The Civic Recognition Program gives the Mayor and Members of Council an opportunity recognize the efforts and achievements of Mississauga residents and volunteers.
Beginning in 2026, the City of Mississauga will be responsible for awarding the Gordon S. Shipp Memorial Award for Citizen of the Year. The Civic Award of Merit, which was one of the highest distinctions reserved for outstanding local or regional impact, will be retired from the existing Civic Recognition Program.
To be eligible for an award or recognition, nominees must meet both the general eligibility requirements and the specific criteria for the award they are being nominated for.
There are four ways Mississauga residents can be recognized.
A Certificate of Recognition may be presented by the Mayor or a Member of Council at an event organized by the nominating group or person.
If there is no event, the certificate can be picked up at City Hall or mailed to the recipient.
This award recognizes individuals, groups, teams, organizations and businesses that meet the nomination requirements.
Eligible individuals, community groups, organizations or businesses can be nominated for a Civic Award of Recognition. Nominations are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The City hosts an annual ceremony where the Mayor and/or Members of Council present the awards to recipients.
Eligible recipients must belong to one of these nomination categories:
Individuals or groups that have improved the quality of life in Mississauga through volunteer efforts and who have volunteered in their communities.
Youth between the ages of 14 and 24 who have contributed more than 140 volunteer hours to community or civic activities.
Athletes or teams that have won championships at a city-wide, regional, provincial, national or international level.
Artists or groups that have won competitions, juried shows or exhibitions. Outstanding accomplishments in academic fields may also be recognized.
Recognizes those nominated who have contributed several volunteer hours to community or civic activities through the City’s volunteer programs.
Named in memory of Gordon S. Shipp, the award reflects his legacy of dedication, leadership and service to the Mississauga community. It’s one of the City’s highest forms of recognition an individual can receive.
This award recognizes an individual who has:
The following individuals were awarded the former Civic Award of Merit:
Up to two Civic Philanthropy awards may be presented during the annual Civic Award of Recognition ceremony to individuals who’ve demonstrated an outstanding commitment and dedication to the city.
This award recognizes individuals who have:
Organizations are not eligible for the Civic Philanthropy Award.
Members of the public are not eligible to nominate possible award recipients.
Only the Mayor and City Council members can nominate someone for the Civic Award of Merit.
To nominate an individual or organization, email the following information to civicrecognition.program@mississauga.ca.
Make sure to include all required information. Submissions with missing details are considered incomplete and will be not reviewed.
Description of the nominee’s achievement(s) or community service activities, including:
If you have any questions about the program, please contact civicrecognition.program@mississauga.ca.