With just two-and-a-half weeks remaining until the Mississauga election day on October 26, discussions surrounding the potential redevelopment of a significant portion of the city's downtown emerged as mayoral candidates unveiled their campaign platforms on Thursday. The proposals and ideas presented reflect varying priorities and approaches to urban development within the city.
Bonnie Crombie, one of the mayoral candidates, expressed strong opposition to the proposed redevelopment of the Living Arts Centre and surrounding civic lands, which has been dubbed a $2.5 billion "vanity project" by Crombie. She argued that with residents currently facing financial difficulties, such a large-scale project is misguided. Crombie emphasized the need to redirect municipal resources towards more pressing issues that directly affect residents' quality of life.
The Living Arts Centre, located just north of Mississauga city hall and west of Square One, opened in 1997. It features a 1,300-seat main auditorium along with various meeting rooms and exhibition spaces. Earlier in 2026, Mississauga city council had approved the initiation of a study and consultation process that could lead to a significant transformation of downtown, including the potential replacement of the Living Arts Centre and a nearby park. This plan encompasses approximately 12 acres and aims to introduce a new convention centre, hotel, music hub, offices, apartments, and retail spaces. However, a scheduled vote on whether to advance this vision remains undetermined.
Alvin Tedjo, another candidate, also voiced his opposition to the mammoth redevelopment project. He criticized Crombie’s vision for a $2.5 billion convention centre, expressing that it is unnecessary and will eliminate valuable parkland in the area. Tedjo advocates for community involvement in shaping the future of downtown Mississauga and remains open to exploring renovation options for the existing Living Arts Centre.
Dipika Damerla, another mayoral candidate, also dismissed the redevelopment plans and presented her own vision focused on establishing a health care innovation district in downtown Mississauga. She believes this initiative will attract young talent and position the city as a leader in commercializing health care innovation, capitalizing on existing health infrastructure.
In contrast, Carolyn Parrish, who supports the redevelopment project, argues it would create jobs and bolster municipal finances by attracting private sector investment. She noted that the plan includes a new elevated park for residents and suggested that the Living Arts Centre would only be demolished after the construction of new facilities, which could potentially house a convention centre of up to 300,000 square feet and a five-star hotel.
Mississauga Mayoral Candidates Continue Tabling Ideas, Priorities as Advance Voting Continues
As advance voting continues in Mississauga until the end of Sunday, candidates have been actively promoting their platforms. Crombie has articulated her commitment to prioritizing residents' needs, pledging to control taxes, protect jobs, attract investments, enhance transportation, and improve neighborhood safety.
Damerla reiterated her campaign promises, emphasizing her fiscal strategy, which includes freezing property taxes in 2027, curbing waste at city hall, and addressing policing costs to eliminate financial burdens on Mississauga. She also advocates for introducing housing options, such as six-plexes on major roads, to make housing more affordable.
Meanwhile, Tedjo discussed his small business policy, which aims to streamline permitting processes for local businesses, establish affordable commercial spaces, and expand opportunities for youth. He intends to collaborate with the community to foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for a Peel Regional Police substation in Ridgeway Plaza due to recent concerns over local gatherings.
For a complete list of all 14 candidates running for mayor, click here.
