Toronto

Mississauga municipal election could be 'turning point' for city

The Mississauga election is just over a month away, and with 20 candidates officially registered to run to be the city's next mayor, many are watching closely as the outcome could change the future of the city in a big way.

Voters head to the polls on June 10

Why Mississauga's municipal election could spark big change in the city

7 months ago
Duration 3:13
The Mississauga election is just over a month away and 20 candidates have officially registered to run to be the city's next mayor. Many are watching closely because this election could change the course for the city. Talia Ricci explains why.

The Mississauga election is just over a month away, and with 20 candidates officially registered to run to be the city's next mayor, many are watching closely as the outcome could change the future of the city in a big way.

"The city of Mississauga is at a turning point," said Shari Lichterman, city manager and CAO of the city of Mississauga.

"It's really important that we elect the right person to represent the city and to advocate for all we will need as we grow very rapidly to a million people over the next decade," she said, adding the current population is close to 800,000.

Mississauga was once known as a bedroom community, but it's rapidly becoming more urban and seeing more vertical growth.

On top of that, Mississauga has only had two mayors in the last 45 years.

Hazel McCallion was first elected in 1978 and served as mayor for 36 years, until she retired in 2014. In the race to replace her, McCallion threw her support behind Bonnie Crombie, propelling her to a big win.

Crombie stepped down from the job in January to become the leader of the Ontario Liberals.

Four of the 20 candidates registered — Dipika Damerla, Stephen Dasko, Carolyn Parrish and Alvin Tedjo — have recent experience on city council.

Voters head to the polls on June 10. Here's the full list of candidates:

  • Zulfiqar Ali
  • Diya Atassi
  • Brian Crombie
  • Dipika Damerla
  • Stephen Dasko
  • Jamie Dookie
  • Frank Fang
  • Xiaohua Gong
  • Winston Harding
  • Sara Iqbal
  • Syed Jaffery
  • Mohsin Khan
  • Mitchell MacEachern
  • Sinisa Mandrapa
  • Mike Matulewicz
  • Carolyn Parrish
  • David Shaw
  • George Tavares
  • Alvin Tedjo
  • Nathalie Xian Yi Yan

Live in Mississauga and getting ready to vote? Let us know what's on your mind as you pick a new mayor:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Talia Ricci is a TV, radio and web reporter at CBC Toronto. She enjoys covering offbeat human interest stories and exposing social justice issues. Talia is also an avid traveller and photographer. Her photography has appeared in various publications and exhibits. She lives in Toronto's west end where she enjoys reading and going on long walks to discover the beauty in the city.