The City of Mississauga proudly joins the global celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, recognizing the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
March 3, 2026
As one of Canada’s most diverse cities, Mississauga’s Empowering Change: A Comprehensive Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: 2026-2031, demonstrates the City’s commitment to advancing policies, programs and partnerships that support equity, belonging and opportunity for all residents.
On March 8 and throughout the month, the City of Mississauga will mark International Women’s Day with a variety of programs and activities. All are encouraged to visit the International Women’s Day webpage, which highlights a variety of opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate which include:
- film screenings and storytelling events highlighting women’s leadership and lived experiences
- sports and recreation programs celebrating women and girls
- visual presentations recognizing remarkable women from Mississauga’s history
- free fitness and aquafitness classes led by women instructors
- library programs focused on empowerment, creativity and family learning
- a curated playlist featuring empowering female artists at City facilities and programs
In addition, the City will be lighting the clock tower purple on March 8 in recognition of International Women’s Day.
Background
International Women’s Day is observed each year globally to celebrate women’s achievements and to call attention to the ongoing work needed to achieve gender equality. The City of Mississauga remains committed to creating and fostering inclusive spaces where women and girls can contribute and lead.
For more information and ways to get involved, please visit: mississauga.ca/IWD
Quotes
“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that when we give our time, our voices, and our support, we all gain. In Mississauga, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of women by creating opportunities to connect, learn, and give back through programs that uplift women and girls, and honour their leadership. By leading through example and working together, we can continue to build a city where every woman feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish
✔ Motion to Direct Region of Peel Staff to Communicate to all Three Municipalities Regarding PAMA Transfer and Transition Activities
✔ Motion regarding supporting tourism for the Olympics and request the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to allow local bars and restaurants to serve alcohol starting at 6:00AM from February 5 to 22, 2026
✔ Motion to Support BIA requests for Canada Day Funding
✔ Motion – Let’s Play Ball Athletic Group and City Partnership
✔ Motion to Restrict PAMA Marketing Budget
✔ Motion to change the name of the Ogden Bridge to the Mary Jane Miller Bridge
✔ Good Neighbour Tree Motion
✔ Motion to Endorse the Goals of the Plant Based Treaty that Align with the City of Mississauga’s Objectives
✔ Low Road Salt Diet Motion
✔ Motion Regarding Concrete Cutting and Dust Mitigation for Residential Construction Activities
✔ Motion Requesting Immediate Provincial Action on Noisemakers
✔ Motion to Support Canadian Businesses
✔ Motion to Dissolve PAMA
✔ Motion to establish a Stormwater Advisory Committee
✔ Budget Motion 2024 (Using Reserve Funds to offset impacts)
✔ Don’t SIT Motion (Safe Intersection Traffic)
✔ Motion to Restrict Access to haig Blvd from 1250 South Service Road Development
✔ Motion Regarding a Request for a full and final grant payment to the RCL Branch 82 for Sanitary Sewer Work
✔ Motion to adopt Region of Peel emergency housing program as an essential emergency service within the City of Mississauga
✔Motion to reduce Capital budget for Information and Technology by $375,000 from Workforce Enablement Device Replacement Program
✔ Motion to adopt “Mississauga” by Mikey Bloom as the official anthem for Mississauga’s 50th Anniversary
✔ Motion to approve Temporary Outdoor patios
✔ Motion to Declare Gender-Based Violence and Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic in the City of Mississauga and the Region of Peel (In support of Keira’s Law, Bill C233)
✔ “Use it or lose it” Building Permit Timelines Motion to encourage infill building to progress and meet housing targets
✔ Motion to extend the exemption period for the Sign By-Law to allow businesses to erect portable signs for promotion until January 1, 2025
✔ Motion to reduce the Region of Peel’s IT budget, amend Waste Management budget and to remove all non-shovel ready projects in the Transportation budget for 2024
✔ Motion to direct staff to provide options to deal with infill sites in our neighbourhoods, including construction hoarding
✔ Motion to introduce City’s Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program
✔ Motion to make an amendment to the Sign By-Law to allow for feather banner signs for promoting local businesses
✔ Motion to allow two additional bags of waste to be collected as part of the bi-weekly residential waste collection, without the requirement of purchasing bag tags
✔ Motion to reduce speeds along Lakeshore Road in designated areas from 50 km to 40 km
✔ Motion that City and Regional Councils ask the Province to enact further amendments to the Highway Traffic Act to directly target loud and modified exhaust systems
✔ Motion to amend the tree permit, removal and replacement fees related to both the City’s Private and Public Tree Protection By-laws
✔ Motion to secure resources for the LDD Aerial Spray in 2022
✔ Motion to have the Boulevard Garden Permit Fee waived has been extended for an additional 3-year period ending May 31, 2025.
✔ Motion to reduce the speed along Dixie Rd from 60 km/h to 50 km/h
✔ Seconded a motion that will extend the Residential Rat Control Subsidy Program until November 30, 2022 to better evaluate the demand of residents.
Please find below a project update for the wastewater construction project 18-2441 on Etobicoke Valley Dog Park.
More details are posted online at https://peelregion.ca/construction/project-18-2441.
BRAMPTON, Ont. – March 2, 2026. Curbside yard waste pickup begins the week of March 9 in Peel. The cities of Brampton and Mississauga will receive weekly yard waste pickup, while urban areas in the Town of Caledon will receive bi-weekly yard waste pickup. Rural areas of Caledon will have yard waste picked up on designated Fridays.
Residents can check their collection calendar to find their pickup day or sign up to receive free waste collection reminders.
Remember:
- Yard waste must be at the curb by 7 a.m. on your pickup day.
- Put yard waste at the curb in kraft paper bags (plastic bags not accepted) or reusable containers clearly labelled ‘yard waste’ with a sticker or marker.
- Grass clippings are not accepted at the curb or at Community Recycling Centres.
Visit our website to view more curbside set-out tips and acceptable yard waste items.
#GiveToGain
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, and in 2026, the theme Give To Gain highlights the power of generosity and collaboration. When individuals, organizations, and communities give through resources, knowledge, advocacy, mentoring, or time, they help create more opportunities for women and build a stronger, more connected world.
Mississauga is an inclusive and welcoming city, supporting all women and celebrating their achievements. The City has is recognizing International Women’s Day with some special events and programs.
As clocks move forward by an hour on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2 a.m., remember these tips to help you ease into Daylight Saving Time.
February 24, 2026
While all clocks in Mississauga will jump ahead by one hour next Sunday (March 8, 2026, at 2 a.m.), Daylight Saving Time means longer daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities and warmer weather. Remember to update all clocks, in vehicles, on appliances, wrist watches, electronic devices and cell phones which might not change automatically.
While the time change means additional daylight, it can take a few days for your body to adjust. Try easing into the time change by going to bed earlier as losing an hour of sleep can affect alertness and concentration. Give your body time to adjust to a new morning routine.
Consider these Daylight Saving routine reminders
Feeling tired or unfocused can chip away at your concentration. Staying alert and keeping safety top of mind will help you stay on top of what matters and ease smoothly into the spring season as the days feel longer.
Check your transit schedule and delivery windows
If you rely on transit to get around, don’t forget to confirm route times to avoid delays on bus routes, GO train departures or rideshare pickups. Check schedules the night before and give yourself extra buffer time to avoid missing connections and unnecessary stress. At the same time, take a quick look at scheduled deliveries you might be expecting, as times might have shifted.
Stay alert on roads
More daylight means more people, including children, who will be out and about on roadways, walking, cycling, and spending time outdoors especially as the weather warms up. As always, drivers need to stay alert, follow speed limits, and watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Pay extra attention especially when turning, driving through school zones and residential neighbourhoods. If you’re walking or cycling, use designated crosswalks or crossrides, and cyclists should ensure their bikes have proper lights and reflectors to stay visible in early mornings and evenings.
Check your home
As warmer days arrive, spring is the perfect time to take care of your home and yard. Melting snow and spring rain can reveal problems that may have gone unnoticed over the winter months. Spending some time looking into your home can help prevent water damage, protect your property, and keep functioning to its full potential. Check and test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, get your furnace and AC inspected, check outdoor faucets, clear out dry vents, check for cracks in the foundation of your home, on your driveways or, check windows for proper seals.
Check vehicles
A vehicle tune up after a long winter is never a bad idea for safety reasons. Once the weather warms up, consider taking off your winter tires and switch to all‑season or summer tires. Check your car battery, refill fluids, coolant, and consider replacing windshield wiper blades. For better visibility, clean headlights, vehicle camera lenses and your windshield. Restock your emergency preparedness kit, ensuring that any expired items are replaced.
Pets need to adjust
Pets may need a few days to adjust to new feeding or walking schedules. Gradually shifting their routines can help reduce stress for your pet.
Daylight Saving Time brings longer days and brighter evenings, however, remember to set your clocks ahead for one hour and take a few simple steps to stay safe this spring.
2026 March Break – Spend your week enjoying activities, adventures, and citywide fun in Mississauga!
Get ready for a vibrant March Break! This month, the city will be buzzing with fun programs, activities and events for everyone.
Each day brings something new to explore, so mark your calendars and join in the excitement.
A Perfectly Reasonable Night of Comedy
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of comedy as Peter Oldring and Pat Kelly (CBC Radio’s This is That) reunite with Carolyn Taylor (Baroness von Sketch Show). These longtime collaborators return to the stage with a delightfully absurd variety show packed with sharp humour and off‑the‑wall fun. Get your tickets today.
Drop-in swims and skates
All week long, drop-in swims and skates are free! Space can fill up quickly, make sure to arrive early. Check out the drop-in calendar.
Visit your local library
Enjoy magic shows, drumming workshops, storytimes, fire truck visits, creative activities, and a full week of surprises and smiles waiting to be discovered at the library.
Maple Magic Festival
Enjoy crafts, games, and special guests from Elder Mark Sault’s teachings (March 14 to 15) to an adorable petting zoo (March 21 to 22).
This magical rain‑or‑shine event is the perfect way to celebrate maple season! Grab your tickets online today.
Stage productions, unique finds and more
Home town sports to enjoy
Visit Paramount Fine Foods Centre on March 17 to see the Raptors 905 taking on the Motor City Cruise.
The City is working to remove unnecessary housing barriers while continuing to encourage healthy, well-designed and vibrant communities.
February 24, 2026
The review is also addressing recommendations from the Mayor’s Housing Task Force, which includes more than 30 representatives from Ontario’s private and not-for-profit building and development industry. The Task Force noted that some urban design requirements have made it harder – and too expensive – to get housing built without meaningful results for the community.
Updating urban apartment zones
In late 2024, Mississauga introduced two urban apartment zones in the zoning by-law. The regulations are designed to help speed up development approvals for apartments in urban areas. Staff are now proposing updates to the City’s urban design requirements for these areas. Recommendations include:
- Replacing ‘angular plane’ requirements with simplified setbacks: Many communities across Canada are revisiting policies that require buildings to ‘step back’ as they increase in height. This requirement removes floorspace that could be used for housing – without providing a meaningful impact on the quality of life in these urban communities. It also drives up construction costs by requiring heavier structures, transfer systems and inefficient layouts.
- Reducing minimum tower distances: Setting a minimum distance between towers helps protect privacy, sky views and mitigates wind impacts. Staff recommend reducing the required distance from 30 to 25 metres which is more typical for urban areas. This helps buildings fit more naturally on a site, supports practical building layouts and avoids leaving portions of a site underused – especially on smaller or irregularly shaped properties.
Other urban design-related recommendations include providing more flexibility for amenity areas for residents, ground-floor windows and street-level building entrances.
Next steps
As the City’s urban design review advances, staff will engage with developers and community members to help shape updates to the program. Changes to Urban Design Guidelines and Design Reference Notes will be presented to Council for endorsement.
The proposed zoning changes for the City’s urban apartment zones and amenity areas will go to City Council for approval in April, subject to further comments that may be received prior to the meeting.
Quote
“Housing supply and affordability remain key issues facing Mississauga residents. Reviewing our urban design program will help remove housing barriers without compromising the standards that make our communities great places to live. Cities are not static. As planners, we must be ready to respond to changing demographics, infrastructure needs and economic conditions.” – Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building
Following a successful three-year pilot, Mississauga City Council voted to make the Live Music Grant a permanent program that will continue supporting the industry for years to come.
February 19, 2026
The Live Music Grant pilot program has helped grow Mississauga’s music sector by creating more spaces and opportunities for live music events, supporting paid gigs for musicians and taking advantage of the economic impact of Ontario’s growing live music industry. Grants will be increased starting in 2026, providing up to $5,000 to better support economic opportunities for musicians and venue operators.
Eligible applicants can receive funds to help offset the costs of hosting concerts and live music events taking place in Mississauga. It is open to for-profit applicants, including artists, venue operators, promoters, bars, restaurants and other potential music event hosts. While applicants do not need to be based in Mississauga to apply, the events must take place within the city.
Application process
Applications open on March 2, 2026 and must be submitted through the City’s grants portal. For more details on eligibility and the application process, please review the program guidelines.
The deadline to apply is Friday, March 27, 2026.
Webinars
Two webinars are available to help new and returning applicants understand the process and what’s new for the 2026 program. Attendance is optional:
- Register for Information Session #1: Thursday, March 12, from 12 to 1 p.m.
- Register for Information Session #2: Monday, March 23, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Impact of the Live Music Grant 2023-2025 pilot
- During the first three years, the pilot issued 61 grants of up to $2,500, supported 165 new concerts and created 385 gig opportunities for musicians, representing a total economic impact of $278,486 for Mississauga’s music sector.
- There is a strong and growing demand for the grant, which received more than 100 applications and was oversubscribed during each year of the pilot.
- Staff anticipate that by 2027, the Live Music Grant will generate 150 new concerts each year, 300 annual gig opportunities for local musicians and $300,000 in annual economic impact to Mississauga’s music sector. This equates to $3 in local economic impact for every dollar invested through the grant.
- In 2026, the grant will be increased to provide up to $5,000 for applicants, and the overall budget for the program will be increased to $75,000. The Music Office will also be developing a live music venue registry to make it easier for concert presenters to find spaces to host events.
Background
- The Live Music Grant pilot program launched in 2023 as a key action from the Mississauga Music Strategy (2022-2026), designed to help capitalize on the growth of Ontario’s live music industry and create new spaces for live music events. The Live Music Grant also contributes to the Economic Development Strategy: Path to Prosperity 2030 and Future Directions Culture Plan.
- Grant applications were evaluated by a panel of adjudicators, who are music industry professionals based in Mississauga.
- Eligible applicants are concert presenters operating on a for-profit basis, which can include music venues, promoters and musicians who produce their own events. During the three-year pilot, the grant provided up to $2,500 towards eligible expenses, including musician fees, venue fees, marketing and AV staffing and rentals.
- The grant is made possible by the City’s portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax.
- Mississauga’s live music sector continues to grow and, in 2023, added an estimated $28 million to the city’s gross domestic product, supported an estimated 290 full-time equivalent jobs and generated $14.7 million in labour-based income.
- Mississauga was named the “2023 Music City of the Year” by the Canadian Live Music Association and Canadian Music Week in recognition of the City’s efforts to build a stronger and more resilient music ecosystem.
