On January 29, the City of Mississauga opened a Request for Expressions of Interest to reimagine the Living Arts Centre and its surrounding lands.
February 3, 2025
The proposed LAC transformation will help Mississauga further solidify its position as a top destination for business, tourism and culture. This development will help fill a gap in Mississauga’s downtown, offering a much-needed venue for world-class conferences and business opportunities, while providing a space for international, national, and local events, as well as cultural showcases.
Located in the heart of Mississauga’s downtown core and near Toronto Pearson International Airport, the LAC is a hub for visitors from all over the world with a rapidly growing population and a strong business community. The City requires modern, versatile spaces to accommodate the demand for local, national and international events. The LAC has long been recognized as a cultural landmark housing performance theatres, an exhibition gallery, eight professional art studios and sophisticated meeting facilities.
The request for expressions of interest is now open to organizations interested in partnering with the City to reimagine the LAC lands. This process will help the City identify the best potential uses for the site.
For more information on how to submit an expression of interest, please visit our website.
Background
- Mississauga is a leading business and tourism destination, home to more than 100,000 businesses, 1,400 multinational firms, and 77 U.S. Fortune 500 and 66 Global Fortune 500 companies. The City attracts millions of visitors annually with its world-class restaurants, events, parks and experiences. This includes the LAC, which plays a key role in Mississauga’s vibrant arts and tourism scenes.
- The City is also home to Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada’s largest airport, which serves more than 50 million passengers annually.
- Mississauga also boasts the second-largest economy in Ontario and a highly educated workforce, supported by two globally recognized post-secondary institutions located in the city and 32 additional institutions within a one-hour commute.
- Information gathered during the RFEI process will provide the City with options on how to use the LAC and the surrounding lands for a hotel and convention/conference centre to support the City’s growth.
A time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black communities in Mississauga and beyond, listen to their stories and learn more about their history and contributions to Canadian society.
February 3, 2025
Throughout the month of February, the City of Mississauga, in partnership with the Black Caucus Alliance, will continue to commemorate Mississauga’s Black community through a variety of programs and events.
All are encouraged to visit the Black History Month webpage, which highlights a variety of learning opportunities and engagement activities designed to deepen the understanding of this important month, some of which include:
- Library author talks, storytelling and book lists
- Music playlists highlighting local Black artists and musicians
- Museum tours
- Community celebrations and events
- Sports and shows
Celebrating Black Excellence Event
The third annual Celebrating Black Excellence event will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mississauga City Hall. The event will include performances, keynote speakers and an awards ceremony. If you know someone deserving of a Black Excellence Award, please take a moment to submit a nomination – which will be accepted until Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
The community is invited to take part in the conversation and more importantly, learn and develop a deeper understanding of the history of people of African descent in Canada and Mississauga. For more information, visit the webpage.
Background
Discover more about the actions the City is taking to engage Black community members in decision-making processes, ensuring that programs and services are equitable and inclusive for all residents.
- First Steps: A Community-Driven Report on Making Mississauga More Equitable for Black Communities was received by Mississauga City Council in April 2022. The City developed a multi-year implementation plan and tracking mechanism for the 36 recommendations in the City’s purview. The City is well on its way to implementing the recommendations with:
- 7 initiatives completed prior to the roadmap
- 18 initiatives implemented and operational
- 4 initiatives in progress
- 11 initiatives are either awaiting initiation and/or require further planning
- Mississauga’s Black Community Engagement sessions helped inform the First Steps report through the recommendations, ideas and the lived experiences of hundreds of community members.
- Anti-Black and Indigenous Racism – Resolution 207: The City of Mississauga recognizes that racism, and in particular anti-Black racism and discrimination is a crisis in our community that requires immediate and sustained attention.
- International Decade for People of African Descent – Resolution 0039-2022: The City of Mississauga joins the global community in recognizing 2015 to 2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent.
- In 2021, the House of Commons officially designated August 1 as Emancipation Day. Each year, the City of Mississauga raises the Pan-African flag and lights the City Hall clock tower red, black and green to recognize this important day.
Celebrate International Winter Bike to Work Day on Friday, February 14 by joining a free, guided ride throughout downtown Mississauga.
January 27, 2025
International Winter Bike to Work Day is a day to encourage people to ride their bikes to work in the winter, and to share the joy of cycling in cold weather.
Event details
What:
The City is hosting International Winter Bike to Work Day, a free ride for all ages to encourage cycling in the winter.
This 30-minute, eight-kilometre ride will take you on a journey through cycle tracks and multi-use trails. You’ll be travelling along Living Arts Drive, Rathburn Road West and Burnhamthorpe Road West. After the ride, cyclists can warm up and enjoy a complimentary breakfast with hot refreshments.
Dress warmly and come prepared for the weather. You can bring your own bike or reserve one of Lime’s winter-equipped e-bikes – these are complimentary with limited availability. Don’t forget your helmet. Register for the ride.
When:
Friday, February 14 at 8 a.m.
Where:
The starting location will be at Mississauga City Hall, north-west entrance, Princess Royal Drive and Living Arts Drive.
Register and learn more about International Winter Bike to Work Day.
Not able to make the ride? You can still cycle during the winter months. Use the City’s cycling map to map out a route.
Learn more about cycling in Mississauga.
Date and Location:
The Community Connect Workshop will be held on February 5, 2025, at the Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga (84 S Service Rd, Mississauga) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Participants:
All members of the public are welcome. Registration is required: https://communityconnect_mh.eventbrite.com/.
Event Description:
Mississauga Health and Trillium Health Partners will be hosting the first Community Connect Workshop – an opportunity for local residents, health care providers and social service organizations in Mississauga to come together and share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas on the access to and delivery of health care and social services in our region. This workshop is designed to foster open dialogue surrounding the challenges faced and needs of individuals, families and communities in our region when it comes to identifying and accessing care. By actively participating in this session, attendees will help shape local priorities and guide the development of programs and services that are better aligned with the wants and needs of our diverse region.
The feedback gathered from this session will play a key role in guiding Mississauga Health’s strategy moving forward. The insights will be compiled into a detailed post-session report for our members, identifying opportunities to strengthen existing programs and develop new initiatives that better meet the needs of our communities.
Program:
• 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Registration
• 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Introductions, including an overview of Mississauga Health and its current work in the community
• 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Discussions with public and local service providers to understand needs and barriers, navigation, communication, and coordination when it comes to accessing care in our region.
Presented in partnership with the Black Caucus Alliance, the awards focus on the efforts and achievements of Mississauga’s Black residents and volunteers.
Mississauga residents can be nominated in one of nine categories:
Youth
Nominees must be between the ages of 15 and 24 and have volunteered for at least two consecutive years. They must act as role models for other young people and demonstrate all-around positive community involvement.
Business
Nominees must be currently engaged in business as an owner and/or entrepreneur. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a combination of the following criteria:
- Entrepreneurial spirit and success in owning and managing a business
- Significant contribution of new ideas, innovative practices, processes or inventions, or created employment opportunities
- Demonstrate a commitment to fairness and equality
Community Service
Nominees should possess an outstanding record of significant community involvement and service. Candidates must also demonstrate a strong commitment to enriching the lives of others as well as building relationships and collaborating meaningfully with the individuals and communities they serve.
Education
Nominees for this award are being recognized for exemplary contributions to the well-being of students and/or community members through their active involvement in education at the school, board, in extracurricular activities or at the community level.
Health Services
Nominees for this award are being recognized for their involvement in the creation and/or promotion of methods that keep the physical health or mental wellbeing of Black communities. Ideal candidates must be employed or studying in the field of health sciences. Exhibits leadership in healthcare management administration.
Arts and Culture
Nominees for this award are being recognized for their involvement in and/or promotion of developing arts and culture within the community. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a combination of the following criteria:
- Have demonstrated a commitment to and/or focus on community-engaged art and/or expressions of culture in Mississauga.
- Have experience in the area of art and/or culture for a minimum of three years.
- Have completed and/or been involved in one significant arts and culture project in the last 12 months.
Sports
Nominees for this award are being recognized for their model contribution to sports at the community or national level as an athlete or official.
Hospitality and Food Services
Nominees for this award are being recognized for the best in food, drink and/or hospitality in African-Caribbean products and/or services. The nominee will have received positive reviews and feedback from customers and peers demonstrating their commitment to customer service and satisfaction. The nominee will also have demonstrated leadership and management in hospitality operations, commitment to sustainable and ethical practices in the hospitality industry and be actively involvement in their local community.
Legacy – Lifetime Achievement
This is the highest community-based honour bestowed on an individual whose continued commitment has uplifted the lives of others.
Nominees are individuals who have made significant contributions to the Black community for 15 years or more. Candidates would have improved the quality of life for citizens or brought recognition to the City of Mississauga through their accomplishments.
Eligibility and nomination process
To be eligible, the nominee must:
- Live and/or work in Mississauga
- Identify as being Black
- Stand as a role model for others
- Inspire volunteerism and civic engagement
If you know someone deserving of an award, the steps to recognizing eligible residents include:
- Review the award criteria and descriptions above to determine the most appropriate category.
- Email the nomination to BlackExcellenceAwards@mississauga.ca
- In your email, please include the following information:
- Full name of the nominee, including their preferred pronouns and phonetic pronunciation.
- Category for nomination (please only choose one category).
- A brief explanation indicating why the individual should be nominated.
Please note that only completed nomination forms will be evaluated.
Nominees who qualify will be invited to receive their award during an evening ceremony in honour of Black History Month next month at Mississauga City Hall on Friday, February 28 at 7 p.m.
For more information, visit the webpage.
It’s that time of year when we ask for citizens to highlight and nominate local environmental champions through the Friends of the Credit Conservation Awards program.
The program is an opportunity for the CVC Board of Directors and our staff to celebrate those who deserve recognition for their important work in the watershed. Through your work with partners, community members and businesses, we’re confident you know many deserving candidates whose contributions support a thriving environment that protects, connects, and sustains the Credit River Watershed.
Nominations are open to individuals, companies, and groups in the following nine categories:
- Youth Achievement
- Outstanding Volunteer
- Environmental Awareness
- Landowner Stewardship
- Corporate Leadership
- Green Cities
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership
- Legacy Donor
- Watershed Excellence
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Landowners who’ve taken action to protect and restore nature on their property.
- Local businesses, municipalities or regional government who have adapted new approaches or green infrastructure.
- Individuals or businesses that donate land or funds to purchase land for its long-term protection.
- Individuals that generously donate their time through on-the-ground environmental work, education, or outreach efforts.
Nominations for the Friends of the Credit Conservation Awards are open until February 22, 2025.
For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit cvc.ca/ConservationAwards.
Visit Mississauga invites all to Celebration Square to experience the excitement of Ontario’s free, first-of-its-kind epic skiing and snowboarding competition.
For three days, Celebration Square will be bustling with skiing and snowboarding competitions, snowskate classes and demonstrations, DJ sets and afterparties! All ages are invited to come and enjoy some outdoor winter fun and watch an impressive roster of more than 80 professional athletes compete for a $100,000 prize purse, judged on the quality and style of their tricks and descents.
The custom built installation in Celebration Square will host the world’s best professional athletes including American skiing legend Tom Wallish, professional snowboarder Natalie Allport, Canadian Championships gold slopestyle medallist Frank Jobin, snowboarder and Olympian medallist Laurie Blouin, and Olympian skier Megan Oldham, who has brought home hardware from many celebrated ski and snowboard competitions. They’ll be performing their mind-blowing tricks for the public for free.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the electrifying ambience of a winter sports competition locally!
Following on the success of last summer’s first JACKALOPE Action Sports Festival, Visit Mississauga is once again partnering with TRIBU Expérientiel Inc. to bring APIK to the city for the first time, in its first venture anywhere outside of its long-time home in Montreal.
Check out the full schedule here.
Event information
APIK Mississauga
Friday February 7 to Sunday February 9, 2025
Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga ON
Free admission has been made possible by Visit Mississauga
Quotes
“We can’t wait to welcome visitors as we transform Celebration Square into a winter sports haven – complete with skiing and snowboarding competitions in the middle of our city! We invite you to bring your whole family out to this free event and enjoy the magic of winter while you experience the rush of watching these incredibly talented athletes compete. It’s going to be exhilarating, entertaining, and lots of fun. Come join us in February!” – Victoria Clarke, CEO, Visit Mississauga
“We’re excited to be back at Celebration Square! We’ve always been about creating and developing bold and Innovative concepts that generate unique, adrenaline-powered experiences. We’re bringing the snowy mountain spirit to the city with APIK! After two successful editions of APIK in Montréal, we’re proud to be able to inject this unique energy into downtown Mississauga and make it more attractive than ever.” – Micah Desforges, Tribu Expérientiel Inc. CEO
About
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. The organization’s mandate of implementing the City of Mississauga’s Tourism Master Plan Tourism Mississauga is committed to promoting local businesses and coordinating large-scale events within the city. To learn more about Visit Mississauga, or check out other exciting events coming to Mississauga, go to visitmississauga.ca.
Tribu Expérientiel Inc. builds solid relationships thanks to the power of adrenaline. It helps organizations forge stronger ties with youth and adults who are young at heart by creating daring, integrated experiences that get the adrenaline flowing and forge indelible memories. TRIBU is making sure that its generation will always have ways to have fun, celebrate and get inspired. Visit tribu.co
Join a virtual engagement session to share your perspective and influence the development of the City’s first EDI strategy, shaping future policies and initiatives
Virtual EDI Strategy Engagement Session:
- Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
- Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Online Virtual (Click here to register)
- Confidential and anonymous: The session will be exclusively facilitated by the Diversity Institute (DI) on behalf of the City of Mississauga. DI will gather recommendations to develop the EDI strategy. Only high-level findings without personally identifiable information will be shared back with the City and used for the EDI Strategy.
Why participate?
We want to hear from you – people who live, work or conduct business in Mississauga. Perspectives on how City initiatives can be more equitable, inclusive and accessible will help inform the City in its role as an employer, service provider, policy maker and as a purchaser of goods and services. This is an important opportunity to influence key decisions that will guide the City’s policies, practices and procedures moving forward. Residents, business owners and other community stakeholder perspectives are vital in ensuring the strategy reflects the needs and aspirations of everyone in Mississauga.
How to register
To join the virtual session, please register in advance.
Don’t miss out on this important opportunity to make your voice heard. Together we can build a more inclusive and equitable Mississauga for all.
About the project
In April 2024, the City launched the Empowering Change: A Comprehensive EDI Strategy: 2024-2030 project in collaboration with the Diversity Institute. This project forms part of a commitment to advancing EDI and addressing racism and oppression within processes, practices and protocols. As part of the project, we are engaging diverse communities across the city with the goal of understanding diverse perspectives to influence the development of the City’s EDI strategy and guide future policies and initiatives aimed at fostering a more equitable community.
