Mississauga will receive $5,000 to support physical activity and sport initiatives after being named Ontario’s Most Active Community in the 2026 ParticipACTION Community Challenge, according to a City of Mississauga news release.
The provincial recognition follows a June campaign involving residents, community groups and City staff. The City says more than 137,000 participants took part through 48 community organizations and groups.
In its own programming, the City reported delivering more than 4,600 activities that engaged nearly 122,000 residents during June. Those activities included launch events and programs connecting residents with free and low-cost options available over the summer.
ParticipACTION is a national initiative that promotes physical activity through recreation, sport and movement in daily life. Its Community Challenge gave Mississauga an opportunity to highlight local recreation options and its investments in sport and healthy living, the City said.
The City encouraged residents earlier this summer to participate during June and find ways to remain active beyond the challenge. It described the campaign as a joint effort involving local organizations as well as municipal programs and staff.
Mayor Carolyn Parrish credited residents and community partners for the recognition, rather than City programming alone.
“This achievement belongs to the residents, community organizations, schools and other groups who embraced the ParticipACTION Community Challenge alongside City programs and staff,” Parrish said in the City’s news release. “They all show that active living is for everyone.”
The challenge also fits within Mississauga’s Healthy City Strategy, according to the release. That strategy supports active living through municipal programs, services and infrastructure intended to improve residents’ health and well-being.
Raj Sheth, the City’s commissioner of community services, thanked Recreation and Culture staff for involving residents and community groups in the campaign. He also highlighted the role of partnerships in making activities accessible.
“Throughout June, we saw the power of partnerships and the importance of creating accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active, connected and healthy,” Sheth said in the City’s news release.
Mississauga was a national finalist in the ParticipACTION Community Challenge in 2025. The City described this year’s provincial designation as reflecting increased involvement by residents, organizations and community partners.
Residents looking for recreation and sports programs beyond the June challenge can find information at mississauga.ca/recreation. The City says supporting physical activity remains a year-round initiative.
