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Mississauga unveils transformational action plan for its cultural and creative sector

By Announcement, Music, Stephen’s Initiatives

A task force of leaders representing arts, heritage and creative industries was formed to develop a co-ordinated sector strategy, titled The Creative Advantage: A Transformational Action Plan.

Local government | June 24, 2026

Today, the City of Mississauga announced The Creative Advantage: A Transformational Action Plan for Mississauga’s Cultural and Creative Sector, a co-ordinated roadmap to strengthen, sustain and grow the City’s arts, heritage and creative industries. The plan was adopted by City Council following five months of engagement with the Mayor’s Arts and Museums Task Force.Developed by Mayor Carolyn Parrish in December 2025 and led by Ward 1 Councillor and Chair of the Task Force Stephen Dasko, with support from Deputy Mayor and Ward 4 Councillor John Kovac and Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca, the Mayor’s Arts and Museums Task Force brought together 11 sector leaders across the arts, heritage and creative industries alongside City staff. Members identified the key barriers, opportunities and priorities facing the sector.

What the City heard

Through the engagement process, the Task Force identified six areas of need:

  • Greater access to cultural spaces.
  • Better opportunities for local artists and groups.
  • More cultural, creative events and programs.
  • Simpler processes for creative activations.
  • Collaborative marketing partnerships with the City.
  • Enhanced engagement, networking and information sharing.

A shared way of working

The sector strategy combines Task Force recommendations with a decade of City cultural strategy and policy work into 30 actions under five priorities:

  1. Share the stories of the lands and people of Mississauga.
  2. Optimize City systems and processes.
  3. Build a sustainable creative economy.
  4. Protect and create cultural spaces.
  5. Elevate Mississauga as a significant cultural and tourism destination.

A corporate report highlights how implementation will require cross-departmental alignment, external partnerships and sustained investment, alongside provincial and federal support.

Next steps include supporting local arts and culture organizations, unlocking new spaces for creative activity and aligning funding for future sector growth.

The City is currently advancing related initiatives, such as the creation of a state-of-the-art music hub in the downtown and process improvements for supporting community-led creative projects.

For more information, view the corporate report.

Quotes

“Mississauga is focused on ensuring everyone has the opportunity to take part and contribute to Mississauga’s cultural life. Over the past several months, the Mayor’s Arts and Museums Task Force brought together members of our cultural and creative community, Members of Council, and City staff for meaningful discussions. I am very happy to share that we have developed a common vision and clear priorities to guide Mississauga’s cultural future, shaped by the perspectives of a wide range of voices across our dynamic city.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“As Chair of the Mayor’s Arts and Museums Task Force, I am proud of the work undertaken to identify the key barriers, opportunities and priorities facing Mississauga’s culture and creative sector. This work will help strengthen our ability to shape the city’s growth, while ensuring it remains sustainable and inclusive, honouring our past, celebrating our present and boldly inspiring our future.” – Stephen Dasko, Ward 1 Councillor and Chair of the Mayor’s Arts and Museums Task Force

June 24, 2026
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Recycling Provider in Peel Region has changed

By Resources

Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario will complete its transition to extended producer responsibility (EPR) where producers—those that supply packaging and paper materials—will be fully responsible for funding and managing the program. This new system will be managed by Circular Materials, the administrator of the common collection system and a not-for profit organization that is committed to building efficient and effective recycling systems.

Any recycling collection and bin issues should be directed to GFL, the new collection contractor for recycling in Peel. Residents can reach out via email at peelrecycling@gflenv.com or call 1-877-268-4351.

For general questions about Ontario’s new recycling system, residents can contact Circular Materials at customerservice@circularmaterials.ca or call 1-877-667-2626.

Learn More

Download the App

January 5, 2026
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Our Community

By Ward 1

In hearing your passion, hope, and ideas for the future of Ward 1, I know more than ever, we must be united to ensure this great community is always our place to call home.

January 20, 2019
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City launches $25 adoption event as animal shelter reaches capacity

By Announcement, Events

The Homeward Bound adoption event offers $25 adoption fees for all dogs and cats from August 8 to 22.

City services | August 7, 2026

Close-up shot of a collie husky dog.

Are you looking to add a furry family member to your home? Now is the perfect time to adopt one.

The Mississauga Animal Services Shelter is asking residents to help shelter animals find loving homes during the Homeward Bound adoption event. With the shelter reaching capacity for dogs, every adoption helps create space for other animals in need.

From August 8 to 22, all dogs and cats at the shelter can be adopted for just $25, plus HST and any applicable pet licence fees for Mississauga residents. This reduced adoption fee offers significant savings compared to regular fees, which are typically $280 plus HST for dogs and puppies and up to $190 plus HST for cats and kittens.

View available pets online.

Event details

What

Mississauga Animal Services Homeward Bound adoption event.

Who

The event is open to everyone. No appointment is needed but wait times may vary. You must be 18 years or older to adopt.

Why

Mississauga Animal Services has reached capacity for dogs. The event will help more animals find loving homes while creating space for other animals in need of care.

When

Saturday, August 8 to Saturday, August 22, 2026
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where

Mississauga Animal Services
735 Central Pky. W
Mississauga, ON L5C 4H4

Why adopt from Mississauga Animal Services?

When you adopt from the shelter, you give an animal a second chance at a happy life. All animals available for adoption receive basic medical care, including vaccines and spay or neuter surgery. This can help save you money on the initial costs of pet ownership.

First‑time pet owners can also get helpful tips from shelter staff on training, food and exercise to make bringing a new pet home easier. Learn more about adopting a pet.

Not adopting? You can still help

There are many ways to support the Mississauga Animal Services Shelter if adopting isn’t possible for you.

Foster a pet

Foster volunteers provide a temporary home, love and daily care for animals while they wait to be adopted. To foster a pet, you must be at least 18 years old and complete an in-person interview.

The shelter provides everything you need, including food, bedding, toys and veterinary care. Foster placements can range from a few weeks to several months, making it a flexible way to help animals in need. View needed foster placements.

Read more and submit a foster parent application.

Donate to the shelter

The shelter accepts new and gently used items to help keep animals healthy and comfortable while they wait for adoption.

Towels and non-fitted bed sheets are regularly needed, but any of the following items can be dropped off at the shelter during operating hours:

  • Iams dry cat food
  • Purina Pro Plan dry dog food
  • Cesars dry and canned dog food
  • Leather or nylon leashes and collars
  • Dog and cat treats
  • Yesterday’s News cat litter
  • Toys that can be washed and sterilized
  • Pine shavings
  • Timothy Hay (nutritious grass for small animals)
  • Water bottles of all sizes
  • Bird cages, feeders, perches and millet seed
  • Pocket pet chew sticks, houses, climbers and cages
  • Dog and cat brushes
  • Cages, carriers, crates and aquariums
  • Cat climbers and scratching posts
  • Pet food bowls
  • Blankets and towels
  • Newspapers

You can also donate to the Animal Services Special Care For Animals and Resources Fund (SCARF). The fund helps pay for specialized veterinary care and surgeries for animals in need.

August 7, 2026
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Ternopil Park: Mississauga honours sister-city relationship through park renaming

By Announcement

Mississauga City Council renames Gulleden Park to Ternopil Park.

Local government | July 31, 2026

Gulleden Park, located at 3570 Havenwood Drive in Ward 3, will be renamed to Ternopil Park, recognizing the City’s twinning partnership with the City of Ternopil, Ukraine, and celebrating the contributions of Mississauga’s Ukrainian community.

The renaming reflects Mississauga’s commitment to fostering international relationships that promote cultural exchange, economic cooperation and global engagement.

Earlier this year, Mississauga and Ternopil formally entered into a sister-city relationship, strengthening ties between the two communities and creating new opportunities for collaboration. Ternopil Park joins Kariya Park, which was named in 1992 to honour Mississauga’s longstanding sister-city partnership with Kariya, Japan.

This past June, the City celebrated the re‑opening of a revitalized Gulleden Park. This park offers a variety of features including multi‑use pickleball & tennis courts, spray pad & playground, fitness area & skateboard features as well as pollinator gardens.

About Ternopil

The western Ukrainian city has a population of 230,000 people. It’s located 490 km from Kyiv, 125 km from Lviv and 150 km from the Ukraine-Poland border. Founded in 1540, its local economy focusses on various industries such as food and processing, mechanical engineering, metal and wood processing, construction materials and tourism. The city boasts 10 universities.

Quotes

“The renaming of Ternopil Park is a meaningful symbol of the friendship between Mississauga and Ternopil and of the strong ties we are building through our sister-city partnership. Just as Kariya Park has celebrated our longstanding relationship with Kariya, Japan for more than four decades, Ternopil Park will stand as a lasting reminder of the connections, cultural exchange and community spirit that unite our cities.” – Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“This park is located beside St. Sofia Byzantine Catholic Elementary School and within a neighbourhood that is home to many residents of Ukrainian heritage. Renaming the park to Ternopil Park celebrates the community’s contributions to Mississauga and acknowledges the importance of our new relationship with Ternopil.” – Chris Fonseca, Ward 3 Councillor

July 31, 2026
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Student entrepreneurs gear up for IDEA Connect Summer Market

By Events

From custom nails and baked goods to creative media, Mississauga’s young business owners have something for everyone.

Business and innovation | July 31, 2026

A person shows products to another person with a booth in the background.On August 12, the IDEA Connect Summer Market will present an event at IDEA Square One that features 13 student-run businesses. Visitors can shop for unique products and services, meet the young business owners behind them and support local talent. The event is a chance to connect, discover something new and celebrate the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

The young business owners are part of Summer Company, a program funded by the Government of Ontario. People ages 15 to 29 start and run their own businesses during the summer months. High school students commit to 280 or more hours while post-secondary students commit to 420 or more hours between May and Labour Day. Through training, guidance from IDEA and hands-on experience, they build skills and turn their ideas into real businesses. 

The IDEA Connect Summer Market takes place at the end of the IDEA Mississauga Summer Company program. Students get to meet customers and get sales experience before heading back to school.    

​What

The IDEA Connect Summer Market features 13 student-run businesses that are part of the Summer Company program in Mississauga. 

Visitors can shop for goods and services at the market. They’ll get a passport and collect a stamp as they visit each business. They can enter their stamped passports into a raffle to win an IDEA gift bag.  

Who 

Meet the talented student business owners behind the 2026 IDEA Mississauga Summer Company program. Discover a variety of creative, youth-led businesses, including:    

  • Hyprboost Tech 
  • Clevoir 
  • EPIC Car Detailing 
  • KDOT 
  • Helios Growth Systems 
  • Glu Nails 
  • Gig Tax Books 
  • Sauga Task Crew 
  • Six Blade Studios 
  • Jobbli 
  • Knot my Hook 
  • Luo Media 
  • Brown Butter Bakehouse 

When

Wednesday, August 12, 2026
5 to 7 p.m.      

Where

IDEA Square One
Square One Shopping Centre
100 City Centre Drive
Second floor, beside The Rec Room 

Registration 

Admission is free. Register online to attend the IDEA Connect Summer Market. 

Why it matters 

The IDEA Connect Summer Market gives young business owners a chance to showcase their businesses, connect with customers, bring in sales and use what they’ve learned in a marketplace setting. 

The summer market offers the community a chance to shop from local student-run businesses. It highlights how programs like IDEA Mississauga Summer Company can help young people succeed in business. 

About IDEA Mississauga 

IDEA Mississauga is the City’s hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. It connects local and global founders and helps businesses grow. Its home base, the IDEA Square One Entrepreneurship Hub, is a 4,300-square-foot innovation space located inside Square One Shopping Centre. It brings start-ups, scale-ups, corporate partners and investors together. 

Quote 

“The IDEA Connect Summer Market showcases the creativity, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of students who have spent the summer turning their ideas into businesses. These young entrepreneurs represent the next generation of innovators, and their success highlights the strength of Mississauga’s entrepreneurial community. I encourage residents to visit the market, connect with these talented young business owners and support their growing ventures.”
– Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Invest Mississauga  

July 31, 2026
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Mississauga moves to pause data centre development

By Announcement

The temporary restriction would be in place for up to one year as the City conducts a comprehensive review of the sector.

Local government | July 30, 2026

Council has approved a motion directing staff to prepare an Interim Control
By-law (ICBL) that would prohibit the approval of development of digital infrastructure projects, such as data centres, for up to one year. City staff are also undertaking a comprehensive review of this emerging sector to assess whether updates to City policies and regulations such as the Official Plan and Zoning By-law are needed.

The growing use of digital services is increasing demand for larger-scale data centres across Canada. The City’s comprehensive review will evaluate impacts on municipal infrastructure, economic activity, the environment, noise levels, energy and water consumption. It will also consider the role of provincial and federal governments in the regulation of data centre development. There will be opportunities for public engagement.

The review aims to help inform future policies and decision-making related to digital infrastructure while balancing economic growth, sustainability and community well-being.

Interim Control By-law

An ICBL is a tool under the Planning Act that allows a municipality to temporarily pause development of a certain use in a certain area for up to one year while the City reviews planning policies to determine the best long-term approach. In this instance, digital infrastructure developments (including data centres) will be paused in Mississauga while the City studies the land use planning implications of data centres.

The motion, brought forward by Councillor Martin Reid (Ward 9), directs staff to prepare an ICBL for approval at the City’s next Council meeting.

Data centres in Mississauga

Data centres are secure facilities containing computer servers that store and process digital information. This type of digital infrastructure supports delivery of digital information, including artificial intelligence (AI) services, to residents and businesses. This includes banking, healthcare, business operations, cloud computing and AI applications.

The City has received a rezoning application to permit a data centre in the Meadowvale Business Park. Data centres are currently permitted in designated Employment Areas. They are considered to be Warehousing, Distribution and Wholesaling under the Official Plan and Warehouse/Distribution or Science and Technology Facilities under the City’s Zoning By-law. Several data centres are currently operating in the City of Mississauga. Given the larger size and scale of data centres being proposed, the City’s comprehensive review will include whether the current classifications continue to be appropriate.

Next steps

Staff will prepare the ICBL and it will be brought forward for Council approval on September 16, 2026. If approved, data centre development would be prohibited until the ICBL expires.

Staff will also bring an interim report to Council this fall. The interim report will provide more details around the study scope and consultation strategy and review timelines. Once the comprehensive review is complete, City staff will bring a report to Council with recommendations for how data centres will be addressed in the future.

July 30, 2026
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Pan-African flag to be raised in Mississauga on Emancipation Day

By Events

Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire and celebrates the perseverance of Black communities in Canada.

Entertainment and activities | July 30, 2026

Recognized annually on August 1, Emancipation Day is a time for reflection, education and celebration of the strength and resilience of people of African descent and the ongoing fight against racism and discrimination.

The community is encouraged to participate in honouring this important day by:

Emancipation Day flag raising ceremony

What:

The City of Mississauga will be raising the Pan-African flag to honour Emancipation Day on August 1. Mayor Carolyn Parrish will bring greetings and will be joined by Members of Mississauga Council, members of the Black Caucus Alliance along with other special guests. Additionally, the City Hall clock tower will be lit black, red and green in the evening to recognize this important date.

When:

Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 11 a.m.

Where:

300 City Centre Dr.

The ceremony will begin in the Great Hall, located on the ground floor of City Hall. It will continue outdoors at the community flagpole, located on the west end of City Centre Drive.

Cost:

Free

The City of Mississauga is committed to building an inclusive and fair community. To learn more, please visit the Emancipation Day webpage.

July 30, 2026
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South Service Road Closure – Paving Operations (Route 31)

By Announcement

Stop(s) Impacted: Ogden Avenue between Halliday Avenue and South Service Road | South Service Road between Ogden Avenue and Haig Boulevard (see attached)

Routes Impacted: 31

Date: 7:00am Tuesday August 4, 2026

Estimated Duration: Approximately 3 weeks

Work: Paving Operations on South Service Road between Ogden Avenue and Haig Boulevard

Notes: South Service Road will be completely closed.  Detour routing was tested and approved.  No disruption to washroom facilities.

July 29, 2026
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Public engagements open in August

By Announcement

Share your ideas and participate in public engagement opportunities happening throughout Mississauga.

City services | July 27, 2026

The City of Mississauga regularly connects with residents throughout the year to gather their ideas and constructive feedback. This helps guide City plans, programs, services and new developments.Residents and businesses can take part in different ways. You can participate by attending information sessions, open houses and workshops or completing online surveys. The City reviews this feedback along with other data and trends to help decide how to focus its time and resources on community priorities.The City also shares a wide range of opportunities for community involvement. These include chances to apply for public art projects and grants, take part in exhibitions, join advisory committees and more.

In August, the City is highlighting a selection of engagement opportunities. To see all current projects and ways to share your feedback, visit yoursay.mississauga.ca.

Learn about the 2026 Municipal Election at events near you

The 2026 Municipal Election is coming up, and every vote matters. Voting is a simple way to have your say and help shape Mississauga’s next chapter. Every vote helps strengthen the community’s voice and makes sure decisions reflect the people who live here and the services they use every day.

Election day is Monday, October 26, 2026. Eligible voters will elect the Mayor, City/Regional Councillors, and school board trustees.

This summer, you can meet City staff at community events and specific locations to learn about the election and how to vote. Staff will be there to answer your questions, share information and explain how to get involved.

Election information tables will be available at these August events:

Date Event Location Time
August 6 Movie Nights Celebration Square 6 – 9 p.m.
August 7 Mississauga Latin Festival Hazel McCallion Central Library 3 – 6 p.m.
August 13 Movie Nights Celebration Square 6 – 9 p.m.
August 15 Japan Festival Canada Hazel McCallion Central Library 1 – 3 p.m.
August 20 Movie Nights Celebration Square 6 – 9 p.m.
August 27 Movie Nights Celebration Square 6 – 9 p.m.
August 28 Muslimfest Hazel McCallion Central Library 3 – 6 p.m.

Help shape the future of TransHelp

Peel Region is developing a Specialized Transit Master Plan (STMP) to guide TransHelp’s future. TransHelp is the Region’s specialized door-to-door transit service for residents in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.

The Region wants to hear from current and future TransHelp passengers, family members, care partners, support persons and community organizations.

As a resident of Mississauga, you can share your thoughts through the Region’s public engagement event on July 30, 2026 from 6 – 8 p.m. at 7120 Hurontario Road, Mississauga, ON. No registration is required.

If you’re unable to attend the engagement event, you can share your feedback through the Region’s online survey, available until August 9, 2026.

July 27, 2026
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Civic Holiday service hours at Peel Region

By Announcement

BRAMPTON, Ont. – July 24, 2026. Peel Region offices and non-emergency services will be closed on Monday, August 3, 2026, for the Civic Holiday. 

 

The following non-emergency services will reopen on Tuesday, August 4, 2026:

 

·       Service Peel counters 

·       ServiceOntario counter 

·       Dental Services Contact Centre and Dental Clinics 

·       Healthy Sexuality Clinics 

·       Family Health Call Centre 

·       Immunization Call Centre 

·       Baby Feeding Support Clinics 

·       Adult Day Services (in-person and virtual)

·       Early Years and Child Care Services, including Child Care Subsidy  

·       Housing Services 

·       Ontario Works  

·       Peel Works Harm Reduction – Mobile Vans 

·       Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA)

 

Refer to healthy sexuality clinics for up-to-date hours.

 

Waste collection 

On Monday, August 3, there will be no garbage, organics, or yard waste pickup. They will be picked up one day later that week. Check your collection calendar to find your pickup day or sign up to receive free waste collection reminders.

 

For recycling pickup information, visit Circular Materials.

 

Community Recycling Centres

All Community Recycling Centres will be closed on Monday, August 3, and will reopen on Tuesday, August 4.

 

Emergency shelter, food, or personal support 
For urgent homelessness supports, including food, supplies, referrals, and shelter, call the Street Helpline 24/7 at 1-877-848-8481. Find emergency shelter details, or call 905-450-1996.  

 

Emergency Peel Living maintenance requests

For emergency Peel Living maintenance requests, call our 24-hour request line at 905-790-7335. 

 

TransHelp  
All trips for Monday, August 3, and Tuesday, August 4 must be booked by 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 2. 

On Monday, August 3 (Civic Day):  

·       Call us at 905-791-1015 if you need to cancel your trip.

·       TransHelp will operate from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

·       The TransHelp office will be closed. Feedback, application, and payment processing will resume on Tuesday, August 4.

·       Subscription trips will be cancelled, except for dialysis trips.

 

We offer bookings up to 7 days in advance. Consider booking your next trip early to ensure your holiday travel. 

 

If you have any questions, email transhelp@peelregion.ca or call 905-791-1015.

July 27, 2026
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