Announcement – Councillor Stephen Dasko, Ward 1

Transform your business idea with IDEA Mississauga’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp!

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement, Events

Applications are now open for the 2026 Starter Company Plus – Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses in Mississauga.

November 6, 2025

Are you a new entrepreneur developing a product or service, or refining your start-up business model? Apply to IDEA Mississauga’s Starter Company Plus – Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, an intensive, high-impact program designed to accelerate early-stage startups from launch to growth.

What’s in it for you?

If you’re ready to take the next bold step in your entrepreneurship journey, this program is for you! Over the course of the program, entrepreneurs will gain access to expert training, mentorship, and peer-to-peer connections, plus all the tools needed to build and grow a sustainable business. Participants will also have the opportunity to apply for a micro-grant of up to $5,000 to support their startup.

Attend a mandatory information session

The first step to apply to the Starter Company Plus – Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is attending a mandatory virtual Information session. This session will outline the program structure, eligibility requirements, and how to submit an application. Please note that attendance does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Option 1: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 1 to 2 p.m.
Option 2: Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 6 to 7 p.m.

For more information and to register, visit the program website here.

Driving innovation across Mississauga

Programs like the Starter Company Plus – Entrepreneurship Bootcamp play an important role in supporting new businesses, driving economic growth, and fostering innovation in Mississauga. By helping entrepreneurs build strong, sustainable ventures, IDEA Mississauga continues to strengthen the city’s reputation as a vibrant and innovative hub for business and innovation.

The Starter Company Plus – Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is funded in part by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

About IDEA Mississauga

IDEA Mississauga, powered by Invest Mississauga, brings together industry, government, education and organizational leaders to help start-ups and scale-ups accelerate ideas and commercialize solutions. IDEA offers entrepreneurs a comprehensive suite of resources to support their needs and growth, including tailored programs and services, along with a rich network of mentorship, partners and talent. From start-up to scale-up, the IDEA team is dedicated to driving innovation and turning entrepreneurs’ ideas into reality.

November 6, 2025

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Trillium Health Partners Women’s and Children’s Inpatient Care Moving to the Credit Valley Hospital

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement

Beginning October 8, 2025, Trillium Health Partners will provide all inpatient hospital care for women’s health, birthing patients, and children at the Credit Valley Hospital. This change will continue until construction is complete on the future Shah Family Hospital for Women and Children — the first hospital of its kind in Ontario, dedicated to the unique healthcare needs of women and children.

What does this mean for you?
Having your baby before October 8, 2025? If your birth is before October 8 at Mississauga Hospital your plans will not change.
Having your baby on or after October 8, 2025? Your birth will take place at the Credit Valley Hospital. Please reach out to your primary care provider with any questions regarding your delivery plans.

Renovations at Credit Valley Hospital are already underway to ensure a smooth experience for patients and families. Emergency care will continue at both Mississauga Hospital and Credit Valley Hospital. If you visit the Mississauga Hospital Emergency Department and need specialized care from an obstetrician/gynecologist or paediatrician who is located at Credit Valley Hospital, our medical teams will arrange a safe transfer. This ensures you receive the right care from the right specialists when you need it most.

For more information about the move and updates on our progress, visit www.trilliumhealthworks.ca/womens-and-childrens-hospital.

November 2, 2025

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Peel receives global recognition for its transformation work in the water and wastewater sector

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement, Resources

BRAMPTON, Ont. – October 28, 2025. Peel Region has been recognized with the Utility of the Future Today Award from the Water Environment Federation. This global acknowledgment reflects Peel’s commitment to leading transformational work in the water and wastewater sector, including partnering with other organizations, and prioritizing community engagement, resource recovery, and sustainable operations.

The Utility of the Future Today brings together like-minded water utilities involved in advancing resource efficiency and recovery, developing proactive relationships with stakeholders, and establishing resilient, sustainable, and livable communities. It enables participants to learn from each other and continually grow and evolve as a sector.

Every day, Peel treats over 1.7 billion litres of clean, safe drinking water and 660 million litres of wastewater.

Some recent achievements demonstrated by Peel:

A 100 percent report rating by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for its annual inspection of all seven Peel municipal drinking water systems, demonstrating continued excellent performance, and a focus on ensuring water quality and the health of the community.
Progressing toward ISO 45001 Compliance and Certification for an Occupational Health and Safety Management system and ISO 55001Compliance for Asset Management for Water and Wastewater.
Assessing a triple-bottom-line approach to managing biosolids and biogas generated within our Water Resource Recovery facilities.
Using Lean initiatives to review and improve customer service and operating investments.

Learn more about Peel Region’s awards for leadership, continuous improvement, innovation, and service excellence.

Quotations

“I am so proud of this achievement by our staff. Peel Region is an established leader in water and wastewater service delivery, and we are simply the best at what we do.”
Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair and CEO, Peel Region.

“This recognition reflects the incredible work our teams do every day. From our frontline operators to our technical teams, project managers and everyone supporting behind the scenes. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service excellence is what made this achievement possible.”

Anthony Parente, General Manager, Water & Wastewater.

October 29, 2025

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Sixth Annual Ward 1 Community Excellence Awards – Winners 2025

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement, Stephen’s Initiatives, Ward 1

The Sixth Annual Ward 1 Community Excellence Awards took place on Thursday October 23rd, and was a truly inspiring evening that filled me with immense gratitude and pride.

I am humbled each year by the opportunity to recognize the incredible individuals, businesses, and organizations whose hard work and dedication make Ward 1 such a vibrant and caring community.

Congratulations to this year’s nominees and award recipients. It is an honour to celebrate all that you do. Below is a full list of this year’s winners across each category:

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

This award recognizes the endeavors of an exceptional individual or company who:

creates exceptional products and services
keep our local economies moving forward
embodies the spirit of community
values and demonstrates innovation

Winner: Laughtree Clearance Centre – Christine Ader

Customer Service Award

This award recognizes a business for:

consistently exceeding customer or guest expectations
exceptional service standards in our community

Winner: Village Pharmacy – Fahd Bahrani

Best Restaurant Award

This award is presented to a restaurant that provides:

a most enjoyable overall guest experience
high standards for food quality
excellent customer service that enhances the dining experience

Winner: Posta Italbar Cucina

Artist of the Year Award

The Artist of the Year Award celebrates an individual whose artistic talent, creativity, and dedication have made a significant impact in our community through the arts.
Nominees should demonstrate not only artistic excellence, but also a commitment to sharing their work in ways that inspire, engage, or uplift others in Ward 1. Whether through performance, exhibitions, teaching, or community involvement, this award honours artists whose work enriches the cultural life of our neighbourhoods.
Let’s celebrate the creatives who bring colour, rhythm, and soul to our community. This award seeks to recognize:
– exceptional performances or composition
– pieces that captivate audiences with their talent
– artistic expression and creativity

Winner: Karen Colangelo

Good Neighbour Award

This award recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual who positively influences their local community with:

acts of kindness, and generosity
community involvement and volunteerism
assistance to neighbours in need

Winner: Kimberlee Hutchinson

Volunteer Award

Our city is built by those who give their time and expertise selflessly, expecting nothing in return. This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates excellence in volunteering to make Ward 1 a better place to live, work, and play by:

dedication and commitment to their cause
impacting the community
demonstrating leadership
supporting vulnerable populations
enriching the culture
community engagement

Winner: Karen Priest

Youth Excellence Award

The Ward 1 Youth Excellence Award recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of young people, ages 15 to 24, who are helping to shape and strengthen our community.

Whether through creative expression, academic achievement, athletic talent, a passion for volunteerism, or inspiring leadership, this award honours youth whose efforts and accomplishments have had a positive and lasting impact in Ward 1.

It’s a celebration of the young voices, hands, hearts, and intellect making a real difference where we live.

Winner: Hayley Tutty

Lifetime Achievement

Ward 1 would like to honour with great respect and admiration, an individual for their lifetime of support, promotion and vision for our community by demonstrating some or all of the following characteristics:

advocacy and public service
mentorship and guidance
philanthropy and generosity
resilience and perseverance
inspiring future generations

Winner: Ric Cooper

Congratulations once again!

October 24, 2025

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City of Mississauga welcomes new Director of the Rapid Transit Office

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement

Carolyn Ryall will lead Mississauga’s investments in major rapid transit projects, advancing the City’s vision to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable growth through efficient and accessible public transit.

October 23, 2025

Following a competitive recruitment process, the City of Mississauga is pleased to announce the appointment of Carolyn Ryall as the Director of the Rapid Transit Office effective November 3, 2025.

In this role, Ryall will report to the Commissioner of Transportation and Works and lead Mississauga’s investments in major rapid transit projects, including the Hazel McCallion Light Rail Transit along Hurontario Street and the Bus Rapid Transit corridors along Dundas Street and Lakeshore Road. She will be responsible for setting the strategic direction and advancing the City’s vision to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable growth through efficient and accessible public transit.

Under Ryall’s leadership, the Rapid Transit Office will oversee the delivery of these transformative capital projects in collaboration with City divisions, senior leadership, Council, provincial and federal partners as well as other transit agencies and neighbouring municipalities.

Ryall brings over 20 years of experience delivering transformative infrastructure projects across the public and private sectors. Most recently, she served as Director of the Transportation Division at the City of Hamilton where she acted as the Municipal Road Authority responsible for the operation and management of the City’s entire transportation network, while playing a key stakeholder role in advancing Hamilton’s Light Rail Transit initiative.

Prior to that, Ryall led major capital infrastructure and Bus Rapid Transit projects with York Region, Niagara Region, Metrolinx as well as the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario (MTO) – including Ontario’s first Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI), which was delivered in partnership with the MTO.

Ryall holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo as well as a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology/Psychology from Queen’s University.

Quotes

“I’m pleased to welcome Carolyn to the City of Mississauga and the role of Director leading our Rapid Transit Office. She brings extensive experience managing complex, high-value initiatives including rapid transit, right-of-way capital reconstruction, BRT/LRT projects, and budget oversight. In this role, Carolyn’s experience, expertise and leadership will be invaluable in working with Mayor, Council, and a diverse range of stakeholders and partners to drive the successful delivery of the City’s strategic plans for higher-order transit.” – Sam Rogers, Commissioner, Transportation and Works

“I am looking forward to joining the City of Mississauga’s extended leadership team and working closely with the Mayor, Council and City staff to deliver, support, and implement the City’s transformative rapid transit projects, transportation infrastructure and key priorities. With more than 20 years of public service, I am deeply passionate about leadership and the professional growth of my team. I am committed to mentoring staff, fostering collaboration and building high-performing, inclusive teams that deliver meaningful results for the community.”– Carolyn Ryall, Director, Rapid Transit Office

Carolyn Ryall, Director, Rapid Transit Office

October 24, 2025

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City of Mississauga announces new Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement

Stephane Malo has been appointed the new Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management where he will oversee the strategic, financial, and daily operations of Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) and the City’s Office of Emergency Management.

October 22, 2025

The City of Mississauga is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephane Malo as Mississauga’s new Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management, effective October 22, 2025.

In this role, Chief Malo will report directly to the City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), overseeing the strategic, financial, and daily operations of Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) and the City’s Office of Emergency Management.

MFES is committed to protecting life, property, and the environment through education, prevention, investigation, rescue, and fire suppression. The Office of Emergency Management coordinates the City’s response to large-scale emergencies such as floods and extreme weather events and develops plans to ensure residents are prepared and safe.

Chief Malo brings nearly 30 years of progressive experience in fire and emergency services. He began his career as a firefighter with the City of Mississauga in 1996 and has since held several leadership roles, including Training Officer, Captain, Platoon Chief, Deputy Chief of Operations, and most recently as interim Fire Chief. Throughout his career, he has led strategic improvements in efficiency, safety, and community engagement, and guided MFES through critical challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He has built strong relationships with staff, union leaders and community stakeholders.

Chief Malo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration and Governance from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) along with certificates in Fire Prevention and Safety, Fire Service Fundamentals and Management Studies from Sheridan College. His executive credentials include advanced certifications from Queen’s University in Public Executive Leadership, Strategic Execution, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Grievance Handling and Ai-Powered Workforce Management. He is also certified in Lean Management.

Chief Malo is actively involved with international, national and provincial fire chief organizations and is currently a member of the Humber College fire service program advisory committee (PAC).

Quotes

“On behalf of Council, I congratulate Chief Malo on his appointment. His extensive experience, strong leadership and deep understanding of fire service management and labour relations make him exceptionally well-suited to lead Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services and the Office of Emergency Management with professionalism and excellence.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“I’m very pleased to welcome Stephane into the Fire Chief role permanently. He brings decades of experience, knowledge and leadership and working closely with the Mayor and Council, senior leadership and the MFES and Emergency Management teams, he will ensure Mississauga continues to deliver reliable and effective services to residents and business.” – Geoff Wright, City Manager and CAO

“I’m honoured to be selected as Mississauga’s new Fire Chief. With a strategic vision, operational excellence, and a steadfast commitment to public safety and community engagement, I look forward to continuing to ensure Mississauga remains a leader in emergency response and community safety.” – Stephane Malo, Mississauga Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management

Stephane Malo, Mississauga Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management

October 22, 2025

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Mississauga’s new express bus service launches along Eglinton on October 27

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement, Resources

The Route 135 Eglinton Express will service key stops along the Eglinton corridor and the Mississauga Transitway.

October 14, 2025

Starting Monday, October 27, MiWay will implement changes to its service that includes introducing a new express route, adding more service to Route 107 Malton Express and increasing the frequency of service on several routes. These new and expanded services aim to make it easier and quicker for passengers to get to work, study or to explore the city.

New Route 135 Eglinton Express

This new express route will provide additional capacity along the Eglinton corridor, improve network connectivity and offer MiWay customers a faster travel option. The route will operate between Winston Churchill Station and Renforth Station and travel on Eglinton Avenue and the Mississauga Transitway.

This new route will provide new connections to local MiWay bus service along the Eglinton corridor and the transitway, and to regional GO bus service at Winston Churchill and Renforth Stations.

The service will run every 12 minutes on weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m. in the morning and from 3 to 6 p.m. in the afternoon. Service frequencies on Route 35 Eglinton will be adjusted to better align with this new service.

New service on Route 107 Malton Express

Route 107 Malton Express is one of the busiest express routes in the MiWay transit network. To help ease overcrowding, this route will have more frequent weekday and Saturday service, as well as a new Sunday service.

Weekdays: Buses will arrive every 15 minutes or sooner between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: Buses will arrive every 20 minutes or sooner between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Weekday service improvements

Due to increased customer demand, the following routes will have more frequent service on weekdays.

2 Hurontario: Improvement from 11 minutes to 10 minutes during 2 to 6:30 p.m.
51 Tomken: Improvement from 15 minutes to 13 minutes during 1:30 to 6 p.m.
71 Sheridan: Additional trips in the morning and afternoon rush-hour periods.

Visit miway.ca for full details and to plan your trip.

Do you need assistance with planning your trip on MiWay? Please contact Customer Service at 905-615-4636.

October 16, 2025

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Mississauga partners with federal government on Housing Design Catalogue

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement, Planning & Development, Resources

As a local partner, Mississauga is making it easier and more affordable to build homes from standardized plans.

October 16, 2025

The City of Mississauga is teaming up with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) on its Housing Design Catalogue. As one of the first municipalities in Canada to sign on as a local partner, Mississauga is continuing to find new and innovative ways to tackle the housing crisis.

The catalogue offers a set of standardized design plans for a variety of housing options. It helps smaller and mid-size builders build housing quickly and save money by:

Simplifying the design process
Ensuring compliance with building codes
Making it easier for builders to plan and estimate costs

The plans are available to property owners free of charge.

A head start for those looking to build

The catalogue contains seven design sets for Ontario: two accessory dwelling units, two fourplexes, one sixplex and two stacked townhouses. As a local partner, the City has pre-reviewed the following four designs to make it easier and quicker to use them in Mississauga:

Accessory Dwelling Unit 1: a one-bedroom, one-bathroom backyard garden suite
Accessory Dwelling Unit 2: a three-bedroom, one-bathroom backyard garden suite
Fourplex 1: a three-storey building with four units varying from one to three bedrooms
Fourplex 2: a two-storey building with four units varying from two to three bedrooms

The City is also looking at ways to fast track the building permit application process for builders who want to use a pre-reviewed plan.

Visit mississauga.ca/housing-catalogue to learn how to use the plans.

More housing options for neighbourhoods

Detached homes currently make up about 70 per cent of all housing in Mississauga – but that’s changing. Since 2023, the City has taken a number of actions to encourage more housing options through gentle density. This includes:

Simplifying neighbourhood zoning to make it easier to build semi-detached homes and homes on smaller lots.
Allowing up to three residential units on a lot including garden suites, garage conversions and triplexes. The City also released free ‘made in Mississauga’ pre-approved garden suite design plans.
Approving fourplexes “as-of-right” which means you can apply for a building permit without additional zoning approvals, if your fourplex meets by-law regulations.

Gentle density is a good way to help revive older neighbourhoods. It brings people to areas where schools, parks, transit, community centres and libraries are already in place. It can also create more compact, walkable communities which help support local shops and restaurants.

Taking action on housing

Getting more housing built and making it more affordable is a top priority for Mississauga. The City has made significant strides in changing the housing landscape since the Mayor’s Housing Task Force report was released in January 2025. This includes becoming one of the first municipalities in Ontario to reduce and/or eliminate development charges for residential housing.

Quotes

“Canada’s new government is stepping up with a bold new approach to increase the supply of housing in Canada, and with today’s release of the Housing Design Catalogue’s full technical designs, we are taking another important step to empower local builders to get shovels in the ground. By drawing on the expertise of Canadian architects, engineers, and designers–and collaborating closely with other orders of government–we are cutting red tape and helping to speed up approvals.” – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“I’m a big believer in finding innovative solutions and challenging the status quo to get more housing built. We’ve made good progress by reducing development charges, simplifying neighbourhood zoning and funding affordable rental projects. Today we’re taking another important step by becoming one of the first municipalities to join forces with CMHC on their Housing Design Catalogue. I’m proud Mississauga is doing things differently. The strides we’ve made show what can happen when cities are committed to change.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“As a city, we’re focused on pulling every lever we can to unlock more housing. From the big moves we’ve made in our new Official Plan to the innovative solutions we’re putting forward on pre-approved housing plans, we’re signalling very clearly that if you want to build housing, come to Mississauga.” – Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building

Background

The Housing Design Catalogue is an innovative tool to support homebuilding. The catalogue draws on lessons from the history of homebuilding in Canada and applies them to the housing challenges of the 21^st century.

In total, the catalogue offers 50 practical home designs for regions across Canada. The designs prioritize energy performance, accessibility, financial feasibility and climate resilience. They were developed by regional architecture and engineering teams to meet the needs of communities nationwide. While the plans are free, you must get the approval of a qualified professional, such as an architect, engineer or licensed designer with a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN), to amend the designs for your property.

More: https://www.housingcatalogue.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/

Images

*Images courtesy of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

October 16, 2025

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Metrolinx: Upcoming Service Impacts Lakeshore West Line

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement

Upcoming service impacts on the Lakeshore West line that will affect your community:

On Oct. 18 – 19 and 25 – 26, planned work is taking place on Lakeshore West to fully replace the Etobicoke Creek bridge, which was nearing the end of its useful life. This rehabilitation work is critical to maintaining safe and reliable service on the Lakeshore West Line.

Service details:

GO service will operate between Niagara Falls and Oakville GO on a special schedule.
There will be no GO train service west of Exhibition GO.
There will be no GO train service between Port Credit GO and Long Branch GO.
Direct GO bus service will operate between Oakville and Clarkson GO stations and continue to Union Station Bus Terminal to ensure passengers can reach their destinations.

Check updated schedules in advance and plan their trips ahead of time, as many services will operate on revised timetables during this work period. Schedules are updated from time to time to better reflect actual travel times and improve service reliability.

October 15, 2025

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Start spreading the news! Blue Jays fans can flock to Mississauga Celebration Square for a viewing party at The Birds’ Nest

By Stephen DaskoAnnouncement, Events

Cheer on the Blue Jays in the 2025 League Championship Series as they advance to the next round.

October 9, 2025

On Sunday, October 12, families, friends and fans are invited to The Birds’ Nest at Mississauga Celebration Square (MCS) to cheer on the Blue Jays in the 2025 American League Championship Series (ALCS) after being crowned the American League Division Series title winners for the first time in 10 years.

Come out this Thanksgiving weekend, bring your cheer and show your Blue Jays pride as they take on their new opponent in the ALCS. Be sure to get here early and bring your chairs to get a spot on the lawn.

The Square will air the following upcoming games on the big screens. Let’s go, Blue Jays!

Blue Jays ALCS game schedule:

Game 1: October 12, 2025
Game 2: October 13, 2025
Game 3: October 15, 2025
Game 4: October 16, 2025
Game 5: October 17, 2025
Game 6: October 19, 2025
Game 7: October 20, 2025

Check back soon for more information on game times. Once the Blue Jays’ opponent has been established, the webpage will be updated accordingly.

Accessibility

Assistive listening devices are available upon request.

Food and beverages

Seasonal food vendors will be onsite. There are also various dining establishments within walking distance of MCS for those who wish to grab a bite.

Keeping it clean

Help us keep The Birds’ Nest clean by putting your food and beverage containers in the garbage and recycling containers located throughout the Square. Please don’t litter.

Weather and cancellations

Games will be shown in rain or shine. Delays and/or cancellations will only occur during extreme weather (such as lightning).

Transit

Take MiWay to The Birds’ Nest using the online trip planner or by calling 905-615-INFO (4636).

Parking

Parking is available in the underground parking lots at the Civic Centre and the Central Library, and is free after 6 p.m. and on weekends.

Smoke and alcohol-free zone

The Birds’ Nest is a smoke-free facility and alcohol will not be permitted onsite.

For more information, please visit the webpage.

October 9, 2025

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