The first week of 2026 brought several new provincial rules into force and a handful of local announcements that affect Mississauga households. Here are five worth knowing.

1. Tougher roadside penalties for impaired driving

Ontario's tougher roadside penalties for impaired driving took effect on Jan. 1. Drivers caught in the so-called warn range, with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05 and 0.079, now face a seven-day licence suspension for a first occurrence, up from three days, and 14 days for a second, up from seven, CTV News reported. The period used to count earlier alcohol- or drug-related incidents doubles to 10 years, and first-time warn-range drivers must also complete an education program.

2. Carbon monoxide alarms on every storey

As of Jan. 1, the Ontario Fire Code requires carbon monoxide alarms on every storey of a home that has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage, including storeys without bedrooms. Alarms are still required next to sleeping areas. In apartments and condos, alarms are needed on every storey of each unit and, in some buildings, in public corridors heated by a fuel-burning appliance.

3. New rules for job postings

Employers with 25 or more workers must now post a pay figure or range, no wider than $50,000, in public job ads, say whether the job is an existing vacancy and whether AI is used to screen applicants, and drop any Canadian experience requirement. Interviewed candidates must hear back within 45 days.

4. The city's proposed 2026 budget is out

The city's proposed 2026 budget, released Jan. 6, calls for a 1.61 per cent increase on the city's share of the tax bill, or 5.21 per cent overall with the Region of Peel's portion. Budget Committee meets Jan. 12, 13 and 20, and residents can email budget@mississauga.ca.

5. Christmas tree pickup starts next week

Peel Region's curbside collection of real Christmas trees and wreaths begins next week, on the days listed in each household's waste collection calendar. Remove all decorations and stands, cut trees taller than three metres in half, and keep trees out of snowbanks. Missed trees can go to a Community Recycling Centre until Jan. 30.