Category

Announcement

Peel Region Releases Annual Accessibility Status Report

By Announcement

BRAMPTON, ON (July 10, 2025) – Peel Region has released its Annual Accessibility Status Report, outlining Peel’s 2024 accomplishments and initiatives to eliminate barriers and ensure residents of all abilities can access services fully and independently.

The report highlights initiatives that meet and exceed the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and outlines Peel’s ongoing work to implement its 2018–2025 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. Peel remains committed to delivering inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community.

Highlights from 2024 include:

  • The opening of the award-winning Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor, integrating accessible technologies and care services.
  • Ongoing improvements to ensure Peel’s website is accessible and user-friendly, with continued progress toward full AODA compliance.
  • An accessibility lens applied to the design and retrofitting of Peel’s EV charging stations.
  • Accessibility enhancements across community health clinics.
  • Accessible housing and social supports to meet community needs.
  • Walking audits to assess the accessibility, ease, and safety of neighbourhoods across Peel.

Peel’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) plays a vital role in shaping accessible services offering valuable insights and advice on the accessibility of Peel’s programs, services, and facilities.

Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for both the workforce and community is a top priority for Peel Region. The 2024 Annual Accessibility Status Report demonstrates the collective work of Peel’s staff, community partners, the Office of Culture and Inclusion, and AAC members in building a region where all residents can fully participate in community life.

Residents are encouraged to read the full report and share feedback. Alternate formats are available upon request.

Celebrate Historic Places Days at Mississauga Museums from July 11 to 20

By Announcement, Events

A week of discovery, creativity and culture at the Bradley Museum and Benares Historic House.

July 10, 2025

School’s out and a perfect summer adventure is just around the corner! Come take a step back in time and discover Mississauga’s fascinating past during Historic Places Days at the museum.

From July 11 to 20, uncover how local makers, artisans and storytellers have shaped Mississauga’s past while discovering how these traditions continue to inspire the city’s future.

Daily from 12 to 4 p.m., enjoy guided tours and immersive experiences at Bradley Museum and Benares Historic House that include:

Whether you’re a history buff, curious explorer or looking for some summer fun, Historic Places Days offers a fun way to connect with Mississauga’s heritage.

For those 18 years and older, join us on Saturday, July 26 at 7 p.m. for an enchanting summer evening of live music at the historic Bradley Museum barn, featuring the captivating sounds of River North. Be sure to get your tickets early for this summer serenade.

What

Historic Places Days

Where

Bradley Museum
1620 Orr Road, Mississauga

Benares Historic House
1507 Clarkson Road N, Mississauga

When

July 11 to 20, 2025

To learn more, visit the webpage.

JACKALOPE Action Sports Festival promises thrills and excitement as it returns to Mississauga for a second time

By Announcement, Events

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy action sports at their finest with this truly one-of-a-kind spectacle featuring skateboarding, base jumping, BMX and motocross, roller skating and more.

July 7, 2025

There’s nothing like the excitement of action sports to get your adrenaline pumping. Head down to Celebration Square for the JACKALOPE Action Sports Festival from July 11 -13 to enjoy skateboarding (vert and street), base jumping, bouldering breaking battles, BMX and motocross, and roller skating.

This free, three-day festival features more than 500 talented athletes competing for more than $70,000 in prize money, as well as live entertainment, delicious food, gear pop-ups and meet-and-greets with the athletes – it’s perfect for the entire family!

Visit Mississauga has partnered with TRIBU to transform downtown Mississauga’s Celebration Square and Square One Shopping Centre parking lot into an action sports hot spot for one thrill-filled weekend with the JACKALOPE Action Sports Festival.

For the 19+ crowd, the celebrations continue with a beer garden and after parties.

Attendees can watch talented athletes compete and will also have the opportunity to try out some of the sports for themselves.

Golden Ticket winners

Visit Mississauga is excited to welcome the Golden Ticket winners, who will have the opportunity to participate in JACKALOPE Mississauga and represent their country, culture, and unique style. After a month-long digital search for the world’s best undiscovered, up-and-coming skaters, winners were selected by a panel of judges from hundreds of submissions. Each receives a paid trip to JACKALOPE Mississauga. The Golden Ticket winners are:

  • Men’s street: Jair Urbano | age 24 | Colombia
  • Women’s street: Secret Lynn | age 17 | USA
  • Men’s vert: Ema Kawakami | age 9 | Japan
  • Women’s vert: Shuka Kawai | age 13 | Japan

Plus, TheSkateNomad Mike Boisvert traveled the world to hand pick Golden Ticket competitors from skate parks. Join us to see them in action:

  • Alisa Fessl, Street | age 24 | Austria – She took first place in Red Bull Skateburg 2023.
  • Mazel Paris, Street | age 11 | Philippines/USA – At the age of nine, she placed seventh in the 2023 Asian Games. She has travelled the world to represent the Philippines in international skateboarding events.
  • Daniel Zapata, Street | age 25 |Colombia – Medalist and strong presence in Latin American competitions.
  • Deyvid Anderson, Street | age 23 | Peru – Gold in men’s street at the South American Games.

Other exciting attendees

In collaboration with Ontario Skakeboarding and GO Skate Day Toronto, JACKALOPE is also excited to offer Wild Cards to local skateboarders Ricky Skates,  Sadie DeMill Chippedshins and Hailey Mae Rudolph.

As legendary in skateboarding as Tony Hawk and famously featured in the iconic Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game series, Brazilian Bob Burnquist will be in attendance this weekend. Ontario’s own Aunty Skates will also be joining the action with her Learn to Skate with Aunty adult beginner clinics, an unmissable opportunity for fans and first-timers alike.

For more information visit JACKALOPE Mississauga.

About JACKALOPE

JACKALOPE, a TRIBU property, was created in Montréal, Québec in 2012 to shine a spotlight on action sports and create opportunities for communities to come together and celebrate their passion. Since then, thousands of Canadian and international athletes have participated in and made the festival their own. Stars have been born at JACKALOPE, and many of its disciplines are now represented at the Olympic Games.

Visit Mississauga

Visit Mississauga is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Mississauga. The organization is industry-led and responsible for developing a tourism strategy and leading tourism marketing and development efforts for the destination. With a mandate of implementing the City of Mississauga’s Tourism Master Plan, Visit Mississauga is committed to promoting local businesses and coordinating large-scale events within the city. Learn more at visitmississauga.ca.

Quotes

“Visit Mississauga is beyond delighted to partner with TRIBU again this year to transform downtown Mississauga into “action sports central” for one weekend of thrills and excitement. We invite everyone from here in Mississauga and beyond to come experience the unparalleled vibe of action sports at JACKALOPE Mississauga. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this free family-friendly outing and witness the awe-inspiring elite action sports that will be electrifying the crowds all weekend. And don’t forget to explore all the other things that Mississauga has to offer, including great shopping and the many diverse restaurants, events and attractions. See you soon! – Victoria Clarke, CEO, Visit Mississauga

“We are proud to bring the JACKALOPE action sports festival to Mississauga and grateful for the trust placed in us by Visit Mississauga. Including Mississauga for the second year in our North American tour is a key milestone. Our goal is to spotlight emerging and international talent and offer a high-quality, memorable experience for both athletes and the Ontario public.” – Micah Desforges, Founding President TRIBU and Producer of JACKALOPE.

Mississauga’s summer concert series hits the right note!

By Announcement, Events, Ward 1

Enjoy free, live outdoor music all summer long in Mississauga.

July 2, 2025

Get ready to soak up the sounds of summer! From July 4 to August 31, music lovers are invited to enjoy a free, outdoor concert series featuring a dynamic lineup of talented artists performing across three vibrant community hubs:

  • Streetsville Village Square
  • Cooksville Four Corners
  • Port Credit Memorial Park

From indie vibes to classic covers, this summer’s concerts offer something for everyone, so bring your lawn chair, grab your friends and get ready to enjoy the soundtrack of your summer!

What:

Mississauga’s summer concert series

When:

July 4 to August 31

Where:

Streetsville Village Square
Cooksville Four Corners
Port Credit Memorial Park

Concerts may be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions.

For a full list of performances, visit the webpage.

Summer concert series

Peel Region Council approves Coordinated Homeless Encampment Response

By Announcement, Parks, Resources

BRAMPTON, Ont. – June 30, 2025. Peel Region Council has approved a Coordinated Homeless Encampment Response for Peel Region, the City of Brampton, the City of Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. The encampment response is a human rights-based, coordinated and balanced approach to responding to encampments in Peel.

The coordinated homeless encampment response includes the Homeless Encampment Policy and Joint Protocols. The policy and joint protocols between Peel, Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga provide operational guidance to ensure a consistent, coordinated approach between all parties. The protocols are currently being used as a pilot and will be regularly improved as implementation planning and actions continue.

The policy and joint protocols will not eliminate encampments in Peel. The policy and protocols support Peel’s joint encampment response, a balanced and coordinated approach that respects the needs of people living in encampments, as well as community members living and sharing the same community spaces, while aligning with all applicable legal requirements. A balanced approach means a coordinated, consistent and accountable process for assessing, mitigating and responding to documented risk in encampments.

Key functions include:

  • completing needs assessments for residents living in encampments to document daily living needs, safety needs and willingness to accept housing and other supports or referrals
  • committing to Peel’s “do not turn away” policy in the emergency shelter system to encourage residents living in encampments in Peel to accept appropriate shelter and supports
  • establishing “no encampment zones” in areas owned by Peel, City of Brampton, City of Mississauga or Town of Caledon where removal and enforcement can be expedited because of significant health and safety concerns that cannot be mitigated. The preferred approach is for residents living in encampments to leave or relocate voluntarily, with enforcement being a last resort.

Residents are asked to report encampments to 311. Peel Region continues to work with the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga, Town of Caledon, Peel Outreach and Peel Regional Police every time an encampment is reported.

Next steps include securing municipal council approvals, updating regional and local by-laws and internal procedures, and seeking Peel Region Council approval in the 2026 budget to provide funding for Peel and local municipalities to implement this service. Peel will continue to work closely with its partners in anticipation of full implementation in 2026.

Access the Council report and visit our website to learn more about Peel’s encampment response.

 

Regional Council approves historic motion to modernize infrastructure funding and accelerate housing development in Peel

By Announcement, Resources

BRAMPTON, ON (June 27, 2025) – In a landmark decision yesterday, Peel Regional Council approved a motion that marks the most significant change in municipal infrastructure funding in decades. With this bold action, Peel is taking concrete steps toward a new model that supports infrastructure delivery while directly addressing the growing housing crisis.

Amid rising construction costs, economic uncertainty, and unprecedented housing demand, this motion introduces an innovative approach to help get homes built faster — while relieving the financial strain on both municipalities and homebuyers.

Key elements of the approved motion include:

  • Deferring development charges without interest until the first occupancy permit is issued — reducing upfront costs for builders and improving project viability.
  • Temporarily cutting development charges by 50% for new residential units, starting July 10, 2025, until November 13, 2026 — funded by grants-in-lieu in the short term, until the Provincial and Federal Governments provide funding.
  • Collaborating with the Province on a proposed “Peel Utility Model” for funding infrastructure in a more sustainable, long-term way.
  • Engaging with the development industry, including BILD, to ensure cost savings help improve affordability for future homeowners and renters.
  • Applying for the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund – Municipal Direct Stream, to request grants used to help offset the cost of these initiatives and protect Peel services.

If a financial agreement is not reached with the province by October 17, 2025, the development charge reduction will automatically terminate. Regional Council will re-evaluate the development charge reduction offered with the option to extend with a simple majority vote.

Peel shares 2024 Climate Change Progress Report: advancing action amid record heat and rising emissions

By Announcement, Food for thought

BRAMPTON, ON (June 27, 2025) – Peel Regional Council has received the 2024 Climate Change Master Plan (CCMP) progress report, outlining achievements, challenges, and next steps in the fight against climate change.

The global climate crisis intensified in 2024, which was the hottest year ever recorded. Peel experienced the impacts of a changing climate firsthand, including two 100-year flood events in a single month and multiple extreme heat episodes that affected residents, staff, and services.

Peel’s climate efforts in 2024 led to a 3.5% reduction in corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, independent of external factors beyond Peel’s control. These factors included population growth – leading to increased wastewater treatment – and a 26% spike in natural gas use for electricity generation across Ontario – affecting all grid-connected municipalities. Once these external challenges were considered, Peel’s latest GHG inventory showed a net increase of 1.4% in overall emissions.

Despite these challenges, Peel continued to lead by example, implementing key actions under the Climate Change Master Plan.

Highlights from 2024 include:

  • Transforming Hillside Place in Mississauga to near net-zero emissions
  • Transitioning fleet vehicles to lower-carbon fuels
  • Piloting a Biosolids Diversion Program
  • Enhancing the resilience of Peel’s natural green infrastructure
  • Expanding the Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network
  • Investing in the decarbonization of affordable housing to support Peel Housing Corporation’s near net-zero goals

Peel also successfully leveraged external funding, supported innovation, and deepened its understanding of climate risks and solutions across the organization.

Looking ahead, Peel is refreshing its Climate Change Master Plan, with an updated strategy scheduled for Council approval in 2026. The renewed plan will set updated corporate emissions targets, introduce measures to build and maintain more climate-resilient infrastructure, and empower the broader community to take stronger climate action.

To learn more about Peel’s climate change efforts, visit peelregion.ca/about/climate-change.

Peel Region Council Endorses Updated Community Safety and Well-being Plan

By Announcement, Resources

Updated Model to Strengthen Collaboration and Create Greater Impact

BRAMPTON, ON (June 26, 2025) – Today, Peel Region Council endorsed a renewed, collaborative strategy that sets out how partners across different sectors can work together to make Peel a safe, more inclusive, and connected community where all residents thrive. The Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, requires that Ontario municipalities review and, if appropriate, revise their CSWB Plans every four years. Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Plan — a renewed, collaborative strategy that sets out how partners across different sectors can work together to make Peel a safe, more inclusive, and connected community where all residents thrive. The Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, requires that Ontario municipalities review and, if appropriate, revise their CSWB Plans every four years.

The updated CSWB Plan establishes a structured process for working collaboratively across systems that builds on the achievements of the 2020–2024 Plan and introduces an adaptive model focused on:

  • Early identification of issues before they reach crisis levels.
  • Timely action by leaders to inform responses.
  • Stronger connections across community networks to amplify community voices and drive coordinated and inclusive action.
  • Targeted and localized responses that meet the unique needs of Peel’s diverse communities.

This model ensures Peel is better equipped to anticipate, understand, and act on the risk and protective factors affecting community safety and well-being.

Focus areas such as family violence, mental health and addictions, systemic discrimination, international students, and youth violence prevention remain key priorities for the community. By addressing the root causes of these complex issues and promoting prevention and early intervention, the CSWB Plan not only builds a safer, more inclusive, and well-supported community — it also reduces long-term costs to systems like policing, healthcare, and social services.

Since the first CSWB Plan was developed in 2020, over 75 local partners—including police, education, and health and social service providers—have worked together on its implementation. Each focus area has accomplished goals related to creating connections across service systems, identifying key community needs, strategizing collective approaches, and implementing impactful initiatives such as:

  • Launching the Peel Regional Police Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Unit at the Safe Centre of Peel to support survivors of IPV through a trauma-informed lens.
  • Developing mental wellness supports such as cultural competency trainings for service providers to improve the mental wellness of newcomer youth and international students.
  • Launching an interactive online forum to encourage discussions about anti-black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, and systemic discrimination.
  • Engaging people with lived experience by hosting focus groups with international students to help shape Peel’s advocacy efforts and ensure student voices guide future actions.
  • Funding community-based youth violence prevention programs through the Building Safer Communities Fund to support initiatives such as housing subsidies for vulnerable youth and after school sports and arts programming for black youth.

Implementation of the updated Plan will occur in a phased approach throughout 2025. The System Leadership Table—co-chaired by Peel Region and Peel Regional Police along with Regional Council representatives – Councillor Palleschi (Brampton), Councillor Russo (Caledon), and Councillor Reid (Mississauga) will continue to provide strategic direction and oversight as Peel works to embed this new model across systems and services. Recognizing the importance of long-term sustainability, Peel Region continues to advocate for base provincial funding to support the implementation and operation of CSWB Plans. Securing such funding will ensure community-led initiatives have the resources needed to deliver lasting change.

 

Calling all women-led tech businesses looking to accelerate! Join EmpowHER Tech Launchpad

By Announcement, Resources

IDEA Mississauga and YSpace have teamed up to launch EmpowHER Tech Launchpad, a program designed to help women-led companies grow their business. Applications are now open.

June 26, 2025

IDEA Mississauga is calling on women entrepreneurs to take their product or technology to the next level through the EmpowHER Tech Launchpad. In partnership with YSpace, York University’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub, this 12-week accelerator program is designed to support women-led businesses that are ready to scale their existing product or technology-based businesses. It will also have a strong emphasis on helping newcomer women who are breaking barriers in the tech space. Through one-on-one mentorship, training to prepare for investors, and support to take businesses to the next level, EmpowHER Tech Launchpad helps participants innovate, expand their market reach and build sustainable, successful ventures.

Who should apply?

The program is open to registered Canadian incorporations that meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum 51 per cent women-led business
  • Must be past the product-launch stage
  • Requires one co-founder to attend all programming in-person
  • Ability to commit to the full duration of the program
  • Located within the GTA

Preference will be provided to newcomer women founders. Applications will be open until July 11, 2025.

For detailed information, visit IDEA Mississauga’s EmpowHER Tech Launchpad webpage.

What successful participants can expect

EmpowHER Tech Launchpad offers women founders a unique opportunity to take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey with specialized tools, training and support. The 12-week hybrid program runs from September to December 2025. Founders will have access to up to $200,000 in business resources to scale their ventures, including expert-led workshops focused on key business aspects such as sales, fundraising and much more, along with personalized one-on-one mentorship from industry experts.

The program also includes regular office hours with program facilitators to ensure success, alongside many opportunities to connect with experienced women in tech. The program wraps up with a final showcase event, where participants will present their business to a community of experts, mentors, potential investors and clients.

Join a growing network of EmpowHER success stories!

The impact of EmpowHER goes beyond the 12-week program. Past participant, Zahra Qureshi, joined the program while growing her finance and accounting firm Optinum Corporation, and credits EmpowHER’s mentorship and coaching with helping her refine her strategy for growth. As a direct outcome of the EmpowHER program experience, Zahra successfully launched a B2B SaaS platform, scaled her revenue and expanded her team by hiring two full-time employees within six months.

Similarly, Hira Malik, Co-Founder of Food Mamba, gained valuable insights on scaling her technology across the GTA through the EmpowHER program. With support in financial modelling, sales strategy development, and exposure to investment review panels, she and her team were empowered to confidently pitch their business to investors. As a result, Food Mamba was accepted into multiple pitch competitions and successfully secured several contracts, marking key milestones in their growth journey. Building on this momentum, Food Mamba also joined IDEA Mississauga’s Step-Up Program, where they’ve continued to receive tailored support to accelerate their scale-up efforts and deepen their impact in the food tech space.

For more information, including 2025 application details, participant testimonials and more, visit IDEA Mississauga’s EmpowHER Tech Launchpad webpage.