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Approved by Council in December 2024, the Strategy outlines 25 actions across 10 themes aimed at addressing the root causes of chronic disease, including type 2 diabetes, by improving the conditions that shape health. As of May 2026, most actions are underway across City programs, operations and initiatives, with one focused on renewing the Strategy in five years.

The Strategy is grounded in collaboration with community organizations, global partners in the Cities for Better Health network and local research partners, including the University of Toronto’s Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations (NHP). It aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan and Official Plan vision and is supported by the NHP’s Catalyst Grant, which has funded 23 projects, engaged more than 50 community organizations, and invested nearly $2.34 million over 5 years.

Healthy City Strategy progress highlights

Mississauga is advancing the Strategy through partnerships and community-based programs, including:

Growing Healthy Places Mississauga

A multi-partner initiative supporting children aged six to 13 in underserved communities through school-based programs focused on physical activity, nutrition and access to recreation. Now one year into implementation, the initiative brings together Ophea, 8 80 Cities, Brock University, Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., the City of Mississauga, the Peel District School Board, and the Region of Peel (Public Health) to co-design, deliver and evaluate solutions rooted in community needs.

Watch this video to see how Growing Healthy Places Mississauga is making a real difference in the community.

More affordable and accessible recreation for all ages

• The Sauga Summer Pass reached capacity in 2024 and 2025 and includes free MiWay rides for youth aged 12 to 16.
• The 65+ Fit free fitness membership launched in April 2025, reaching about 130,000 older adults and contributing to a 39 per cent increase in memberships (51,341 issued).

Safer, easier ways to get around

• 58 per cent more sidewalks were cleared during the 2025–2026 winter season, with crews maintaining more than 2,500 km of sidewalks and trails across 34 winter events.

Greener neighbourhoods and community connection

• Working with the Institute for Better Health, part of Trillium Health Partners, and the Black Health and Social Services Hub, the City supported an intergenerational garden in Malton. The project is connecting Black older adults and youth through gardening, cultural connection, and shared learning; the initiative continues in 2026.

Food security and youth empowerment

• The Seed Library has distributed more than 18,500 packets.
• The Malton Youth Hub provides meals for more than 400 youth.

Community awareness and support

• Working alongside community partners and the University of Toronto, the City supported Diabetes Connect, a model for community-based screening, education and connections to care in 2025, with expansion continuing for 2026.

Active living across the lifespan

• With a $25,000 grant from the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, a Volunteer Committee of 14 seniors helped develop the Get Outside Guide for Older Adults to engage older adult residents in outdoor recreation and social opportunities using City parks, trails and other outdoor amenities. The Guide supported 143 activities by 26 groups, engaging more than 1,800 participants, with a launch event attracting more than 500 residents.

Why it matters

In some Mississauga neighbourhoods, type 2 diabetes ranges from 13 to 16.9 per cent, exceeding the Ontario average of 9.8 per cent. The Healthy City Strategy addresses these disparities by focusing on broader social, environmental and economic factors, including access to healthy food, green space, transportation and community connection.

Looking ahead

Over the coming year, the City will continue advancing the Healthy City Strategy’s 25 actions and develop updated performance measures for 2026 and beyond. This work will incorporate meaningful indicators and research from the University of Toronto’s Population Health Analytics Laboratory to help ensure initiatives remain measurable and tailored to community needs, so that Mississauga remains a place where people of all ages can live healthy, active, and connected lives.

Quotes

“Mississauga is committed to making it easier for residents to live healthy, active lives. Our Healthy City Strategy makes a difference every day in people’s lives.  I am proud that thousands of seniors participate in our 65+ Fit membership that eliminates fees and reduces barriers to wellness. We also lead the way with children’s healthy development with the free “Play in the Park” program providing recreational activities including organized games, sports, crafts, theme days, and special events. We are building a city where everyone can thrive.”
– Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish.

“The progress of Mississauga’s Healthy City Strategy reflects the power of community-driven partnerships. By bringing together researchers, community organizations, and the City, we are supporting made-in-Mississauga solutions that reduce barriers, engage diverse communities, and advance system-level changes to support better health.”
– Tiffany Bartlett, Director of Research Programs, Operations and Partnerships, University of Toronto Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations

About the Healthy City Strategy

Recognizing the growing impact of chronic disease, particularly type 2 diabetes, on residents across Mississauga, the City joined Cities for Better Health (CBH – formerly Cities Changing Diabetes) in 2021. With the support of CBH partners and input from the community, the City worked to develop the Healthy City Strategy, which was unanimously adopted by Mississauga Council in 2024. The strategy aims to work with partners to help create a healthier community and provides staff and decision makers with a health equity lens to guide City programs, policies, initiatives, and infrastructure.

Key dates for summer 2026 registration

• May 12 – Preview and bookmark programs on Active Mississauga
• May 19 – Online and in-person registration for residents begins at 7 a.m.
• May 26 – Online and in-person registration for non-residents begins at 7 a.m.
• June 29 – Summer programs begin

Residents are encouraged to log into their Active Mississauga account early, review programs and save favourites before registration opens.

Unique summer programs

When school is out, Mississauga’s community centres become a second home for many families. They offer indoor and outdoor fitness programs, help people build skills and provide spaces to connect with others. Some unique programs this season include:

Youth Sledge Hockey – Drop‑In Shinny (ages 13–17)

This new program offers a fun and safe drop‑in sledge hockey experience for youth. Players must wear full hockey equipment, including a CSA‑approved helmet with a face mask. Players must also be securely strapped into their sledges. Games are organized by the players who attend. Body contact is not allowed. Goalies wearing full equipment can join for free.

Youth Squash Clinic (ages 10–14)

Open to all skill levels, this clinic helps youth learn and improve their squash skills. Each session focuses on basic strokes, rules and game play in a supportive setting. Participants will also play fun matches each day. All equipment is provided.

Small‑Group Weight Training for Women (ages 18 and above)

Add variety to your training sessions and experience the benefits of working with a personal trainer in a small group. Learn and master weight-training fundamentals to increase strength, build lean muscle and reduce body fat. This program will take place in the weight room or fitness studio.

Virtual Fitness Membership (all ages)

Enjoy unlimited access to online fitness classes from the comfort of your home. Classes are available for all fitness levels and abilities.

About City programs

Who

Individuals of all ages interested in recreation and culture programs at City of Mississauga facilities.

What

Registration for Mississauga’s summer recreation and culture programs, including sports, fitness, swimming and arts programs.

Where

City community centres, arenas, pools, outdoor spaces and online through Active Mississauga.

When

Registration opens on May 19 for Mississauga residents, with summer programs beginning on June 29.

Why

To give residents of all ages opportunities to stay active, learn new skills, connect with others and support physical and mental well‑being throughout the summer.

Cost

Fees vary by program. Fee assistance is available for eligible residents.

Put swim lessons at the top of your list

It’s never too late to learn how to swim. Swimming lessons help people of all ages feel more comfortable and safer in the water. This can help you enjoy pools, beaches and lakes with more confidence.

Learning to swim is an important life skill. It helps people stay safe in and around the water and plays a key role in preventing drowning. Swimming is also a great form of exercise. It is low‑impact, gentle on the body, and helps build strength, improve heart health and increase endurance. For some people, time in the water can also be therapeutic, supporting pain management, mobility and recovery from injury.

The City encourages residents to register for swimming lessons and aquatics programs before summer begins. Whether you are new to swimming or want to improve your skills, Mississauga has programs for all ages and abilities.

Recreation is 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 children’s healthy development by offering 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.

Need financial assistance to register for a recreation program? The City offers ActiveAssist, a fee assistance program that helps residents in low-income households and newcomers with refugee status access recreation and culture programs. Learn about eligibility and apply online.

Mississauga also offers Adapted Programs for people of all abilities. Each program is designed to be accessible, welcoming and enjoyable. With inclusion in mind, participants can feel comfortable, safe and learn from dedicated instructors.

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.

Waste collection includes picking up residential garbage, organics and yard waste and providing services for multi-residential buildings. Starting October 1, 2027, Emterra Environmental will deliver waste collection services across Mississauga, including:

• A five-day-a-week residential waste collection schedule (Monday to Friday).
• Bi-weekly yard waste collection for the full season (mid-March to mid-December), replacing the current mix of weekly and bi-weekly service.
• Garbage collection for multi-residential buildings.
• Recycling collection at select Mississauga locations that are ineligible to receive service from Circular Materials. This includes City facilities, emergency services buildings, recreation centres, places of worship and some small businesses.

Residential recycling collection will continue to be handled by Circular Materials, which began on January 1, 2026. The community recycling centres will still be run by the Region of Peel.

Expanded and more efficient service

Expanding residential waste collection from a four-day schedule to a five-day schedule will allow for shorter and more balanced routes. This will help to reduce late pick-ups and support consistent service across the city. Making yard waste collection bi‑weekly for the entire season will reduce the number of collection vehicles needed on the road and give residents a simpler, more predictable service.

With the contract now awarded, City staff will begin the next phase of the transition. This work includes collaborating with Emterra Environmental on collection routes to set residents’ garbage and organics collection days. The City will share collection day information with residents before October 1, 2027.