Announcement

Mississauga is one of five communities in Canada to receive a grade of PFPC1 by Verisk Canada’s Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS), an achievement that has economic benefits for the City’s property and business owners.

March 4, 2025

The City of Mississauga is pleased to announce that Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) received the highest grade in Ontario by the Verisk Canada’s Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS). In addition to being recognized for making Mississauga safer, MFES’ score has a positive economic impact for property and business owners.

About the Fire Underwriters Survey assessment

Verisk Canada’s Fire Underwriters Survey™ (FUS) is a national organization that provides data on public fire protection for fire insurance statistical work and underwriting purposes of subscribing insurance companies. The FUS provides a standardized measure of the adequacy of fire protection in every community in Canada. The survey is used by over 90 per cent of property and casualty insurers.

The FUS helps the insurance industry establish appropriate fire insurance rates for residential and commercial properties by providing Fire Insurance Grades. These grades are specifically developed for the Canadian insurance community. Mississauga has achieved a Class 1 rating; 1 represents the “ideal” or highest level of public fire protection while Class 10 reflects the absence of any effective public fire protection.

MFES had previously received a class 2 grade. However, advancements in the mechanical division, training centre, fire prevention, and communication centre resulted in the classification improvements. The City of Mississauga is the only Ontario community with a Public Fire Protection Classification (PFPC) Class 1. This classification achievement is only shared by four other communities throughout Canada.

Economic benefits for Mississauga property and business owners

Businesses are more likely to invest in a municipality with high fire protection standards and property owners may benefit from probable savings in insurance premiums. A high rating from FUS also helps investors feel more confident when it comes to the safety of their warehouses, retail locations and offices in Mississauga.

Find out all the ways MFES keeps us safe by visiting mississauga.ca/fire for more information. Residents are also encouraged to prioritize fire prevention with working smoke alarms, escape plans and keeping children and pets away from heat sources.

Keeping the city safe starts at home and everyone has a role.

“Congratulations to Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services for earning the highest grade in Ontario by the Fire Underwriters Survey. With this achievement, Mississauga has established a benchmark and standard when it comes to public safety. During this economically challenging time, investors and property owners will be pleased to know that insurers consider Mississauga safe, which could lead to potential savings.”

– Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services is dedicated keeping the city and its residents safe every single day. Achieving the highest score in Ontario, a rating of PFPC1, is not only an honour but a testament to the work that goes on behind the scenes and on the front lines. This achievement is dedicated to all staff, management and community leaders who have helped support our fire service as we continue to prioritize response times, expand public education, advance training for mandatory firefighter certification and ensure fire code compliance.”

– Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management Deryn Rizzi

The site will close March 31, 2025, following provincial legislation under Bill 223

BRAMPTON, ON (February 28, 2025) – Peel Public Health remains committed to supporting residents impacted by substance-related harms by enhancing harm reduction services following the upcoming closure of Peel’s supervised consumption site.

“We know substance use is a complex issue and it’s important that residents know they are not alone. We are committed to working with our provincial and community partners so residents who are at risk of substance-related harms have health and social supports that meet their individual needs. The conversation doesn’t end here – it has to continue so we can build a healthier community together.” – Nando Iannicca, Peel Region Chair, Board of Health Chair and CEO.

Along with looking for ways to expand frontline service, the Peel Public Health Harm Reduction Program will continue to offer free, anonymous, and confidential mobile harm reduction services from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday to Saturday. Peel will also enhance its evidence-based Opioid Strategy, which focuses on prevention, harm reduction, treatment and justice. The strategy will continue to be co-designed with community partners and people who have lived experience with substance use.

Supervised consumption and drug checking services at the site will close March 31, 2025, at 10 Peel Centre Drive. Until May 1, 2025, services including basic first aid, distribution of harm reduction supplies and education, counselling and referrals will continue. The site has had over 760 visits (210 unique), preventing substance-related harms, such as overdose, HIV, hepatitis and deaths.

“Thank you to all the partners and neighbours of Peel’s supervised consumption site for your dedication to our community. We deeply appreciate your support. Your commitment to providing life-saving health services continues to make a real impact for residents in Peel.” – Nancy Polsinelli, Peel Region Health Services Commissioner.

Peel Public Health is committed to improving the health and well-being of all residents in Peel Region by providing programs, services, and education that promote health, prevent disease, and protect the community. Peel Public Health’s mandate aligns with the Peel’s vision to build healthy, safe, and vibrant communities for all.

Background

• On December 4, 2024, the Government of Ontario passed Bill 223 – Safer Streets, Stronger Communities Act. As a result, the Province has advised that Peel’s supervised consumption site must close by March 31, 2025.

• There will be a 60-day transition period to support service users after the closure of supervised consumption and drug checking services.
• Peel’s supervised consumption site opened on March 4, 2024, as an Urgent Public Health Need Site under a federal exemption with Moyo Health & Community Services as the operator and WellFort Community Health Services as the Clinical Lead. The site is funded by the Region of Peel.
• Peel’s drug-toxicity crisis continues, with 705 deaths between 2019-2023.
• In Peel, people are dying alone, with nearly half (49 per cent) of deaths occurring when there was no one present who could intervene. This is higher than in Ontario (42 per cent).

Resources

Regional Council report – Closure and Transition Plan for Peel’s Urgent Public Health Need Site

Regional Council presentation – Peel’s Interim Urgent Public Health Need Site

Peel’s Opioid Strategy

Peel Public Health’s Strategic Plan

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