Category

Youth

First We Mine, Then We Craft! Minecraft Experience Makes its First-Ever Canadian Stop in Mississauga!

By Events, Food for thought, Gaming, Youth

Calling all crafters! Minecrafters of all ages are invited to Mississauga this summer to experience the thrill of participating in an epic interactive quest at Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, happening at Square One beginning June 20.

This Minecraft experience combines advanced technology with game design, experiential storytelling and high-tech multimedia. Now, for the first time in Canada, Minecrafters of all ages can take part in this epic rescue mission and story-based experience brought to life before their eyes.
Image of three people in the Minecraft Experience.

Event details:

What?

Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue interactive adventure’s debut in Canada.

Who?

Open to all ages, this experience is designed to welcome long-time players, new players and families of all ages. No prior knowledge of Minecraft is required to enjoy the experience.

Where?

Square One
199 Rathburn Rd. W
Mississauga, ON

When?

Beginning June 20, 2025, for a limited time.

Tickets:

Tickets are on sale now and start at $32. Multi-pack, group and flex tickets are also available. For additional information and tickets, visit minecraftexperience.com.

About Minecraft

Minecraft is the best-selling game of all time with more than 300 million copies sold, entertaining players from around the world through gaming and the recently released blockbuster film A Minecraft Movie. Minecraft is the most popular video game of all time with a worldwide community of millions including Antarctica and the Vatican City. At its core, Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures.

Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue was created by Montreal-based multimedia creative studio, Supply + Demand, in close collaboration with Experience MOD and game developer Mojang Studios.

Keep the fun going in Mississauga!.

The adventure in Mississauga doesn’t need to stop after you’ve completed your heroic feat. Be sure to check out Square One for shopping, food and more fun to be had at The Rec Room, or you can immerse yourself in another fantasy world at LVLUP Games board game café. Or, if you’d like to head outdoors, check out what’s happening at Mississauga Celebration Square – there are many fun events scheduled for the summer.

April 25, 2025
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City of Mississauga Welcomes Its Fifth Youth Poet Laureate

By Youth

The City of Mississauga is pleased to announce that Tahira Rajwani will be its fifth Youth Poet Laureate. Tahira will hold this position from 2025 to 2027 and will serve as a literary ambassador for youth in the city, as well as help elevate the status of poetry, literary arts and young writers through community poetry events and projects.

Tahira is a spoken word artist whose work is rooted in themes of diaspora and women’s empowerment. She was recently shortlisted for the 2024 League of Canadian Poets Spoken Word Award and nominated for the Emerging Literary Arts category of the 2024 Mississauga Arts Awards. As runner-up in Button Poetry’s 2022 Poem Cover Content, she has been seen on poetry slam podiums across the GTA. With a passion for fostering arts, Tahira is a founding member of Sauga Poetry, a local open mic series. In April 2025, she will take part in the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam in Vancouver.

Every two years, the City embarks on a search for its new Youth Poet Laureate. This honourary position recognizes a young poet who writes excellent poetry or spoken word and has written on themes that are relevant to the residents of Mississauga.

Tahira will take over the role starting on April 9 from, Lisa Shen.

The public can expect to hear from the new Youth Poet Laureate at the City’s sixth annual Poetry Slam on April 24. She will also make an appearance as part of the Canada Day celebrations at Celebration Square on July 1.

As a way to kick-off her new role and celebrate National Poetry Month, Tahira read from one of her poems titled, April (see verse below) at today’s General Committee meeting.

April

It has been a long Winter
But here, the snow gives way
The clocks move past this season of grey sky
April leaves forgiveness on our doorstep
For all the things we said in the cold

At dawn, sunlight gently wraps her rays
Against these suburban window panes
Coats come undone button by button
And how easy laughter become again
Without the weight of all these layers of uncertainty

Survival is always hardest in the dark
The night is always longest before the day
Summer is always a promise we are unsure
Will be kept another year

But how resilient we are
How forgiving
How practiced
At unfurling into this hope
At stepping into the light
Again

It is hard to remember sometimes
That better days are just a horizon away
This grief always feels so long
A winter solstice of ache

But look, we made it another
Season
Look, at how the blossoms reemerge
Look, at how all this doubt
Melts into the soil
And leaves only
Softness in its wake

April 9, 2025
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Peel Regional Police Update: Launch of Youth Engagement Strategy

By Announcement, Resources, Youth

On Friday March 21st, 2025, Peel Regional Police launched a progressive and forward-thinking strategy that is aimed at shaping the service’s future engagement with youth, parents/guardians and community partners who serve youth.

Their new Youth Engagement Strategy will be carried out in consultation with community partners and youth over the coming years. This will include the creation of specific initiatives, such as establishing a youth mentorship program, providing training opportunities for PRP members to better engage with youth, and strengthening support to youth affected by hate and bias.

In 2024, a survey and focus groups were conducted to provide an independent, unbiased lens on youth safety, policing and police interaction with youth within Mississauga and Brampton. This research will help to shape the development of new programs and the refinement of existing ones.

PRP has several existing programs that bring young people and officers together in the spirit of cooperation, education and mentorship, including the Youth In Policing Initiative, the Young Women’s Mentorship Program which is aimed at empowering at-risk girls by fostering leadership skills, building confidence and providing mentorship opportunities, and the Boys to Men Program – an initiative designed to provide at-risk boys with guidance, support and positive role models.

The new strategy builds on the foundation of these and other existing programs and is designed to encourage a positive relationship between youth and police and to ensure youth feel comfortable engaging with police officers, something that ultimately supports the safety and well-being of youth and the broader community.

Please take a moment to view the Youth Engagement Strategy here.

PRP’s news release here: https://x.com/PeelPolice/status/1903111382159200477

 

March 24, 2025
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Apply to be the Youth Poet Laureate

By Announcement, Youth
 

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.

February 28, 2025
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Summer Arts Mississauga Programs

By Events, Youth

Unlock Your Creativity this Summer with Summer Arts Mississauga!

Join CreativeHub 1352 during the month of July, for an unforgettable artistic journey! Dive into a world of endless possibilities with our diverse array of workshops designed to ignite your passion for creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a budding enthusiast, there’s something for everyone.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of painting, drawing, textile arts, fibre arts, performing arts, jewellery making, printmaking, mosaics, and beyond! With our wide range of workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to explore new mediums, hone your skills, and unleash your imagination.

Learn more

June 23, 2024
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Celebrate Mississauga’s 50th Anniversary with your photography

By Events, Youth

The Mississauga Library invites teens and young adults (12-24) to celebrate our city’s 50th anniversary by sharing photos that show their love for the city.

June 17, 2024

In celebration of the City’s 50th anniversary, the Mississauga Library is excited to invite youth ages 12-24 in our community to showcase their talent and love for the city through photography. Participants are encouraged to submit photos of their favourite places in Mississauga, capturing the essence and beauty of our city through their eyes. We encourage participants to capture the places they love and find meaningful in their city. This can include parks, landmarks, community spaces, neighbourhoods, or hidden gems.

Submission Period

Applications for photo submissions are open from June 1, 2024, until August 31, 2024. This gives our young photographers ample time to capture and submit their most meaningful and artistic photographs.

Selection and Exhibition

All submitted images will be archived in the Historic Images Gallery, preserving the youth’s vision of Mississauga for future generations. The Teen Advisory Group will short-list ten submissions based on specific judging criteria. These finalists will be featured online for public voting and displayed digitally and in print at the Bradley Museum’s “Out of the Vault” 50th Anniversary Exhibition. The exhibition, running from September to December 2024, will offer attendees a unique glimpse into the city’s history and future through the lens of its younger residents.

Participation Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity for young photographers to have their work recognized and preserved in the city’s historical archives. Additionally, it offers a platform for youth to engage with their community and meaningfully contribute to the 50th-anniversary celebrations.

For More Information

For additional details on the photo submission process, eligibility, and the upcoming exhibition, please visit the Snapshots of Mississauga webpage.

Join us in celebrating Mississauga’s 50th anniversary and share your vision of our city through photography. This is your chance to be a part of history!

June 17, 2024
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Make summer more affordable with a Sauga Summer Pass

By Announcement, Resources, Youth

Summer is right around the corner and the City of Mississauga is helping youth (ages 12-16) have fun, for free.

The warm weather is on its way and families are filling in their calendar for the months ahead – perhaps with a budget in mind. Mississauga parents, guardians and youth residents are encouraged to make the most out of the Sauga Summer Pass. The pass, which is available for free, makes it easier for youth to spend time within the City without worrying about transportation.From June 28 – September 2, 2024, youth ages 12-16 can use the Sauga Summer Pass to access free rides on MiWay within Mississauga and free participation in fun swims at the City’s indoor and outdoor pools. Youth ages 14-16 can also use the pass to get free fitness centre access (some restrictions may apply).

 

How to apply:

Starting today Mississauga youth 12 to 16 years can now register for a Sauga Summer Pass, here’s how:

  • Download, print and complete the Sauga Summer Pass application form.
  • Submit the completed form at any City community centre.
  • Bring a physical piece of identification with you to verify your date of birth.
  • Fitness centre access can be added to your pass by completing additional steps with a parent/guardian at any community centre.

Good to know:

  • Sauga Summer Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the program reaches capacity.
  • A photo must be taken by City customer service staff to add to the pass. As a result, the pass should only be utilized by the person for whom the application was approved; pass-back or sharing is not allowed.
  • Pass holders can access City swimming pools during designated drop-in fun swimming times only. To view scheduled pool times, visit Active Mississauga or inquire at the pools.
  • Check out the fitness amenities where the pass can be used.
  • The Sauga Summer Pass is only valid on MiWay. If you’re transferring to a different transit system, you’ll need to pay the applicable fare.

Passholders must show a valid Sauga Summer Pass to the Transit Operator when boarding a MiWay bus to ride for free.

Plan a MiWay trip online or call 905-615-INFO (4636) for route and schedule information.

For more information about the Sauga Summer Pass, please visit mississauga.ca/summerpass.

May 2, 2024
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Celebrate Mississauga Youth Weeks with 12 days of free events and programs

By Announcement, Resources, Youth

Mississauga Youth Weeks offers youth the opportunity to connect with people their age, express their creativity, and try something new while exploring facilities across the city.

The City of Mississauga is excited to introduce Mississauga Youth Weeks – a two-week celebration of youth! From Monday, April 29 to Friday, May 10, Mississauga youth can participate in a variety of fun and exciting registered and drop-in activities at various City facilities, for free. Additionally, at the start of Mississauga Youth Weeks, registration for the Sauga Summer Pass opens for youth ages 12 to 16.

Mississauga Youth Weeks

What

Mississauga Youth Weeks 2024 is an action-packed 12-day celebration with a variety of activities for youth ages 12 to 24, including:

  • Gaming – eSports and board games
  • Sports – Basketball, dodgeball and volleyball games and tournaments
  • Arts – Introduction to crocheting, water colouring and hair braiding
  • Wellness – Session with Ajax, Mississauga Fire and Emergency Service’s facility dog
  • Weight room – Access to machines and equipment
  • Swimming – Aqua fitness, Fun Swims, and water rescues
  • Escape rooms, drama and dance workshops, and more!

There is something for everyone, across many different interests.

Who

Mississauga youth ages 12 to 24

Where

Build a schedule of drop-in programs and pre-register for events at mississauga.ca/MYW.

When

Monday, April 29 to Friday, May 10, 2024

Cost

Free

For a full list of Mississauga Youth Weeks events and activities visit mississauga.ca/MYW.

Register for a Sauga Summer Pass

To register for a Sauga Summer Pass, visit mississauga.ca/summerpass – applications open on Monday, April 29 for youth aged 12 to 16. This seasonal pass includes free access to MiWay bus rides, as well as free participation in public fun swims at all City indoor and outdoor pools, and free access to fitness centres at certain locations (only ages 14-16) from Monday, July 1 to Monday, September 2.

April 24, 2024
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