Saving money and going green: Mississauga makes progress on Five-Year Energy Conservation Plan

By Resources

The current five-year plan continues to address climate change and energy usage in City buildings.

September 19, 2025

The City of Mississauga is pleased to share some positive updates as it relates to its fourth Five-Year Energy Conservation Plan: 2024-2028 (ECP) that was released in 2024.

The current five-year plan continues to address climate change and energy usage in City buildings. Last year, the City achieved:

  • A 1.6 per cent reduction in energy consumption, 2.1 per cent reduction in water consumption and 2.8 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing the City’s annual target of one per cent savings in these categories.
  • A total of 118 EV charging connections across the city, with 88 designated for fleet use and 30 available for public access.
  • Savings of $157,000 in utility costs; and
  • Recognition of Erin Mills Twin Arena with the ENERGY STAR® Building of the Year Award for its ice and curling rinks for the second year in a row.

As the City looks ahead, it will continue to build upon its 2024 successes and focus on:

  • Expanding solar energy: the City will maximize the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across its buildings to harness renewable energy.
  • Enhancing ice rink efficiency: ice plant heat recovery systems will be expanded in municipal ice rinks, capturing waste heat and redirecting it for facility use.
  • Optimizing indoor pool operations: applicable indoor pool facilities will be upgraded with pool dehumidification heat recovery and pool drain heat recovery systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.
  • Introducing decarbonization technology: implementing heat pump technology during lifecycle renewals will help reduce Mississauga’s carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency, advancing the City’s Climate Change Action Plan.

To learn more about the City’s Five-Year Energy Conservation Plan: 2024-2028, visit the webpage.

Don’t miss out on nature’s marathon: salmon run has fish swimming upstream in Mississauga

By Announcement, Events, Ward 1

September 19, 2025

The annual salmon migration has started with thousands of salmon swimming upstream in the Credit River to lay their eggs (otherwise known as spawning). Each year, salmon in Lake Ontario return to the Credit River to reproduce. Salmon are migratory fish that hatch in freshwater rivers, migrate to the bigger bodies of water, like Lake Ontario, where they mature, and then return to their freshwater rivers, like the Credit, to spawn.

Close up of a silver colour fish

As water temperatures start to cool and fall rains cause water levels to deepen, salmon begin their yearly trek from Lake Ontario up along the Credit River to spawn and complete their life journey.

The salmon run starts in mid September and peaks in early October, with most fish completing their journey by late October.

Types of salmon

There are three types of salmon that call the Credit River home:

  • Chinook salmon: This species migrates once they reach maturity (between three and seven years) and typically dies after spawning is complete. Chinook are the largest of the salmon species as they can grow up to approximately 100 centimetres in length. Chinook salmon have a dark mouth and black gums at the base of their teeth.
  • Atlantic salmon: Atlantic salmon were once abundant in the Great Lakes until the late 1800s.  Extensive efforts to restore populations have resulted in small populations in Lake Ontario and its tributaries including the Credit River.  Unlike Chinook salmon, this smaller salmon species makes its way back to Lake Ontario after its migration upstream. Atlantic salmon are the only salmon species native to Lake Ontario. Atlantic salmon have large black spots on their gill covers and back, and no spots on their tail fin.
  • Coho salmon: While smaller than the Chinook, both species are native to the north Pacific Ocean and were introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1960s. Coho can grow to approximately 75 centimetres in length. Coho salmon have a white mouth line, a black tongue and sharp teeth.
Close up of a salmon in a river.
Photo by Credit Valley Conservation

See the salmon run

Across Mississauga, there are several great locations along the Credit River where you can easily view the salmon as they make their journey.

  • Erindale Park: The City’s largest park offers extensive trails through ravines and open spaces giving you lots of chances to get up close to the Credit River.
  • Riverwood: This 150-acre park and urban oasis includes accessible trails and great views. The Credit River flows through the park’s western border, offering excellent spots to watch the salmon run.
  • Meadowvale Conservation Area: Located in the north part of the City, this natural oasis gives you a good opportunity to watch the migration from a pedestrian bridge overlooking the Credit River.

Someone fishing in the a river during fall surrounded by tree changing colour.

Witnessing the journey of these fish is truly incredible when the odds of making it to their destination are heavily against them. So, as we watch these fish swim, it’s important to do so in a way that won’t impede their journey.

Respect the run

While the salmon run can be incredible to watch, please be mindful that nature is at work! Many salmon won’t survive the swim upstream, and the ones that do still have to lay their eggs. Their journey can also be made more difficult by spectators trying to get a closer look. Here’s how you can watch the salmon run while respecting the salmon:

  • Watch from a safe distance: When you’re out and about, give salmon the best chance of survival by respecting their space. That includes steering clear of areas where salmon are swimming and along the riverbed where they lay and fertilize their eggs. Avoid standing directly in the river or throwing rocks or branches to disrupt the water as it can stress the fish out on their journey. Remember not to chase, touch or abuse the salmon.
  • Keep the river clean: if you see litter around the river, please dispose of it properly. Fishing lines and lures can end up injuring fish, as well as local wildlife like swans, ducks, geese and turtles. Remember to take all hooks, fishing lines, garbage and other items with you when you are done fishing. Please don’t leave them behind. Some fishing locations across Mississauga (mostly along Lake Ontario and at Lake Aquitaine) have fishing line collection tubes for anglers to dispose of old fishing lines.
  • Enjoy the silence: Avoid being disruptive and lower your voice when watching the salmon. Try watching quietly and respectfully.
a number of salmon swimming in the Credit River
Photo by Credit Valley Conservation

Fishing during the salmon fall migration

Fishing is always a fun time, but during the salmon run, it’s important that they are released so they can continue on their way. As salmon swim upstream, they are vulnerable to illegal fishing practices such as netting and snagging. In order to ensure a sustainable fishery, those fishing in Mississauga waters must abide by and follow Provincial rules and regulations (for Zone 16) when it comes to fishing. These rules and regulations include species-specific angling timelines, approved angling gear types and methods, along with locations where fishing is permitted. If you see someone abusing the rules, please report it by calling 1-877-847-7667 (1-877-TIPS-MNR).

Fishing is, however, still open in the following areas:

  • Year-round open season in the Credit River and tributaries from the south side of the Highway 403 bridge downstream to Lake Ontario.
  • Extended fall season from the fourth Saturday in April until December 31 in the Credit River and tributaries from the south side of Britannia Road upstream to the south side of the Highway 407 bridge.
  • Fish sanctuary (no fishing) in the Credit River and tributaries from the south side of the Highway 403 bridge upstream to the south side of the Britannia Road bridge from January 1 to the Friday before the fourth Saturday in April, and August 15 to December 31.
  • Fish sanctuary (no fishing) in the Credit River and tributaries (excluding Fletchers Creek and Levi Creek) from the south side of the Britannia Road bridge upstream to Old Baseline Road bridge in the Town of Caledon between January 1 and the Friday before the fourth Saturday in April.

After the run, what happens next?

Towards the end of their life cycle, many salmon species, like the Coho and Chinook, will die soon after they lay eggs.  Atlantic salmon are different from Coho and Chinook salmon, as they live past the spawning point, and may lay eggs multiple times throughout their lives. In the spring, offspring from all three species hatch and will make their way downstream. Chinook salmon will often leave right in the spring when water levels rise, while Coho and Atlantic Salmon may spend more time in their nursery river before moving downstream.  They make their home in Lake Ontario until maturity when it’s time to migrate back upstream to their home rivers to reproduce.

Dead salmon are an important food source for the Credit River’s ecosystem. As they decompose, they add important nutrients back into the water. It is recommended that people avoid touching or eating rotting fish.

Watch videos of salmon in the Credit River or learn more about the Credit River Watershed by visiting the Credit Valley Conservation website at cvc.ca.

Remembering John V. Holland (1928 – 2025)

By Uncategorized
A life-long resident of Mississauga, John Holland was born in Lorne Park and spent most of his life in Port Credit, where he attended Port Credit High School.
John served as president of Mississauga Motors Ltd. in Port Credit before opening his own dealership, John Holland Chevrolet Ltd., in Burlington.
Beyond his business success, John gave back generously to his community. He served as a councillor and Deputy Reeve for the Town of Port Credit, and was a driving force behind the construction of the Port Credit Arena. As the first chair of the committee that raised funds and oversaw its building, John’s legacy lives on in this important community landmark. He later worked to have the arena recognized as a heritage site, and in 2017 was inducted into the Mississauga Sports Hall of Fame for his efforts.
A dedicated parishioner of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church for his entire life, John served as a Eucharistic minister for 25 years and on the parish’s financial board for 50 years.
The City of Mississauga will lower its flags to half-mast on Friday, September 19 in his honour.
Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his lifelong commitment to our community.

Construction Notice Project # 16-2905 G – Test shutdown notice – Sept 25, 2025 – Caven Street

By Resources, Ward 1

For the wastewater construction project, PROJECT # 16-2905 G, residents/businesses will experience brief interruption (approximately 15 minutes) to their water supply on September 25th between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.  Approximately 26 homes and 8 commercial properties will be impacted, at:

  • Residents:
    • Caven St: 1059, 1057, 1053, 1051, 1049, 1047, 1041, 1039, 1037, 1035, 1031, 1029, 1027, 1023, 1021, 1017, 1050, 1046, 1040, 1038, 1036, 1034, 1028, 1022, 1018, 1016
  • Business:
    • 619 Lakeshore Rd E
      • Traffic Sign Canada
    • 645 Lakeshore Rd E
      • Tim Hortons
      • Sushi Maki House
      • Subway
      • Rabba Fine Foods
      • Lakeview Dental Centre
      • Domino’s Pizza
      • Cyril Walk-in

Please find further details within the attached notice.  Other information about this construction project is available online at Project 16-2905G – peelregion.ca.

Please send any questions to construction@peelregion.ca.

 

Mississauga Celebration Square’s large event program is accepting new applications

By Announcement, Food for thought

Apply for 2027 dates until September 29, 2025.

September 15, 2025

The City of Mississauga is pleased to announce the launch of the 2027 Celebration Square Large Event Application Program – now open until September 29, 2025. This streamlined application process empowers eligible event organizers to secure dates for 2027, presenting a great opportunity to host vibrant, community-driven events at Mississauga Celebration Square (MCS), while making a meaningful impact on the community.

This program aims to enrich Mississauga’s dynamic cultural scene and is closely aligned with the City’s commitment to delivering outstanding programming, enhancing accessibility, championing sustainability and stimulating economic growth. By having a dedicated reference group, we ensure that each application receives careful consideration, allowing for the strategic allocation of event dates that meet the City’s criteria.

At a high level, applicants must meet the following standards:

  • Must have experience with large-scale events
  • Demonstrates a track-record of fiscal responsibility
  • Events will be open to the public and free of charge
  • Events must have the ability to acquire liability insurance

A list of full criteria can be viewed on the application portal for new and returning applicants. Given the competitive nature of MCS’ availability, there is no guarantee of securing a requested date and awarded dates may vary from those originally requested.

Event organizers interested in being part of MCS’ dynamic event line-up for the 2027 season must apply no later than Monday, September 29, 2025 by 5 p.m. EST.

For more information, please visit the webpage or contact the MCS team.

Turn callers into fans – Feature your music on 311!

By Announcement, Food for thought

The City of Mississauga is inviting local musicians to apply to be featured in its Music 311 program, which highlights the city’s diverse musical talent on 311 call queue lines, Council meeting live streams and other City channels.

September 15, 2025

Each year, 12 recordings are selected to showcase the talent and diversity of Mississauga’s music community. The program not only builds new audiences for local artists, but also enriches the caller experience by pairing excellent customer service with new musical experiences.

Selected recordings will also be promoted on the City’s website, where residents can learn more about the featured artists and their music.

Step into the spotlight and let the City play your sound—apply now! The submission deadline is Sunday, September 28 at 11:59 p.m.

To learn more, visit the 311 Music webpage.

Music 311

Tree-t yourself to National Forest Week activities

By Parks, Resources

Bring the family to the inaugural Forestry Fall Festival, and take part in a tree giveaway or tree planting event to do your part to preserve trees – the lungs of our city.

September 12, 2025

Join us in celebrating National Forest Week from September 20 to 27 to show your appreciation for Mississauga’s trees and forests. Join a guided walk at a park, register for a tree giveaway, help plant trees, and interact with arborists, foresters and ecologists. There are many fun activities where you can learn about the importance of Mississauga’s urban forest and natural areas. Find out how you can help protect, restore, expand and enhance the city’s natural spaces.

Forestry Fall Festival kickoff

Don’t miss out on the new Forestry Fall Festival. This free event will be taking place at Erindale Park on Saturday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It promises to be fun for the whole family. Drop by for activities like watching goats graze, seeing the Wild Ontario raptor show and the Scales Nature Park turtle show, and enjoy wagon rides with Fairytale Horse Carriages. There will also be guided nature walks, tree and wildflower giveaways, information booths, face painting, activities for children and more!

A woman and child planting a tree sapling

Other National Forest Week event details

What

The City is hosting a series of events in Mississauga to celebrate National Forest Week. Advance registration is required for these events:

  • Join tree planting events starting Saturday, September 13 through Saturday, November 1 at local parks at various times. Be sure to register online at National Forest Week. Your efforts will help the City with its goal of planting one million trees in Mississauga by 2032.
  • Participate in a tree giveaway on Wednesday, September 24 at Courtney Park Athletic Fields.

Who

All Mississauga residents interested in learning more about Mississauga’s urban forest.

When

September 20 to 27, 2025 at various times throughout the week.

Where

All events are in-person at various locations in Mississauga.

To learn more about National Forest Week or register for events, visit mississauga.ca/national-forest-week.

Forestry staff with large butterfly nets pictured in a greenspace.

Benefits of trees

As nature’s lungs, Mississauga’s trees and forests are breathing life into the city. Some trees provide much-needed shade, others act as ‘bridges and bustling roadways’ for wildlife. Some produce food like fruits, seeds, nuts and syrup for us to enjoy, and help with flood protection as they slow down the water flow. Learn more about trees and how they are enriching biodiversity.

Support the One Million Trees program

Trees are at the heart of the City’s efforts to combat climate change. The City aims to plant One Million Trees by 2032, and is well on its way to do so. So far, with the support of residents, businesses, schools, volunteers and partners, 602,539 trees have been planted. Help the City reach its tree goal by planting trees and shrubs on your residential property, specifically native plants and be sure to add it to the City’s one million tree goal.

Learn more about forestry at mississauga.ca/forestry.

Waste collection services will shift to Mississauga in 2027

By Announcement, Resources

City and Regional Councils approve October 1, 2027 as new transition date for waste collection services to better align with new waste collection contracts.

September 12, 2025

On September 10, 2025, Mississauga City Council approved October 1, 2027 as the new date to transition waste collection services from the Region of Peel to the City of Mississauga. Previously scheduled for January 1, 2026, this change aligns with the timing of the City’s new waste collection contract, ensuring a smooth transition and a service that’s tailored to Mississauga residents’ needs.

The recommendation was presented by the Transition Committee, made up of staff from the Region of Peel, City of Mississauga, City of Brampton and Town of Caledon. The recommendation was approved by the Town of Caledon on September 9, the City of Brampton on September 10, and Regional Council on September 11.

The transfer of waste collection responsibilities includes collection of waste, including garbage, organics and yard waste. The new transition date is aligned with the start of the City’s new waste collection contract. This will provide residents with a waste collection service that reflects and responds to Mississauga residents’ needs, aligns with the City’s existing programs and services, and creates more opportunities for efficiencies.

Next steps

City staff will present an implementation plan to Mississauga City Council in 2026 that will outline the transition in more detail.

Until October 1, 2027, waste collection in Mississauga will continue to be provided by the Region of Peel. Residents should continue to direct any questions or waste collection related concerns to the Region. For more details about waste collection, visit peelregion.ca/waste.

New provincial recycling program

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Region will no longer be responsible for collecting recycling in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.

In 2021, the Government of Ontario enacted the Blue Box Regulation that requires producers of recycling products and packaging to pay for and run recycling programs. Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit organization and the administrator of Ontario’s common collection system, will take over the operation of the Region’s recycling program on behalf of producers on January 1, 2026. The Region will continue to operate its six Community Recycling Centres.

Mississauga earns prestigious ‘AAA’ credit rating from Standard & Poor for the 22nd consecutive year

By Announcement

Report cites Mississauga’s strong financial management and growth

September 12, 2025

Standard & Poor Global Ratings (S&P), a leading provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis, has assigned the City of Mississauga an ‘AAA’ credit rating, the highest rating that can be received, and includes a stable outlook for the City’s future. This rating reflects the City’s strong financial management practices and effective budgeting processes, which are designed to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability in a growing economy.

What does this mean for residents

This rating reflects the City’s commitment to strategically reinvest property taxes and enhance the quality of life for residents. S&P expects the City’s strong tax base and prudent financial management will support healthy operational budget balances, and the liquidity position will stay robust. The report highlights Mississauga’s healthy reserves and the dedicated capital levy as an important source of funding. S&P believes Mississauga is well positioned to manage additional responsibilities such as the transfer of waste collection services and regional roads from Peel Region. S&P expects that Mississauga will continue to manage its budget such that expenditures are offset by strong revenue growth.

The report notes that despite national economic uncertainty, the City continues to see substantial investments, particularly in life sciences and technology. Capital spending is expected to increase in the next two years with the support of funds from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

S&P also points to Mississauga’s proximity to major markets, as well as its extensive transportation infrastructure— including Canada’s busiest airport, two national railways, and five of the country’s busiest highways which continue to aid its economy and attract investment.

The report highlighted the strength of Mississauga’s management team, which is highly qualified and experienced in implementing effective fiscal policies and responding to external risks. S&P’s report also acknowledged the City’s robust financial policies, clear and transparent financial disclosure, strong budgeting practices, which include annual updates to multi-year business plans and a detailed operating budget with a three-year outlook and a 10-year capital plan.

To learn more about the City of Mississauga’s finances, visit mississauga.ca/financereports.

About S&P Global Ratings

In 26 countries around the world and a history that dates back more than 150 years, S&P Global Ratings provides high-quality market intelligence in the form of credit ratings, research and thought leadership. An S&P Global Ratings issuer credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about an obligor’s overall creditworthiness. ‘AAA’ is the highest issuer credit rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings.

GO Expansion – Overnight Geotechnical Investigative Work within the Lakeshore West Rail Corridor – Work restarts September 12, 2025

By Transit, Ward 1

Metrolinx has provided this update to share:

As part of the GO Expansion program, crews will be drilling vertical boreholes and performing automatic ballast sampling to assess ground conditions within the Lakeshore West rail corridor. This work will inform future track and infrastructure upgrades. For safety reasons, some activities will occur overnight when trains are not in service.
Schedule: Work begins September 12, 2025, and will continue for approximately two months.
Timing: 8:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
Weekend Work: September 12–14 and September 26–29, from Friday 6:00 p.m. to Sunday 6:00 a.m.

The work details, anticipated impacts, and a map are highlighted in the attached notice. No impacts to pedestrians, motorists, or public transit are expected, though we remind the community to exercise caution around active construction sites.

The notice has been hand-delivered and mailed to impacted residents and is also available online.