Inviting women-led tech businesses to grow with EmpowHER

By Events

IDEA Mississauga and YSpace are accepting applications for the EmpowHER Tech Launchpad accelerator program.

Business and innovation | June 26, 2026

IDEA Mississauga, in partnership with YSpace ELLA—York University’s women’s innovation hub—is now accepting applications for the EmpowHER Tech Launchpad. The 12-week accelerator program helps women-led product and technology companies grow and scale. 

The program offers one-on-one mentorship, expert led workshops and support to prepare investor and partner pitches. Participants also connect with a network of mentors, partners and peers. EmpowHER Tech Launchpad helps entrepreneurs grow faster, reach new markets and build lasting businesses.  

Applications close July 12, 2026.

The City invests in such programs to help equity-deserving women entrepreneurs overcome barriers and grow their businesses. This helps contribute to a more inclusive local economy. 

Who should apply 

Ideal applicants are Canadian incorporated businesses that: 

  • Are at least 51 per cent women-led. 
  • Are in Mississauga or plan to expand there.
  • Have moved beyond the product launch stage. 
  • Have at least one co-founder attend all in-person sessions. 
  • Are available for the full 12-week program. 

What participants can expect 

Participants will get: 

  • Up to $200,000 in business resources to support growth. 
  • One-on-one mentorship from industry experts. 
  • Workshops on sales, fundraising and growth strategy. 
  • A peer network of women entrepreneurs in tech and product businesses. 
  • Regular office hours with program facilitators for support. 

The program finishes with a showcase event, where participants present to investors, mentors and potential clients. 

A group of people posing beside a wall that says YSpace on one side and IDEA on the other.

Proven impact 

Past participants have reported strong growth with measurable results. 

Angélique Bernabé, founder of LOCVM and a 2025 participant, entered the program at the testing phase. Since completing the EmpowHER Tech Launchpad, LOCVM has grown from 150 to more than 500 users. The company has also secured its first paid pilot and formed partnerships with the Ontario Medical Association and several universities. 

Hira Malik, co-founder of Food Mamba and a 2024 graduate of the EmpowHER program, leveraged the program to refine financial modelling and sales strategy. The company has since secured multiple contracts, surpassed $1 million in revenue in 2025 and expanded to more than 300 clients. It now works with 200 vendors and a distribution team across Canada and Pakistan. 

Read more about the program and application details.

About IDEA Mississauga 

IDEA Mississauga, powered by Invest Mississauga, brings together industry, government, education and organizational leaders. It helps start-ups and scale-ups bring those ideas to market. IDEA Mississauga gives entrepreneurs access to mentorship, services and a strong network of partners and talent. From start-up to scale-up, IDEA supports businesses in turning ideas into real-world impact. 

About YSpace 

YSpace is York University’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub. It supports start-ups and scale-ups across sectors. Its programs help companies grow by building customer traction and accessing capital. YSpace also supports diverse founders through initiatives such as ELLA for women-led businesses and the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) for Black-led businesses. 

June 26, 2026
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Mississauga’s infrastructure remains in fair to good condition but more investment is needed

By Resources

The City is making steady progress on maintaining its $19.8 billion in infrastructure in a state of good repair.

City building | June 26, 2026

Infrastructure includes the physical assets that support daily life in Mississauga. These assets help people get around safely, support emergency response, keep public spaces usable and help the City grow. Infrastructure around the city like roads, parks, community centres, libraries, stormwater systems and other assets are generally in fair to good shape, according to the City’s 2026 Corporate Asset Management (CAM) Plan. Maintaining infrastructure matters because when it is in a state of good repair, services are more reliable, the community is safer and future repair costs are easier to manage.

The plan, approved by Council, shows the City is managing $19.8 billion in infrastructure that supports daily life across Mississauga, while also identifying a
$118.4 million average annual funding gap over the next 10 years.

The funding gap or shortfall shows that the City needs to keep investing so small problems don’t become bigger, more expensive problems later. The City will require ongoing investment as Mississauga grows, assets age and construction costs rise.

Understanding how City assets are performing helps Council make informed decisions about what to maintain, repair and replace, and how to fund this work. Provincial regulations require municipalities to develop a detailed asset management plan for the assets they own and manage, along with identifying service level targets. The CAM Plan is a strategic, financial document that is updated each year. It outlines progress made and areas for improvement.

With more people calling Mississauga home, assets like community centres, transit hubs, roads and libraries are being well used. Reviewing the plan every year helps Mississauga stay ahead of maintenance needs. This also helps the City qualify for infrastructure funding and grants from higher levels of government.

Across 11 service areas, most assets are in fair to good condition. Overall, the City has met all provincial requirements for its asset management plans and continues to make strong progress. This includes continuous improvement, stronger systems to manage assets, review their condition and plan for future needs.

The 2026 CAM plan showed:

Asset Management Plan Current Replacement Value ($ millions) Average Condition 10-Year Average Annual Funding Gap ($ millions)
Stormwater $7,800.0 Good $0.0
Roads $5,800.0 Fair $78.4
Facilities & Property Management $2,800.0 Fair $28.0
Parks, Forestry and Environment $2,000.0 Good $4.7
Transit (MiWay) $1,000.0 Good $3.5
Fire & Emergency Services $149.7 Fair $2.7
Information Technology $83.4 Fair $0.0
Corporate Fleet $78.3 Fair $0.0
Recreation & Culture $39.2 Good $0.0
Mississauga Library $39.0 Good $1.1
Other Service Areas $6.6 Good $0.0
Total $19,800.0 – $118.4

The City is also working through challenges, including limited funding, complex projects and the need for better, more consistent data. Growth and inflation add to the pressure.

To respond, staff are improving how they collect and use data. They are also working more closely across teams to plan and prioritize work.

Provincial and federal governments have many revenue sources, including payroll and sales taxes and other revenue streams. Cities like Mississauga have fewer options – mainly property taxes, limited fees and charges or issuing debt.

Infrastructure is funded through three key sources: property taxes, fees collected from developers and grants from other levels of government.

Addressing the gap

The Capital Infrastructure & Debt Repayment Levy is built into the property tax bill. Funds from this levy help maintain and replace infrastructure, but they only cover part of the need.

Despite these funding sources, the City faces an infrastructure gap of $118.4 million, on average annually, over the next decade. This gap or shortfall is the difference between the budget needed to keep infrastructure in a state of good repair and the actual funding that is available.

The City must continue balancing infrastructure needs while managing rising costs and mitigating risks effectively.

June 26, 2026
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Looking for summer fun? Let’s Play in the Park is back

By Announcement, Events, Parks

Free outdoor program encourages children to stay active, make friends and enjoy a summer of play.

Entertainment and activities | June 26, 2026

As summer begins and school lets out for the season, many families are looking for affordable ways to keep their children active and connected to their community. Starting June 29, Mississauga’s Let’s Play in the Park program is returning to 14 neighbourhood parks across the city, offering free outdoor recreation opportunities for children. The program helps children stay active, build friendships and develop important life skills through play. The goal is to promote fitness and make summer fun and easy to enjoy, with activities offered weather permitting.

Let’s Play in the Park is a free, supervised drop-in program for children ages 6 to 12. No registration is required, making it easy for families to join activities close to home. Participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Program details

What

Children can take part in a variety of activities including organized games, sports, crafts, theme days and special events hosted in local neighbourhood parks. The program provides opportunities for children to stay active, make new friends and experience the benefits of outdoor play in a safe, welcoming environment.

All activities are supervised by qualified City staff who are First Aid Certified and trained in the HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development, helping to ensure participants enjoy a positive, inclusive and safe experience throughout the summer.

Supported by The PepsiCo Canada Foundation since 2015, Let’s Play in the Park helps keep recreation free and accessible for families. Children can spend the summer playing, moving, creating and connecting with others in neighbourhood parks across Mississauga. The program is also supported by the Jerry Love Children’s Fund, which has helped cover the costs of recreation and leadership programs for children from low-income families since 1985.

When

June 29 through the end of summer. Programs run between 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Program dates and times for each location varies. Be sure to check each park for specific details.

Where

Let’s Play in the Park will be offered at 14 locations across Mississauga:

Who

Children ages 6 to 12.

Cost

Free, drop-in program.

Why

Outdoor play is an important part of healthy childhood development. Beyond encouraging physical activity, it helps children build confidence, creativity, independence and co-operation skills while strengthening their social connections. Programs like Let’s Play in the Park create spaces where children from diverse backgrounds can come together, develop friendships and build a stronger sense of belonging within their neighbourhoods.

Supported by City staff who are First Aid Certified and trained in the HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development, children can enjoy positive recreation experiences in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. In a time when many children spend more time on screens, outdoor play programs give them opportunities to get moving, explore their neighbourhoods and enjoy time with friends.

The program also makes recreation more accessible for families who may face challenges joining organized activities. By offering free programming in parks across the city, Let’s Play in the Park provides an accessible option for families, including newcomers to Mississauga who may be looking for opportunities to connect with their community, meet other families and discover recreational activities available close to home.

June 26, 2026
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Culture at Riverwood 2026 Season

By Events

Wednesdays from July 8 – August 26 All performances begin at 7:30 pm MacEwan Barn

Culture at Riverwood is back this summer with a slate of concerts set to the beautiful backdrop of the MacEwan Terrace Garden! Whether you’re interested in classical music or curious to hear a blend of global sounds, this year’s performers have you covered.

Performers will play inside the MacEwan Barn, and concertgoers will be able to take in each show from just outside the Barn. Please bring your own chair as seating will not be provided. All shows are free to attend, and registration is not required.

We’ll see you at the Barn this summer!

Learn More

June 26, 2026
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE HAINES ROAD AT RAILWAY CROSSING

By Construction, Ward 1

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

HAINES ROAD AT RAILWAY CROSSING  

CP Rail is temporarily closing Haines Road at the railway crossing to complete repairs to the existing rail way infrastructure.

When: July 6th, 2026 starting at 9:00AM till July 10th, 2026 at 3:00PM

Where:  Haines Road at railway crossing

Emergency services are not permitted. Detour route will be in place during the duration of the works.

June 26, 2026
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Canada Day Road Closures and MiWay Detours for July 1st

By Events, Ward 1

CANADA DAY IN THE PORT
ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE

July 1, 2026 at 4:00 a.m. – July 2, 2026 at 3:00 a.m.

Lakeshore Road (Festival)
July 1, 2026 at 4:00 a.m. – July 2, 2026 at 3:00 a.m.
Stavebank Road to Hurontario Street

Lakeshore Road (Parade Route)
July 1, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Rosewood Avenue to Seneca Avenue

Rosewood Avenue
July 1, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Queen Street East to Lakeshore Road

Queen Street East (staging)
July 1, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Seneca Avenue to Rosewood Avenue

June 26, 2026
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Veterans and military members can soon ride MiWay for free year-round

By Announcement, Transit

This new fare type builds on the free rides already offered to them on the day of the Warriors’ Day Parade and Remembrance Day.

City services | June 25, 2026

The City of Mississauga is launching year-round free rides on MiWay transit for veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members (regular or reserved). Starting July 1, they can travel for free on MiWay with valid military identification or other proof of service.

Approved at Council in April 2026, free, year-round rides on MiWay with PRESTO cardholders recognize veterans and CAF members for their service while helping reduce daily travel costs. The program gives eligible riders more affordable access to work, appointments, services, community activities and opportunities to explore the city.

This service aligns with broader regional efforts to support those who serve, including GO Transit and UP Express, which currently provide free year-round transit to this group.

CAF members commuting from Mississauga to Moss Park Armoury or Fort York Armoury can also take advantage of free transfers with Ontario’s One Fare Program. Additionally, MiWay riders can transfer for free to the TTC, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Oakville Transit, Durham Region Transit or York Region transit, making travel across the region easier.

MiWay is one of the largest transit systems in Ontario. It has almost 70 routes and boasts more than 3,000 stops and 58 million boardings each year.

A military member's uniform with a Canada Flag
Starting July 1, veterans and military members can ride MiWay for free

How to ride free

Eligible riders must set the veterans and CAF fare type on their PRESTO card before boarding to access the free fare.

  1. Get a PRESTO card.
  2. Bring your PRESTO card and approved proof of service to a MiWay customer service outlet.
    • ID can include a Canadian Military Service ID, Temporary National Defence ID Card, or military uniforms or medals.
  3. Ask to have the veterans and CAF fare type added.
  4. When boarding, tap your PRESTO card as usual. Your fare will show a free ride.

Other important information
PRESTO cards without the veterans and CAF fare type will be charged the $3.50 adult single fare per ride.

If you need to purchase a physical PRESTO card, visit a customer service outlet to buy one for $4.

June 25, 2026
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Mississauga improves protections for renters facing redevelopment

By Planning & Development

Updated by-law helps get more housing built while supporting tenants and keeping rents affordable.

City building | June 25, 2026

Mississauga is taking another step to improve affordable rental housing and support the tenants who rely on it. City Council has approved amendments to the Rental Housing Protection By-law. The by-law helps preserve the City’s stock of affordable rental housing when redevelopment occurs.

The by-law, first enacted in 2019, was updated to better support tenants during the redevelopment process. It applies to approximately 360 rental buildings in Mississauga with six or more units.

Redevelopment expected to rise

More than 85 per cent of Mississauga’s rental buildings (with six or more units) were built before 1990. While these apartments typically offer more affordable rents, the age of the buildings can make them more likely to undergo redevelopment. Regulating this activity allows the City to balance tenant protection with the need to increase overall housing supply.

The approved amendments introduce stronger supports for eligible tenants living in affordable units affected by rental housing redevelopment. The protections include:

  • Compensation to cover the difference between tenants’ current rent and market rent during construction, if needed.
  • Moving cost assistance ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 per move.
  • Help finding temporary housing, with developers required to provide support services.

Tenants will also continue to have the right to return to replacement units at similar rents, with increases limited to provincial rent guidelines.

Keeping replacement units affordable

To better reflect today’s housing market, the by-law updates also address affordability requirements. The updated by-law:

  • Continues to require that replacement units remain affordable at similar rents for at least 10 years – and that they remain rental units for at least 20 years.
  • Lowers the threshold for protected units from 175 per cent average market rent ($3,500 for a 2-bedroom unit in 2025) to 125 per cent of vacant unit average market rent ($3,100 for a 2 bedroom unit in 2025). This means the rules apply to more moderately priced units.
  • Introduces income-based tenant matching – this means that if the original eligible tenants don’t move back to a replacement unit, the vacant retained units will be offered to people whose incomes meet the affordability threshold for the similar affordable rents. This approach ties affordability protections directly to the physical unit and ensures that tenants who need affordable rents have access to affordable units.

In addition, under the updated by-law, replacement units must also be comparable in size to the original unit.

Other ways the City is supporting tenants

The by-law updates approved today are part of the City’s broader efforts to support tenants and make it more affordable to rent in Mississauga.

Protecting tenants from ‘renovictions’

Council approved the new Rental Repairs and Renovations Licensing By-law to protect Mississauga tenants from unlawful renovation-related evictions.

The by-law, which takes effect September 1, 2026, increases protections for tenants who face eviction when their landlord requires them to move out for extensive renovations or repairs. It requires landlords to obtain a license, clearly inform tenants of their rights and provide financial supports for tenants.

Building more affordable rental housing

In April, Council also approved an increase in funding for the Affordable Rental Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP) from $44 million to $70 million. The CIP offers grants for developers who want to build rental buildings with affordable units.

The CIP is designed to quickly increase the supply of rental housing, including affordable and below-market units. The program provides financial incentives for private and non-profit developers, including grants and the waiving of certain fees. This helps offset the costs of shovel-ready rental projects with affordable units.

Council also approved an additional $1 million to the CIP to help continue funding gentle density rebates for people building second, third and fourth units in neighbourhoods.

June 25, 2026
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Public engagements open in July

By Resources

Share your ideas and participate in public engagement opportunities happening throughout Mississauga.

City services | June 25, 2026

The City of Mississauga regularly connects with residents throughout the year to gather their ideas and constructive feedback. This helps guide City plans, programs, services and new developments.

Residents and businesses can take part in different ways. You can attend information sessions, open houses, workshops or complete online surveys. The City reviews this feedback along with other data and trends to help decide how to focus its time and resources on community priorities.

The City also shares a wide range of opportunities for community involvement. These include chances to apply for public art projects and grants, take part in exhibitions, join advisory committees and more.

In June, the City is highlighting a selection of engagement opportunities. To see all current projects and ways to share your feedback, visit yoursay.mississauga.ca.

City-wide opportunities

Tell us what you think about urban design in Mississauga – online survey

The City is undertaking a review of the Urban Design Program, which guides the way buildings, streets, parks and public spaces are designed and built. The review aims to improve the program so that it reflects the needs of those who live, work, plan and build in Mississauga.

As part of the first phase, we are holding an on-demand, virtual public engagement to understand what matters most to you. Participating is quick and easy and will help ensure new development fits well into our communities.

The engagement is open online, 24/7 until July 31, 2026. Visit mississauga.ca/urbandesign to learn more, watch a short video and complete a quick survey to tell us what you think.

Learn about the 2026 Municipal Election at events near you

The 2026 Municipal Election is coming up, and every vote matters. Voting is a simple way to have your say and help shape Mississauga’s next chapter. Every vote helps strengthen the community’s voice and makes sure decisions reflect the people who live here.

Election day is Monday, October 26, 2026. You will vote for the Mayor, City/Regional Councillors, and school board trustees.

This summer, you can meet City staff at community events and specific locations to learn about the election and how to vote. Staff will be there to answer your questions, share information and explain how to get involved.

Election information tables will be available at these July events:

Date Event Location Time
July 1 Canada Day celebration Celebration Square 4 to 8 p.m.
July 12 Freedom 26 (Canadian Reel & Art Foundation) Mississauga Valley Community Centre 1 to 5 p.m.
July 14 FIFA Semi-Finals Hazel McCallion Central Library 3 to 6 p.m.
July 15 FIFA Semi-Finals Hazel McCallion Central Library 3 to 6 p.m.
July 18 RED FM Summer Bhangra Jam Hazel McCallion Central Library 2 to 5 p.m.
July 19 FIFA Final Hazel McCallion Central Library 2 to 5 p.m.
July 24 Bollywood Monster Mashup Hazel McCallion Central Library 2 to 5 p.m.
July 29 Orientation to Ontario Cooksville Library 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
July 31 Mosaic Festival Hazel McCallion Central Library 2 to 5 p.m.

Stay engaged and informed

By following along, you can see how your feedback helps shape decisions and supports positive change in your neighbourhood and across the city.

Get started by exploring the options below:

June 25, 2026
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New Pilot: Expanded Confidential Paper Shredding Service at Community Recycling Centres

By Announcement, Resources

In response to resident interest in confidential paper shredding, Peel Region is introducing a more convenient and cost-effective service model this summer and fall.

Rather than hosting our traditional one-day events this October, the Region of Peel is running a 3-month pilot, where residents can drop off confidential paper for shredding at any time during regular CRC hours.  This will be available at select Community Recycling Centres (CRCs).

Pilot overview

  • June 29 – October 4, 2026
  • Locations: Heart Lake CRC, Bolton CRC, and Fewster CRC (one in each municipality)
  • Residents bring their confidential papers for shredding near the Salvation Army donation drop-off area

What residents can expect

  • Flexible, daily drop‑off access during regular CRC operating hours
  • Ability to bring up to 2 banker boxes per day
  • A more consistent and accessible option for a high-demand program

Service and financial benefits

  • Expanded service availability compared to limited event dates
  • Lower overall program costs while meeting resident demand
  • Opportunity to scale the program in future with minimal additional investment, based on participation

Learn More

 

June 25, 2026
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Peel Region expands integrated, person-centred care for seniors amid growing demand

By Resources

2025 report highlights high satisfaction, leading quality performance, and new models helping seniors live safely and independently longer

BRAMPTON, ON (June 25, 2026) – Peel Region continues to advance its integrated Seniors Services strategy in response to growing demand and increasing care complexity. The 2025 annual performance report, presented to Regional Council today, highlights key achievements across long-term care and Adult Day Services, and outlines ongoing efforts to enhance system integration, improve outcomes, and strengthen person-centred care.

Peel’s seniors’ population is expected to grow by 55% between 2021 and 2035, according to the Ontario Ministry of Finance. In addition, 66% of LTC residents are living with dementia, and over half of Peel seniors had two or more chronic conditions in 2022-23. These challenges are compounded by social factors like loneliness and isolation, which have health impacts comparable to heavy smoking.

These realities are contributing to longer waitlists, increased caregiver strain, and growing demand for community-based and long-term care services. In response, Peel Region is advancing its Seniors Services Strategic Plan by expanding integrated, person-centred models of care that improve coordination, expand access, and help seniors live safely and independently as long as possible.

Key achievements in 2025 include:

  • Advancing Emotion-Based Care: Peel Region has the largest number of Butterfly-certified environments in the world, including Canada’s first community-based program, and additional home areas are progressing towards certification. For example, Davis Centre was one of just 15 LTCs that received provincial funding to implement the model across the entire centre.
  • Strong Quality Performance: Peel Region outperformed the provincial average on five quality indicators for LTC home performance: antipsychotic use without a psychosis diagnosis, use of physical restraints, falls, worsened pain, and worsened mood from symptoms of depression. Peel Region is meeting the provincial average on worsening pressure injuries.
  • High Client and Resident Satisfaction: 98% of ADS clients reported satisfaction with programs and services; 96% said services helped maintain or improve well-being; and 94% agreed ADS supported their ability to live at home longer. As for LTC residents, 84% of were satisfied with care, and 80% would recommend their centre.
  • Integrated Campus of Care Model: The Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor, brings together long-term care, primary care, Adult Day Services, expanded respite capacity, and caregiver supports all in one location. The centre’s Thrive (Community Access to Long-Term Care) Program also received $2.18 million in one-time provincial funding and has delivered more than 20,000 service encounters, including nearly 3,000 clinical visits, helping seniors live at home and reducing pressures on hospitals and long-term care.
  • Strong Partnerships and System Integration: Enhanced collaboration with internal and external partners like Peel Regional Paramedic Services, Peel Living, TransHelp, Ontario Health Teams, hospitals, and community organizations has improved system navigation, equity, and access to care. For example, Community Paramedicine supports thousands of seniors with proactive, in-home care that improves outcomes and reduces emergency visits.
  • Supporting Complex Needs: Specialized behavioural support units at Peel Manor and Sheridan Villa, which support people with advanced behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, had occupancy rates above 95%. As the Behavioural Supports Ontario Lead Agency for the Central West Region, Peel also advances integrated care for seniors with complex behavioral needs across community, long-term care, and acute settings.
  • Awards and Accreditation: Seniors Services achieved three-year Accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), which demonstrates compliance with quality standards and creates opportunities for additional funding. Staff also received multiple awards, including the 2026 AdvantAge Ontario Workplace Quality Award and the Healthcare Excellence Canada Award for Enhancing Integrated Care.
  • Maintaining Clinical Excellence: For the 13th year, Peel Region’s Long Term Care Division was re-designated as a Best Practice Spotlight Organization by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.

Peel Region remains committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care that meets the evolving needs of seniors and their caregivers. For more information, please visit: peelregion.ca/seniors

June 25, 2026
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Mississauga unveils transformational action plan for its cultural and creative sector

By Announcement, Music, Stephen’s Initiatives

A task force of leaders representing arts, heritage and creative industries was formed to develop a co-ordinated sector strategy, titled The Creative Advantage: A Transformational Action Plan.

Local government | June 24, 2026

Today, the City of Mississauga announced The Creative Advantage: A Transformational Action Plan for Mississauga’s Cultural and Creative Sector, a co-ordinated roadmap to strengthen, sustain and grow the City’s arts, heritage and creative industries. The plan was adopted by City Council following five months of engagement with the Mayor’s Arts and Museums Task Force.

Developed by Mayor Carolyn Parrish in December 2025 and led by Ward 1 Councillor and Chair of the Task Force Stephen Dasko, with support from Deputy Mayor and Ward 4 Councillor John Kovac and Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca, the Mayor’s Arts and Museums Task Force brought together 11 sector leaders across the arts, heritage and creative industries alongside City staff. Members identified the key barriers, opportunities and priorities facing the sector. 

What the City heard

Through the engagement process, the Task Force identified six areas of need:

  • Greater access to cultural spaces.
  • Better opportunities for local artists and groups.
  • More cultural, creative events and programs.
  • Simpler processes for creative activations.
  • Collaborative marketing partnerships with the City.
  • Enhanced engagement, networking and information sharing.

A shared way of working

The sector strategy combines Task Force recommendations with a decade of City cultural strategy and policy work into 30 actions under five priorities:

  1. Share the stories of the lands and people of Mississauga.
  2. Optimize City systems and processes.
  3. Build a sustainable creative economy.
  4. Protect and create cultural spaces.
  5. Elevate Mississauga as a significant cultural and tourism destination.

A corporate report highlights how implementation will require cross-departmental alignment, external partnerships and sustained investment, alongside provincial and federal support.

Next steps include supporting local arts and culture organizations, unlocking new spaces for creative activity and aligning funding for future sector growth.

The City is currently advancing related initiatives, such as the creation of a state-of-the-art music hub in the downtown and process improvements for supporting community-led creative projects.

For more information, view the corporate report.

Quotes

“Mississauga is focused on ensuring everyone has the opportunity to take part and contribute to Mississauga’s cultural life. Over the past several months, the Mayor’s Arts and Museums Task Force brought together members of our cultural and creative community, Members of Council, and City staff for meaningful discussions. I am very happy to share that we have developed a common vision and clear priorities to guide Mississauga’s cultural future, shaped by the perspectives of a wide range of voices across our dynamic city.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“As Chair of the Mayor’s Arts and Museums Task Force, I am proud of the work undertaken to identify the key barriers, opportunities and priorities facing Mississauga’s culture and creative sector. This work will help strengthen our ability to shape the city’s growth, while ensuring it remains sustainable and inclusive, honouring our past, celebrating our present and boldly inspiring our future.” – Stephen Dasko, Ward 1 Councillor and Chair of the Mayor’s Arts and Museums Task Force

June 24, 2026
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