Ontario Construction News staff writer
Mississauga City Council officially adopted the city’s updated Official Plan last week, laying the groundwork for how the city will grow, develop, and evolve over the next decade and beyond.
The comprehensive plan—shaped by thousands of voices from across the community—focuses on tackling pressing urban challenges while setting a bold vision for Mississauga’s future. The move marks a major milestone in city building, with priorities like housing affordability, improved transit, job creation, cultural inclusion, and climate resilience taking centre stage.
“Today marks a major milestone for Mississauga,” said Mayor Carolyn Parrish. “This new Official Plan ensures we’re preparing for our future in a way that is forward-thinking, sustainable, and inclusive. We listened to our residents and businesses, and made important changes to help ensure Mississauga is a place where people want to live, work, and raise a family.”
Key Highlights of the New Official Plan:
- More housing choices: policies now support a greater diversity of housing types in all neighbourhoods, promoting gentle density and more inclusive communities.
- Increased housing capacity: enables up to 370,000 new residential units—124,000 more than initially envisioned in the city’s Housing Action Plan.
- Transit-oriented development: taller buildings and higher densities are encouraged along major transit corridors and near key transit hubs to support walkable, connected neighbourhoods.
- Mixed-use neighbourhoods: aims to bring more essential services closer to residents, creating vibrant, complete communities.
- Economic flexibility and protection: new zoning flexibility will accommodate a broader range of business types while safeguarding existing industrial and commercial uses.
- Expanded transportation infrastructure: enhancements for walking, cycling, and public transit will reduce congestion and improve accessibility across the city.
- Climate-conscious planning: stronger environmental policies aim to protect green spaces and build resilience to climate change.
- Simplified development processes: streamlined regulations are expected to accelerate housing approvals and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
- Cultural and heritage preservation: reaffirms Mississauga’s commitment to honouring its heritage, while fostering diversity and inclusion.
“We’re excited to see this plan move forward,” said Commissioner of Planning and Building Andrew Whittemore. “Extensive public consultation ensured that the updated Official Plan reflets the needs and priorities of our residents and businesses.
“This is about building complete communities that are economically strong and environmentally responsible.”
