Planning & Development

Nov 20 2025
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City of Mississauga and Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin announce innovative affordable home ownership partnership

By Planning & Development

Home ownership remains a strong aspiration for Canadians and a vital contributor to our economy.

November 20, 2025

In advance of this year’s National Housing Day, the City of Mississauga and Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin (Habitat HMD) are proud to announce an innovative partnership to help unlock a shovel-ready pipeline of affordable homes for hundreds of Mississauga residents.

This collaboration represents a new way forward – linking municipal leadership, non-profit innovation and private-sector participation to expand access to affordable home ownership and strengthen the City’s housing system.

Kick-starting the partnership: Five new affordable homes

As the first step in this new partnership, Habitat HMD and the City of Mississauga are announcing the creation of five deeply affordable home ownership units at Edenshaw’s Alba development, located near the Cooksville GO Station.

To secure these homes, the City identified the opportunity and used a $1.08 million community benefits contribution from Edenshaw to facilitate Habitat HMD’s discounted purchase of the units. Habitat HMD will ensure that these homes remain affordable for the long-term.

Using public-private collaboration to accelerate affordable home ownership

This “first of its kind” partnership for Mississauga will connect non-profit providers like Habitat HMD with community-minded developers who may have unsold market units close to completion. Through this innovative model, more affordable home ownership opportunities can be delivered quickly – without requiring new land or lengthy construction timelines.

Developers or non-profits interested in learning more about this model and supporting the City’s efforts can contact housing@mississauga.ca.

Habitat’s model: Empowering families through affordable home ownership

Habitat HMD’s affordable home ownership model offers a hand up, not a handout. Families benefit from an affordable mortgage tailored to their income, with a secondary mortgage provided by Habitat HMD covering the difference between the discounted purchase price and fair market value, including a buy-back provision to ensure the units stay affordable in perpetuity.

This approach ensures that no family initially allocates more than 30 per cent of their income toward housing costs – enabling them to save, invest in education and plan for the future with greater peace of mind.

Habitat’s model has a proven track record across Canada. After moving into their Habitat homes, families see household incomes rise 28 per cent higher than comparable renters, while health, education, and employment outcomes improve significantly. The result is an estimated $35 million in annual economic uplift compared to renting.

Habitat HMD bridges the gap for families who aspire to home ownership but are hindered by unaffordable market prices. The organization prioritizes families who are willing to contribute 500 volunteer hours in the community, and are currently living in unsafe, unhealthy, or inadequate housing.

Visit Habitat HMD’s apply for a home webpage to learn more or apply for these units.

Background

This innovative partnership is part of the City’s efforts to make housing more affordable in Mississauga. Despite the ongoing housing market slowdown, the City has made significant strides since the Mayor’s Housing Task Force report was released in January 2025. This includes becoming one of the first municipalities in Ontario to reduce and/or eliminate development charges for residential housing.

Other actions to improve access to affordable housing include:

  • The City’s $44 million affordable rental housing incentive program, made possible through federal funding, offers financial incentives to help stimulate the creation of new affordable rental housing. The application window for the second round of funding is open until February 13, 2026.
  • The City’s gentle density incentive program is making it less expensive to build additional residential units and fourplexes by providing grants to cover city fees and development charges (if applicable). To date, more than $300,000 in grants have been awarded with an additional $700,000 in grants expected in the coming months. The City also offers pre-approved garden suite design plans that residents can use free of charge.
  • Mississauga’s Inclusionary Zoning by-law helps increase affordable housing in the City by requiring affordable housing units in large developments located in major transit station areas.
  • The City has lowered costs for those building affordable housing units by reducing and/or eliminating application and parking fees for affordable and non-profit housing providers.
  • The City is reviewing opportunities to optimize city-owned facilities to find innovative ways to building housing on city property.

The Region of Peel oversees the affordable housing system in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. Visit housing and social support for information about the Region of Peel’s services.

Quotes

“Affordable home ownership is essential to a healthy and inclusive city. To tackle the housing affordability crisis, we must be willing to challenge the status quo. That means thinking creatively and trying new ideas. Partnering with Habitat HMD and developers like Edenshaw, is another way we can help more residents achieve their dream of owning a home right here in Mississauga.” – Carolyn Parrish, Mayor, City of Mississauga

“Housing affordability requires new ways of thinking and genuine collaboration. This partnership demonstrates that by coming together, we can deliver tangible solutions for families and create a more balanced housing system. We’re honoured to see the City of Mississauga and Edenshaw play a role in helping local families keep the dream of home ownership alive.” – Eden Grodzinski, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin

At Edenshaw, we believe every development should strengthen the community it’s built in. We are proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity HMD and the City of Mississauga to help build strong communities and create opportunities for all homeowners to connect and succeed, while playing a role in making home ownership more accessible. – Oscar Piovesan, Chief Operating Officer, Edenshaw Developments Limited

About Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin

Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin (Habitat HMD) is part of the renowned global Habitat for Humanity network, recognized for its commitment to mobilizing community resources to provide safe and decent homes for families in need. Since its inception in 1999, Habitat HMD has completed 92 affordable housing units—including 74 units for families living in the Halton Region, City of Mississauga, and Dufferin County, as well as 18 tiny homes for Indigenous communities and as accessory residential units.

Habitat’s unique housing model offers a pathway to home ownership, filling a critical gap in the housing continuum. The organization is dedicated to addressing Canada’s housing crisis and aims to transform more lives by delivering a minimum of 130 new housing units to partner families between 2022 and 2032.

About Edenshaw Developments

Founded in 2009, by President and CEO David McComb, Edenshaw Developments Limited is a leading real estate developer committed to creating innovative and elevated mixed-use residential communities. With a focus on design excellence, sustainability and craftsmanship. Edenshaw is dedicated to building not just homes, but lasting communities where people can live, grow and belong.

Photo of condo tower - Alba development by Edenshaw
Photo of Edenshaw’s Alba development
Nov 17 2025
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Building a garden suite in Mississauga just got easier with the launch of new materials list

By Announcement, Planning & Development

The City’s new materials list shows exactly what’s needed to build a garden suite, helping residents plan and build with confidence.

November 17, 2025

The City of Mississauga has introduced a materials list, which is a new resource for its pre-approved garden suite plans. The materials list will make it easier, faster and more convenient for Mississauga homeowners to add a garden suite to their property. The list is free to access, easy to use and outlines everything needed to build a one-bedroom or studio garden suite based on the City’s pre-approved plans.

A garden suite is a small, detached unit that can be built in many backyards, city-wide. They include cooking, living, sleeping and washroom facilities. Garden suites are a good option for homeowners who want to downsize, need a separate space for family members or who want a rental unit for extra income.

Studio garden suite with blue wood siding

 

Build faster with the ready-to-use materials list

The online materials list outlines everything needed to build a garden suite, including construction materials, quantities, specifications (like grade and type), and units of measurement. It’s organized by construction phase, such as foundation, framing, and plumbing, so it’s easy to follow.

The list also highlights which elements are customizable under the City’s pre-approved plans, like doors and flooring and which are fixed. A cost sample is available to help with budget planning, although prices and availability can vary widely depending on site servicing costs and design finishes. The list is downloadable from the “Cost your project” section on the City’s garden suites webpage.

Pre-approved plans and a materials list give homeowners and builders greater confidence when planning garden suite construction timelines. They also help reduce delays by enabling residents to work directly with a licensed builder and skip the design phase.

Gently adding density to Mississauga’s neighbourhoods

Garden suites are a part of the City’s ongoing efforts to make housing more accessible and affordable by encouraging gentle density. Gentle density includes adding more housing choices in existing neighbourhoods and helping to create complete communities where infrastructure is already in place.

Garden suites are a great way to add more housing choices for families, young adults, and seniors, whether to accommodate for extended family or rental income. The City has a Gentle Density Incentive Program that offsets fees to make building these types of homes more affordable.

Learn more and access the plans and material lists on the pre-approved garden suites webpage.

One-bedroom garden suite with grey brick

Background

The City is working to increase housing choices in Mississauga neighbourhoods. In late 2023, the City updated its Official Plan and zoning rules to make it easier for homeowners to build up to two additional residential units (ARUs) in addition to the primary home or a fourplex. This includes garden suites, which are small homes that can be built in backyards across the City. In 2024, the City launched free, pre-approved plans for studio or one bedroom garden suites, making it easier and more cost effective for residents.

For more information on how the City is taking action to address the housing crisis, read the 2025 Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report.

Oct 27 2025
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Mississauga honours the best in urban design, helping shape the City’s future

By Events, Planning & Development

On October 23, Mississauga celebrated its 2025 Urban Design Award winners, recognizing the City’s most innovative projects that contribute to a vibrant and livable community.

October 27, 2025

On Thursday, October 23, the City announced the winners of the 2025 Urban Design Awards. The ceremony honoured the spaces that have helped shape Mississauga, from those with deep community significance to sustainable, innovative, and wellness-focused designs.

This year’s awards showcased a variety of inspiring projects, including residential buildings, parks and community spaces. The theme, Reflections and Visions, encouraged participants to honour the legacy of city-building, while also imagining the future of Mississauga’s landscape.

Take a look at the award-winning projects and photos here.

Background

Launched in 1981, the Mississauga Urban Design Awards recognize and celebrate the creativity and dedication of architects, landscape architects, artists and planners who have helped shape the city. It’s Ontario’s longest running municipal urban design awards initiative in Ontario, and continues to spotlight excellence in building vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities.

Event photos

       

Oct 19 2025
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Public Meeting – Planning and Development Committee – City of Mississauga (Wards 1 and 2) – Monday, November 10, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

By Planning & Development, Ward 1

In Person and Virtual Public Meeting
INFORMATION/RECOMMENDATION REPORT NOTICE

Meeting Date and Time:
Monday, November 10, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
Meeting Place:
Mississauga Civic Centre, Council Chamber, 300 City Centre Drive
City’s Proposal:
City of Mississauga (Wards 1 and 2)
File: BL.01-PAR

Proposed changes: The City of Mississauga is proposing to amend the Zoning By-law to change the number of parking spaces required on these properties to the number of parking spaces that currently exist.

Meeting Details:
This meeting will be held in person and online. Advance registration is required to make a verbal submission at the meeting either virtually or in person Friday at 12:00 p.m. prior to the meeting
date. The proceedings will be streamed live online for the public to view at the following link: http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/cityhall/council-and-committee-videos. If you wish to phone in to listen to the meeting only, please call 905-615-3200, ext. 8437 for instructions.

Options for participating in the meeting are outlined below.

Purpose of Meeting:
 For Planning and Development Committee to receive a report that provides information on the project, addresses issues raised and provide a recommendation on the proposal
 For people to ask questions and share their views about the proposal
 For Planning and Development Committee to make a decision about this project
The report will be available on-line one week prior to the meeting at: http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/cityhall/planninganddevelopment

For detailed information contact:
City Planner Kelsey Martin at 905-615-3200 ext. 5542 or kelsey.martin@mississauga.ca
If you would like to share your views and/or be added to the official record, please contact the Planning and Building Department by Friday at 12:00 p.m. prior to the meeting date:
 by mail to 300 City Centre Drive, City Planning Strategies, Mississauga ON L5B 3C1
 by email to application.info@mississauga.ca
Please include your name, your address, and file number or address of the property you are providing comments on.

Written Comments:
In order to be received by Committee at the public meeting, written comments must be received no later than Friday at 12:00 p.m. prior to the meeting date. Submissions are accepted by email at
deputations.presentations@mississauga.ca or by mailing the Planning and Development Committee, City Clerks Office, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1. Please include your name, your address, and file number or address of the property you are providing comments on. Written comments received before, during or after a public meeting but before a by-law is passed receive the same consideration as verbal comments made during a public meeting.

If you wish to be notified of the decision on the proposed zoning by-law amendment and/or proposed official plan amendment, you must make a written request.

How to participate in a public meeting if you wish to make verbal submissions:

Participate Virtually
Advance registration is required to participate and/or make comment virtually at the public meeting. Please email deputations.presentations@mississauga.ca no later than Friday at 12:00 p.m. prior to the meeting date. Any materials you wish to show the Committee during your presentation must be provided as an attachment to the email. Links to cloud services will not be accepted. You will be provided with directions on how to participate from Clerks’ staff.

Residents without access to the internet can participate and/or make comment in the meeting via telephone. To register, please call Ani Grigoryan at 905-615-3200 ext. 8437 no later than Friday at 12:00 p.m. prior to the meeting date. You must provide your name, phone number, and file number if you wish to speak to the Committee. You will be provided with directions on how to participate from Clerks’ staff.

Participate In Person
To make a verbal submission in person, advance registration is preferred. Please email deputations.presentations@mississauga.ca no later than Friday at 12:00 p.m. prior to the meeting date.

If you are a landlord, please post a copy of this notice where your tenants can see it. We want to make sure they have a chance to take part.

Background Studies:
Contact the city planner noted above for more information.

Personal Information:
Individuals should be aware that any personal information in their verbal or written communication will become part of the public record, unless the individual expressly requests the City to remove the personal information. Questions about the collection of this information may be directed to application.info@mississauga.ca or in writing to the Planning and Building Department at 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga ON L5B 3C1.

Information about Appeals:
Application decisions can be appealed through the Ontario Land Tribunal. The applicant, a specified person, a public body, or the Minister, or those who own land subject to the application can appeal. A person who otherwise would have an ability to appeal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the City of Mississauga before the proposed zoning by-law is passed and the proposed official plan amendment is adopted is not entitled to appeal the decision and may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal.

General Information:
Visit Mississauga’s online Guide to City Planning and Development to learn more. It’s organized around topics we get asked most – such as What is City Planning, How Land Gets Developed and Ways to Get Involved. Visit www.mississauga.ca/city-planning-guide.

Date of Notice: October 16, 2025

Oct 16 2025
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Mississauga partners with federal government on Housing Design Catalogue

By Announcement, Planning & Development, Resources

As a local partner, Mississauga is making it easier and more affordable to build homes from standardized plans.

October 16, 2025

The City of Mississauga is teaming up with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) on its Housing Design Catalogue. As one of the first municipalities in Canada to sign on as a local partner, Mississauga is continuing to find new and innovative ways to tackle the housing crisis.

The catalogue offers a set of standardized design plans for a variety of housing options. It helps smaller and mid-size builders build housing quickly and save money by:

  • Simplifying the design process
  • Ensuring compliance with building codes
  • Making it easier for builders to plan and estimate costs

The plans are available to property owners free of charge.

A head start for those looking to build

The catalogue contains seven design sets for Ontario: two accessory dwelling units, two fourplexes, one sixplex and two stacked townhouses. As a local partner, the City has pre-reviewed the following four designs to make it easier and quicker to use them in Mississauga:

  • Accessory Dwelling Unit 1: a one-bedroom, one-bathroom backyard garden suite
  • Accessory Dwelling Unit 2: a three-bedroom, one-bathroom backyard garden suite
  • Fourplex 1: a three-storey building with four units varying from one to three bedrooms
  • Fourplex 2: a two-storey building with four units varying from two to three bedrooms

The City is also looking at ways to fast track the building permit application process for builders who want to use a pre-reviewed plan.

Visit mississauga.ca/housing-catalogue to learn how to use the plans.

More housing options for neighbourhoods

Detached homes currently make up about 70 per cent of all housing in Mississauga – but that’s changing. Since 2023, the City has taken a number of actions to encourage more housing options through gentle density. This includes:

  • Simplifying neighbourhood zoning to make it easier to build semi-detached homes and homes on smaller lots.
  • Allowing up to three residential units on a lot including garden suites, garage conversions and triplexes. The City also released free ‘made in Mississauga’ pre-approved garden suite design plans.
  • Approving fourplexes “as-of-right” which means you can apply for a building permit without additional zoning approvals, if your fourplex meets by-law regulations.

Gentle density is a good way to help revive older neighbourhoods. It brings people to areas where schools, parks, transit, community centres and libraries are already in place. It can also create more compact, walkable communities which help support local shops and restaurants.

Taking action on housing

Getting more housing built and making it more affordable is a top priority for Mississauga. The City has made significant strides in changing the housing landscape since the Mayor’s Housing Task Force report was released in January 2025. This includes becoming one of the first municipalities in Ontario to reduce and/or eliminate development charges for residential housing.

Quotes

“Canada’s new government is stepping up with a bold new approach to increase the supply of housing in Canada, and with today’s release of the Housing Design Catalogue’s full technical designs, we are taking another important step to empower local builders to get shovels in the ground. By drawing on the expertise of Canadian architects, engineers, and designers–and collaborating closely with other orders of government–we are cutting red tape and helping to speed up approvals.” – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“I’m a big believer in finding innovative solutions and challenging the status quo to get more housing built. We’ve made good progress by reducing development charges, simplifying neighbourhood zoning and funding affordable rental projects. Today we’re taking another important step by becoming one of the first municipalities to join forces with CMHC on their Housing Design Catalogue. I’m proud Mississauga is doing things differently. The strides we’ve made show what can happen when cities are committed to change.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“As a city, we’re focused on pulling every lever we can to unlock more housing. From the big moves we’ve made in our new Official Plan to the innovative solutions we’re putting forward on pre-approved housing plans, we’re signalling very clearly that if you want to build housing, come to Mississauga.” – Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building

Background

The Housing Design Catalogue is an innovative tool to support homebuilding. The catalogue draws on lessons from the history of homebuilding in Canada and applies them to the housing challenges of the 21st century.

In total, the catalogue offers 50 practical home designs for regions across Canada. The designs prioritize energy performance, accessibility, financial feasibility and climate resilience. They were developed by regional architecture and engineering teams to meet the needs of communities nationwide. While the plans are free, you must get the approval of a qualified professional, such as an architect, engineer or licensed designer with a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN), to amend the designs for your property.

More: https://www.housingcatalogue.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/

Images

Housing Design Catalogue Ontario Accessory Dwelling Unit 2

 

Housing Design Catalogue Ontario Accessory Dwelling Unit 1

 

Housing Design Catalogue Ontario Fourplex 2

 

Housing Design Catalogue Ontario Fourplex 1 render

*Images courtesy of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

Sep 04 2025
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Place. People. Possibility: Imagining Mississauga’s future together

By Planning & Development, Resources

The public is invited to a free City event exploring Mississauga’s Strategic Plan through the lens of placekeeping.

September 4, 2025

What kind of city will Mississauga be in the next decade? The answer begins with us, the people who call it home.

On Monday, September 29, residents are invited to Imagine Mississauga: Place. People. Possibility., a free public City event that builds on insights gathered during the City’s 2026–2036 Strategic Plan public engagement phase. Through dialogue with expert speakers, interactive exhibits, and opportunities for residents to ask questions, this event aims to inspire conversations about Mississauga’s future and how we can best tackle the big challenges and make the most of our opportunities.

Event details

What

A free public event about the City’s 2026–2036 Strategic Plan.

Who

Featured speakers:

When

Monday, September 29, 2025
6–9 p.m. (Registration and interactive lobby displays begin at 5:30 p.m.)

Where

Living Arts Centre – Main Auditorium
4141 Living Arts Dr.
Mississauga, ON

Registration and cost

The event is free to attend. Everyone is welcome. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Advance registration is required. Reserve your spot through the Living Arts Centre web ticket portal.

Underground parking is available at the Living Art Centre. Street parking is also available.

Those opting for public transportation can easily plan their trip with MiWay’s Trip Planner or seek assistance by calling 905-615-INFO (4636), ensuring a hassle-free journey to and from the event.

Why placekeeping matters

At the heart of this conversation is the idea of placekeeping, a concept grounded in Indigenous knowledge and lived experience. Placekeeping is a community-led approach that protects and celebrates the unique identity of a place while also acknowledging that communities are always evolving to meet the needs of residents for years to come.

2026–2036 Strategic Plan

As we imagine the next chapter of Mississauga’s story, the City is focusing on several central themes identified by Council. Over the last several months, thousands of Mississauga residents shared their opinions on priorities ranging from car dependency to climate change, housing affordability and cost of living, well-being and inclusion, economic growth and arts and culture. An expert panel has been assembled to offer their insight and spark conversations about how these priorities can be transformed into action through the City’s key strategic document.

Learn more about the City’s Strategic Plan and register.