Mississauga could soon make ‘once-in-a-generation’ transformation to its downtown core

A rendering of what Mississauga's downtown core could look like is seen here. (City of Mississauga)

Mississauga could soon look a lot different if a vision for its downtown core becomes a reality.

Council voted unanimously Wednesday to endorse a plan for the 12 acres of city-owned land along Princess Royal Drive, near Burnhamthorpe Road West and Confederation Parkway.

The concept is anchored by a 500,000-square-foot conference centre, a 400-room hotel and state-of-the-art music hub with a performance venue, recording studios, and a music school. A new nine-storey office building and 20-storey purpose-built rental apartment building with retail space along a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare is also included.

“The new vision is part of Mississauga’s ongoing efforts to transform the downtown core from its suburban origins into a dynamic, walkable, urban centre supported by light-rail transit. It emphasizes a renewed commitment to music excellence, tourism and economic development,” the city said in a news release.

Staff to return with more details next year

Now that vision has been endorsed by council, city staff have been tasked with developing a project plan, which will include technical analysis, business case studies, and a financial strategy to be presented to council in 2027.

Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish is supportive of the plan, saying the endorsement marked an “incredible moment” for the city.

“I have high hopes that with care and management, we will come up with a city centre plan that’s going to be really amazing for Mississauga and put us on the map as a serious, large city,” she said at Wednesday’s council meeting.

“We’re no longer a suburb of anybody.”

Staff say the economic benefits of the redevelopment would be significant, and increase downtown accommodation demand, generating an estimated $1.7 to $2 million in annual municipal tax revenues. The project would also create 28,000 jobs and $4 billion total economic output.

It’s unclear how much the project would cost.

Public engagement will take place in the coming months and staff are expected to provide an update on the plan in June 2026.