The Mississauga Record

Council

April 15, 2026

Who was there

Present (12): Brad Butt, Dipika Damerla, Stephen Dasko, Chris Fonseca, Natalie Hart, Joe Horneck, John Kovac, Matt Mahoney, Sue McFadden, Carolyn Parrish, Martin Reid, Alvin Tedjo

Taken from the roll call in the town’s own minutes. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why.

What was decided (8 motions)

8 carried, 0 recorded otherwise. Every motion below is printed as the minutes print it.

That the Mayor, on behalf of Council, send a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Mississauga MPPs, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Ontario Big City Mayor’s Caucus to provide feedback on Bill 98 as recommended by staff in the report entitled “Update on the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build, Ontario’s Bill 98 (Building Home and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act) and Bill 100 (Better Governance Act), and the Building Communities Strong Fund” dated April 6, 2026 from the City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. That Council direct staff to respond to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) postings associated with Bills 98 and 100 (where applicable) prior to the posting deadline and report back to Council as necessary; and That the Mayor, on behalf of Council, send a letter to the Prime Minister and Premier regarding Mississauga’s feedback on the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build as recommended by staff in this report, copying the Association of Municipalities of Ontario the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Mississauga MPPs and MPs. YES (10) Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Deputy Mayor and Councillor J. Kovac , Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart ABSENT (1) Deputy Mayor and Councillor M. Mahoney
Moved by Councillor S. McFadden, seconded by Councillor J. Horneck
Carried
That the report titled “2026 Rapid Transit Program Office Update” dated April 7, 2026, from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works, be received. YES (10) Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Deputy Mayor and Councillor J. Kovac , Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart ABSENT (1) Deputy Mayor and Councillor M. Mahoney
Moved by Councillor S. McFadden, seconded by Councillor J. Horneck
Carried
WHEREAS Japan Festival will be hosting the 2026 Japan Festival Canada on August 15 and August 16, 2026; AND WHEREAS the organizers will be serving alcoholic beverages; AND WHEREAS the Japan Festival CANADA is expecting a turnout of approximately 100,000 visitors over the 2 day event; NOW THEREFORE BE RESOLVED that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario be advised that the City of Mississauga deems the 2026 Japan Festival Canada to be held at 300 City Centre Drive L5B 3C1; as one of municipal significance for the purpose of obtaining a Special Occasion Permit (SOP); subject to all necessary permits and approvals being obtained and compliance with all City of Mississauga by-laws. YES (10) Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Deputy Mayor and Councillor J. Kovac , Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart ABSENT (1) Deputy Mayor and Councillor M. Mahoney
Moved by Deputy Mayor and Councillor J. Kovac, seconded by Councillor B. Butt
Carried
WHEREAS Trillium Health Partners, are working towards a new kind of health care for a healthier community; AND WHEREAS each day, Team THP comes together to deliver high-quality, compassionate care while partnering across the system to better meet the needs of our growing and diverse community; NOW THEREFORE BE RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Mississauga, do hereby proclaim Trillium Health Partners Week in Mississauga from May 4 – 10, 2026. YES (10) Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Deputy Mayor and Councillor J. Kovac , Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart ABSENT (1) Deputy Mayor and Councillor M. Mahoney
Moved by Councillor S. Dasko, seconded by Councillor B. Butt
Carried
WHEREAS members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), including Reservists are valued members of Canada; AND WHEREAS many serving members, particularly Reservists, are facing increasing financial pressures due to the rising cost of living in Mississauga and the broader region, while balancing military duties, civilian employment, and family responsibilities; AND WHEREAS members of the Canadian Armed Forces commuting from Mississauga to Moss Park Armoury or Fort York Armoury benefit from complimentary travel on MiWay as a result of the One Fare Program, while the same members commuting entirely within Mississauga to access The Toronto Scottish Regiment Armoury are required to pay the full MiWay fare; AND WHEREAS GO Transit and the UP Express currently provide complimentary, year-round transit to eligible members of the Canadian Armed Forces and veterans across the region, demonstrating a clear precedent for transit support for military personnel; AND WHEREAS providing complimentary MiWay transit for CAF members and veterans would be a tangible demonstration of the City of Mississauga's appreciation for their service and would align with broader regional efforts to recognize their contributions and sacrifices; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The City of Mississauga approve the provision of complimentary access to MiWay for all active Regular and Reserve members of the Canadian Armed Forces and for veterans, upon presentation of valid military identification, CFOne card, or other
Moved by Councillor D. Damerla, seconded by Councillor B. Butt
Carried
WHEREAS Quebec Bill 21, An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State, prohibits public services from wearing religious symbols such as hijabs, turbans, yarmulkes, crosses, and other forms of personal religious expression; AND WHEREAS Mississauga is a multicultural city, home to neighbours of many diverse faiths, religions, and cultures, and where everyone is free to practice and express their faith; AND WHEREAS on October 2019 Mississauga City Council pass a motion opposing Quebec’s Bill 21 on the ground that it unfairly targets religious individuals wishing to express their faith; AND WHEREAS the Province of Quebec pre-emptively used the notwithstanding clause to protect Bill 21 from legal challenges; AND WHEREAS the Supreme Court has recently heard the case if this piece of legislation violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Mississauga City Council reaffirms its opposition to Quebec Bill 21 and continues to support building a welcoming country and city where everyone has equal opportunity to practice their faith. YES (10) Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Deputy Mayor and Councillor J. Kovac , Mayor C. Parrish, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor B. Butt, and Councillor N. Hart ABSENT (2) Councillor D. Damerla, and Deputy Mayor and Councillor M. Mahoney
Moved by Councillor A. Tedjo, seconded by Councillor S. McFadden
Carried
WHEREAS, City of Mississauga proclamations are official statements by Council recognizing causes, events, and commemorations of significance that contribute to the city’s cultural diversity and public good; AND WHEREAS, Canada Habla Español (CANHE) is a registered federal non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the Spanish language and supporting the growth and visibility of Spanish-speaking communities across Canada through cultural, educational, and community engagement initiatives; AND WHEREAS, CANHE’s proclamation request is supported by a coalition of local Mississauga organizations, including the Canadian Latin Heritage Association, Mississauga Players, Hispanic Canadian Arts and Cultural Association, Grupo ALCE, Hispanic Women’s Network, and Latinas Leaders, all of which contribute meaningfully to the cultural, artistic, and social landscape of the city; AND WHEREAS, April 23rd is designated by the United Nations as Spanish Language Day, recognizing the importance of multilingualism and celebrating the history, culture, and global contributions of Spanish-speaking communities; AND WHEREAS, the City of Mississauga is home to thousands of residents who identify as Latin American, representing one of the largest Hispanic communities in Ontario, whose contributions enrich the city through vibrant businesses, arts, festivals, and community leadership; AND WHEREAS, recognizing Spanish Language Day celebrates linguistic heritage while promoting inclusion
Moved by Deputy Mayor and Councillor J. Kovac, seconded by Councillor C. Fonseca
Carried
That the minutes of the April 1, 2026 Council meeting be approved, as presented. 6. PRESENTATIONS - Nil 7. DEPUTATIONS 7.1 Dhiraj Hariramani, CEO, LearnIt regarding the Mississauga Student Building Challenge D. Hariramani provided an overview of the upcoming Mississauga Mayor’s Building Challenge, scheduled for May 1, 2026, at the Living Arts Centre, which encourages students to design and build scale models of Mississauga buildings. Mayor Parrish and Councillor Butt also spoke in support of the upcoming Mayor’s Building Challenge. 7.2 Shaminda Perera, Volunteer Coordinator and Lesley Swan, Senior Marketing Consultant regarding National Volunteer Week 2026 S. Perera and L. Swan provided an overview of National Volunteer Week, taking place from April 19 to 25, 2026, and highlighted the benefits of volunteering with the City of Mississauga. Councillor Horneck spoke to the City’s volunteer search function and enquired about areas currently seeking volunteers, to which S. Perera responded. 7.3 Hafeez Hussain, Resident regarding City Hall 40th Anniversary in 2027 H. Hussain spoke to the history of City Hall and the upcoming City Hall 40th Anniversary. H. Hussain spoke to creating to creating a “Doors Open Mississauga” theme and key Council 04/15/2026 3 milestone events such as Civil Ceremonies in a renovated Chapel, Clock Tower Tours and Community Events at Celebration Square. Raj Sheth, Commissioner of Community Services, spoke to the age of City Hall, proposed renovations to the
Moved by Councillor Butt
Carried
In favour (10): Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor N. Hart, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Reid, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor B. Butt

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