One-year freeze on major data centres
Mississauga City Council has temporarily blocked new major digital infrastructure facilities, including large-scale data centres, while the City carries out a comprehensive planning review. Council passed the Interim Control By-law at its September 16 meeting, according to a City of Mississauga news release.
The by-law gives the City one year to study land use permissions and potential impacts before establishing a planning framework for this type of development. Existing facilities can keep operating, but new builds and major conversions are on hold until the review is complete.
Support for businesses hit by tariffs
Council also directed staff to evaluate options for businesses facing financial pressure from ongoing U.S. tariffs and trade uncertainty. The review will look at possible tax relief measures, economic development initiatives and investment programs aimed at protecting local jobs.
The City's news release says the motion builds on existing trade response efforts, including support for export diversification, local supply chains and funding applications that help Mississauga businesses reach markets beyond the United States.
Tighter rules ahead for tobacco and vape retailers
Staff were also directed to review how the City regulates businesses that sell and distribute tobacco, vapour and related nicotine products. The review will explore stronger municipal licensing requirements, improved compliance monitoring and measures to prevent youth access.
Staff will work with Peel Public Health and other stakeholders on licensing, inspections, enforcement and education before reporting back to Council with recommendations.
Two developments to bring 970 homes
Council approved two residential developments first presented at the September 8 Planning and Development Committee meeting. The projects — a mixed housing community at 2155 Leanne Boulevard and a high-density residential project at 1225 Dundas Street East — could deliver a combined 970 new homes, including apartments and townhomes, plus a new public park.
The release notes the projects are meant to increase housing supply and add a mix of housing types in established neighbourhoods.
Park contribution cut for Camilla Road townhomes
Council reduced the park enhancement contribution for a planned townhouse development at 2020 and 2040 Camilla Road from $450,000 to $225,000. The original amount was earmarked for improvements to Hancock Woodlands Park.
According to the City, the reduction is intended to help facilitate housing construction, given that the development will provide more on-site amenity space than originally required. Council also weighed updated city-wide amenity requirements and the developer's commitment to proceed with construction in a timely manner.
Faster approvals and a bigger Bert Fleming Park
Council approved administrative amendments to a development-related by-law that transfer delegated authority to the Commissioner of Planning and Building and clarify how the by-law applies to different types of development agreements. The City says the changes support its Housing Action Plan and Mayor's Housing Task Force by cutting administrative delays, without creating any new approval requirements.
Council also approved road and land adjustments for the Credit Woodlands Integrated Road Project in Ward 6. A section of former roadway beside Bert Fleming Park will be folded into the park, supporting future park improvements, active transportation and boulevard upgrades, including a sidewalk connection to existing pedestrian crossings.
