Complete Travel Guide to Mississauga, Canada

Mississauga Mississauga is a Canadian city in the province of Ontario. Situated on the north-western shore of Lake Ontario in the Regional Municipality of Peel, it borders Toronto (Etobicoke) to the east, Brampton to the north, Milton to the northwest, and Oakville to the southwest. With a population of 717,961 as of 2021, Mississauga is the seventh-most populous municipality in Canada, third-most in Ontario, and second-most in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) after Toronto itself. However, for the first time in its history, the city's population declined according to the 2021 census, from a 2016 population of 721,599 to 717,961, a 0.5 per cent decrease. As a municipal center, Mississauga serves as an important administrative and economic hub for the surrounding region, providing essential services and infrastructure that support both urban and rural communities. Positioned at coordinates 43.5789°N, -79.6583°E, Mississauga occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Mississauga place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 161.0 meters above sea level, Mississauga benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Mississauga creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 717961 residents, Mississauga maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Mississauga represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Mississauga reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Canada, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Ontario province, Mississauga contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Canada's regional character. The role of Mississauga in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Mississauga discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Canada while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Mississauga

History See also: List of historic places in Mississauga #Palaeo-Indigenous period (9000–8500 BCE) A single site in Mississauga with Hi-Lo projectile points was registered in the Ontario Ministry of Culture database of archaeological sites Lake Ontario was much smaller at this time, and sites from this period may be 500 m into the lake.

#Archaic period (8000–1000 BCE) According to Smith, there was a growing population at this time There are 23 known Archaic sites in Mississauga, mostly in the Credit River and Cooksville Creek drainage systems People would congregate at rapids and the mouths of these rivers to catch fish during spawning runs.

They would harvest nuts and wild rice at the wetland margins in the late summer During late Archaic times, there were large cemeteries #Woodland period (1000 BCE–1650 CE) "The accelerating upward population increase continued,": 62 with 23 known sites from this period.

Pottery first appears during this period in the style of the Point Peninsula complex, and near the end of the Woodland period, the first semi-permanent villages appear Artifacts show that these people engaged in long-distance trade, likely as part of the Hopewell tradition.

##Late Woodland culture (500–1650 CE) "The band level of social organization that characterized earlier cultures gave way eventually to the tribal level of the Ontario Iroquoian Tradition,": 67 and people began cultivation of crops such as maize, beans, squash, sunflowers, and tobacco.

This led to the development of the Wyandot or Huron, Iroquoian-speaking culture The Lightfoot site with four to six longhouses was located on the Credit River near Mississauga's border with Brampton Another village with many longhouses was on the Antrex site, located on a wide ridge bounded by two small tributaries of Cooksville Creek.

#Arrival of the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe, and the Europeans Around the end of the Woodland period, the Haudenosaunee, another Iroquoian confederacy, began to move into the area, and, as part of a long conflict known as the Beaver wars, they had dispersed the Wyandot by 1650.

But by 1687, the Haudenosaunee had abandoned their new settlements along the north shore of Lake Ontario : 65 The Algonquian-speaking Anishinaabe Ojibwe people had been aligned with the Wyandot, and when they were dispersed, the Anishinaabe expanded eastward into the Credit River Valley area, clashing with the Haudenosaunee and eventually taking over when the Haudenosaunee retreated.

The European traders would gather annually at the mouth of what is now known as the Credit River to give the Anishinaabe credit for the following year "From this, the Mississauga bands at the western end of the lake became known collectively as the Credit River Mississaugas.

": 108 Toronto Township, consisting of most of present-day Mississauga, was formed on 2 August 1805 [_citation needed_] when officials from York (what is now the City.

The historical trajectory of Mississauga demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Mississauga reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Mississauga remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography Main article: Geography of Mississauga The Credit River The Skyline of Mississauga, seen from Hurontario Street @ Highway 403. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Mississauga, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. Mississauga covers 288. 42 square kilometres (111. 36 sq mi) of land, fronting 13 kilometres (8. 1 mi) of shoreline on Lake Ontario. Mississauga is bounded by Oakville and Milton to the west/southwest, Brampton to the north, Toronto to the east, and Lake Ontario to the south/south-east. Halton Hills borders Mississauga's north-west corner. With the exception of the southeast border with Toronto (Etobicoke Creek), Mississauga shares a land border with all previously mentioned municipalities. Two major river valleys feed into the lake. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Mississauga, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. The Credit River is by far the longest with the heaviest flow, it divides the western side of Mississauga from the central/eastern portions and enters the lake at the Port Credit harbour. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Mississauga, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. The indented, mostly forested valley was inhabited by first nation peoples long before European exploration of the area. The valley location of Mississauga provides fertile agricultural land and strategic advantages for trade and communication. The valley is protected and maintained by the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA). The valley location of Mississauga provides fertile agricultural land and strategic advantages for trade and communication. Etobicoke Creek forms part of the eastern border of Mississauga with the city of Toronto. North of there it passes through the western limits of Pearson Airport. There have been two aviation accidents, in 1978 and 2005 where aircraft overshot the runway and slid into the Etobicoke creek banks. In 1954, heavy flooding resulted in some homes along the riverbank being swept into the lake after heavy rains from Hurricane Hazel. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Mississauga, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. Since that storm, houses are no longer constructed along the floodplain. The creek and its tributaries are administered by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Most land in Mississauga drains to either of the two main river systems, with the exception of the smaller Mary Fix and Cooksville Creeks which run roughly through the centre of Mississauga entering the lake near Port Credit. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Mississauga, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. Some small streams and reservoirs are part of the Sixteen Mile Creek system in the far north-west corner of the city, but these drain toward the lake in neighbouring Milton and Oakville. The shoreline of former Glacial Lake Iroquois roughly follows the Dundas Street alignment, although it is not noticeable in some places but is more prominent in others, such as the site of the former brickyard (Shoreline Dr. ), the ancient shoreline promenteau affords a clear view of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario on clear days. The land in Mississauga in ranges from a maximum elevation of 214 m (699 ft) ASL in the far western corner, near the Hwy. 407/401 junction, to a minimum elevation at the Lake Ontario shore of 76 m (249 ft) above sea level. Apart from the embankments of Credit River valley, it tributaries and the Iroquois shoreline, the only noticeable hills in Mississauga are actually part of the former Britannia Landfill, now a golf course on Terry Fox Way. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Mississauga, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. On August 17, 2024, heavy rainfalls caused localized flooding in areas across the city. The floods cause.

The topographic characteristics of Mississauga result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Mississauga region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Mississauga area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Mississauga has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Mississauga demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Mississauga create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate Mississauga’s climate is similar to that of Toronto and is considered to be moderate, located in plant hardiness zone 6b. Under the Köppen climate classification, Mississauga has a humid continental climate (Dfa/Dfb). Summers can bring periods of high temperatures accompanied with high humidity. Temperature patterns in Mississauga influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. While the average daily high temperature in July and August is 27 °C (80. Temperature patterns in Mississauga influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. 6 °F), temperatures can rise above 32 °C (89. Temperature patterns in Mississauga influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. In an average summer, there are an average of 15. 8 days where the temperature rises above 30 °C (86. Temperature patterns in Mississauga influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Winters can be cold with temperatures that are frequently below freezing. Temperature patterns in Mississauga influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. In January and February, the mean temperatures are −5. Temperature patterns in Mississauga influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. 9 °F) respectively, it is common for temperatures to fall to −15 °C (5. Temperature patterns in Mississauga influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. 0 °F), usually for only short periods. In an average winter, there are 3. 9 nights where the temperature falls below −20 °C (−4. Temperature patterns in Mississauga influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. The amount of snowfall received during an average winter season is 108. 5 centimetres (42. 7 in), averaging 44. 4 days with measurable snowfall. The climate of Mississauga is officially represented by Pearson International Airport but because of its topography and large surface area conditions can differ depending on location: fog tends to be more common along the Lakeshore and in the Credit River Valley at certain times of year, particularly during the spring and autumn. [citation needed] During snowfalls when temperatures hover close to freezing, northern parts of the city, such as around Derry Road, including Pearson Airport away from warmer Lake Ontario usually get more snow that sticks to the ground because of the lower temperatures, often when rain transitions into snow or mixed precipitation. Temperature patterns in Mississauga influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. [citation needed] The reverse occurs when a strong storm approaches from the south kicking up lake effect snow, bringing higher snowfall totals to south Mississauga. The city usually experiences at least six months of snow-free weather; however, there is the odd occurrence where snow does fall either in October or May, none which sticks to the ground. [citation needed] The Port Credit and Lakeview areas have a micro- climate more affected by the proximity of the open lake, warming winter temperatures as a result, but it can be sharply cooler on spring and summer afternoons, this can also be the case in Clarkson, but with much less consistency. Temperature patterns in Mississauga influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. [citation needed] Most thunderstorms are not severe but can occasionally bring violent winds. The last known tornado to cause significant damage touched down on 7 July 1985, when an F1-rated tornado struck an industrial park in the Meadowvale area (Argentia Road), heavily damaging some buildings and some parked tractor trailers. A relatively strong tornado tore a path across Mississauga (then part of Toronto Township) on 24 June 1923, cutting a swath from present-day Meadowvale to near Cooksville, killing four people and causing massive property damage in a time when most of Mississauga was still rural farmland dot.

The climatic regime of Mississauga reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Mississauga create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Mississauga determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Mississauga create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Mississauga demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Mississauga include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Historical populationsYearPop. The demographic composition of Mississauga reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ±% 1971172,352— 1976250,017+45. 1% 1981315,055+26. 0% 1986374,005+18. 7% 1991463,388+23. 9% 1996544,382+17. 5% 2001612,925+12. 6% 2006668,549+9. 1% 2011713,443+6. 7% 2016721,599+1. 1% 2021717,961−0. 5% In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Mississauga had a population of 717,961 living in 244,575 of its 254,089 total private dwellings, a change of -0. The demographic composition of Mississauga reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 5% from its 2016 population of 721,599. The demographic composition of Mississauga reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. With a land area of 292. 03 sq mi), it had a population density of 2,452. The demographic composition of Mississauga reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 1/sq mi) in 2021. 2% of the population was under 15 years of age, and 16. The demographic composition of Mississauga reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 6% was 65 years and over. The median age in Mississauga was 40. #Ethnicity Panethnic groups in the City of Mississauga (2001−2021) Panethnic group 2021 2016 2011 2006 2001 Pop. % European[a] 267,790 37. 34% South Asian 180,800 25. 92% East Asian[b] 60,035 8. 06% Southeast Asian[c] 55,500 7. 67% Middle Eastern[d] 51,315 7. 56% Black 49,220 6. 2% Latin American 17,325 2. 52% Indigenous 3,555 0. 34% Other/Multiracial[e] 27,300 3. 41% Total responses 712,825 99. 66% Total population 717,961 100% 721,599 100% 713,443 100% 668,549 100% 612,925 100% Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses Ethnocultural background (2021 census) Population % European 267,790 37. The demographic composition of Mississauga reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 6 South Asian 180,800 25. 4 Chinese 52,095 7. 3 Black 49,220 6. 9 Filipino 38,335 5. 0 Latin American 17,325 2. 4 Southeast Asian 17,165 2. 4 West Asian 8,510 1. 2 Korean 5,825 0. 8 Japanese 2,115 0. 3 Indigenous 3,555 0. 5 Other visible minority 10,890 1. 5 Multiple visible minorities 16,410 2. 3 Total responses 712,825 99. 3% Total population 717,961 100% Ethnic/cultural origins (2021 census) Population % Indian 90,560 12. The demographic composition of Mississauga reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 7 Chinese 55,350 7. 8 English 46,415 6. 5 Canadian 42,315 5. 9 Pakistani 41,025 5. 8 Irish 39,785 5. 6 Italian 38,075 5. 3 Filipino 37,325 5. 2 Scottish 36,800 5. 2 Polish 36,095 5. 1 Portuguese 27,845 3. 9 German 19,285 2. 7 Ukrainian 17,350 2. 3 Jamaican 15,860 2. 2 #Religion Religions in Mississauga Religion Per cent Ch.

##Late Woodland culture (500–1650 CE) “The band level of social organization that characterized earlier cultures gave way eventually to the tribal level of the Ontario Iroquoian Tradition,”: 67 and people began cultivation of crops such as maize, beans, squash, sunflowers, and tobacco. This led to the development of the Wyandot or Huron, Iroquoian-speaking culture. The Lightfoot site with four to six longhouses was located on the Credit River near Mississauga’s border with Brampton. Another village with many longhouses was on the Antrex site, located on a wide ridge bounded by two small tributaries of Cooksville Creek. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

The cultural landscape of Mississauga represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Mississauga reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Mississauga continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Mississauga provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Mississauga demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Mississauga provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy Further information: List of corporations based in Mississauga Over 60 of the Fortune 500 companies base their global or Canadian head offices in Mississauga. Some of the strongest industries are pharmaceuticals, banking and finance, electronics and computers, aerospace, transportation parts and equipment industries. TD Bank also has Corporate IT development centres in the city along with Royal Bank of Canada, Purolator Inc. , and Laura Secord Chocolates are headquartered in the city, and Walmart, Kellogg's, Panasonic, Hewlett-Packard, and Oracle's Canadian headquarters are also in Mississauga. Regional airline Jazz operates a regional office in Mississauga. Mississauga is also an aircraft development hub with Canadian headquarters of Aerospace companies such as Magellan Aerospace and Honeywell Aerospace. City of Mississauga Economic Development Office (December 7, 2011). "City of Mississauga – Leading Businesses in Our Community" (PDF). _City of Mississauga_. Retrieved April 25, 2023. "Purolator Facts & History". Retrieved August 29, 2024. "Company Profile" Archived 22 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on 24 July 2012. You Might Also Like (June 9, 2011). "Target Canada's headquarters to be in Mississauga, Ont". Archived from the original on January 18, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2014. "Office Locations. " Hewlett-Packard. Retrieved on 22 July 2009. "Contact Us Archived 16 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine. " _Air Canada Jazz_. Retrieved on 19 May 2009. Our Offices Archived 5 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine Kam Air North America. Retrieved on 18 May 2010. _Magellan Aerospace_. Retrieved January 28, 2015.

The economic structure of Mississauga reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Mississauga often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Mississauga serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Mississauga demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Mississauga has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Mississauga focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

#Transportation Main article: Transportation in Mississauga ##Rail Mississauga is on three major railway lines (one each owned by the Canadian National Railway, the Canadian Pacific Railway, and Metrolinx). Toronto–Sarnia Via Rail trains on the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor pass through Mississauga and make request stops at Malton GO Station in the northeast of the city. Other Via Rail services stop in the neighbouring cities of Brampton, Oakville, and Toronto. ##Commuter rail See also: GO Transit Commuter rail service is provided by GO Transit, a division of Metrolinx, on the Lakeshore West, Kitchener, and Milton lines. All-day service is provided along the Lakeshore West line, while the Kitchener and Milton lines serve commuters going to and from Toronto’s Union Station during rush hours. ##Bus Main article: MiWay The city’s public transit service, MiWay (formerly Mississauga Transit), provides bus service along more than 60 routes across the city, and connects to commuter rail with GO Transit as well as with Brampton Transit, Oakville Transit, and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). MiWay operates routes for both local service (branded as “MiLocal”) and limited-stop service (branded as “MiExpress”). Intercity buses operated by GO Transit stop at GO Train stations throughout the city and the Square One Bus Terminal. ##Mississauga Transitway Main article: Mississauga Transitway A 12-station busway similar to Ottawa’s Transitway was built parallel to Highway 403 from Winston Churchill Boulevard to Renforth Avenue, via the Mississauga City Centre Transit Terminal. Opened in stages, the Mississauga Transitway was completed on 22 November 2017 with the opening of the final station: Renforth. The service also connects to Kipling Subway Station in Toronto, via mixed lane traffic after Renforth station. ##Hurontario LRT Main article: Hurontario LRT There are plans for the construction of an LRT line along Hurontario Street stretching from Port Credit to southern Brampton, and possibly to Brampton’s downtown. The project went through the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) which includes environmental assessment. The line will be fully funded by the provincial government, with construction set to begin in 2018. Rapid transit lines could possibly be built on some other main thoroughfares, namely Dundas Street and Lakeshore Road, but no definite dates have been set. As of 2024, progress for the Hurontario LRT is well underway, with an expected completion of late 2024 to mid-2025. ##Toronto Subway Main article: Line 5 Eglinton In addition to the 19 km (12 mi) light rail line, there are plans to extend Line 5 Eglinton to Renforth station and Toronto Pearson International Airport though eastern Mississauga by 2030–2031 bringing the Toronto Subway into Mississauga. There will be 4 stops in the city at Renforth Gateway connecting with the Mississauga Transitway and serving the Airport.

Transportation infrastructure serving Mississauga reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Canada. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Mississauga.

Regional connectivity from Mississauga provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre at U of T Mississauga Mississauga is the home to the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), one of three campuses of the University of Toronto. UTM has an enrollment of approximately 16,739 students. It is growing at a rate of about 1,000 students per year since 2002, following a major expansion. U of T Mississauga has 15 academic departments, 180+ programs and 90 areas of study, and includes Institutes for Management and Innovation, and Communication, Culture, Information and Technology. The Mississauga Academy of Medicine is located on campus in the Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex. The campus employs over 3,400 full- and part-time employees (including 1,250 permanent faculty and staff), and has more than 69,000 alumni, including astronaut Roberta Bondar, filmmaker Richie Mehta, actor Zaib Shaikh, and writer/poet Dionne Brand. The $35-million Innovation Complex, which opened in September 2014, houses the Institute for Management and Innovation, a new model for business education combining management studies with key industry sectors. The first phase of the multi-phase North Building reconstruction, known as Deerfield Hall, opened in September 2014, and the project completed with the opening of Maanjiwe nendamowinan in 2018, a $89 million 210,000 square foot, six-storey facility. Sheridan College Business education facility in downtown Mississauga Sheridan College opened a new $46 million facility in Mississauga in 2011. The school has two main concentrations: business education, and programs to accelerate the movement of new Canadians into the workforce. The 150,000 sq ft (14,000 m2) campus will be located on an 8.5-acre (34,000 m2) parcel of land in City Centre just north of the Living Arts Centre. The campus accommodated 1,700 students upon completion of phase one of construction in Fall 2011. Phase two of construction after 2011 increased capacity by 3,740 students to a combined total of 5,000; it also included construction of a 10-level municipal parking garage. Mississauga is served by the Peel District School Board, which operates the secular Anglophone public schools, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, which operates Catholic Anglophone public schools, the Conseil scolaire Viamonde , which operates secular Francophone schools, and the Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud , which operates Catholic Francophone schools. Within the city, the four boards run a total of more than 150 schools. Multiple schools in Mississauga also offer specialized programs: * French immersion schools in multiple locations across the city such as Applewood Heights Secondary School, Clarkson Secondary School and Streetsville Secondary School * Extended French Program at St. Thomas More School, Lorne Park Secondary School, Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School and St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School * Regional Arts Program at Queen Elizabeth Senior Pu

Educational institutions in Mississauga serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to Mississauga

Successful visits to Mississauga require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Mississauga often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Mississauga include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Mississauga extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.