Community engagement is a big part of city planning. In general, there are two types of initiatives you can get involved in:
Your input is an important part of the process.
Consultation is a critical part of the planning process in Ontario because planning affects everyone. It helps us determine where and how you’ll live, shop, gather, work and go to school. Changes made to the City’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law can impact the height and density of new developments.
Because planning impacts what we see and the types of spaces we enjoy in our city, the planning process provides opportunities for public input. Under the Ontario government’s Planning Act, we’re required to notify the public, hold public meetings and gather input on important planning decisions to reflect the vision and values of our community.
The City leads a wide variety of community engagement activities to make sure residents have a chance to get involved. These include surveys, in-person and virtual meetings, open houses, workshops, focus groups, interactive online engagement tools and other special events. In city-led studies, there are a number of stakeholders involved.
Current projects: visit our Have Your Say website to learn more about the engagement projects underway at the City. You can also sign up to get regular updates.
When a new project is proposed, the City works with applicants to provide direction on how building and development should happen. The City reviews and ultimately approves or refuses proposals to rezone or develop land. It’s important to note that every land owner has a right to make an application under the Planning Act to change land use permissions through this process.
Current development applications: visit our active development applications page to review all current development applications by ward. Contact the planner listed for each application to learn more about how to get involved.
Residents planning to use, develop or make changes to their property (like building an addition) which don’t meet the existing Zoning By-law requirements, can apply to the Committee of Adjustment to make changes (referred to as minor variances). The Committee of Adjustment meetings are open to the public.
There are a few different ways you can give the City feedback about a development proposal in your neighbourhood:
You may have seen a sign about a new development in your area, received a public notice in the mail, read an article or saw a social media post about a new project you’re interested in. If you have questions or want to get more information on that project you can:
If you aren’t able to attend the meeting, you can submit your comments in writing for the committee to consider. Send your comments by email to application.info@mississauga.ca or send them to:
Mississauga City Council
Attn: Development Assistant
c/o Planning and Building Department – 6th Floor
300 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1