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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.

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

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.

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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.

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

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  

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.

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.

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.

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.
August 31 International Conference on Leadership, Innovation, Global Investment, & PD Malton Community Centre 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 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.

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.

Mississauga welcomes federal investment to restore the Cooksville Creek watershed

By Announcement

Federal funding will support watershed, habitat and wetland restoration at Iggy Kaneff Park in the Cooksville neighbourhood.

City services | July 23, 2026

The City of Mississauga is welcoming $453,406 in federal funding through the Government of Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund to restore and strengthen the Cooksville Creek watershed. The funding will support restoration work at  Iggy Kaneff Park (2180 Camilla Rd.), helping protect one of Mississauga’s largest watersheds while improving green space for residents.

Key improvements

The Iggy Kaneff Park restoration project supports the City’s climate and sustainability goals while making parks more enjoyable for the community.

Over the last decade, natural forest cover within the Cooksville Creek watershed has been reduced to approximately 2.2 per cent (79.1 hectares), limiting the watershed’s ability to manage stormwater and flooding risks. The City will use this funding to restore wetlands and forests by planting 1,050 trees, 6,000 shrubs and 2,000 wetland plants, helping manage stormwater, support wildlife and maintain healthy ecosystems.

The restoration work complements the City’s ongoing expansion and redevelopment of Cooksville Park and Iggy Kaneff Park, helping strengthen the Cooksville Creek corridor while improving parkland for the community. The City is expanding and redeveloping Iggy Kaneff Park as part of broader efforts to address a parkland deficit in the growing Cooksville neighbourhood. The park is also undergoing a redevelopment, where amenities or new features will bring about a new park design.

The project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2028. Learn more at yoursay.mississauga.ca/cooksville-parks

About the Natural Infrastructure Fund

The NIF is a $135 million federal program that supports projects across Canada that build, restore or enhance natural infrastructure using natural or hybrid approaches such as wetlands, urban forests, green roofs, living dykes and bioswales. The fund supports projects that increase climate change resilience, protect biodiversity and provide cleaner air and water, while improving community access to nature.

Funding was available to municipalities, Indigenous organizations and non‑profit organizations, helping communities deliver innovative, nature‑based solutions to complex environmental challenges.

 

Mississauga named Ontario’s Most Active Community in 2026 ParticipACTION Community Challenge

By Announcement

Recognition celebrates City and community efforts to help people stay active.

City services | July 22, 2026

The City of Mississauga has been named Ontario’s Most Active Community in the 2026 ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk. As part of the recognition, the City will receive $5,000 to support physical activity and sport initiatives in the community. This recognition reflects the City’s commitment to promoting active healthy living for residents of all ages and abilities.

ParticipACTION is a national initiative that encourages people and communities across Canada to be active through recreation, sport and everyday movement.

The ParticipACTION Community Challenge provided an opportunity to showcase the many ways residents can get active in Mississauga while highlighting the City’s continued investments in recreation, sport and healthy living. The initiative aligned closely with the City’s Healthy City Strategy, which supports active living through programs, services and infrastructure designed to improve the health and well-being for all residents.

Earlier this summer, the City encouraged residents to take part in the ParticipACTION Community Challenge and discover new ways to move more throughout June and beyond. This was a practical, inspiring opportunity to remind residents about ways to move more in June and throughout the year. It became a city-wide effort, with residents, community organizations and City staff contributing to the momentum. The City’s campaign generated strong response, with more than 137,000 participants taking part through 48 community organizations and groups. The City also delivered more than 4,600 activities that engaged nearly 122,000 residents throughout June.

The activities included kick-off events and programs that connected residents to free and low-cost opportunities available throughout the summer, including:

  • Fresh Air Fitness – A City-led program which engaged over 1,000 participants across two events at Celebration Square in June. Classes continue to run up until September 9 for any residents looking to get involved.
  • Get Outside Guide for Older Adults – A resource developed to help older adult residents and the organizations that support them discover opportunities to get active outdoors, including Mississauga’s parks, trails, outdoor fitness equipment, multi-use sport courts and recreation programs.
  • Sauga Summer Pass – Providing free swim, fitness and transit access for youth ages 12 to 16 throughout the summer.

 

A group of adults participate in outdoor activities as part of the Get Outside Guide for Older Adults launch event.

Mississauga’s commitment to helping residents stay active is a year-round initiative. Key highlights include:

  • Community-led activities such as after-school cricket, running clinics, races and outdoor fitness classes.
  • School-led initiatives including bike safety workshops.
  • The expansion of the Library of Things, allowing residents to borrow equipment such as pickleball, cricket, badminton and disc golf gear, as well as lifejackets.
  • A partnership with EquipSport and Jumpstart to install sport equipment lockers in 30 parks across the city.
  • The reopening of two upgraded parks, Gulleden Park and Anaka Park to making active living more accessible.

In 2025, Mississauga was recognized as a national finalist in the ParticipACTION Community Challenge. This year’s designation as Ontario’s Most Active Community reflects the growing involvement of residents, organizations and community partners.

Learn more about recreation and sports programs at mississauga.ca/recreation.

Quotes

“Mississauga is honoured to be recognized as Ontario’s Most Active Community. This achievement belongs to the residents, community organizations, schools and other groups who embraced the ParticipACTION Community Challenge alongside City programs and staff. They all show that active living is for everyone. Through our Healthy City Strategy, we are creating healthy, active opportunities for residents, including seniors who have increased their memberships at our community centres by the tens of thousands. We are proud to be building a stronger and healthier Mississauga for current and future generations.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“Being named Ontario’s Most Active Community reflects what can be achieved when residents, community organizations, schools, businesses and City staff work toward a common goal. I want to thank the City’s Recreation and Culture staff for their efforts to engage residents and community groups. Throughout June, we saw the power of partnerships and the importance of creating accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active, connected and healthy.” – Raj Sheth, Commissioner, Community Services

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