbage bin.
Lights and décor
If you’re planning to use candles, remember to keep them in a sturdy holder on a heat-resistant surface. Keep flames a safe distance from curtains, lanterns, furniture, decorations and loose clothing. Keep children and pets away from all sources of heat and flames.
Stay safe in the kitchen
Lunar New Year brings families together. If you plan to cook, remember to stay safe:
Turn your hot appliances off if you have to leave the kitchen.
Keep towels and clothes away from the stovetop and never cook or barbecue in your garage.
If you’re frying or cooking with oil, you must be careful. Hot oil can catch fire easily – use a deep fryer with a temperature gauge that will make sure the fat does not get too hot.
Visit Mississauga’s fire prevention page for more tips on how to prevent a fire.
Submit a complaint for illegal use of fireworks on private property, sidewalks, boulevards and residential roads by calling 311 or online.
To report fireworks in City parks or school properties call the Facility Watch Program at 905-615-4060
To report fireworks on major public roadways or unsafe fireworks use, residents should contact Peel Regional Police using the non-emergency number: 905-453-3311. Please do not call 911 for fireworks complaints.
The City of Mississauga and Visit Mississauga are pleased to share that Folk Music Ontario has selected Mississauga as the host city for its 2024 conference and awards from October 3 to 6, 2024.
“We are excited to welcome Folk Music Ontario to Mississauga this year,” said Acting Mayor Joe Horneck. “As 2023’s Music City of the Year, our lively music scene is thriving and draws many talented artists from across the country. We look forward to spotlighting Ontario’s folk music talent and inviting them to our vibrant city this fall.”
The Folk Music Ontario Conference is the largest gathering of Canada’s folk music industry. Folk Music Ontario has partnered with Visit Mississauga to host a weekend of professional development, networking, live music and awards in venues around the downtown, including the Living Arts Centre.
“We’re delighted that Mississauga was selected to host this year’s conference and awards. It showcases our live music venues and aligns with the City’s Music Strategy,” said Victoria Clarke, CEO, Visit Mississauga. “Kudos to our team for securing this event and thank you to Folk Music Ontario for partnering with us. We look forward to amplifying Mississauga’s talented music scene to celebrate and support our local artists with these type of event opportunities.”
Last year, Mississauga was named the 2023 Music City of the Year and was recognized for its efforts in establishing a Music Strategy with a goal of positioning the city as an incubator for top musical talent and a national destination for live music events and festivals.
For more information about the 2024 Folk Music Ontario Conference, visit the website.
About the City’s Music Strategy
In 2022, the City announced its first Music Strategy: 2022-2026, which identifies 32 actions over the next five years to support the growth and development of Mississauga’s music industry. It focuses on four guiding principles, which include amplifying Mississauga’s artists, creating a favourable environment for live music, supporting underrepresented people and groups, and celebrating Mississauga’s history and success.
About Visit Mississauga
Visit Mississauga, is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Mississauga. The organization is industry-led and responsible for developing a tourism strategy and leading tourism marketing and development efforts for a destination. The organization’s mandate of implementing the City of Mississauga’s Tourism Master Plan Tourism Mississauga is committed to promoting local businesses and bringing large scale events and attracting visitors to the City. To learn more about Visit Mississauga or check out other exciting events coming to Mississauga, go to visitmississauga.ca.
About Folk Music Ontario
For more than 36 years, the Folk Music Ontario Conference has been the premier Canadian gathering for connecting folk music professionals. With its unwavering commitment to nurturing the growth and development of the folk music sector, the conference offers a melodic blend of professional development, showcasing, and unparalleled networking opportunities for artists and music industry professionals.
Mississauga’s The Snake Charmer performing at Folk Music Ontario 2023. Photo credit: David Leyes
January 31st, Mississauga City Council approved the 2024 by-election schedule to fill the Mayor’s seat. The date of the by-election for Mayor is Monday, June 10, 2024. Council officially declared the Mayor’s seat vacant on January 17, 2024 and will pass the required by-law to hold the by-election at a special Council meeting on March 6, 2024.
In accordance with legislation, when a Mayor seat becomes vacant at this point in the term of office, a by-election must be held to fill the vacancy. In Mississauga, the vacancy was created by the resignation of former Mayor Bonnie Crombie, which took effect on January 12, 2024.
“The upcoming by-election will provide an opportunity for residents to choose a candidate to take on the important role of Mayor of Mississauga,” said Diana Rusnov, Legislative Services & City Clerk. “As a City, we’re committed to a fair and accessible election that provides every eligible voter with the opportunity to cast their ballot.”
By-election schedule
March 6, 2024 – Candidate nomination period opens at 3 p.m. for candidates interested in running in the by-election for Mayor
April 26, 2024 – Candidate nomination period will close at 2 p.m.
May 24 and May 25, 2024 – Advance Poll days will be held at the Civic Centre
June 1, 2024 and June 2, 2024 – Advanced Polls open at locations across the city
June 10, 2024 – Voting Day
Acting Mayor
Until the vacancy is filled, Councillors rotate into the position every two months on an ascending basis by ward.
Under provincial law, when a member of Council resigns, City Council must officially declare the seat vacant at its next meeting, after which it has 60 days to either appoint a qualified elector to fill the vacancy or pass a by-law requiring a by-election.
In accordance with s.284.12 of the Municipal Act, the Head of Council (Mayor) cannot be appointed. In accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, a by-election must be called to fill the vacant position.
February is Black History Month – a time of education, reflection and celebration. This month, the City of Mississauga, in partnership with the Black Caucus Alliance, will continue to recognize and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Mississauga’s Black community through a variety of events, activities and programs.
“During the Celebrating Black Excellence event we are proud to highlight just a few of the many talented individuals and help them amplify their voices and stories in our community,” said Acting Mayor Joe Horneck. “Under the continued guidance of organizations like the Black Caucus Alliance, we’re forging a vibrant future and are committed to acting on the recommendations outlined in the Black Community Engagement Report as a City, paving the way towards a more inclusive society and helping to create positive change one step at a time.”
Throughout Black History Month, the community is invited to take part in the conversation and more importantly, to learn and develop a deeper understanding of the history of people of African descent in Canada and Mississauga. Opportunities for learning and ways to engage are featured on the Black History Month webpage, some of which include:
Museum tours
Exhibits
Library author talks and book clubs
Highlighting local Black artists and musicians
Events and community celebrations
Sports and shows
“We’re proud to partner with the City to recognize the amazing contributions of the Black community – past, present and future. Through our continued partnership, we’re taking steps towards equity by tackling anti-Black racism,” said Shelly Scott-England, Chair of the Black Caucus Alliance. “This month, we honour the Black community’s achievements, highlight our vibrant culture and history while continuing to bring awareness about ongoing injustices.”
Celebrating Black Excellence Event
The second annual Celebrating Black Excellence event will take place on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mississauga City Hall. This is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of Mississauga’s Black community. The event will include musical guests, keynote speakers and an awards ceremony. If you know someone deserving of a Black Excellence Award, please take a moment and submit a nomination.
For more information about Black History Month and City programming available, visit the webpage.
Background
Learn more about the steps the City of Mississauga continues to take to further engage Black community members in decision-making processes and ensuring programs and services are equitable and inclusive for all community members.
Anti-Black and Indigenous Racism – Resolution 207
The City of Mississauga recognizes that racism, and in particular anti-Black racism and discrimination is a crisis in our community that requires immediate and sustained attention.
A new space to inspire literacy, creativity and lifelong learning.
Hazel McCallion Central Library is now open and all 5 floors have been transformed to meet the growing needs of our community.
Join us for the official grand opening and explore all newly renovated public space, including the Glass Pavilion, Breezeway and the Noel Ryan Auditorium.
Activities throughout the day include:
Official opening ceremony with Members of Council, Library Board and VIP Guests (11 am)
Live music featuring the Chamber Music Society of Mississauga (10 am)
African drumming workshop (2 pm)
Programs throughout the day
Community groups showcase
Informational tours
The library will be open from 9 am to 5 pm with opportunities to explore the new spaces and meet library staff members.
Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) have a responsibility to keep the City’s residents safe from hazards every day. This February, you are invited to experience the inside world of firefighting through the lens of Stephen Uhraney, an award-winning local photographer. Uhraney has been recognized by many publications and was recently named as a finalist in Canadian Firefighter’s inaugural photo contest.
‘On Duty’ includes 36 of 7,500 photos Uhraney captured of firefighters from Mississauga’s Fire Station 104. Attendees will receive a rare glimpse into the activities of Mississauga firefighters during critical moments when urgent help is required for individuals or properties in danger.
What
This photography exhibit provides an intimate look into the lives of Mississauga firefighters represented by A Shift, located at Fire Station 104 in Port Credit.
Uhraney initiated this project and looks forward to share this powerful photography experience with the public.
When
Opening night event: Thursday, February 1, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
There will be a short presentation and remarks on opening night.
Please enter the FRAM building and use the front entrance. The showroom is adjacent to the main lobby reception.
Accessibility note: There are short stairs outside and a couple of steps inside where the show will be.
The St. Lawrence building is open to the public Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; you do not need a ticket for these timings. Stephen Uhraney will be at the exhibit on the weekends, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Cost
This event is free; however, Eventbrite tickets are required for opening night.
Tickets are not required for the remainder of the month.
