Ward 7 candidates in Mississauga 2026 municipal election

In Mississauga’s Ward 7, 17 candidates are running for the open councillor seat after sitting councillor Dipika Damerla entered the race for mayor.

Information for candidates who did not respond to questions for this article was taken from the publicly posted certified candidates list on the City of Mississauga election website.

Gerald Adad

Formerly Manager, Neighbourhood Services — Safe City Mississauga.

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

None. I’m a public servant through and through after 10 years in crime prevention and the non-profit sector.

I live in Ward 8. I lived in Mississauga my whole life and will always be a Goetz Gator (former student at Father Michael Goetz Catholic Secondary School) at heart.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

Improve the safety of our communities with data-informed community engagement strategies that bring together Peel Police, non-profits, and community partners with the city as the central convener.

Build resident advocacy power by creating more Resident Associations, especially for our tenants and condo/apartment/multi-family housing residents.

Invest in the happiness and well-being of our communities through supporting more transit options, community services like recreation, libraries and community building (through arts, culture and third spaces).

My vision for Ward 7 is not just to tackle problems as they come but create something with the community. I will take problems of today not as something to get your vote on Oct. 26, but as an opportunity to build the solutions of tomorrow. I will advocate for projects that will help the local economy and community to grow and thrive. I support cost-saving measures and I want to make sure residents get the most value from their taxes, but I also want to look toward the future; toward building a place where the residents of Ward 7 want to raise their families, enjoy the community spaces and can afford to do so.

Amir Ali

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

I have been actively involved in community advocacy and politics since 1997. This election marks my second time running for council in Ward 7.

I live in Ward 5, but my business has been operating proudly in the heart of Ward 7 for over 20 years.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

My heart is entirely with the people and small businesses of Ward 7, who have been pushed to their absolute limits by endless gridlock and bureaucratic excuses. My absolute top priority is to cut through the red tape delaying the Hurontario LRT and secure immediate, compassionate support for our local shop owners. Second, I will make sure your hard-earned tax dollars are spent where they actually matter by demanding a heavy shift toward visible neighbourhood safety patrols and protecting the quiet, clean dignity of our streets. Finally, I will always champion sensible, reliable infrastructure that serves real everyday families, rather than spending your money on flashy vanity projects that ignore the real financial struggles happening at kitchen tables across our ward.

Lucas Alves

Vice-chair of the Peel District School Board, Wards 3 and 4 PDSB Trustee, and Communications Manager at Kids Help Phone.

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

The current vice-chair for the Peel District School Board, school board Trustee and former political consultant at all three levels of government.

I live in Ward 1, right before where Tedwyn becomes Ward 7 and was born and raised in Mississauga. My family-owned Applewood Meats & Grill is the Portuguese restaurant that has served our community for over 20 years.

Candidate did not provide a response by publication deadline.

Joel Binda

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

Worked behind the scenes in other political campaigns. Worked in the Finance department, City of Mississauga.

I live in Ward 7 and have been in Mississauga Since 1997.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

Police foot patrols on main streets and transit. Cutting the large amounts spent on cultural grants by the city. Stopping EDI/DEI at city hall. Cutting spending and costly EDI will prevent more tax hikes.

Asha Falinski

Telecommunications Real Estate Professional.

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

This is my first campaign for elected office. My leadership experience comes from community involvement, volunteer work, advocacy initiatives.

I live in Ward 7 and have been living in Mississauga since my elementary school days. I have spent most of my life in Mississauga.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

My priorities are improving public safety, supporting responsible growth, maintaining strong infrastructure, increasing housing affordability and ensuring taxpayers receive value for their money. I believe residents deserve a councillor who is accessible, accountable and committed to listening before making decisions.

As a longtime Ward 7 resident, I understand the challenges families, seniors, businesses and young people face. Whether the issue is neighbourhood safety, traffic congestion, housing costs or construction impacts, residents want practical solutions and a stronger voice at city hall.

I will advocate for safer communities, better planning and co-ordination of infrastructure projects, responsible budgeting and policies that support affordable housing and local businesses. I am committed to working collaboratively with residents, community organizations, city staff and fellow members of council to ensure Ward 7’s priorities are represented and that decisions are made with transparency and accountability.

Candidate did not respond to request for information by publication. (Responses will be added if and when received).

Jerry Krzywda

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

I am a first-time candidate for elected office. My public-policy experience includes serving on the Government Relations Committee of the former Mississauga Real Estate Board. I currently serve on the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board’s Government Relations Committee, chair its West Working Group and serve on the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® Provincial and Federal Advocacy Committee.

I live in Ward 7. I have lived in Mississauga for 35 years.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

My focus is on keeping Ward 7 affordable, livable and safe.

1. Affordability and Value for Tax Dollars

Council controls only the city’s share of property taxes. I’ll ask staff to present a zero per cent increase option with trade-offs shown, expand the Lean program with value-for-money service reviews and explore non-property-tax revenue to reduce taxpayer pressure.

2. Housing Choice and Homeownership

I’ll support family-sized and missing-middle housing by addressing zoning barriers, reviewing municipal charges, reducing red tape, using city land and piloting technology to speed permits. I’ll seek a Peel study on down-payment or shared-equity options for first-time buyers and advocate with Ontario and Ottawa for housing infrastructure funding.

3. Local Economy LRT construction

LRT has hit Hurontario businesses. I’ll fix side-street parking, signage, permit flexibility and shop-local promotion; help businesses organize with the Cooksville BIA, press Metrolinx and Ontario for mitigation funding and seek a Regional review of the small-business tax subclass.

4. Flood Protection and Parks

With the Downtown Growth Area having half the City’s 12 per cent parkland target, I’ll support purchasing flood-prone land along Cooksville Creek, stormwater work, flood-prevention rebates and park upgrades for families and seniors.

Keshav Mandadi

I have worked for last 35 years as a professor in various national and international contexts that include working for Saudi ARAMCO as a trainer, University of Oman, Sultan Qaboos University, McMaster University and University of Toronto.

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

I am a community supporter and I have been working with seniors and homeless people in Ward 7.

I live in Ward 3 and have always lived in Mississauga for 13 years.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

If elected, my priorities would be:

Traffic Congestion and Construction Fatigue

• Better construction communication.

• Local traffic mitigation plans.

• Accelerated road and intersection improvements.

• Protecting local businesses during construction.

Housing Affordability and Intensification

• “Growth done right.”

• Infrastructure before density.

• Protecting stable neighbourhoods while supporting housing.

Safety and Disorder Around Hurontario-Dundas

• Community safety initiatives.

• More visible enforcement.

• Mental health and homelessness partnerships.

• Cleaner public spaces.

Revitalization of Cooksville

• Downtown Cooksville revitalization.

• Public realm improvements.

• Streetscape upgrades.

• Community gathering spaces.

Infrastructure and Flooding

• Infrastructure renewal.

• Faster response to neighbourhood issues.

Property Taxes and City Spending

• Fiscal accountability.

• Value for taxpayer dollars.

• Transparent budgeting.

Effective Communication with the residents

• Monthly town hall meetings.

• Greater resident involvement.

• Active liaising between city and provincial governments.

Louroz Mercader

Executive Director, Downtown Brampton Business Improvement Area.

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

Candidate for Ward 7 City Councillor in 3 previous municipal elections in 2010, 2014 and 2018.

I live and grew up in Ward 7 for the last 38 years.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

Hold property tax increases at or below the rate of inflation annually.Establish an independent office of the auditor general to review spending and find efficiencies.Freeze user fees at city-owned community centres, classes and programs.Freeze MiWay fares at current rates for the next four years.Renegotiate the Peel Police funding formula with the Province.Work with developers and non-profits to build more affordable housing.Reopen the Ward 7 Police Substation at Hurontario and Dundas.Establish a permanent neighbourhood community officer unit for Cooksville.Increase funding for the Cooksville BIA to support mainstreet businesses and revitalize our community.Secure funding to build the promised Cooksville Community Centre and Library.Invest in critical infrastructure to expand and maintain fire services, roads, parks and waterways.Hold Metrolinx accountable to complete the Hazel McCallion LRT by 2028.Improve MiWay and cycling routes along the Hurontario, Dundas and Confederation corridors.Add GO service from Cooksville Station, targeting all-day, two-way GO service.Improve education, training and police enforcement for e-bikes and e-scooters.Install traffic calming measures in consultation with residents.

Naila Saeed

Founder and CEO of EYES Child Care.

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

She has worked with the Ontario Ministry of Education, regional municipalities, public health and quality-assurance teams and early-years planning groups. She has also served on the Ministry of Education’s CWELCC Advisory Group, contributing her perspective as an experienced child care operator and advocate for accessible, high-quality early learning.

Candidate did not provide a response.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

Candidate did not provide a response.

Maisa Salhia

Freelance Marketing and Sales Consultant.

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

I have worked on levels of government in political campaigns (federal, provincial, mayoral, and municipal).

I have lived in Ward 7 for more than 26 years and I have lived in Mississauga for more than 40 years.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

STRONGER ECONOMY
Bring Strategic Diverse Investments to Ward 7 for job security, economic growth and strengthening global relations. Working on a local and global scale, I have developed relationships with strong community leaders and entrepreneurs. We must look within and beyond our circle to grow. MORE JOBS!LOWER TAXES
Trackable and measurable methods to cut waste and save money for taxpayers. Working with all levels of government to ensure Mississauga residents are only paying what they owe and NOT A PENNY MORE. I have a clear vision to reduce what we pay in taxes by working as a team. I will not force partisan views that push away provincial and federal partners. A good leader puts feelings aside to help their people, and that is what I PROMISE TO DO!PROTECTION & SAFETY
A BETTER FUTURE FOR WARD 7 in MISSISSAUGA!
A strong, well-connected community is safer. Under my leadership we will be more neighbourly, helping us look out for one another and stay vigilant. I started a safety watch and will help others do the same, alongside community connection events, neighbourhood safety assessments, better street lighting, overgrown tree trimming on city property, traffic calming and using technology to observe and report.

Candidate did not respond to request for information by publication deadline. (Responses will be added if and when received).

George Tavares

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

I ran for Mayor of Mississauga in 2022 and 2024. Over the years, I’ve also worked with and appeared before different levels of government across Canada on municipal, infrastructure, fiscal and community issues.

Ward 7, near Hurontario Street and North Service Road. I’ve lived in Mississauga for more than 25 years.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

Taxes and Accountability
Protect Ward 7 taxpayers by reviewing spending, demanding better value for money and pushing for stronger independent oversight, including an independent Auditor General.Traffic, Transit and Infrastructure
Address the daily impact of construction, congestion and aging roads in Ward 7. My focus will be better traffic flow, stronger accountability for construction projects and transit improvements that work for the people who use them.Public Safety and Quality of Life
Improve neighbourhood safety through practical enforcement, faster responses to bylaw concerns, and greater accountability for issues affecting residents, including property crime, speeding, noise, parking and property standards.

Peter Tolias

I am the owner of Tolias Landscaping.

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

I have no previous experience as an elected politician. My involvement in the community has included youth empowerment, leadership programs, community initiatives and speaking at the Peel Police Board.

Yes. Ward 7 has been my home for the past 15 years.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

My campaign is focused on three priorities:

Protect Our Community — I want to help build safer, stronger neighbourhoods and support initiatives that make residents and families feel secure in their community.

Invest in Our Future — I want to create more opportunities for youth and families and support programs and initiatives that help our next generation succeed.

Deliver Results — I want to listen to residents and take action on the issues that matter locally, including roads, parks, local businesses and community spaces.

This campaign isn’t about politics. It’s about people. I am running because I care about the community I have called home for the past 15 years and want to use my experience as a business owner, father and community member to serve the residents of Ward 7.

Candidate did not respond to request for information by publication deadline. (Responses will be added if and when received).

Leslie Zurek-Silvestri

NAME Leslie Zurek-Silvestri

Stakeholder and Community Outreach Consultant/Healthcare Consultant/Nurse.

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

My political experience stems from over 25 years working with all levels of government. I have served and chaired multiple organizations directly working with political leaders in that time. I have served on the DPCDSB as vice-chair of SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) for over 5 years.

I have ran for city councillor in Mississauga for the last two terms beginning in 2018 and 2022. I have worked on MP and mayoral election campaigns since 2010. I am the Stakeholder and Community Outreach Advisor for our MPP Gualtieri in Mississauga East-Cooksville.

I have grown up in Cooksville and lived in Mississauga since 1978

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

Community Safety (Be Tough on Crime): I will use my experience to foster a safe, inclusive and connected ward. I will support crime prevention, host town halls on safety with Peel Regional Police and encourage neighbourhood communication.

Fair Taxes: I will work to make sure tax dollars are spent wisely. Fiscal responsibility is a priority I will advocate for, alongside an independent auditor as that’s what most Ward 7 residents are requesting.

Smart Responsible Growth: Development must match needed services and infrastructure, with opportunities for residents to have their say prior to shovels hitting the ground. Affordable living must lead these discussions.

Better Roads: I will fight for smarter traffic solutions to fix gridlock, improve transit, fix crumbling sidewalks and future-proof infrastructure for seniors and accessibility needs. I will advocate to hold contractors accountable for property damage.

Senior Support: I will listen, respond and advocate for seniors to live independently in their homes with community services.

Youth Engagement: I will encourage businesses to employ youth and provide intern training.

Clean, Green Spaces: I will protect green spaces, advance flood mitigation and push the Cooksville Central Park plan forward.

Support Local Business and Cooksville BIA: I will work to expand and grow the Cooksville BIA team to ensure growth.

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