Stephen Dasko

February application opportunities

Apply to be the City’s next Poet Laureate (2026-2028) – application required

Passionate about poetry? Apply to become Mississauga’s next Poet Laureate!

The City will recognize its sixth Poet Laureate in 2026. The role of the Poet Laureate is to elevate the status of poetry, literary arts and writers within their communities and beyond. This honourary position recognizes a poet who writes excellent poetry or spoken word and has written on themes that are relevant to the citizens of Mississauga. Learn more.

Applications close 11.59pm on February 25, 2026.

Mississauga’s fourth annual Black Excellence Awards – nomination required

Celebrate 30 years of Black History Month by recognizing the incredible contributions of Black residents in our community.

Mississauga’s fourth annual Black Excellence Awards return this February at City Hall, shining a spotlight on outstanding individuals who are making a difference.

Know someone inspiring? Nominate them for one of nine award categories, from youth leaders and educators to entrepreneurs, artists and lifetime achievers.

Nominations are open until February 13. Learn more and submit a nomination now.

The Black Excellence Awards will take place at City Hall on February 27.

Playing together: team sports in Mississauga – survey

Have you ever played on a Mississauga sports team? Tell us about it!

Students from the University of Toronto, in partnership with the Museums of Mississauga, are creating an exhibition at the historic Adamson Estate to celebrate how team sports build community and belonging in our city.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, referee, supporter, or fan, your experiences matter. Share your story and help showcase the impact of sports in Mississauga. Selected stories will appear in the exhibition exactly as submitted and will remain anonymous unless you choose otherwise.

Take the survey before February 16 and help shape this exhibition! Email museums@mississauga.ca for any questions.

About public consultation on City projects

The City of Mississauga actively engages residents in many forms of public consultations to gather input on City initiatives, plans, by-laws and developments. This ensures that community needs and perspectives inform City decisions, leading to more effective governance and a stronger relationship between the City and residents.

Public consultations are central to the decision-making at the City. Consultations encourage connections and inclusivity, allowing for meaningful dialogue, ideation, collaboration and feedback. Residents and businesses are invited to share their input in a variety of ways. While each consultation opportunity might vary, from information sessions, open houses and workshops to online engagement opportunities and surveys, feedback helps to shape our City to better meet your needs.

Stay informed and engaged

For an overview of City projects currently seeking input and feedback please visit yoursay.mississauga.ca. Create an account to stay up to date!

For a complete list of City projects that are currently happening throughout Mississauga, please refer to the City’s official website. If you want to keep track of upcoming consultation opportunities, visit the City’s events calendar. You can also check the Council and Committees calendar to find out about upcoming meetings, including public consultation opportunities.

Subscribe to the City’s agendas and minutes to receive notifications when new agendas and minutes are uploaded.

The City of Mississauga’s 2026 Budget has been adopted. This budget addresses community priorities to keep property taxes affordable while continuing to deliver more than 200 City programs and services, maintaining and building important infrastructure. The 2026 Budget was a collaborative process, including recommendations from City staff and leadership to align with taxpayer priorities. Members of the public provided feedback at more than a dozen ward townhalls, Budget Committee meetings and through other City channels.

Purposeful action to contain costs

When creating the 2026 Budget, the City listened to taxpayers’ requests to keep taxes as low as possible. The City took specific actions to reduce the tax burden:

• Deferring expenses, cutting budgets and increasing revenue to achieve $17.4 million in savings.
• A one-year reduction in the Capital Infrastructure & Debt Repayment Levy from three to one per cent. This levy is used to maintain roads, bridges, community centres, parks and more.
• A one-year pause in the one per cent Public Safety Fire Program, while ensuring that essential repairs to fire stations and fire equipment continue.

The 2026 Budget has been adopted – here’s what you need to know

Overall tax impact

As Mississauga is part of the Region of Peel, taxpayers will see City and Regional tax increases on their tax bill. For 2026, the City’s budget increase is 4.39 per cent, and its share of the property tax increase is 1.61 per cent, which is lower than the current rate of inflation. When the City’s portion is added to the Region of Peel’s 3.60 per cent increase, the total property tax increase for 2026 is 5.21 per cent. This is four per cent less than the increase in 2025. In actual amounts, this is $53.91 more in taxes for every $100,000 assessed value of your home. For example, if a home is $700,000, the overall property tax increase is $377.37 for 2026.

Delivering value through services and sound investments

From every property tax dollar collected, the City gets to keep only 37 cents, while 48 cents goes to the Region of Peel for police and other essential services, and 15 cents goes to the Government of Ontario for education. As part of the 2026 Budget, the City’s 37 cents will be used to deliver high-quality programs, services and amenities, including:

Improving road and neighbourhood safety

• Adding By-law Enforcement Officers to support proactive enforcement in high-priority areas.
• Adding staff in Planning & Building to increase capacity and streamline development approvals.
• Winter maintenance, including citywide windrow and sidewalk clearing.
• Important maintenance work on roads, bridges, parks, stormwater systems and trails.
• Roadway rehabilitation across the city including the Ninth Line widening project.
• Design of new Fire Stations 127 (Lorne Park) and 128 (North Lakeview), both targeted to open in 2029.

Ensuring vibrant spaces and green initiatives

• Construction of the new Glenforest Youth Hub, targeted to open in Q1 2028.
• Ongoing construction to renovate South Common Community Centre and Library, anticipated to re-open by the end of 2027 with new amenities including a new aquatics centre, new gymnasium and an updated library.
• Parkland and hybrid bus acquisitions (78 buses planned).

Supporting families, youth and seniors

• A wide variety of recreation programs for all ages and abilities.
• Free fitness memberships for residents 65+ and free fares for seniors and children up to age 12 who use PRESTO.
• Flood prevention and relief assistance.

Visit mississauga.ca/budget for more details.

Budget Committee meeting recaps

View Budget Committee recaps for more background information, including links to service area presentations:

• Recap of January 20 Budget Committee meeting
• Recap of January 13 morning Budget Committee meeting
• Recap of January 13 evening Budget Committee meeting
• Recap of January 12 Budget Committee meeting

Stay alert to changing winter weather

Canadian winters can shift rapidly, and extreme cold may arrive with little warning. Build a habit of checking daily forecasts, especially the wind chill, which can intensify risks even when air temperatures appear manageable.

Reliable sources include:

• The Weather Network
• The WeatherCAN app
• Environment Canada

These tools can help you plan ahead and avoid being caught off guard by sudden cold snaps.

Dress wisely for extreme cold

Extreme cold exposure can become hazardous quickly. Cover all exposed skin and dress in three or more layers on the top and bottom. Ensure your outer layer is waterproof and wind resistant. The right clothing helps prevent frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold‑related health issues.

• Layer your clothing by using moisture‑wicking base layers, add insulation, and finish with a wind‑ and water‑resistant outer layer.
• Cover exposed skin to avoid frostbite, which can occur within minutes in severe cold. Protect your ears, nose, cheeks, fingers, and toes with insulated gear.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to warm the air before you breathe it in.
• Wear a warm hat that covers your head and ears as well as a face mask
• Ensure you have warm, waterproof gloves or mittens to keep your fingers and hands warm.
• Stay dry as moisture reduces your body temperature rapidly. If you’re active outside, change damp layers as soon as possible.
• Check on vulnerable people like children and older adults are more sensitive to temperature extremes. Ensure they are properly bundled.
• Wear proper footwear by choose insulated, waterproof boots with slip‑resistant soles to help prevent both cold injuries and falls.

Outdoor activity tips

While physical activity produces body heat, extreme cold still places stress on your heart and lungs.

• Avoid overexertion.
• Warm up before shovelling and take regular breaks.
• Use caution on icy sidewalks, steps, and driveways.
• Avoid strenuous activities during severe cold, as they can strain your heart.
• Keep your phone fully charged before heading out, it could be vital in an emergency.

Recognizing cold‑related health risks

Frostbite

Look for numbness, white or yellowish skin, and a hard or waxy texture. Severe frostbite can cause nerve damage and, in extreme cases, lead to amputation.

Hypothermia

This occurs when body temperature drops too low. Watch for shivering, confusion, slurred speech, sleepiness, stiff muscles and loss of co-ordination. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms appear. If you or someone you know has been outside in cold weather and is experiencing symptoms, call 911.

Heart attack risk

Cold temperatures reduce blood circulation and increase heart strain. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions should speak with their doctor about winter safety. Seek urgent care for chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness.

Slips and falls

Walk cautiously on ice or slippery surfaces. Falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, and driveways can lead to injuries. Keep these areas clear of snow and apply salt or sand on ice.

Resources and support for individuals in need

Several resources and support services are available to vulnerable individuals in Mississauga. The Peel Street Outreach Team provides on-location services, including hygiene products, food, and referrals to shelters and other supportive services.

If a resident is in need or worried about someone, they can call the Region of Peel Street Help Line at 1-877-848-8481. The helpline is available 24 hours a day to support the unhoused.

A safer winter starts with preparation

Winter is part of life in Canada, but respecting its unpredictability can help you enjoy the season safely. With the right preparation and awareness, you can protect yourself and others from the dangers of extreme cold.

For more winter safety information, visit:

• Environment Canada – Wind chill and cold weather page
• Canadian Red Cross – Staying warm and safe in Canadian winters