City Building Permits Surge with $2 Billion Issued in 2021

Mississauga continues to be a place to build and grow. Last year, the City saw strong economic growth as it rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of building permits issued in 2021 was 4,120, with a total construction value of $2.09 billion – up 36 per cent compared to $1.4 billion in 2020. The City issues building permits to those who own property in Mississauga. A building permit is needed when someone wants to construct, renovate, demolish or change a building.

“These numbers show two important things: one is that developers, businesses and other property owners want to build in Mississauga and take advantage of our thriving economy and the incredible amenities our city has to offer.  And secondly, it shows that we’re doing everything we can at the City to ensure building permits are issued as quickly as possible in order to get shovels the ground,” said Mayor Crombie. “I’m extremely proud that we currently have the highest number of units under construction that we have had in 30 years. As Mayor, I want everyone to have the opportunity to put down roots in our city. The new units we’re building will provide people with more housing options across Mississauga and is one way we are helping address the housing crisis that’s affecting communities all across Ontario.”

Through the Official Plan, Mississauga has a plan for where growth should occur. This includes areas like the waterfront, in the downtown core and along major transit corridors.

City building permits include new buildings, additions, garages, decks and sheds. The residential construction value (permits issued for residential properties) for 2021 was $1.4 billion and the non-residential construction value (permits issued for all other types of properties) was $642,188. The City saw a 10 per cent upswing in the number of building permits issued (includes all permits) from 2020 (3,709 permits) to 2021 (4,120 permits).

In 2021, the City approved/issued the following:

• 5,456 residential units*
• 16 commercial permits*
• 8 industrial permits*
• 1 institutional permit (hospitals, schools, churches, etc.)*
  *new buildings only

“2021 saw steady growth with more housing, retail and commercial development,” said Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building. “The City is being responsible about accommodating growth and development to ensure we build healthy, connected and complete communities. Our main focus for growth is increasing the supply of housing and creating more affordable housing. We want the ability to create and provide more housing options for home ownership, including rent that is affordable for those living in Mississauga or considering living here. Our ‘on-time’ planning approvals set us apart with more than 95 per cent of approvals for building permits completed on time. Building permits for new construction show that the need for housing supply continues and is an important variable to the city’s growth story.”

Building permits ensure that all developments are built to the highest standard and comply with the Ontario Building Code and all other applicable legislation such as the City’s Zoning by-law. All building permit applications must be submitted online through ePlans, where trained technicians and/or engineers examine and approve the building plans. Experienced building inspectors also ensure construction work is up to standard.

“In Mississauga, we’ve seen a 57 per cent decrease in processing time for development applications because of our efficient online approvals process,” said Ezio Savini, Director of Building & Chief Building Officer. “Our commitment is to ensure our review and approvals processes is easy and straightforward for developers to bring quality housing to Mississauga.”

Learn more about the City’s building permits, the cost of a building permit, how long it takes and what you need to know before you apply: mississauga.ca/buildingpermits.

Tags

• Licensing and Permits
• Planning and Building