All Posts By

Stephen Dasko

Mississauga earns prestigious ‘AAA’ credit rating from Standard & Poor for the 22nd consecutive year

By Announcement

Report cites Mississauga’s strong financial management and growth

September 12, 2025

Standard & Poor Global Ratings (S&P), a leading provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis, has assigned the City of Mississauga an ‘AAA’ credit rating, the highest rating that can be received, and includes a stable outlook for the City’s future. This rating reflects the City’s strong financial management practices and effective budgeting processes, which are designed to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability in a growing economy.

What does this mean for residents

This rating reflects the City’s commitment to strategically reinvest property taxes and enhance the quality of life for residents. S&P expects the City’s strong tax base and prudent financial management will support healthy operational budget balances, and the liquidity position will stay robust. The report highlights Mississauga’s healthy reserves and the dedicated capital levy as an important source of funding. S&P believes Mississauga is well positioned to manage additional responsibilities such as the transfer of waste collection services and regional roads from Peel Region. S&P expects that Mississauga will continue to manage its budget such that expenditures are offset by strong revenue growth.

The report notes that despite national economic uncertainty, the City continues to see substantial investments, particularly in life sciences and technology. Capital spending is expected to increase in the next two years with the support of funds from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

S&P also points to Mississauga’s proximity to major markets, as well as its extensive transportation infrastructure— including Canada’s busiest airport, two national railways, and five of the country’s busiest highways which continue to aid its economy and attract investment.

The report highlighted the strength of Mississauga’s management team, which is highly qualified and experienced in implementing effective fiscal policies and responding to external risks. S&P’s report also acknowledged the City’s robust financial policies, clear and transparent financial disclosure, strong budgeting practices, which include annual updates to multi-year business plans and a detailed operating budget with a three-year outlook and a 10-year capital plan.

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.

September 12, 2025
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GO Expansion – Overnight Geotechnical Investigative Work within the Lakeshore West Rail Corridor – Work restarts September 12, 2025

By Transit, Ward 1

Metrolinx has provided this update to share:

As part of the GO Expansion program, crews will be drilling vertical boreholes and performing automatic ballast sampling to assess ground conditions within the Lakeshore West rail corridor. This work will inform future track and infrastructure upgrades. For safety reasons, some activities will occur overnight when trains are not in service.
• Schedule: Work begins September 12, 2025, and will continue for approximately two months.
• Timing: 8:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
• Weekend Work: September 12–14 and September 26–29, from Friday 6:00 p.m. to Sunday 6:00 a.m.

The work details, anticipated impacts, and a map are highlighted in the attached notice. No impacts to pedestrians, motorists, or public transit are expected, though we remind the community to exercise caution around active construction sites.

The notice has been hand-delivered and mailed to impacted residents and is also available online.

September 10, 2025
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UPDATE 2021-2127: Closure of Dixie Road off-Ramp from QEW WB

By Construction, Ward 1

Councillor Dasko has received the following notice from GHD on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation related to the Dixie/QEW Interchange project:

Please be advised that the South Service Road (SSR) on-ramp to the QEW Toronto-bound, which was scheduled to be closed starting the week of August 18, 2025, for a period of approximately six weeks (weather permitting), will remain closed longer than anticipated.

Please be advised that due to unforeseen challenges and prevailing weather conditions, the South Service Road (SSR) on-ramp to the QEW Toronto-bound will remain closed until December 12, 2025, weather permitting.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to complete the required construction safely and efficiently.

We will continue to monitor progress closely and provide updates if there are any further changes.

For any questions or additional information, please contact us at 905-247-8730 or email qewdixie@ghd.com.

September 10, 2025
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Peel Region confirms first human case of West Nile virus

By Announcement

Residents are encouraged to continue taking precautions until first frost

BRAMPTON, Ont. – September 9, 2025. Peel Public Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus for 2025 in a Mississauga resident.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people who contract the disease will show no symptoms, some will experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, mild rash, and swollen lymph glands. In rare cases, West Nile virus can lead to severe illness. People 50 years and older and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing serious complications.

West Nile virus activity varies from year to year and is influenced by rainfall and temperatures. Peel Public Health monitors mosquito populations across the region each summer and manages them by treating catch basins and surface water with environmentally friendly larvicides. Mosquitoes in Peel first tested positive for West Nile virus in mid-July this year, and the risk of exposure from mosquitoes is highest between July and September.

Residents are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by:

  • Applying an approved insect repellent containing an ingredient effective against mosquitoes, such as DEET or icaridin, to exposed skin and clothing. Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe use. NOTE: Infants 6 months and younger should notuse an insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin. Instead, use a mosquito net when babies are outdoors in a crib or stroller.
  • Avoiding areas with large mosquito populations and taking extra precautions between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and at any time near shady, wooded areas.
  • Wearing light-coloured, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks to protect exposed skin.
  • Making sure all window and door screens fit securely and are free of tears and holes.
  • Ensuring that openings to rain barrels are always covered with a screen mesh.
  • Removing or draining items on your property that hold stagnant water. Water that is stagnant for more than 7 days is an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes. You can report stagnant water sites to Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or online.
  • Registering online to receive email notifications and informationabout where mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in Peel.
  • Registering onlinefor treatment in 2026 if you have a backyard catch basin.
September 10, 2025
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Notification of herbicide application for the control of invasive plants

By Events, Parks, Ward 1

This is to notify you of upcoming herbicide application to control Tree of Heaven; this work is scheduled to be completed between September 15th – October 6th.

Work locations within Ward 1 include:

  • Orchard Heights Park
  • Helen Molasy Memorial Park

Contractors working on behalf of the City, Brinkman Living Infrastructure Ltd., will apply VisionMax (Glyphosate) directly to the plants using a handheld/backpack sprayer to minimize impacts to plants in the surrounding area. 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 prior to October 6th, 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.

The Park Supervisor and 311 have been notified of these operations.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

September 9, 2025
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Shop local and discover Mississauga’s next innovators at Sourced in Sauga!

By Events

Discover and shop from IDEA Mississauga-supported businesses at Sourced in Sauga, a curated marketplace, on Saturday, September 20.

September 9, 2025

IDEA Mississauga, in partnership with Square One Shopping Centre, invites you to Sourced in Sauga, a one-day marketplace at Square One Shopping Centre bringing together local artisans, startups and community-driven entrepreneurs. Each of these businesses have been supported by one of many IDEA programs, giving guests an opportunity to see how IDEA-supported businesses are becoming thriving ventures.

Join us for a day of innovation and creativity, while connecting with passionate entrepreneurs in the city. It’s also a chance to get a head start on your seasonal shopping, with everything from clothing and treats to eco-friendly products, collectables and more. You can explore the full list of vendors here.

When

The Sourced in Sauga Market will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Where

Square One Shopping Centre’s central food court. No need to RSVP!

Cost

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

For more details, visit IDEA Mississauga’s Sourced in Sauga event page.

September 9, 2025
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Live events for the whole family to enjoy in Mississauga this fall

By Events

High-quality live entertainment close to home featuring music, theatre and sporting events.

September 8, 2025

Back to school, back to fun! Now that the kids are back in class, weekends can feel tricky to plan. Good news—saugaLIVE has you covered with high-quality live entertainment right in your own backyard.

Enjoy concerts, sports, movies and more with free event parking and budget-friendly tickets for the whole family.

This season is a special one, as the Harlem Globetrotters make a stop in Mississauga in the spring as part of their 100-year tour.

We’re also pleased to welcome some exciting additions to the season, including an appearance by Bollywood legend A.R. Rahman and The Sunshine Orchestra as part of the Promise of Music World Congress presented by The Glenn Gould Foundation.

Finally, Mississauga is bringing the excitement of TIFF a little closer to home through Reel Thursdays – a TIFF Film Circuit Group. The first three screenings of the series include The Wedding Banquet by Peter Ahn, We Lend a Hand by Colin Peter Field and Blue Moon by Richard Linklater.

Learn more about what’s in store this fall!

Living Arts Centre

  • Reel Thursdays: The Wedding Banquet – October 9. Get tickets
  • The Sunshine Orchestra with special guest A.R. Rahman – October. 9. Get tickets
  • Tom Morello: A Night of Stories and Music – October 19. Get tickets
  • An Evening of Folk with Kellie Loder and River North Duo – October 25. Get tickets
  • Emily Calandrelli, The Space Gal – November 13. Get tickets
  • Reel Thursdays: We Lend A Hand – The Forgotten Story Of Ontario Farmerettes – November 13. Get tickets
  • Shea Couleé featuring Lemon and The Virgo Queen – November 14. Get tickets
  • Digable Planets – November 20. Get tickets
  • Adaptive Concert: ASD Band in Collaboration with Xenia Concerts – November 30. Get tickets
  • STARS – December 4. Get tickets
  • Reel Thursdays: Blue Moon – December 11. Get tickets
  • The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition – December 15. Get tickets
  • Jann Arden Christmas Tour – December 16. Get tickets

Meadowvale Theatre

  • One Moe Time: A Tribute to Moe Koffman – October 5. Get tickets
  • Broadsway: The Most Wonderful Time…Maybe! – December 21. Get tickets

Paramount Fine Foods Centre

Please note: ticket details for the Raptors 905 2025-2026 will be shared soon. Stay tuned for more information.

Game dates:

  • Raptors 905 Home Opener vs. College Park Skyhawks – November 7
  • Raptors 905 vs. College Park Skyhawks – November 9
  • Raptors 905 vs. Maine Celtics – November 12
  • Raptors 905 vs. Capital City Go-Go – December 3
  • Raptors 905 vs. Delaware Blue Coats – December 10
  • Raptors 905 vs. Delaware Blue Coats – December 11
  • Raptors 905 vs. Maine Celtics – December 27
  • Raptors 905 vs. Maine Celtics – December 28
  • Raptors 905 vs. Westchester Knicks – December 30

Discover your next saugaLIVE experience close to home. For more information about upcoming events, visit the website. To request a media interview with one of the artists, please contact media@mississauga.ca

September 8, 2025
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Write on! Mississauga’s Literary Festival returns on September 13

By Events, Resources

Discover author talks, panels, workshops, and activities for every reader and writer.

September 8, 2025

The annual Mississauga Literary Festival brings together readers, writers, and the community for a day filled with author talks, panels, workshops, local exhibitors, and interactive activities. There’s something for everyone, from children to adult readers and writers. This year’s programming is presented in partnership with The Ampersand Review, a literary magazine from Sheridan College’s Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing and Publishing program, which will also launch Issue No. 8 during the festival – a chapter you won’t want to skip!

People seated on chairs as a speaker engages them at the front of the room. They are sitting in a bright lime green painted room.

What

Mississauga Literary Festival

When

Saturday, September 13, 2025, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where

Hazel McCallion Central Library (Floor 0-5)
301 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W.
Mississauga, ON

Cost

Free admission, no registration required

Event highlights

The Mississauga Literary Festival 2025 runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. across all levels (0-5) of the Hazel McCallion Central Library. Visitors can enjoy:

  • Author Talks and panels – including Mystery Mix Up: Who Dunnit and Why? with Bianca Marais, Hannah Mary McKinnon, and Uzma Jalaluddin, plus a Special Author Talk with Bee Quammie.
  • Workshops – topics include self-publishing, suspense writing, public speaking, poetry, and more, led by authors and industry professionals.
  • Storytime & family programming – children’s author spotlights and family storytime.
  • Interactive activities – book-themed crafts, drop-in gaming, and “Book Friending” sessions to connect readers.
  • Special launch – including The Ampersand Review Issue No. 8.
  • Exhibitor marketplace – meet over 60 local authors, publishers, and literary organizations throughout the library.

For the full festival schedule and exhibitor list, visit the Mississauga Literary Festival webpage.

September 8, 2025
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Have your say on MiWay’s 2030 transit service plan

By Transit

Join MiWay staff at an information session to learn about Mississauga’s future transit network and provide your input.

September 8, 2025

The MiWay Five Plus Plan (2026-2035) is being developed to understand the growing demand for transit service in Mississauga, which will support future growth, improve connectivity and help deliver a faster and more efficient service. This plan will guide the future transit network, including new express routes and important connections to light rail service and other local routes.

As part of this plan, and following an extensive analysis and input from the community, MiWay has developed a proposed 2030 transit network.

Future transit network

MiWay is proposing the following updates:

  • Expansion of express route network with more express service throughout the week.
  • New connections to future higher order transit projects such as the Hazel McCallion Line LRT on Hurontario Street.
  • Enhanced and expanded connections to major transit hubs.
  • Improved service frequencies across the network throughout the week.

Residents can provide feedback on the proposed transit network in-person at any of the public information sessions listed below.

Public information sessions

Attend a drop-in session listed below to view information boards, ask questions and provide your feedback to MiWay staff.

Provide feedback online

Unable to attend a public information session? We still want to hear from you! Visit the MiVoice engagement platform to provide feedback by filling out a quick survey from September 22 to October 3.

September 8, 2025
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Grand Opening of Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor

By Resources

Ontario Government invests $2.2 million in Community Access to Long-Term Care pilot

BRAMPTON, ON (September 5, 2025) – Today Peel Region celebrated the grand opening of the Seniors Health and Wellness Village (SHWV) at Peel Manor — a first-of-its-kind model for integrated seniors care. At the event, the Ministry of Long-Term Care also announced one-year funding of $2.18 million for Peel Region’s Thrive Program, which will help provide exceptional integrated care for seniors in the community, while reducing hospital visits and emergency department use.

Thrive is now part of the Community Access to Long-Term Care (CALTC) pilot program, created by the ministry to support seniors who are waiting for long-term care, are eligible now, or may soon need it. By offering many of the same integrated services available in long-term care homes, Thrive will help seniors live safely and comfortably at home for as long as possible.

The Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor (SHWV) is a great example of the community hubs being developed through the CALTC program. These hubs will use the physical infrastructure of long-term care homes to bring together health care, social supports, and expert guidance all in one place to provide seniors the care they need, reduce trips to the hospital, and give families peace of mind.

Leadership in emotion-based care

Located on the site of the original Peel Manor, the SHWV combines a 177-bed long-term care centre called Peel Manor, which includes a Transitional Behavioural Support Unit, with a comprehensive service hub offering Adult Day Services (ADS), the Thrive program, an Integrated Care Centre, a social enterprise operated café and shop, resource centre, hair salon, meeting spaces, and outdoor green spaces.

In May 2025, the Ontario government re-introduced proposed changes to the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 through Bill 14, Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act, 2025. The proposed changes require all LTC homes to have a dementia program to meet the care needs of residents with dementia. Additionally, the Province is investing $9 million over three years to launch a new program to train staff in emotion-based models of care for residents living with dementia.

The SHWV strengthens Peel Region’s recognized leadership in emotion-based care. Peel Region was the first in Ontario to implement this approach in long-term care and is now the first community-based program to implement this approach in Canada with the recent Butterfly certification of its ADS Centres. Emotion-based care has an incredible ability to make unique connections with people living with dementia, often providing a new spark to an individual’s health, mood, and self-expression.

About the Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor

Recipient of Advantage Ontario’s 2024 Innovation and Excellence Capital Project Award, the SHWV is built on the site of the original Peel Manor, which evolved from the County of Peel House of Industry and Refuge that originally housed 12 people and was built in 1898.

The Peel Manor Long Term Care Centre occupies floors two through four of the SHWV. The second floor is home to two specialized home areas, a Butterfly home area called Goreway and a 29-bed Transitional Behavioural Support Unit called Broddyway, the first in the Central West geography for individuals experiencing heightened responsive expressions associated with dementia.

Adult Day Services (ADS) and the Community Access to Long Term Care / Thrive Program are offered on the main floor of the SHWV. When at full capacity, the SHWV will more than double the number of clients served at the original Peel Manor. These programs help reduce social isolation and support the maintenance of mobility, strength, and cognition in seniors, while providing caregivers with much needed respite.

With advanced technology such as Real-Time Location Services, robust Wi-Fi, and dedicated TV systems for residents, the SHWV ensures care is not only compassionate but also modern and secure, helping residents stay connected and staff deliver highly personalized support.

Quotations

“Our government is protecting our long-term care system with targeted investments that ensure people get the right care in the right place. By giving seniors access to more services while living safely at home, the Community Access to Long-Term Care program will improve seniors’ quality of life, support caregivers, reduce avoidable hospital visits and delay the need for live-in long-term care.”
-Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care 

“By 2041, one in five Peel residents will be over the age of 65, which will mean that more people in our community will be living with dementia. The Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor will support the diverse needs of this population with emotion-based care in long term care, as well as seniors and caregivers living in their own homes. By working in partnership with the Ministry of Long-Term Care, as we are with this pilot program, we can improve the quality of life for seniors in Peel, while helping the health care system operate more effectively.”  
-Nando Iannicca, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Peel Region

“The Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor offers health, social, and community supports within a building that is also home to seniors living in the Peel Manor long-term care home. With this unique approach, seniors are able to access services and supports in one building, regardless of where they are on their unique care journey. We look forward to further partnerships with the provincial government and other health system partners as we explore innovative approaches that improve quality of life in Peel, while pioneering ideas that can lead system transformation across Ontario.”
-Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services, Peel Region

September 5, 2025
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