Elections return as candidates race to capture Mississauga residents’ support
Growing communities and improving public transit on the agenda for mayoral candidates in Mississauga’s municipal elections.
Another election is just around the corner for residents of Mississauga—the city’s municipal elections will take place on October 24. There are eight mayoral candidates in total, including incumbent mayor Bonnie Crombie, Mohsin Khan, Melodie J. Petty, Derek Ramkissoon, David Shaw, Bobie Taffe, George Tavares, and Jayesh Trivedi.
Incumbent mayor Bonnie Crombie launched her campaign on September 17 with her platform “Steady, Strong, Leadership.” At her campaign headquarters on South Service Road, Crombie spoke of various development projects, stating that: “On reclaimed land we are building new communities, new neighbourhoods. […] Places where people can live and work.” Focusing on the growth of Mississauga, Crombie spoke of constructing new neighbourhoods and preserving long-standing neighbourhoods.
The incumbent mayor celebrated the growth of Mississauga’s economy during her time in office, in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic-imposed economic downturn. She shares that “three thousand new businesses and thirteen thousand jobs” have come to Mississauga since the public health crisis.
As population grows, the importance of public transit increases. Under Crombie’s leadership, the City of Mississauga “received over CAD $8 billion in investment for public transit.” One of the city’s transit investments include the Hurontario light rail transit, which will connect the transportation hubs of Port Credit GO Station, Cooksville GO Station, Mississauga City Centre, and Brampton Gateway Terminal. The system is slated for completion in fall of 2024 and will relieve traffic congestion along Hurontario Street. Additionally, Crombie promises to increase GO Transit’s Milton Line service westward from Toronto Union Station towards Milton.
After spending twenty years in the business industry, mayoral candidate George Tavares’ platform contains numerous initiatives for the residents of Mississauga. Tavares aims to facilitate commuting between the cities of Toronto and Mississauga by improving Metrolinx service and reducing traffic congestion.
He also plans to expand bike lanes through the Cycling Network Plan and in his effort to reduce crime, Tavares intends to construct a police station in every ward, increasing police coverage of the city. He proposes a freeze on property tax to implement a cost-savings initiative with input from the community.
David Shaw, who worked in the fire protection industry for 38 years, bid his candidacy in May, with a platform promising to help small businesses, freeze property tax increases for 2023, and to annually celebrate a city-sponsored Indigenous day.
Moving past mayoral elections, the University of Toronto Mississauga is located within Ward 8 of the City of Mississauga. The electoral candidates for Councillor Ward 8 include incumbent councillor Matt Mahoney, Irfan Farooq, and Rahul Mehta
While the official voting day is October 24, voters may opt to vote early through advance polling. The locations will be open October 7 through October 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., October 13 and 14 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and October 15 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Finally, voters may select an eligible person to vote on their behalf should they be unable to vote on election day or in advance polls.
As voting day approaches, residents can determine their eligibility to vote and locate the closest polling stations by browsing www.mississaugavotes.ca.
Staff Writer (Volume 50) — Meighan is a published author and Strategic Communications professional. She recently completed her bachelor's in Professional Writing and Communications & French Studies at UTM. Her short fiction, "Birthday Cake," appears in ICCIT's Vision Journal. Meighan specializes in Arts & Entertainment and News writing, with a particular interest in Food & Travel Writing. In her spare time, she can be found dining at Toronto's newest restaurants and planning European adventures.
Not all growth and expansion. Population down from last census. Ppl leaving the high
Taxes