A plaza in Mississauga, known as Ridgeway Plaza, has become a focal point of controversy due to recent legal actions stemming from large crowds during cultural celebrations. The City of Mississauga filed for a temporary court injunction to enforce stricter regulations on gatherings, prompting discussions among local businesses and residents.
On August 13, 14, and 19, coinciding with Pakistan's and Afghanistan's Independence Days, the Ontario Superior Court granted the city's request for the injunction. The city's decision followed a review of complaints regarding the gatherings and unsuccessful negotiations with the plaza's ownership. City officials noted that these events had previously attracted thousands of attendees, leading to concerns about overcrowding and safety.
The court injunction authorized the City of Mississauga and Peel Regional Police to impose tighter restrictions at the plaza. As a direct result, the plaza's condominium corporation was required to implement several measures, including installing parking barriers, hiring security personnel, and regulating traffic to prevent the congestion associated with large gatherings.
Local business owner Ajmal Khairi expressed frustration over the new rules, emphasizing that the restrictions negatively impacted foot traffic for businesses in the area. "Businesses are not happy," Khairi stated. "It affected every business. For myself, (compared to) the usual weekend, it was way slower than any other weekend. So it affected us." His comments reflect a broader sentiment among business owners who have noticed a decline in customer visits during such events.
Conversely, opinions among residents are mixed. One local resident argued that the gatherings provide a unique opportunity for the community to connect, stating, "There’s no other real places for people to congregate. Particularly in the summer, so the city putting the injunction on felt relatively targeted." This perspective suggests that the plaza serves as an essential communal space during cultural celebrations.
On the other hand, another resident described the injunction as "a relief," expressing a desire for the restrictions to be more permanent. This view indicates concern over safety and the challenges that large gatherings have posed in the past. During the days when the injunction was active, the City of Mississauga reported that multiple charges were filed for overcrowding, blocked exit signs, and inadequate fire safety plans, though no arrests were made as a result.
Resident Brandon Persaud noted that the situation had escalated at Ridgeway Plaza, asserting that regular occurrences of large gatherings could be managed more effectively elsewhere. "I called the City, you can go rent out a park, you can do events... but that is a daily occurrence," he remarked, highlighting the need for alternative venues for community events.
In response to the ongoing situation, city officials have affirmed the efficacy of the injunction, signaling a commitment to enforcing public safety within the location. Attempts to reach the company that owns Ridgeway Plaza for comment were unsuccessful, leaving some questions unanswered regarding the plaza's future operation and the role of community events moving forward.
