Today, Mississauga City Council endorsed the City’s second Public Art Plan (2025), a strategy designed to guide the implementation of its public art program for the next five years.

The plan builds upon the Public Art Master Plan (2016), Framework for a Public Art Program (2010) and Corporate Policy and Procedure 05-02-07 City Art Collection.

Through a formal acquisition process, the City commissions professional artists to create visual art for public spaces. To date, the City’s public art program has commissioned more than 92 public artworks, with 29 part of a permanent collection and more than 45 currently on display. The 2025 plan is the first time a refresh has been done since the original plan was developed in 2016.

A corporate report outlines that stakeholder feedback and priorities set out in various City planning documents helped to identify five priority zones for future public art locations:

• Infrastructure projects
• Heritage sites
• Cultural districts and pedestrian spaces within intensification areas
• Waterfront
• Major transit hubs, corridors and active transportation routes

Each of the five priority zones include corresponding ideas for artwork forms and themes as selected by Mississauga residents. The plan also includes 14 recommendations for specific public art project opportunities over the next five years.

To learn more about the Public Art Plan (2025) or program, visit the City’s website.

BRAMPTON, Ont. – April 28, 2025. Peel Region is proud to announce two strategic leadership appointments that reinforce its commitment to excellence, innovation, and community well-being: Cory Tkatch as Deputy Chief of Paramedic Services and Natalie Lapos as Director of the Family Health Division in Public Health. These appointments join Peel Region’s existing skilled and visionary leaders, ready to serve our growing and diverse community.

“These new additions to the Health Services Department demonstrate the strength of leadership talent within Peel Region,” said Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services. “Cory and Natalie each bring a wealth of experience, a commitment to collaboration, and a deep understanding of our community’s needs. Their leadership will help us continue delivering high-quality, responsive, and equitable services to our residents.”

Cory Tkatch: Championing a stronger, more connected paramedic service

With 17 years in the field and nearly a decade of leadership within Peel Regional Paramedic Services, Cory Tkatch steps into his new role as Deputy Chief, building on his impactful work as Acting Superintendent, Superintendent, and most recently, Divisional Commander.

Cory’s leadership has been instrumental in driving systemic improvements in safety, performance, and workforce development. He is recognized for fostering a psychologically safe workplace and empowering future leaders.

“Cory has played a central role in many important changes that have shaped who we are today. Our paramedic service is stronger because of him, and with his continued leadership, I’m confident we’ll keep growing and finding new ways of delivering unparalleled care to our communities,” said Brian Gibson, Paramedic Chief.

With a Bachelor of Business Administration from Yorkville University and a Paramedicine Diploma from Centennial College, Cory’s strategic vision and operational excellence will help advance Peel’s out-of-hospital emergency and community care services.

Natalie Lapos: Advancing health and well-being for every member of the family 

Natalie Lapos has been appointed as the new Director of the Family Health Division at Peel Public Health, effective April 24, 2025. Natalie brings decades of experience in public health leadership and acute care, having recently served as Acting Director of the Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Division.

Her extensive background includes leading substance use harm reduction strategies, coordinating emergency health programs, and shaping healthy built environments. Natalie is a values-driven leader with a passion for health equity, cultural inclusivity, and collaborative service delivery.

“Natalie is a warm, empathetic, and incredibly capable leader,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health. “She has a natural ability to bring people together, tackle complex issues, and keep our communities at the heart of every decision. We are thrilled to wish her well in her new role with the Public Health Leadership Team.”

Natalie holds a Master of Nursing in Leadership in Health Policy and Education from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakehead University. She has been a member of the College of Nurses of Ontario since 2001.

Peel Region is proud to be home to a diverse team of professionals whose expertise, compassion, and commitment to innovation are shaping healthier, safer communities for all residents. These leadership appointments reflect the organization’s continued investment in skilled talent and its unwavering dedication to public service excellence.

Mayor Carolyn Parrish welcomed the Honourable Robert Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs to City Hall today as the Mayor’s Housing Task Force marked 100 days of progress. Despite the continued market slowdown, Mississauga’s efforts are paying off with an expected 11,600 residential units moving towards building permit application in the next few months. In 2024, only 2,557 units came forward for building permits by the end of the year.

The Mayor’s Housing Task Force was assembled by Mayor Parrish two weeks after taking office in June 2024. It includes more than 30 experts from Ontario’s private and not-for-profit building and development industry. The Mayor’s goal was to help break down barriers by bringing together those who plan for and approve housing (government) and those who build it (industry).

Released on January 22, 2025, the task force report includes bold actions and recommendations that are helping spur development in Mississauga.

Task force priorities include:

• Reforming development charges, taxes and fees to help lower housing costs
• Updating building and design standards to help boost supply and make building more affordable
• Transforming zoning to unlock more housing
• Creating sustainable programs and funding that will mobilize industry to help meet the demand for affordable housing

Key achievements

Mississauga has made significant strides in changing the housing landscape in the first 100 days since the report was released.​ Key achievements include:

• Development charge (DC) relief: Mississauga is one of the first municipalities in Ontario to reduce and/or eliminate residential DCs.  Shovel-ready residential projects that pull building permits before November 13, 2026, receive a 50 per cent discount on DCs and they are eliminated for three-bedroom, family-sized units.
• Tax relief for new multi-residential development: In response to a Motion by Mayor Parrish, Peel Region approved a resolution adopting a new Multi-Residential Property Subclass. Once implemented, it will provide a 35 per cent property tax reduction for eligible properties and will help encourage much-needed rental development.
• Increasing housing supply: Council approved the City’s new Official Plan which includes new and enhanced policies that will enable approximately 370,000 new residential units by 2051, including increased heights for towers along major transit station areas.
• Funding for affordable housing: The City awarded conditional funding for eight shovel-ready rental developments that will bring more than 1,400 new purpose-built rental units to Mississauga, including almost 400 with more affordable rents.
• 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.
• Streamlining City processes: The City is making Mississauga an easier place to build new housing. The City is now accepting pay on demand surety bonds for development agreements – as an alternative to letters of credit – to help make projects more financially viable. To speed up City approvals, Council approved a by-law to delegate authority to the Commissioner of Planning and Building to execute routine Development Agreements.

To read the full report and learn more about the task force members, visit Mississauga.ca/housing-taskforce.

Quotes

“Addressing the housing crisis requires innovative solutions and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Cities like Mississauga are leading by example, cutting red tape and doing things differently to meet the housing needs of our residents. When municipalities step up with bold actions and get support from other levels of government, real progress becomes possible. The strides we’ve made in 100 days show what can happen when we’re committed to change.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

BRAMPTON, ON (April 28, 2025) – On this National Day of Mourning, Peel Region remembers and honours those individuals who have been killed, injured or fallen ill on the job, and those impacted by workplace tragedies. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all workers.

In commemoration of this important day, flags at Peel Region buildings will be lowered to half-mast, and a moment of silence will be observed at 11 a.m.

The National Day of Mourning offers an opportunity for employers and workers to collectively renew their commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace to prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

Peel Region prioritizes the health and safety of its employees and all who work in its communities. To ensure workers remain safe, it is important that employers and workers work collaboratively to create and maintain a healthy and safe workplace.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the various events and ceremonies taking place across Peel to honour the thousands of lives that have been impacted by workplace tragedies.

Quotations

“Today we remember and pay tribute to those workers who have lost their lives on the job and all those impacted by workplace tragedies. This day also offers us a moment to reflect on our collective responsibility to create safe and healthy workplaces. To prevent future incidents, we must all work together to recognize and meet the health and safety needs of our employees.”

– Nando Iannicca, Peel Regional Chair and CEO.

BRAMPTON, Ont. – April 25, 2025. In Peel, one in six adults is living with diabetes. This is higher than the provincial average, and rates are expected to keep rising.

Data projects 100,000 new cases of diabetes in Peel region between 2020 and 2030. To address this, Peel Public Health is prioritizing the reduction in risk factors that contribute to the development of chronic diseases like diabetes.

Peel Public Health focuses on delivering programs and services that encourage residents to adopt healthy lifestyle choices that can help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Enabling active living and healthy eating is a key priority for Peel Public Health. By working with families, schools, local government and community organizations, we can help create places where healthy food is available, active living is promoted and residents are supported throughout every stage of their lives.

Some of the programs and partnerships that support this goal include:

• Healthy early years: The infant feeding program supports families through hands-on, in-person education or telephone counselling from public health nurses.
• Healthy schools: Through partnerships with local school boards and schools, Peel Public Health offers programs like Playground Activity Leaders in Schools (PALS) to encourage physical activity in school-age children.
• Healthy communities: Through partnerships with local faith leaders, we are increasing access to healthier food and opportunities for active living by creating supportive environments within places of worship.
• Healthy partnerships: We are also working with university researchers to understand and explore how the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in public health, including diabetes prevention.

Peel Public Health will continue to approach community health and well-being through community, municipal and internal partnerships that support residents in reducing their risk factors for diabetes and other chronic diseases.

To learn more about Peel’s approach to healthy communities, visit our website, and for more information on diabetes in Peel, please see the April 24 council report.

Quotations

“As diabetes rates continue to rise in our community, Peel Public Health encourages residents to make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of diabetes. This can include healthy eating, increasing physical activity and getting screened regularly based on your age, family history and whether you are part of a high-risk population.”   

– Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health, Peel Region 

The City of Mississauga is making the following changes to its senior leadership team, effective Thursday, May 1, 2025:

Commissioner Corporate Services, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Marisa Chiu, current Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will become the Commissioner of Corporate Services, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Chiu joined the City in March 2023, and has overseen the development and adoption of two City budgets. Before joining the City, Chiu was the Comptroller of Finance and Enterprise Risk and Interim Executive Officer of Finance at the Toronto District School Board, where she managed a diverse portfolio and a $3.5 billion budget. In her new portfolio as Commissioner, Chiu will continue to manage the Finance division, as well as oversee the Corporate Business Services and Information Technology divisions.

Biography: Marisa Chiu

City Solicitor and Commissioner of Legislative Services

Graham Walsh will take on the new portfolio of City Solicitor and Commissioner of Legislative Services. Walsh returned to the City of Mississauga in 2024, having previously served as the City’s Deputy City Solicitor from 2018 to 2023 and Legal Counsel from 2012 to 2017. He also served as Solicitor and Director of Legal Services for the Region of Waterloo from 2022 to 2024. In his new portfolio, Walsh will continue to manage Legal Services, while taking on oversight of the Legislative Services and Human Resources portfolios.

Biography: Graham Walsh

Commissioner of Community Services

Raj Sheth will assume the role of Commissioner of Community Services. Sheth is currently the Commissioner of Corporate Services, a position he has held since May 2023. Sheth has been with the City of Mississauga for 30 years, serving in progressively senior roles including Director of Facilities and Property Management where he oversaw the building of many City facilities, including community centres, libraries and fire stations. In the role of Commissioner of Community Services, Sheth will oversee the following service areas: Recreation and Culture; Library; Parks, Forestry and Environment; Facilities, Planning & Development; and Enforcement.

Biography: Raj Sheth

These organizational changes were recommended by City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Geoff Wright and were finalized through Mayoral decisions.

In response to the growing auto theft crisis in Peel Region and across Canada, Peel Regional Police and the Peel Police Service Board were among the first to react by holding the first ever Auto Theft Summit at the start of 2023 – a platform that brought together law enforcement, government officials and industry partners to develop and implement recommendations to help combat organized auto theft and raise awareness. PRP also made significant investments in its Commercial Auto Crime Bureau, doubling in size and becoming one of the largest in the country.

Thanks to these collective efforts, we are seeing real results.

Since the beginning of 2025, Peel Regional Police has recovered almost half of the vehicles stolen in the region, with a total value of $26 million. In addition, 479 auto theft-related charges have been laid against 257 individuals.

Our collective efforts have helped tackle the issue with the following results:

• More than $380 million in recoveries, which equates to over 7,400 vehicles recovered, since January 2023
• More than 1,100 auto theft-related charges laid against 543 individuals since January 2023
• 16% decrease in auto thefts in 2024 compared to 2023
• 45% reduction in auto thefts compared to the same period last year, a $60 million reduction

These achievements are a direct result of the unwavering dedication and professionalism of members, complemented by the continued support and advocacy of the Peel Police Service Board. Their commitment has been instrumental in enabling, resourcing and sustaining these important efforts. The successful conclusion of these complex national and international investigations was also made possible through funding provided by the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich’s video providing an update on organized auto theft in Peel Region: https://x.com/PeelPolice/status/1915121692201931096

BRAMPTON, Ont. (April 24, 2025) – Today, Peel Regional Council received the 2024 Homelessness Point-in-Time (PiT) Count, a community-level measure of homelessness at a single point in time that provides both local and national insights.

In compliance with both federal and provincial requirements, Peel Region participates in a Point-in-Time Count which consists of:

Enumeration: An estimate of the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night, and identifying where they stayed (such as shelters, transitional housing, and unsheltered locations), and;

Housing Needs Survey: A survey that is completed in-person with individuals experiencing homelessness to gather key information on demographics and experiences.

Peel conducted the 2024 PiT Count on Nov. 13, 2024, and the Housing Needs Survey between Nov. 13 to 15, 2024. There were 1,035 participants that completed this survey.

Peel publishes yearly data to quantify homelessness using multiple sources to ensure consistent and accurate tracking. The Point-in-Time Count represents homelessness on one specific night and is only one method used to track homelessness within Peel.

Key findings from the 2024 PiT Count reveal a growth in the homeless population, including growth in our local homeless population and asylum claimants. Results indicated that:

• when including asylum claimants, there was a 223 per cent increase in overall homelessness in Peel compared to the 2021 PiT Count, with 2,799 individuals experiencing homelessness on Nov. 13, 2024, and;
• when asylum claimants are removed from this analysis, the count identified a 93 per cent increase in local homelessness compared to the 2021 PiT Count, with 1,674 individuals experiencing homelessness on Nov. 13, 2024.

Overall homelessness includes sheltered homeless (2,593 individuals) and unsheltered homeless (206 individuals). The sheltered homeless includes 1,125 individuals within the asylum response system.

This is the first PiT Count in Peel that includes the asylum claimant response system, as this system was not in place during the 2021 count. The emergence of this system in 2023 has led to significant shifts in homelessness trends, particularly in demographics, service needs and shelter utilization rates. The inclusion of asylum claimant data in the 2024 PiT Count provides a more comprehensive picture of homelessness in Peel, highlighting the distinct challenges faced by each group and the need for targeted responses.

Distinguishing the asylum claimant response system from local homelessness has allowed Peel to enhance service delivery by tailoring supports to the distinct needs of each population. Separating the asylum claimant response system ensures local homelessness services are better protected from additional strain, and residents experiencing homelessness receive the focused support they need.

Homelessness continues to be a multifaceted issue that demands systemic interventions and tailored solutions. The 2024 PiT Count data highlights critical trends and gaps in services, particularly among vulnerable populations such as racialized groups, youth, and asylum claimants. An increase in homelessness among women was also noted with 40 per cent of responses from women, a 12 per cent increase from 2021. Women were also found to have a higher percentage (27 per cent) of housing loss due to conflict or abuse with a partner/spouse or parent/guardian compared to men (16 per cent).

This data is only a snapshot of the bigger picture. The count does not include those who are couch surfing or living in unstable housing conditions, and does not capture cyclical or intermittent homelessness, meaning the actual number of people experiencing homelessness may be higher.

The Point-in-Time Count is just one data source used by Peel to track homelessness.

The findings from this count emphasize the need for continued investment in targeted supports, while also addressing the structural causes of homelessness, such as income disparity, discrimination, and systemic barriers to housing access.

Next steps include that:

• the findings will inform program enhancements to ensure housing and homelessness services align with Peel’s evolving needs, and;
• Peel will continue to advocate for sustainable funding and policy measures to support both local residents and asylum claimants facing homelessness, and;
• targeted interventions, including culturally responsive services, will be explored to address the unique needs of subpopulations, including women, families, and asylum claimants, and;
• future PiT Counts will incorporate enhanced methodologies, including improved real-time data collection strategies, to improve the accuracy of homelessness measurements.

Access the Council report and 2024 Everyone Counts Peel Community Report to learn more about Peel’s 2024 Point-in-Time Count.

Quotations

“Peel’s 2024 Point-in-Time Count reveals what we’ve known for some time: homelessness is a multifaceted issue that requires multiple solutions, and we can’t do this work alone. Support from all levels of government and our partners is needed as we continue targeting supports for our residents.”

– Steve Jacques, Commissioner of Human Services, Peel Region.