Mississauga

Mississauga was officially incorporated as a town on November 10, 1968, through the amalgamation of the former Town of Mississauga with the townships of Toronto and portions of Toronto Gore. Its name was chosen to reflect the region's Indigenous heritage, specifically the Mississaugas, a subtribe of the Anishinaabe First Nation. This incorporation marked the start of significant planned residential and industrial development in the area.

On November 10, 1979, a Canadian Pacific freight train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in the city of Mississauga. This event led to one of the largest peacetime evacuations in North American history. Over 200,000 residents were evacuated due to the threat of propane explosions and chemical spills. The successful evacuation, without loss of life, was a huge undertaking coordinated by city officials, emergency services, and volunteers.

Mississauga was officially granted city status on January 1, 1987. The change from a town to a city was a result of its rapid growth and development throughout the 1970s and 1980s. By this time, Mississauga had established itself as a significant urban center with a diverse population and a thriving economy, characterized by its growing industrial and commercial sectors and expanding residential areas.

Microsoft's SQL Server 7.0, known as the first version of SQL Server to be integrated with Windows, was officially released in Mississauga. It represented a significant technological advancement in database management systems, allowing businesses, including thousands from the region, to leverage powerful data processing capabilities. This contributed to Mississauga's emerging status as a hub for business and technology development.

The Living Arts Centre in Mississauga opened on February 1, 2001. This multi-use facility provides a venue for live performances, visual arts exhibitions, and educational workshops. It has played a major role in enriching the artistic and cultural life of Mississauga, serving as a hub for both local and international artists. The center offers a wide range of activities and events, fostering creativity and artistic expression in the community.

The Mississauga Transitway Project commenced in 2006 to provide a dedicated east-west transit corridor across the city. The project aimed to improve public transit efficiency and connectivity across Mississauga, with dedicated bus lanes and terminals. The transitway enhances commuter accessibility and aims to reduce traffic congestion, representing a significant investment in the city's public transportation infrastructure.

Hazel McCallion retired as the mayor of Mississauga on November 25, 2014, after serving for 36 years. Known affectionately as 'Hurricane Hazel', she was one of Canada's longest-serving mayors and was instrumental in transforming Mississauga into a vibrant urban city. Her tenure saw significant economic growth, infrastructure development, and population increases, earning her widespread admiration and respect.

The Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) in Mississauga opened its doors to the public on April 1, 2011. PAMA serves as a significant cultural hub for the region, showcasing local history, art, and culture through a combination of exhibitions, programming, and collections. It plays a vital role in preserving the diverse cultural heritage of Mississauga and the surrounding Peel region.

Mississauga Celebration Square officially opened on June 20, 2011, in the city center. This public community space hosts a wide range of events, including cultural festivals, concerts, and markets, providing a central gathering place for residents. It has become a focal point for community engagement and cultural activities in Mississauga, enhancing the city's cultural landscape and providing a venue for diverse expressions of community life.

On July 8, 2013, Mississauga experienced severe flooding, one of the largest in the Greater Toronto Area's history. Torrential rains caused significant road closures, power outages, and property damage throughout the city. The flooding underscored the need for improved drainage and stormwater management systems, prompting city officials to re-evaluate infrastructure and emergency preparedness measures. This natural disaster highlighted vulnerabilities in the city's infrastructure strategy.