Mississauga’s vision for the next quarter century, which among many other elements includes a plan to see more than 370,000 new residential units built in the city, has been given the stamp of approval by the provincial government.

Including more housing along transit corridors and gentle density in neighbourhoods are also key parts of the City of Mississauga’s new Official Plan, a vision for the future that will guide the city’s actions and decisions through 2051.

City officials said the province’s approval of the plan, received Tuesday, is “a major milestone in shaping the city’s future growth and development.”

Essentially, it means Mississauga Official Plan 2051 “is now in effect, replacing the city’s former Official Plan and amendments,” the city said in a news release issued Thursday. “All new development applications will now be required to be consistent with the new plan.”

Officials added the newly minted city blueprint will guide growth “in a way that supports vibrant neighbourhoods, strong communities and a high quality of life.”

They said earlier, during development of the Official Plan, they’re looking to make Canada’s seventh-largest city a better, more prosperous place in which to work, play and raise a family in the decades to come.

The city said policies in the new plan aim to:

Encourage more housing by allowing permissions for more than 370,000 new residential units citywide by 2051, including more housing along transit corridors and gentle density in neighbourhoods.
Create more mixed-use communities by connecting residents to the services and amenities they rely on most.
Support job and economic growth by allowing for a broader range of uses in key employment areas, while protecting industrial uses from residential conversion.
Enhance transportation options by expanding infrastructure for walking, cycling and transit to reduce congestion and improve connectivity.
Strengthen environmental, cultural and heritage protections.

“The Official Plan also outlines where development should occur and how essential services, infrastructure and amenities will come together to support a complete and livable city,” the city said.

Under the Ontario Planning Act, Mississauga and other municipalities are required to review and update official plans every 10 years.

The city’s Official Plan review included extensive public engagement through which planners and staff heard from thousands of residents and businesses on key priorities such as housing, transit, job creation, heritage, diversity, infrastructure and environmental protection, the city noted.

The document was adopted by Mississauga city council last April 16, then submitted to the province for approval.

The Ontario government’s endorsement earlier this week included some modifications, the city said, which will be added to a final version of the new Official Plan in the coming weeks.

The plan will also help ensure “growth is thoughtful, coordinated and aligned with the needs of residents today and in the future,” the city said.

Mayor Carolyn Parrish added the new document “maintains a thoughtful approach that will guide us into the future.”

Furthermore, she said, provincial approval confirms Mississauga’s plan “sets a clear framework to encourage growth, deliver more housing, support jobs and build livable communities now and into the future.”

Andrew Whittemore, the city’s planning and building commissioner, added, “I’m confident that as development moves forward in line with this plan, it will help strengthen our economy, protect our environment and create a more complete, livable city for generations to come.”

More details about the new Official Plan are available here.

(Cover photo: City of Mississauga)


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