Mississauga City Council has directed staff to review planning policies for large digital infrastructure facilities, including artificial intelligence data centres, and to prepare an interim by-law that could temporarily halt new facilities while that work is done.
The directions came at council's July 29 meeting, according to a City of Mississauga news release.
Data centre review would cover energy, water and health
The planned review will examine land use planning, environmental impacts, energy and water use, public health, economic benefits and community impacts before any future large-scale facilities are considered. An Interim Control By-law could pause new facilities while the study is completed.
The move comes as data centre proposals draw growing scrutiny across Ontario over their heavy power and water demands.
Apartment cooling rules under review
Council also directed staff to review Mississauga's Adequate Temperature By-law and report back on ways to strengthen cooling requirements in apartment buildings, as extreme heat events become more common.
The review will focus on tenant safety and access to cooling, including indoor temperature standards, cooling amenity spaces and access to cooling during extended hot weather.
Support for food bank and parish projects
Council approved a grant-in-lieu of development charges to support an expansion at Seva Food Bank, which will add a mezzanine to its Wolfedale Road facility, increasing space for food bank operations, meal programs and other support services. The funding builds on council's 2023 declaration of food insecurity as a crisis.
A similar grant was approved for a new storage building at Saints Peter and Paul Parish, which the city says will help the parish deliver religious services, community programs, charitable initiatives and special events.
Gulleden Park renamed Ternopil Park
Council approved renaming Gulleden Park to Ternopil Park, recognizing Mississauga's twinning relationship with the City of Ternopil, Ukraine, and the connection between the two communities.
Housing approvals move ahead
Council approved Official Plan and zoning amendments for lands at 6578 Ninth Line, allowing a previously approved residential development to proceed. The project will add 289 homes, including detached houses and townhomes, in west Mississauga.
Staff found the proposal supports housing supply, fits with surrounding neighbourhoods and can be supported by existing infrastructure and community services.
Council also approved zoning updates for lands within Protected Major Transit Station Areas across the city, including areas near the Hazel McCallion Line, the Dundas Bus Rapid Transit corridor, the Lakeshore corridor, the Transitway and GO stations. The changes are intended to implement the Official Plan and create opportunities for housing, mixed-use development, community facilities and commercial uses near transit.
A complete record of meeting resolutions will be available in the council minutes once approved at the next scheduled meeting.
