All Posts By

Stephen Dasko

Positive turnout for Mississauga’s 2026 municipal election advance polls

By Announcement

Just over 44,000 voters cast their ballots early setting a new mark for advance voting turnout.

Municipal Election | October 13, 2026

During the advance polls, a total of 44,049 voters cast their ballots from October 6 to 11 at voting locations across the city. This represents an increase of 57 per cent compared with the 2022 Municipal Election, when 28,052 advance votes were cast during the advance polls.The number of ballots cast by day and location were as follows:  

By date: 

October 6: 1,139
October 7: 948
October 8: 11,022
October 9: 9,147
October 10: 9,458
October 11: 12,335 

By location: 

Meadowvale Community Centre: 3,352
Erin Meadows Community Centre: 3,120
Mississauga Civic Centre: 2,812
Franck McKecnie Community Centre: 2,480
River Grove Community Centre: 2,344
Churchill Meadows Library and Older Adult Centre: 2,252
Loblaws – Heartland: 2,173
Malton Community Centre:2,157
Burnhamthorpe Library: 2,148
Mississauga Seniors’ Centre: 1,964
Mississauga Valley Community Centre: 1,881
Sheridan Centre: 1,747
Clarkson Community Centre: 1,708
Lorne Park Library: 1,644
Burnhamthorpe Community Centre: 1,509
Real Canadian Superstore – Mavis Rd.: 1,400
Real Canadian Superstore – Argentia Rd.: 1,375
Huron Park Recreation Centre: 1,148
Courtneypark Active Living Centre: 1,122
Port Credit Memorial Arena: 1,015
Tom Chater Park Clubhouse: 1,003
Woodlands Library: 1,000
Churchill Meadows Community Centre: 970
Streetsville Heritage Hall: 901
IDEA Square One: 830 

Advance voting gave residents the flexibility to vote at any location across the city, rather than being limited to polling stations within their ward.  

Advance voting turnout in recent elections:  

2018: 19,188
2022: 28,052
2024 (by-election): 24,731

Election Day is October 26

Residents who did not vote in the advance polls can still cast their ballot on Monday, October 26, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On Election Day, eligible voters can vote at any voting location within their ward. Voters will elect:

  • the Mayor of Mississauga
  • their City/Regional Councillor
  • School Board Trustee

Residents are encouraged to make a voting plan before Election Day by confirming where they can vote, reviewing the certified list of candidates and making sure they have acceptable identification.

If you received a Voter Notification Card, bring it with you. The card is not required to vote, but it can help make the check-in process faster. You must bring one piece of acceptable identification showing your name and qualifying Mississauga address.

Why your vote matters

Municipal decisions affect everyday life in Mississauga, including roads, transit, parks, recreation, libraries, community programs and how neighbourhoods grow.

Voting is a direct way to help choose the people who will represent your community and make decisions on behalf of residents during the 2026 to 2030 term.

Residents can find their Election Day voting locations, review candidate information and learn what identification to bring at mississaugavotes.ca.

For questions about voting, call 905-615-VOTE (8683) or email election.office@mississauga.ca

October 13, 2026
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Bus Stop Impact – Dixie Road (Stop #3449)

By Transit, Ward 1

Please be advised of the following bus stop removal due to the permanent stop being reinstated.  See the related details below:

 

Stop(s) Impacted: #3449 on NB Dixie Road , north of Lakeshore Road

New Stop Location: Patrons will be directed to the new permanent location stop #0408 on the northeast corner of Lakeshore Road at Dixie Road approximately 100m south

Routes Impacted: 5N

Date and Time: Friday October 16

Notes: This bus stop reinstatement will be made official in the December Board Period.

October 13, 2026
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2026 Vacuum Leaf Collection Program

By Resources

Please be advised that the Vacuum Leaf Collection Program (VLCP) is scheduled to start later this month. Streets that qualify for the program will be visited according to the following schedule:

  2026 Vacuum Leaf Pickup
 Yellow/Gold Postcard  Blue Postcard  Green Postcard
Oct. 26-Oct. 30 Nov. 2-6 Nov. 9-13
Nov. 16-20 Nov. 23-27 Nov. 30-Dec.4
The Vacuum Leaf Collection Route Map is up to date and available online at http://www.mississauga.ca/leafpickup.

This program is weather dependent and rain, early snowfall, or freezing temperatures will impact the collection schedule.

2026 Service Update

This year, the leaf collection zones have been slightly adjusted to ensure resources are effectively allocated based on typical leaf drop timing.

As a result, the southern boundary for the yellow collection zone has been moved from Eglinton Avenue to Burnhamthorpe Road and the southern boundary of the blue collection zone has been moved from Dundas Street to the QEW. The green zone will continue from the QEW to Lake Ontario.

As a result, some residents may notice that their leaf collection dates are different this year.

Postcard Mailing

Residents eligible for the VLCP will receive a postcard in the mail with their collection dates (see below). These cards are delivered on a staggered schedule so that they arrive approximately two weeks before the zone’s first pickup.

NEW – Subscribe to Leaf Collection Email Updates

This year, residents can sign up to receive Leaf Collection email updates for the latest information about our collection schedule and weather delays.

About Leaf Collection

Residents are instructed to rake leaves to the boulevard a day or two before their leaf collection window. Leaves should not be raked onto the road. This can cause catch basins to become blocked and affect drainage when it rains.

Residents who miss their leaf pickup dates, or who still have leaves to collect after the program has ended in their zone, should rake their leaves into open reusable containers or paper yard waste bags and place them curbside for pick up by the Region of Peel. The week of December 7th is the final week of yard waste collection by the Region of Peel.

October 9, 2026
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Notification of herbicide application for the control of invasive plants

By Parks, Ward 1

Upcoming herbicide application to control Tree of Heaven beginning October 13th, 2026 at Helen Molassy Park, Orchard Heights Park and along the Waterfront Trail, just west of J.C. Saddington Park.

Contractors working on behalf of the City, Brinkman & Associates Reforestation Ltd., will apply Garlon (Triclopyr) directly to the stems of the plants using a handheld/backpack sprayer to minimize impacts to plants in the surrounding area. Plant material will be left standing for 30 days, then cut down. Notification signs will be posted at all access points to the spray area at least 24 hours prior to treatment and will be removed no less than 48 hours after treatment. Treatment should be completed within 2 weeks, but the timelines may be extended as needed depending on weather conditions.

This work supports the City’s Invasive Species Management Program and improves the health of natural areas across the City.

October 9, 2026
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Mississauga maintains highest possible credit rating from Standard & Poor

By Announcement

Stable outlook reflects strong financial management, economic resilience and readiness for future growth.

City services | October 8, 2026

Standard & Poor Global Ratings (S&P), a leading provider of credit ratings, research and risk analysis, has once again awarded the City of Mississauga a AAA credit rating, the highest rating possible. This marks the 23rd consecutive year the City has received the designation, recognizing its strong financial management, responsible budgeting and ability to remain on solid financial footing while planning for growth and taking on new municipal responsibilities. 

What does this mean for residents 

The rating reflects the City’s approach to strategically reinvesting property tax dollars while continuing to maintain and invest in the infrastructure, services, programs and facilities residents rely on every day. S&P noted that Mississauga remains in a strong financial position and is well prepared for the future. The report highlights the City’s careful management of revenues and spending, even amid economic uncertainty, and ability to fund infrastructure renewal and support housing growth through a combination of reserves, responsible debt financing and funding from other levels of government. 

While economic uncertainty and trade-related pressures continue to affect investment across Canada, S&P highlighted Mississauga’s ongoing ability to attract business investment, particularly in manufacturing, life sciences and technology. The report highlights the City’s diversified economy, resilient property tax base and strong household incomes as key factors supporting long-term financial stability. Mississauga’s strategic location and transportation network, including Canada’s busiest airport, two national railways and five major highways, continue to strengthen its position as an important economic centre. 

Positioned for the future 

S&P also noted that Mississauga is well positioned to manage new municipal responsibilities associated with the transition of services from Peel Region in 2027, including waste collection and regional roads. The report indicates these changes are expected to be revenue neutral for the City and supported by continued revenue growth and strong operating performance, while still supporting future infrastructure investments responsibly. S&P projects that Mississauga will continue managing its budget and property tax increases responsibly, helping maintain a strong financial position and reserve balances that remain above 10 per cent of the City’s annual operating revenue. 

Strong financial planning and governance 

The report also recognized the City’s experienced leadership team and strong financial management practices. S&P highlighted Mississauga’s long-term approach to planning and budgeting, including regular updates to its multi-year business plans, a three-year operating budget outlook and a 10-year capital plan. 

The rating further acknowledges the City’s responsible approach to managing debt, asset management planning, infrastructure, and long-term investments. According to S&P, these practices help support the City’s long-term financial stability and prepare Mississauga for additional municipal responsibilities in the years ahead. 

To learn more about the City of Mississauga’s finances, visit mississauga.ca/financereports. 

About S&P Global Ratings

In 26 countries around the world and a history that dates back more than 150 years, S&P Global Ratings provides high-quality market intelligence in the form of credit ratings, research and thought leadership. An S&P Global Ratings issuer credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about an obligor’s overall creditworthiness. ‘AAA’ is the highest issuer credit rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. 

October 9, 2026
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Mississauga musicians: add your track to the City’s Music 311 playlist

By Announcement, Music

Mississauga musicians are invited to apply for a chance to share their music with thousands of listeners across City channels and receive $300 if selected.

City services | October 8, 2026

Through the City’s Music 311 program, 12 songs will be selected to showcase the diverse styles, genres and voices of Mississauga’s music community. Selected artists will receive a $300 payment and promotion on the City’s website and social media channels. 

The program turns everyday City touchpoints into opportunities to discover local music. With 311 receiving up to 950 calls a day and 250,000 calls each year, selected songs may be heard by thousands of callers while they wait for a customer service representative. Music will also be featured on City Council livestreams, MiWay customer information lines and other City channels. 

To apply, artists must: 

  • Own the copyright to the composition, performance and master recording. 
  • Ensure the lyrics are suitable for all ages. Songs may be performed in any language. 
  • Be based in Mississauga. For duos or groups, at least 50 per cent of members must be based in Mississauga. 

The next track we play could be yours! Interested in applying? Eligible artists have until November 1 at 11:59 p.m. to submit their application. 

For more information and how to apply, visit mississauga.ca/music311. 

October 8, 2026
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Take a StoryWalk®: Outdoor reading adventures await in Mississauga parks

By Parks, Ward 1

Turn a walk in the park into an illustrated storybook adventure. Families can read, explore and get active year-round at four Mississauga parks

City services | October 8, 2026

Adventure is waiting. Just follow the pages. Residents are invited to discover StoryWalk®, a free outdoor experience that transforms select park trails across Mississauga into interactive reading adventures. Combining literacy, outdoor recreation and active living, StoryWalk® encourages residents to explore their community and foster a love of reading.

Illustrated pages from select children’s books are posted on signs along walking paths at four parks. These stories have been selected by Mississauga Library staff and reflect diverse, family-friendly themes told with colourful illustrations, making the experience enjoyable for readers of all ages and reading levels. Each participating location features a different story by a Canadian author, encouraging families to explore new parks and discover a unique reading adventure at every stop:

StoryWalk® trails are available year-round during regular park hours. The trails are accessible and maintained through all seasons, allowing residents to enjoy the experience anytime and at their own pace.

Visit a participating park, breathe in some fresh air and watch a story come to life with every step. Read. Walk. Repeat!

StoryWalk sign mounted on a post in a wooded park. The top panel displays the cover of the children's book Fox and Squirrel by Ruth Ohi. The lower panel shows the first page of the story, featuring illustrated fox and squirrel characters facing each other on a grassy area, surrounded by trees and foliage in the background.
Enjoy reading Fox and Squirrel by Ruth Ohi as you walk along the trail at JC Saddington Park.

More information

When the trails end, the tales continue at Mississauga Library. Residents can enjoy a range of programs and borrow books, movies, games and more. Explore the full catalogue and see all the programs available at mississaugalibrary.ca.

Mississauga has more than 500 parks to explore. There are lots of opportunities to get outside and explore nature in the city. Find local parks and amenities near you at mississauga.ca/parks.

StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson and Rachel Senechal from Vermont’s Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

October 8, 2026
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Bus Stop Impact – Lakeshore Road (Stop #0408)

By Transit, Ward 1

Please be advised of the following emergency bus stop impact.  See the related details below:

 

Stop(s) Impacted: #0408 on WB Lakeshore Road, west of Dixie Road

New Stop Location: Patrons will be directed to the new permanent location (still #0408) on the northeast corner of Lakeshore Road at Dixie Road approximately 100m east

Routes Impacted: 5N | 23W |31N

Date and Time: 2:00pm Thursday October 8

Notes: With this relocation, the stop will now be serviced by Route 5N.  This will be made official in the December Board Period.  The bus shelter will also be moved to the new location.

October 8, 2026
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Lakeshore Art Trail

By Events, Ward 1

Making History:

The Lakeshore Art Trail Celebrates its 25th Anniversary this October

The Lakeshore Art Trail (LAT) is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a ticketed Gala evening on Friday, October 16, which will kick off the weekend’s art show and sale.

For over 25 years, the Lakeshore Art Trail has strengthened the local arts scene, supported artists at all stages of their careers, and created meaningful opportunities for the community to experience and celebrate the visual arts. LAT has become the largest fine art show and sale in Mississauga with 40 exhibiting artists, and has its sights set on growing over the next few years to bring a show of the same size and calibre as Toronto and other GTA arts events to Mississauga.

Dates & Times

Friday, October 16 | 6:30–9:00PM: Gala Event

Saturday, October 17 | 10:00AM–5:00PM: Art Show & Sale

Sunday, October 18 | 10:00AM–4:00PM: Art Show & Sale

Tickets

Gala Evening – $10. Tickets available at eventbrite.com.

Weekend Art Show & Sale – Free

Location

Small Arms Inspection Building

1352 Lakeshore Road East

Mississauga, ON L5E 1E9

The excitement surrounding the 25th anniversary is building among the group. “I am so proud of the work that the Executive Committee is putting in to make this landmark year the best Lakeshore Art Trail yet, not to mention the finest art show Mississauga has seen,” said Celina Melo, Chairperson of LAT.

The group’s first-ever gala will welcome special guests such as dignitaries and community members, alongside a silent auction, draws, licensed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, exclusive early viewing of the art show with artist meet-and-greets, and live music by Mississauga band Streetfire and Jazz vocalist Alyssa Michael. Tickets may be purchased through EventBrite. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets include one drink ticket. Additional drinks are available for purchase.

The FREE weekend Art Show & Sale will follow on Saturday, October 17 (10:00AM–5:00PM) and Sunday, October 18 (10:00AM–4:00PM) with 40+ artists exhibiting their artwork at the Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga. The location offers free parking and is wheelchair accessible.

The lively art show and sale features 40 artist booths, including two sponsored booths for emerging artists with special needs, and a separate Youth Arts display sponsored by DPSU. LAT distinguishes itself from other art events in Mississauga as it strictly focuses on fine art (painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media). A full list of participating artists (with their bios, photos of their work, and links to their individual websites) is available at lakeshorearttrail.com.

Saturday programming will include free drop-in artist workshops, live music, and a community craft table, while the Sunday art show & sale will be alongside the Lakeview Farmers Market.

“It brings me such fulfillment to hear year after year from artists who tell us that this is ‘By far the best indoor venue [they] have exhibited in’ and that they see the work we put in to maintain our roots as ‘An art show with heart that celebrates community’,” said Melo. “With strong support from our local leaders at all levels of government, CreativeHub 1352, Mississauga Arts Council, Mississauga Community Foundations grant, and sponsorship by local community businesses, LAT is truly a community venture.”

About the Lakeshore Art Trail

The Lakeshore Art Trail is organized by an artist-run Executive Committee. In the past, participating artists showcased their creations out of their studios or local businesses across Clarkson, Port Credit, and Lorne Park. In 2022, the event changed its location to the Small Arms Inspection Building in partnership with CreativeHub 1352 for the first time, bringing together all 24 artists to display and sell their work under one roof. At the time, exhibiting artist Wendy Bowe said, “I’m really looking forward to this year, because visitors will get to see all of the artists assembled in one space.” The show did not disappoint, bringing in over 2,000 visitors that first year. With each year, the show continues to grow and we currently expect to welcome over 4,000 visitors throughout the weekend event.

October 7, 2026
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