Mississauga 2025: A year of bold moves and big ideas

Mississauga turned the page on 2025 as a city in motion. From bold housing moves and major infrastructure upgrades, to community celebrations, arts, sports and climate action, 2025 was a year defined by partnership, possibility and a shared commitment to putting residents at the heart of every decision.

The past year brought about profound changes and growth, shaping the community in diverse and impactful ways. Here are few milestones across the year:

January

January set the tone for a transformative year on many fronts. Council moved quickly on the Mayor’s Housing Task Force recommendations, approving a motion to reduce and in some cases eliminate development charges to boost the supply of new, more affordable homes, supported by new federal funding to get more housing built and improve transit infrastructure across Mississauga.

Visit Mississauga kicked off a blockbuster year, securing the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts and hosting APIK, a free, first-of-its-kind winter sports competition in Celebration Square.

February

In February, Mississauga doubled down on safety, affordability and climate resilience. Council adopted the 2025 Budget, prioritizing investments in transit, older adults, enforcement and well-being, while maintaining critical infrastructure that keeps the city moving. The City advanced its Mississauga Matters campaign ahead of the provincial election, calling for stable funding and policy tools to get more housing built and facilitate affordable living.

February saw school zone speed limit changes and additional Community Safety Zones introduced to calm traffic and protect children and families. Flood prevention rebates also opened to help homeowners invest in basement flooding and stormwater protection measures on their properties, after two extreme weather events in 2024 caused extensive damage to private properties. Together, these initiatives focused on ensuring safe, sustainable neighbourhoods where residents feel protected and supported.

March

In March, Mississauga responded to global economic pressures brought on by U.S. tariffs and prepared for upcoming provincial and federal elections. The City launched its federal Mississauga Matters platform, outlining priorities like building more housing, expanding transit, and securing investments in disaster mitigation and committing investments to major projects like the Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital. Mayor Carolyn Parrish convened a Partners in Trade roundtable to discuss supports for companies navigating American tariffs and Canadian counter-tariffs, complemented by the “Choosing Canada” initiative to bolster local jobs and supply chains.

Decisive action was also taken on the future of waste management in the city, as the province announced the transfer of collection responsibilities to local municipalities. The transfer will now take place in fall 2027. Public safety was advanced with Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services launching Next Generation 911, modernizing emergency communications to better connect callers and dispatchers when every second counts.

April

April showcased Mississauga’s commitment to inclusion, creativity and smart growth. Council endorsed and then formally adopted the City’s new Official Plan after extensive public consultation, setting a long-term roadmap for complete communities, expanded housing options, improved transit and stronger environmental protections. Through an academic partnership with Sheridan College, architecture technology students were invited to rethink housing forms, including fourplexes, to support gentle density in established neighbourhoods.​

2025 was a banner year for older adults in Mississauga as the City launched the first ever, free 65+ Fit membership, for residents aged 65 and older. Starting in April, about 130,000 older adults became eligible to enjoy no-cost access to fitness facilities, classes and amenities across the city in efforts to support healthy aging.
The City also rolled out its second Public Art Plan to support free, accessible cultural experiences in every corner of Mississauga, and launched the “One Mississauga” campaign – a bold, city-wide initiative to confront racism, discrimination and hate while celebrating shared values of respect and belonging.

Visit Mississauga added to the excitement by welcoming the first-ever Canadian stop of the immersive Minecraft experience, inviting families and fans to become real-life heroes in a playful, interactive world.

May

In May, Mississauga put community, safety and sustainability in the spotlight. Council approved a historic financial contribution to The Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital, demonstrating a deep commitment to meeting the community’s future healthcare needs. The City’s investments in modern, responsive emergency services was showcased with the reopening and public celebration of Mississauga Fire Station 102.

Other notable events in May included Mississauga’s forestry team earning a prestigious forestry award. This was followed up by the launch of the Cooksville Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan that invited residents to plant trees and support greener streets. New parking stations for shared e-bikes and e-scooters helped keep sidewalks orderly and bike racks available, and the Việt GTA Cycling Club received the Phil Green Recognition Award for championing cycling as sustainable transportation and recreation.

June

June belonged to parks, play and recreation, as new and renewed facilities opened their doors to residents of all ages. New tennis courts at Garnetwood Park opened, serving up matches and meet-ups, giving neighbours fresh reasons to come together outdoors. The much-anticipated reopening of the Carmen Corbasson Community Centre welcomed back residents with updated spaces for fitness, arts and community programs.​ Mississauga also cut the ribbon on its newest outdoor sports complex at Lincoln M. Alexander Secondary School, expanding access to quality fields and courts for youth, school teams and community groups.

Mississauga’s two premier live venues, the Living Arts Centre and Meadowvale Theatre, celebrated the launch of the 2025–2026 performance season. The lineup featured an exciting mix of local and touring talent, reaffirming Mississauga’s commitment to supporting arts, culture and community connection through live entertainment.

July

In July, a national survey recognized Mississauga as Canada’s happiest city. The results are a testament to the pride, connection and quality of life residents feel in their community.

Mississauga explored new approaches to housing and compassionately addressed complex social challenges. A new type of small-scale home showcased in a local backyard, also known as garden suites, demonstrated how gentle density can add housing choices while fitting into existing neighbourhoods and changing how people think about where and how they live. The City continued to advance its Growing Mississauga housing action plan, using tools and incentives to unlock more rental units and family-sized homes.

At the same time, Mississauga highlighted the realities of encampments, underlining the need for compassionate, coordinated responses that support people experiencing homelessness while maintaining safe, accessible public spaces for everyone. This work underscored the City’s commitment to pairing housing solutions with services that uphold dignity and community well-being.

The City also accelerated stormwater infrastructure upgrades to help prevent future flooding, demonstrating proactive investment in climate resilience and neighbourhood protection.

August

August was all about advocacy and partnership on the provincial stage. City representatives attended the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference, advancing Mississauga’s top priorities with provincial leaders and decision-makers. Conversations focused on funding and tools to build more housing, expand transit, support climate resilience and keep municipal finances sustainable.

By bringing Mississauga’s needs directly to Queen’s Park, the City continued to champion strong partnerships between all orders of government.

September

September marked a turning point for essential services, long-term planning and climate action. Residents were invited into a big-picture conversation about “Place. People. Possibility.” The event, held at the Living Arts Centre, invited residents to imagine a brighter, more engaged future for Mississauga, paving the roadmap for the City’s Strategic Plan.

Progress on the City’s Five-Year Energy Conservation Plan highlighted how saving money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions go hand in hand, as Mississauga invested in more efficient facilities and operations. These efforts reinforced the City’s role as a leader in sustainability and responsible financial management.

October

 October showcased a city on the move, both literally and figuratively. The new “Moving Mississauga” plan set a course for how transit and roads will evolve over the coming decades, with a focus on safer streets, better connections and more sustainable ways to get around. The City also partnered with the federal government on a Housing Design Catalogue, helping speed up the delivery of new, well-designed homes while keeping quality, livability and affordability front and centre.

Residents were invited to experience history, culture and community pride in new ways: Adamson Estate opened its doors for the first time in 40 years for a powerful fall exhibit, and Port Credit marked 100 years of history at a cenotaph re-dedication community event. With a call for natural ice rink volunteers and the opening of the new Goreway Drive overpass enhancing connectivity between Mississauga and Brampton, the City continued to strengthen both neighbourhood connections and regional transportation links.

November

In November, Mississauga focused on winter readiness, accessibility and road safety. Expanded snow clearing services ensured that more streets, sidewalks and priority routes would be maintained during storms. The City committed to clearing 134,000 residential driveway windrows and all sidewalks, as well as introduce citywide winter parking restrictions, helping people get to work, school and appointments safely. MiWay, along with Durham Region Transit, received national recognition for efforts to support riders with non-visible disabilities. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program put a spotlight on MiWay and Mississauga for the ongoing commitment to an accessible, inclusive transit system.

Road safety messaging reminded drivers that even in the absence of automated speed enforcement, speed limits still save lives, reinforcing the shared responsibility everyone has to keep streets safe. Together, these initiatives showed how preparation, empathy and awareness help Mississauga navigate the colder months as a caring, connected community.

The City stepped up its education and enforcement efforts to ensure short-term rental operators comply with Mississauga’s Short-Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-law. The City introduced increased penalties for violations and focused on raising awareness about licensing requirements. These actions support the City’s goal of maintaining peaceful, well-kept neighbourhoods and protecting the supply of long-term housing.

Another big decision came when Council voted to remove the association of Duke of York Boulevard in downtown Mississauga with Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, due to serious allegations against the former Royal. The decision reflects the City’s commitment to supporting victims of gender-based violence.

December

December brought a festive new tradition and a fitting close to a year rooted in community spirit. The City organized the first Mississauga Santa Claus Parade in 24 years, inviting residents, businesses and community groups to the downtown core to celebrate the season. An estimated 40,000 people attended the event. The City also highlighted the upcoming 2026 Budget discussions in the new year and how residents can prepare to participate in the budget process.

That’s a wrap on 2025, Mississauga! As the City looks ahead to 2026, it is ready to welcome a new year of growth, opportunity, and community spirit. Mississauga will continue to grow as a vibrant city that celebrates diversity, supports innovation, and strengthens well-being for every resident.

Stay informed about what is happening across the city at Mississauga.ca.

Tags

• Awards and Recognition
• Economic Development
• Events and Exhibitions