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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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Toronto Pearson Career Expo – October 1, 2026

By Events, Resources

Interested in exploring career opportunities at Toronto Pearson?

Come to the Toronto Pearson Career Expo on October 1!

Thursday, October 1, 2026
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Toronto Congress Centre, Hall F, 650 Dixon Road, Etobicoke

Connect with more than 40 Toronto Pearson employers, workforce and community partners, training providers and employment service organizations, and explore opportunities across aviation, operations, logistics, customer service, technology, hospitality, security and more.

New this year, the Expo will also feature a Youth Career Discovery Stream, offering students and young people an opportunity to learn about airport careers, skills and education pathways.

Register here.

September 21, 2026
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2026 CIBC Run for the Cure Mississauga

By Events

The 35th annual Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure is just a few weeks away! Participants of all ages can walk or run either 1 km or 5 km in support of Canadians affected by breast cancer. In Mississauga, the Run will be on Sunday, October 4th starting 9:30 a.m. at 2800 Speakman Drive.

With 1 in 8 women expected to face a diagnosis in their lifetime, we run to save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against breast cancer. The Run is one powerful day, but the impact lasts far beyond. By participating in the Run, you help fund research breakthroughs and vital support – changing what the future looks like for someone facing breast cancer.

The end of the Run is just the beginning. Rally your family, friends and coworkers and join the Run today. Learn more and register today at CIBCRunForTheCure.com.

September 18, 2026
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Mississauga announces new entertaining line-up for its saugaLIVE presents 2026-2027 season

By Announcement, Events

From music and comedy to cultural celebrations and family favourites, experience unforgettable live performances, close to home.

Entertainment and activities | September 17, 2026

The City of Mississauga is pleased to announce its new 2026-2027 season at the Living Arts Centre and Meadowvale Theatre. Patrons are invited to experience another exciting year of live entertainment, featuring a diverse line-up of performances that promises to inspire, entertain and bring the community together.Starting this fall, audiences can enjoy an exciting roster of acclaimed artists and unforgettable entertainment, right here in Mississauga.

Season highlights:

  • The season kicks off with the GenX Takeover Comedy Tour. This GTA-exclusive performance brings together viral social media comedians for a night of nostalgia, laughter and GenX storytelling by social media superstars The Real Slim Sherri, Kelly Manno, Dadbod Veteran (Jon Wellington), The Professor Nick Harrison and Justin Rupple.
  • Perfect for fairytale fans of all ages, guests will be whisked away into the magical storytelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – a vibrant, family-friendly ballet that blends classical dance with the energy of Broadway.
  • Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox brings The Future Is Vintage World Tour to Mississauga. As the only Canadian stop on the tour, the show reimagines today’s pop hits into vintage-inspired classics. Experience what more than two billion viewers have enjoyed on YouTube and stages around the world.
  • As we head into the holiday season, Holiday Soul with the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra will put guests into a festive frame-of-mind at this Mississauga-exclusive event. Featuring JUNO award-winning Sean Jones, Divine Brown and the legendary Jackie Richardson, guests will be treated to an evening of soulful celebration. Perfect for all ages, this concert will have everyone up on their feet singing along to the holiday classics.

saugaLIVE presents 2026-2027 season at-a-glance

2026:

2027:

In addition to these spotlight performances on the mainstage, saugaLIVE offers a range of limited-series with diverse programming for all interests.

Festival-style film screenings

In collaboration with TIFF Film Circuit, REEL Thursdays presents monthly screenings of this year’s festival favourites and award-worthy cinema. Select screenings will feature special guests in attendance with 2027 film titles to be announced soon. Tickets start at $13.50.

Adaptive concert series in collaboration with Xenia Concerts

Back for the third year, these family-friendly, accessible concerts feature a variety of musical styles that embrace neurodiversity and disability, and welcome all audiences to enjoy the show. Tickets start at $5.

B-Jazzed matinees at Meadowvale Theatre

Afternoon performances by some of Canada’s most notable contemporary jazz musicians in an intimate setting. Tickets start at $25.

Special offer

To celebrate the new season, purchase a saugaLIVE VIP bundle containing two or more shows and save up to 15 per cent on tickets. Learn more

There’s plenty more in store with new shows to be announced throughout the year. For the complete 2026-2027 season line-up, visit saugalive.ca.

September 18, 2026
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Enjoy an evening of art, apples and agriculture

By Events, Ward 1

Join us on October 1 for Homegrown Mississauga: Apples, Art & Seed Saving, a free community event that celebrates local food, gardening and public art.

Environment | September 18, 2026

A person cuts up an apple on a plate.
Photo credit: Yuula Benivolski

Growing food, whether in a backyard, on a balcony, or in a community garden, brings people together and helps make our city greener and more resilient to the impacts of climate change. The City of Mississauga supports urban agriculture by helping residents access fresh local food and creating more opportunities to learn and share with one another.

To celebrate urban agriculture and the end of the growing season, we invite residents to join us at the Small Arms Inspection Building for an evening of learning, connection and local food. The event includes:

  • A presentation by artist Diane Borsato about her public artwork, ORCHARD, which celebrates Mississauga’s apple history. Diane will share the story of the orchard and offer a tasting of different apple varieties to celebrate the fall harvest.
  • A hands-on demonstration in partnership with the Mississauga Seed Library, where you can learn how to save seeds for future gardens.
  • An opportunity to speak with City staff about local gardening programs, resources and ways to get involved.

Event details

What

A free, in-person event that highlights urban agriculture and gardening activities in Mississauga.

When

Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where

Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Rd. E, Mississauga.

Cost

Free. Online registration is recommended as space is limited. Everyone is welcome. Children under 12 must attend with an adult.

Growing Guides

Want to learn more about growing food at home? The City’s growing guides offer tips for planting, caring for, and harvesting fruits and vegetables. Indoor and outdoor gardening Guides are available online in English, Arabic, Polish, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese and Urdu.

Urban Agriculture Strategy

Mississauga’s Climate Change Action Plan identified a need for a citywide Urban Agriculture Strategy. Urban agriculture includes activities such as community gardens, urban farms, vertical growing and composting. These activities help support healthy communities, strengthen the local economy and make the city more resilient during extreme weather events and flooding.

September 18, 2026
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Mississauga taking action on tariffs: City exploring additional business supports as trade uncertainty continues

By Resources

A range of business competitiveness and resilience measures, including tax relief, economic development and procurement initiatives and development-related tools will be explored.

Economic Development | September 16, 2026

As Canada responds to the latest trade measures from the United States that include new tariffs and import restrictions affecting key sectors of the economy, City Council approved a motion today to direct staff to explore a range of support measures for businesses affected by tariffs.Read the full motion here.The motion directs City staff to review and report to back to Council on:

  1. Broad property class or general tax payment relief for 2027;
  2. Property tax deferral for businesses experiencing financial hardship to due to tariffs;
  3. An application-based tax installment deferral program;
  4. Community investment initiatives;
  5. Economic development initiatives;
  6. Grant funding opportunities;
  7. Planning and development measures, including a community improvement plan (CIP) for commercial and industrial property, and development charges; and
  8. Procurement initiatives.

The motion follows an update to Council at the City’s General Committee meeting on September 9 about the impact of trade tariffs. The update focused on the key role Partners in Trade plays in the current trade climate. Watch the video from the September 9 General Committee meeting. See the PowerPoint presentation.

In an effort to strengthen local economic resilience, protect jobs and alleviate financial pressure for local businesses and workers in Mississauga, the review will examine potential tax relief programs, investment and economic development initiatives, planning incentives, grant opportunities and procurement strategies, with recommendations to be presented to Council at a future meeting.

Driving business competitiveness and growth

As Ontario’s second largest economy and key contributor to the federal government’s Build Canada priority, Mississauga is taking action to help businesses respond to trade uncertainty, compete in new markets and strengthen long-term growth.

Through Partners in Trade, the City is focused on connecting businesses to opportunities, advocating for local priorities and building a more resilient economy.

Key actions

Helping businesses compete and grow
  • Open new market opportunities for Mississauga businesses
  • Strengthen local supply chains and supplier connections
  • Attract investment and support business expansion
  • Connect companies to funding, expertise and growth resources

Advocating for business

  • Champion local business priorities with provincial and federal governments
  • Advance procurement initiatives that create opportunities for local suppliers
  • Support policies that strengthen business competitiveness and economic resilience

Building long-term economic strength

Upcoming information and support events

The Partners in Trade program features a dedicated section on the Invest Mississauga website, offering resources, events and expert guidance to help businesses access funding, explore new markets and find opportunities to buy and supply locally.

Impact of tariffs on Mississauga

Mississauga’s economy is particularly vulnerable to U.S. trade policy shifts, with 18 per cent of the city’s employment tied to exports from our neighbour to the south, compared to the Ontario average of 13 per cent. This translates to 89,000 jobs; 89,000 people whose employment is directly impacted by decisions out of their control.

Small and medium-sized companies make up 97 per cent of businesses in Mississauga. They often have fewer resources to absorb tariff costs, supply chain disruptions and market uncertainty. That means that Mississauga’s economy is more exposed to U.S. trade policy shifts than Ontario overall.

Mississauga’s economy

Invest Mississauga, Mississauga’s Economic Development division, continues to support economic growth. In the first half of 2026, the city attracted more than $600 million in corporate investment and 1,500 new jobs. This reflects the strength of Mississauga’s diverse economy and its continued appeal to investors in sectors including advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, technology and financial services. The City builds on this momentum through Path to Prosperity 2030, Mississauga’s economic development strategy.

 

September 17, 2026
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Mississauga approves temporary pause for large-scale data centre development

By Planning & Development

The pause will give the City time to conduct a comprehensive review of the sector.

City building | September 16, 2026

Today, City Council approved an Interim Control By-law (ICBL) that temporarily prohibits the development of major digital infrastructure facilities such as data centres for up to one year.An ICBL is a provincial planning tool that allows a municipality to temporarily pause a specific type of development in a defined area for further study. This gives municipalities time to determine the best long-term planning approach before new development proceeds.

The ICBL approved today applies to applications for new major digital infrastructure facilities, including conversions or expansions of existing facilities, located across the City (as shown in this map). These large-scale facilities have computer systems, servers and related equipment that store or process digital information. Under the ICBL, facilities that have a total peak power demand of 10 megawatts or more will not be permitted for up to one year.

Guiding future development

During the temporary pause, the City is conducting a comprehensive policy review for major digital infrastructure facilities. The review will assess whether policies and regulations, such as the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, need to be updated. It will also consider any new guidance or requirements from the province’s Data Centre Playbook as they become available.

There will be opportunities for public engagement during the review. An interim report outlining the study scope and timeline will be presented to Council later this year. Updates will be posted on the City’s data centre policy review webpage.

Once the review is complete, City staff will bring recommendations to Council to help guide future planning policies and regulations for data centres and other major digital infrastructure projects.

Background

  • A data centre is a facility that houses networked computers (servers), data storage drives and networking equipment that store and process digital information.  There are various types of data centres including artificial intelligence, hyperscale, enterprise, cloud computing and comparable uses.
  • Data centres are currently classified as “Warehousing, Distribution and Wholesaling” under the Official Plan, and as “Warehouse/Distribution” or “Science and Technology Facilities” under the City’s Zoning By-law.
  • There are several data centres already permitted and/or operating in the city of Mississauga.
  • The City has received a rezoning application to permit a data centre in the Meadowvale Business Park.
  • Staff provided an information report to General Committee about the province’s newly released Data Centre Playbook on September 9.
September 16, 2026
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Arts on the Credit ArtWorks – September 19 and 20, 2026

By Events

Date: September 19–20, 2026 Time: 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday & Sunday Location: The Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Rd. East, Mississauga

About the show: ArtWorks 2026 is a vibrant two-day juried art show featuring outstanding fine artists and artisans from across the region. Hosted in the historic Small Arms Inspection Building, this year’s event will showcase contemporary paintings, ceramics, jewellery, fibre art, woodwork, mixed media, and more.

Saturday Only Activity – Help Us Create Our Community Tree: Join us for a hands-on indigo dyeing activity where visitors can learn about natural dyeing, create unique ornaments, and contribute to a collaborative community art project for the Mississauga Festival of Trees.

No experience is needed.

September 14, 2026
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A City in Tune returns to celebrate the music and musicians that helped shape Mississauga

By Announcement, Events

The Museums of Mississauga exhibit runs from September 24 to December 27, 2026.

Entertainment and activities | September 14, 2026

Back for the second year, A City in Tune: Mississauga’s Greatest Hits, returns to Adamson Estate from September 24 to December 27, 2026. Presented by the Museums of Mississauga, the exhibit explores the people, places and sounds that have helped define Mississauga’s music story.This all-new exhibition invites visitors to listen, reflect and learn about Mississauga’s impressive and diverse musical talent. Explore artifacts, instruments and archival materials from artists such as Triumph, Donna Grantis and Billy Talent. See large-scale portraits of some of the city’s best-known musicians, check out a map of iconic music venues and attractions, and listen to curated playlists featuring artists connected to Mississauga.

Join the Museums team on Saturday, September 26 for the opening reception. This is your opportunity to be among the first to explore the exhibit and celebrate the homegrown talent, memorable moments and local stories behind Mississauga’s music history.

What

A City in Tune: Mississauga’s Greatest Hits exhibition

Where

Adamson Estate
850 Enola Ave.
Mississauga, ON

When

Exhibit runs September 24 until December 27, 2026 during public hours: Thursday to Sunday, from 12 to 4 p.m.

Opening reception: Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Adamson Estate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For those interested in attending, registration is required in advance as space is limited.

Cost

Free, but donations are encouraged.

Annual Museums of Mississauga membership

Become a member of the Museums of Mississauga and explore Canadian history all year long. Get exclusive access and discounts to exhibitions, events, programs and more. For A City in Tune: Mississauga’s Greatest Hits, annual members will have the opportunity to take part in a members preview night on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Learn more about membership benefits.

With a unique sophisticated look and feel, and the nostalgia of black-and-white photography, this new exhibit is something worth adding to your calendar.

To learn more, visit the event listing.

September 14, 2026
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Dig in: Community tree planting event advances Mississauga’s goal of one million trees by 2032

By Announcement, Events, Resources

Join City of Mississauga, TD representatives and volunteers to plant 525 native trees and shrubs for a greener city.

City services | September 11, 2026

Join City of Mississauga for tree-planting events as part of TD Tree Days.

Shovels in hand and saplings ready, the City of Mississauga is inviting residents to roll up their sleeves for TD Tree Days, an annual volunteer tree-planting program supported by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation that helps bring new life to local green spaces.

Thanks to a grant from TD, the City will host three community tree-planting events in Mississauga starting September 19. Since launching its One Million Trees initiative in 2013, Mississauga has planted more than 650,000 trees. Placed end to end, they would roughly form a line long enough to stretch from Mississauga to Vancouver.

What

Volunteers and TD representatives will gather to plant 525 native trees and shrubs in a single morning, making this one of the largest TD Tree Days events in Ontario in 2026.

The event will help grow Mississauga’s urban forest and advance the City’s goal of planting one million trees by 2032.

When

The events run from 9 a.m. to noon on:

  • Saturday, September 19, 2026 (spots available)
    • Launch event. Remarks at the start of the event, followed by tree planting, guided by the City’s Forestry experts.
  • Saturday, October 3, 2026 (waitlist available), tree planting event.
  • Saturday, October 17, 2026 (spots available), tree planting event.

Where

Courtneypark Athletic Fields

600 Courtneypark Dr. W., Mississauga

Why

Trees are vital to our environment and well-being. They provide shade, habitat for birds and other wildlife, help reduce flooding and keep the city greener and more attractive.

TD Tree Days works with local organizations and municipalities like City of Mississauga to create opportunities for people to come together, spend time outdoors and contribute to local green spaces.

Registration

Free event. More details at TD Tree Days website.

September 11, 2026
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Find your next favourite local business at Sourced in Sauga

By Announcement, Resources

Discover and shop from IDEA Mississauga-supported businesses at Sourced in Sauga on Saturday, September 26.

Business and innovation | September 11, 2026

IDEA Mississauga invites the community to Sourced in Sauga, a one-day celebration of local entrepreneurship presented in partnership with Square One Shopping Centre. This pop-up shopping experience brings together some of Mississauga’s most innovative entrepreneurs, artisans and small businesses for a day of discovery, connection and community.Sourced in Sauga takes place on September 26th, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Square One, across from H&M on Level 2.

From childcare services and toy subscriptions to dog perfumes and handcrafted jewellery, there’s something for everyone.

More information about how to register and the full list of vendors is available through the registration link on the Sourced in Sauga event page.

What

Browse a diverse selection of locally made products and services, meet the entrepreneurs behind the brands and learn how IDEA Mississauga’s programs have helped support their growth and success.

Shoppers will also have the chance to win one of two Square One gift cards valued at $250 each. So whether you’re looking for unique gifts, getting a head start on seasonal shopping, or simply exploring what Mississauga’s business community has to offer, Sourced in Sauga is an opportunity to support local entrepreneurs and discover something new.

When

Saturday, September 26, 2026
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Where

Square One Shopping Centre

100 City Centre Dr.
Level 2 across from H&M

Cost

Attending the market is free! Businesses will have various curated items available for purchase.

September 11, 2026
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2021-2127: Notice of Temporary Ramp Closures from MTO – Access to QEW Toronto-Bound

By Construction, Ward 1

Councillor Dasko received the following notice from the Ministry of Transportation regarding the Dixie/QEW Interchange:

Please be advised that the South-East (S-E) and North-East (N-E) ramps at Dixie Road providing access to the QEW Toronto-bound lanes will be temporarily closed commencing the night of September 13, 2026, for a duration of approximately two weeks, weather permitting.

The closure is required to facilitate the construction of the cast-in-place concrete barrier wall, light pole footing, associated electrical works, and traffic safety furniture within the work zone.

To minimize disruption, the attached detour routes will be implemented to safely guide motorists and will be maintained throughout the closure period.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and cooperation during this work.

September 10, 2026
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