City launches series of comprehensive initiatives to support local businesses during this time of global economic uncertainty and in response to American tariffs on Canadian goods.
March 5, 2025
As Canada continues to navigate these unprecedented economic challenges, the City is taking a strategic and measured approach to its response. The City has already begun implementing various initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and the economy and protecting local jobs.
Given the strong interdependence within the supply chain between Canada, its provinces and the United States, the newly imposed tariffs will drive up costs for both business inputs and consumer goods. Other potential impacts include disruptions to supply chains, reduced business investment and reconsideration of investments in Mississauga.
The City’s response to U.S. tariffs
The City is taking action to support local businesses and residents. Efforts include direct outreach, advocacy and working to ensure local Mississauga businesses are connected to the supports and available resources from all levels of government.
City initiatives already underway
Partners in Trade Response Plan
This long-term plan aims to support Mississauga’s businesses, protect jobs, and stabilize our local economy. The plan includes:
- Procurement By-law amendments – The City is amending its Procurement By-law to prioritize Canadian and non-U.S. suppliers, especially for medium and high-value projects, and streamline the process to support more local, diverse, and smaller businesses.
- Choose Canada campaign – The City launched the Choose Canada initiative in February, encouraging residents and businesses to support the local economy by purchasing Canadian-made products and services.
- Business support and outreach – The City will engage with local businesses to understand their needs and provide access to resources for navigating tariff disruptions. This includes market diversification support for businesses looking to enter into new markets beyond the U.S.
- Advocacy – The City will continue to advocate to provincial and federal governments to secure support for impacted businesses and the elimination of inter-provincial trade barriers.
The City is also working with the Mississauga Board of Trade, the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Export Development Canada and other business associations and partners to assist local businesses in learning more about the impacts of tariffs, managing supply chain risks and navigating these challenging times. The City’s Economic Development Division has a long history of assisting businesses in their time of need, including most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information on the City’s response to tariffs and how you can support local businesses, visit investmississauga.ca/partnersintrade.
For more details on the Government of Canada’s response, including the list of U.S. products subject to counter-tariffs, click here.
Quotes
“We’re facing unprecedented economic uncertainty. The newly imposed U.S. tariffs are threatening jobs on both sides of the border and sending trading markets into a free fall. As a manufacturing and trade hub, Mississauga is affected, but we are resilient. While we cannot control the tariffs, we can respond. Mississauga stands united with our federal and provincial governments against these unjust tariffs and will continue to support local businesses and residents. I encourage everyone to participate in our Choose Canada campaign by supporting Canadian-made products where you can.” – Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish
“Our City’s manufacturing sector, which supports thousands of jobs, is particularly vulnerable to tariffs and economic uncertainty. Industry forecasts project a two to three percentage point increase in the unemployment rate nationwide, translating to an estimated loss of 600,000 jobs across the country, and significant ripple effects to communities like Mississauga. That’s why we’re taking action to advocate for our manufacturers, local industries, businesses and workers and to connect our businesses with necessary resources and support. By collaborating with local businesses and partners, we aim to strengthen our economy and protect the livelihoods of Mississauga residents.” – Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Economic Development, City of Mississauga
“Last year, Mississauga invested more than $730 million in procurements, and these tariffs will substantially drive up costs for our city. To respond effectively, our amended Procurement By-law will enable us to prioritize Canadian suppliers and those from non-U.S. sources wherever possible, particularly for medium and high-value projects. This proactive approach will streamline the procurement process and help us empower more local, diverse, and small businesses to compete and thrive.”
– Raj Sheth, Commissioner, Corporate Services, City of Mississauga
Did a business call and offer a rebate for basement flood prevention devices from the City? Be vigilant. This is a scam!
The City doesn’t call residents by phone to request the installation of basement flood prevention devices.
False claims by contractors
The City has no affiliations, agreements or other partnerships with any contractors installing sump pumps and other home equipment.
The City doesn’t contact residents to request the installation of basement flood prevention devices. Staff will not recommend contractors.
Protect yourself from fraud:
- Ask for ID: City employees will provide identification
- Call 311 to confirm your contractor has a Mississauga Business Licence
- Get tips on Hiring a Contractor from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
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
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
The City of Mississauga will recognize its fifth Youth Poet Laureate in 2025. The role of the Youth Poet Laureate is to serve as a literary ambassador for youth in the City of Mississauga and to elevate the status of poetry, literary arts and young writers within their communities.
This honorary position recognizes a young poet who writes excellent poetry or spoken word and has written on themes that are relevant to the citizens of Mississauga.
Candidates must be current Mississauga residents.
Term and Payment
The Youth Poet Laureate will serve a 24 month term beginning in April 2025 and will receive a $3,000 honorarium paid in 6 instalments throughout the term.
Additional project funding of $1000 is available to support the execution of a Youth Poet Laureate event or project.
Submissions
Submissions will be accepted between February 12 and March 9, 2025
Review the submission guidelines (pdf).
Contact
For more information about the Youth Poet Laureate program email eldiana.begovic@mississauga.ca.
Glitz, Glamour & Greatness – Honouring Mississauga’s Heritage Champions
Heritage Mississauga is thrilled to announce that nominations for The Credits 2025 are officially open! This year, we’re turning back the clock to the dazzling Roaring 20s – where jazz ruled the airwaves, flappers danced the Charleston, and Art Deco glamour reigned supreme.
Now’s your chance to recognize the individuals, groups, and organizations who have preserved, promoted, and elevated Mississauga’s rich history and heritage. If you know someone who has gone above and beyond to safeguard our stories, celebrate our culture, or uplift our community, honour them with a nomination!
Why Nominate?
Celebrate the remarkable work of those shaping Mississauga’s legacy
Show gratitude to the individuals keeping our city’s history alive
Be part of a prestigious evening where award recipients will be recognized in front of community leaders, city officials, and passionate heritage supporters
Nomination Deadline: August 31, 2025
Learn more & submit your nomination
Join us for a night of roaring elegance, Gatsby-style grandeur, and unforgettable celebrations as we honour Mississauga’s Heritage Heroes in true 1920s fashion!
Are you a Mississauga student 15 to 29 years and have a business idea you’re excited about? Have you always wanted to experience what it would be like to be your own boss? Now is your chance to become an Entrepreneur! Summer Company can help you launch and operate your very own business this summer.
Applications are now open for the Program! Apply by May 1, 2025 for your chance to be a part of this year’s cohort.
https://youtu.be/X4aqEYGlGKw?feature=shared
On February 26th at Council, a motion was brought forward by Councillor Tedjo and seconded by Councillor Mahoney to eliminate the Planning and Development Committee night meetings.
I was concerned about this motion, as I noted to my fellow colleagues that I have always taken a very strong position on having evening Planning and Development Committee meetings for better citizen participation and transparency and I still maintain my position.
Fundamental to my beliefs, I have always stated that no one should have to choose between going to work or attend a Planning Committee meeting.
Since being elected, not one resident of Ward 1 has questioned why there were no afternoon Planning and Development Committee meetings.
Thirdly, this impedes the rights of the residents to have a Voice!
I put forward an amendment to this motion, stating that it was to be clearly understood, that the Ward Councillor can call for a night Planning and Development Committee meeting on any ward related development application and that ample notice (at least 30 days) be given to the Ward Councillor to be consulted.
The Ward Councillor can then request that an evening meeting be scheduled.
With my amendment it provides options for our residents in Ward 1 to ensure that all significant planning applications will be given the attention they deserve.
Celebrate gardening and explore your garden’s potential at Mississauga’s Library’s 11th anniversary of the Seed Library.
February 25, 2025
Starting at 3 p.m., after the daytime festivities, the Seed Library form will open, allowing residents to apply for free open-pollinated and non-GMO seeds. Residents can look forward to a selection of tomato, bean, and marigold seeds and other plant varieties.
What
The launch event of Mississauga’s Seed Library featuring free workshops, gardening specialists on site to provide advice, and activities for the whole family.
When
The launch event will take place on March 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where
Hazel McCallion Central Library
Level 2
301 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W.
Mississauga, ON L5B 3Y3
Cost
Free – no registration required
Open to all ages
Make a seed donation
The Seed Library also encourages seed donations to promote its self-sustaining model. At the end of the growing season, residents are invited to harvest their seeds and return a portion to the library.
Donations can be made at any library location, ensuring that our community continues to thrive sustainably. Please note that only open-pollinated heirloom seeds (non-hybrid, non-GMO) that are pesticide-free and less than four years old will be accepted. Open-pollinated heirloom seeds are seeds that come from plants that have been grown and saved over many generations. They are called “open-pollinated” because they are pollinated naturally by wind, insects, or other natural means, rather than by controlled methods.
Donated seeds should be clean and labelled with the seed type, year grown, and the location where they were cultivated. We urge donors not to save seeds from hybrid plants, as these will not produce true-to-type offspring.
More information
To learn more about the Seed Library launch event, the application form, or donation guidelines, please contact seed.library@mississauga.ca or visit our website at mississaugalibrary.ca/seeds. An event listing is also available on Eventbrite for those wishing to reserve a spot and receive event updates. Join us in celebrating the joy of gardening and community at the Seed Library launch event!
