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The Live Music Grant pilot program has helped grow Mississauga’s music sector by creating more spaces and opportunities for live music events, supporting paid gigs for musicians and taking advantage of the economic impact of Ontario’s growing live music industry. Grants will be increased starting in 2026, providing up to $5,000 to better support economic opportunities for musicians and venue operators.

Eligible applicants can receive funds to help offset the costs of hosting concerts and live music events taking place in Mississauga. It is open to for-profit applicants, including artists, venue operators, promoters, bars, restaurants and other potential music event hosts. While applicants do not need to be based in Mississauga to apply, the events must take place within the city.

Application process

Applications open on March 2, 2026 and must be submitted through the City’s grants portal. For more details on eligibility and the application process, please review the program guidelines.

The deadline to apply is Friday, March 27, 2026.

Webinars

Two webinars are available to help new and returning applicants understand the process and what’s new for the 2026 program. Attendance is optional:

• Register for Information Session #1: Thursday, March 12, from 12 to 1 p.m.
• Register for Information Session #2: Monday, March 23, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Impact of the Live Music Grant 2023-2025 pilot

• During the first three years, the pilot issued 61 grants of up to $2,500, supported 165 new concerts and created 385 gig opportunities for musicians, representing a total economic impact of $278,486 for Mississauga’s music sector.
• There is a strong and growing demand for the grant, which received more than 100 applications and was oversubscribed during each year of the pilot.
• Staff anticipate that by 2027, the Live Music Grant will generate 150 new concerts each year, 300 annual gig opportunities for local musicians and $300,000 in annual economic impact to Mississauga’s music sector. This equates to $3 in local economic impact for every dollar invested through the grant.
• In 2026, the grant will be increased to provide up to $5,000 for applicants, and the overall budget for the program will be increased to $75,000. The Music Office will also be developing a live music venue registry to make it easier for concert presenters to find spaces to host events.

Background

• The Live Music Grant pilot program launched in 2023 as a key action from the Mississauga Music Strategy (2022-2026), designed to help capitalize on the growth of Ontario’s live music industry and create new spaces for live music events. The Live Music Grant also contributes to the Economic Development Strategy: Path to Prosperity 2030 and Future Directions Culture Plan.
• Grant applications were evaluated by a panel of adjudicators, who are music industry professionals based in Mississauga.
• Eligible applicants are concert presenters operating on a for-profit basis, which can include music venues, promoters and musicians who produce their own events. During the three-year pilot, the grant provided up to $2,500 towards eligible expenses, including musician fees, venue fees, marketing and AV staffing and rentals.
• The grant is made possible by the City’s portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax.
• Mississauga’s live music sector continues to grow and, in 2023, added an estimated $28 million to the city’s gross domestic product, supported an estimated 290 full-time equivalent jobs and generated $14.7 million in labour-based income.
• Mississauga was named the “2023 Music City of the Year” by the Canadian Live Music Association and Canadian Music Week in recognition of the City’s efforts to build a stronger and more resilient music ecosystem.

A total of 88 groups and initiatives will receive support for programming and services in the areas of sports, youth initiatives, older adult initiatives, theatre, dance, visual arts and other community services.

These investments enable Mississauga-based groups to deliver programming that brings people together, supports creative expression and strengthens community connections. Residents can expect a broader range of activities, performances and services that reflect Mississauga’s growing diversity and cultural energy in 2026.

The grant program is broken down as follows:

Community Grant Program

This program provides annual and multi-year grants to Mississauga-based, not-for-profit community groups to deliver programs and services that keep Mississauga residents active, healthy and engaged in their communities. $1,064,069 will be granted to 25 recipients.

Arts and Culture Grant Program

This program supports emerging and established, not-for-profit, professional and community-based arts, culture and heritage organizations in Mississauga. The grant supports the development of exemplary arts and culture programs, and services that improve participation, knowledge, understanding and an appreciation of arts, culture and heritage for residents of Mississauga. $1,671,948 will be granted to 27 recipients.

Cultural Festivals and Celebrations Grants

This grant provides funding to offset expenses associated with the presentation of arts, heritage and cultural festivals/celebrations to residents and visitors of Mississauga. This grant supports a range of events that reflect the City’s many cultural traditions. $1,442,500 will be granted to 28 recipients.

Culture Project Grants

The 2026 program supports artistic projects from organizations, collectives and BIAs that explore, interpret or respond to environmental themes. Following the theme art and the environment, projects must be arts-based and demonstrate a clear connection to environmental themes or practices. $40,000 will be granted to eight recipients.

Learn more about the City’s grant programs.

Path to Prosperity 2030 includes five pillars, supported by 15 objectives and 51 actions:

1. Build a competitive and business-friendly environment
2. Strengthen economic diversification and agility
3. Accelerate innovation and sector-led growth
4. Invest in future-ready talent
5. Foster and promote vibrant communities

The Strategy arrives at a time of significant global change. Businesses and workers are navigating geopolitical instability, shifting trade patterns, the emergence of artificial intelligence, and climate pressures. Informed by extensive stakeholder consultations – including more than 200 voices from local businesses, entrepreneurs, education institutions, and community organizations – the Strategy outlines practical actions to help businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers respond to challenges and opportunities, while also strengthening Mississauga’s ability to attract talent and encourage investment.

Path to Prosperity 2030 builds on previous strategies and achievements, which expanded business investment promotion to markets in the U.S., Europe and East Asia; opened IDEA Square One in 2023 – a space dedicated to supporting small business, entrepreneurship, and early-stage company growth; launched the Invest Mississauga brand in 2024; developed the Partners in Trade plan to help residents and businesses respond to disruptions from U.S. tariffs; and introduced programs and services to support growth within life sciences, technology, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The Strategy also incorporates recommendations from the City’s recently approved Retail Strategy to encourage a healthy and diverse retail sector. Path to Prosperity 2030 advances both retail and creative industry growth as part of building vibrant experiences and communities, strengthening Mississauga’s ability to attract talent and investment.

“The world is changing fast, demanding bold action and fresh thinking. Path to Prosperity 2030 is our commitment to an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future – investing in businesses, entrepreneurs, youth, and workers, while creating thriving communities where commerce and culture flourish together. With our valued partners, we will collaborate to unlock opportunity, accelerate innovation, and ensure Mississauga remains a business-friendly city that leads on the world stage.”
– Carolyn Parrish, Mayor, City of Mississauga

“Path to Prosperity 2030 charts a bold course for a globally competitive, inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready economy. By building a competitive business environment, investing in skills and capabilities, and creating vibrant communities we are shaping the conditions for talent, entrepreneurs, and businesses to succeed.”
– Christina Kakaflikas, Director of Economic Development

Implementation of Path to Prosperity 2030 will be lead by Invest Mississauga, the City’s Economic Development Division, in collaboration with partners, including internal City departments, local businesses, industry associations, education institutions, and community organizations.

Read the full strategy to learn more: https://www.investmississauga.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Invest-Mississauga-Path-to-Prosperity-2030.pdf

Registration details

With spring programs and summer camp registration opening soon, now is a great time to review programs. There are many programs that can help improve a child, adult or older adult’s mental and physical well-being or add a sense of enjoyment.

Residents can register for Mississauga’s spring recreational and cultural programs and summer camps on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

To help you plan, here are key dates for the upcoming spring 2026 registration period:

• February 10 – Preview and bookmark programs on Active Mississauga
• February 17 – Online & in-person resident registration begins at 7 a.m.
• February 24 – Online & in-person non-resident registration begins at 7 a.m.
• March 30 – Spring programs begin
• June 29 – Summer camps begin

Remember to log into your Active Mississauga account and have your preferred payment method ready for registration (Visa or MasterCard). Note: If you register in-person at a community centre, you can pay by cash and with Debit card.For residents wanting to register for summer programs, registration will be later in May.

About City programs

Who

Individuals interested in recreation and culture programs at Mississauga facilities.

What

Registration for spring programs and summer camps.

Where

Various City-owned facilities in Mississauga like libraries, community centres and cultural facilities.

Why

Improving health, boosting happiness, building connections, and helping residents of all ages live well. After a long winter indoors, people are craving opportunities to get active, reconnect with community, and try something new.

When

March to June (spring sessions); June to August (summer camps).

Cost

Varies per programs or activity.

Programs for everyone

Mississauga’s instructors are highly qualified and passionate – when participating in a class or program, people can expect to learn something new, fun or simply enjoy some leisure time.

The City is committed to focusing on children’s healthy development by providing programs with the highest recognized level of quality and safety. The programs are HIGH FIVE® accredited, a global quality standard for recreation and sport developed by Parks and Recreation Ontario with the support and endorsement of the Government of Ontario. HIGH FIVE® is Canada’s quality standard for children’s recreation, culture, and sports programs.

For older adults (65+), the City offers a selection of programs and offerings that can be accessed through the popular 65+ Fit membership. The free membership launched last April and has encouraged many older adults to keep prioritizing their health and wellness.

Mississauga also offers Adapted Programs for people of all abilities. Each program is adapted to promote accessibility and enjoyment for participants. With inclusion in mind, participants can feel comfortable, safe and learn from dedicated instructors.

Unique spring programs

This upcoming spring season, registrants can look forward to some unique programs such as:

Aqua Yoga & Toning (ages 15+)

Looking to relax in the water and get a workout in? Aqua Yoga and Toning is a class that blends the benefits of aqua yoga combining the flow of various yoga postures and utilizes the power of water to strengthen your muscles, increase mobility and balance.

View this program

Children in Motion (ages 6 – 13)

Children with a learning, intellectual, or physical disability are encouraged to participate in

a program offered in partnership with Variety Village Ontario and ErinOak Kids. They will get a chance to join physical and social activities that grow and develop fitness, sport, and cooperation. This safe and supporting environment will support physical literacy, confidence, and participant successes.  Support persons are welcome in the program to assist participants if needed.

View this program

Jewellry Making Level 1 (ages 18+)

Feeling creative and hands-on? Participants can use brass and copper to create their own jewellry. Try metalsmithing techniques like saw-piercing and soldering. Materials for the first project are provided and other materials are extra. Additional materials will be discussed in the first class.

View this program

Musical Theatre (ages 7 – 10 and 11 – 16)

Explore the world of musical theatre! Participants can focus on developing singing skills while learning about characterization, movement and audition techniques in a supportive environment. This program can help develop confidence while harmonizing with the ensemble or singing a solo from famous musicals. A showcase for friends and family will take place on the last day of class.

View this program

Get ready for summer, in the spring! Learn how to swim

It’s never too late to take swimming lessons or conquer any fear of pools and water. As everyone looks forward to the warmer months, the City encourages residents to register for swimming lessons and aquatics programs ahead of summer season. If you have never been to a pool before or just want to improve your skills, look no further than Mississauga’s Aquatics programs.

Swimming is a great exercise and can help with managing pain. It is also an important life-saving skill. Swimming is also great option for a low-impact, full-body workout that strengthens muscles, enhances cardiovascular health and boosts endurance. For some people, being in the water can also be therapeutic and can aid in recovery.

Virtual fitness programs

Explore virtual fitness programs to stay active and engaged from home. These programs offer flexible, at‑home workouts designed to keep you active, motivated, and connected, wherever you are.

Virtual fitness membership now available

This membership gives you unlimited access to a variety of new online fitness classes. Let us help you to keep moving from the comfort of your home. Visit our memberships page for more details.

More information

Have questions about Active Mississauga? Check out these FAQs.

You can also email active@mississauga.ca.

To learn more, visit mississauga.ca/recreation.

The City’s 2026 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission highlights key areas where provincial action and investment will support Mississauga’s growth as a world class city while continuing to protect and build a brighter future for the people of Ontario as a whole.

Key recommendations

1. Getting more housing built

• • Implement recommendations from the Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report, including:
    • Establishing stable revenue tools to replace development charges for water, wastewater, roads and higher-order transit;
    • Providing first-time homebuyer rebates for the Ontario Land Transfer Tax;
    • Reforming Community Benefit Charges;
    • Standardizing accessibility and green building standards;
    • Streamlining approvals; and
    • Boosting rental supply and inclusionary zoning support.

2. Breaking gridlock and congestion

• • Work with Metrolinx to establish a clear implementation plan and timeline for completing the Downtown ‘Loop’ of the Hazel McCallion Line LRT, in addition to operating funding for the first three years.
  • Partner to invest $582 million in a new MiWay bus depot to support adding more buses to accommodate rising ridership.
  • Advance all-day, two-way GO service on the Milton Corridor to meet the Premier’s 2031 target.
  • Invest $2 million to fund the business case and further studies for the Dundas Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) east to Kipling and west to UTM.

3. Keeping Mississauga affordable

• • Reform the Peel Regional Police funding formula to reflect population distribution and increase fairness for Mississauga taxpayers.
  • Modernize the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) formula by eliminating the reimplementation of the five per cent cap and implementing a formula based on property values while also providing the City a share of airport cargo revenues.
  • Invest in the construction of the Mississauga Valley and Cooksville Community Centres and Libraries projects.

4. Addressing food insecurity

• • Strengthen supports and prioritize provincial funding for local food banks, Ontario Disability Support Program, Ontario Works, the Low-Income Individuals and Families Tax Credit, affordable housing and employment services to combat hunger affecting our residents.

Quotes

“Mississauga is showing leadership on the housing crisis, investing in critical infrastructure, and ensuring Mississauga remains an affordable place to live and work. To continue, we need the ongoing partnership of the provincial government to use financial and legislative powers to make investments in our City’s future. As the province’s third largest urban economy and a driver of jobs and investment, Mississauga requires ongoing collaboration with the provincial government to realize its full potential. I’m confident the Premier and our local MPPs are listening and will continue to take action.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“Mississauga is committed to building more homes faster, supporting the infrastructure needed for growth, and advocating for fiscal fairness to ease pressures on taxpayers. With provincial partnership, we can deliver tangible results that improve affordability, connectivity, and community well-being for generations to come.” – Geoff Wright, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer

Pre-budget submission

The City’s 2026 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission is part of the annual pre-budget consultation process. Read the submission to learn more:

• 2026 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission