Cultural Districts

With a growing arts, culture and creative industry scene and unique neighbourhoods that are emerging as popular hubs of creativity and innovation, Mississauga is well positioned to be an arts-friendly city. Many neighbourhoods in Mississauga are intensifying and we are witnessing a growing cluster of arts and culture facilities, and diverse entertainment, retail and dining options. The waterfront is more vibrant than ever and teeming with boating enthusiasts, cyclists, art lovers and foodies. Exciting things are already happening in our city and the stage is set for the development of Cultural Districts.

How can I participate?

Take our online survey by Sunday, April 21, 2024

Ask the project team a question

What are Cultural Districts?

Cultural districts are distinct, mixed-use areas that attract people because of their high concentration of cultural facilities (e.g. studios, performance venues, galleries, museums) and activities (e.g. events, shopping, dining, and public space activations). These neighbourhoods act as local cultural destinations that invite residents and visitors alike to engage in creative expression, social gathering and community building.


Physical features of Cultural Districts include:

Close Proximity to TransitA person waiting at a transit stopMix of Land UsesAn example of mixed usesInviting Parks and Public Spaces Gardens within a public space
Artful Public Realm Public art within a transit terminalVibrant Walkable StreetsGroups of people in a public spaceArts and Entertainment Facilities An exterior photo of an arts centre


Introducing Mississauga’s Cultural Districts

Building on recommendations in the 2019-2029 Culture Master Plan to focus cultural development and City services in distinct cultural districts, we have identified six neighbourhoods for the establishment of Cultural Districts:

  • Clarkson
  • Cooksville
  • Downtown
  • Malton
  • Port Credit
  • Streetsville

Click here for more information on Cultural District boundaries and the District-specific themes that will frame how these neighbourhoods develop as focal points for culture in Mississauga.

Mississauga’s Cultural Districts have been identified based on several characteristics shared by successful cultural districts worldwide – existing cultural assets to build on, increased development activity and government supported revitalization efforts, an established and engaged community, dedicated partners such as local Business Improvement Associations (BIAs), strong political support, and a budding arts and culture scene that attracts the community and spurs local tourism.

Each of Mississauga’s Cultural Districts has a unique vibe and range of cultural offerings and will evolve in a way that reflects local heritage, identity and community ambitions. Cultural Districts will provide an enriched neighbourhood experience, strengthen sense of place and provide opportunities for people to actively participate in creative placemaking, storytelling and cultural programming.


Developing Mississauga’s Cultural Districts

Recommended actions for developing Cultural Districts are outlined in the Cultural Districts Implementation Plan. The first phase of implementation will focus on flexible demonstration projects to test ideas within each Cultural District in 2021-2024 (e.g. marketing initiatives, wayfinding signage, temporary public art and public realm enhancements). The success of these projects will help to inform long-term plans for the Cultural Districts as well as build public and private sector support.

For more information, please see the Cultural Districts Implementation Plan and the FAQ section.


How you can get involved

Public engagement was held in Spring/Summer 2021 to help plan for Mississauga’s Cultural Districts. Community feedback was used to validate and refresh recommendations in the Cultural Districts Implementation Plan and inform planning for future implementation projects in the Districts.

You can take a look at the revised Implementation Plan here. The public engagement summary can be found on pg. 18.

Now that the Cultural Districts roadmap is set, we can move forward with making recommendations come to life. A lot of exciting initiatives are planned for 2022 and there will be new content for you to explore.

This page will be your one stop shop for everything related to the Districts, upcoming engagement opportunities and information regarding events and public space activations!


With a growing arts, culture and creative industry scene and unique neighbourhoods that are emerging as popular hubs of creativity and innovation, Mississauga is well positioned to be an arts-friendly city. Many neighbourhoods in Mississauga are intensifying and we are witnessing a growing cluster of arts and culture facilities, and diverse entertainment, retail and dining options. The waterfront is more vibrant than ever and teeming with boating enthusiasts, cyclists, art lovers and foodies. Exciting things are already happening in our city and the stage is set for the development of Cultural Districts.

How can I participate?

Take our online survey by Sunday, April 21, 2024

Ask the project team a question

What are Cultural Districts?

Cultural districts are distinct, mixed-use areas that attract people because of their high concentration of cultural facilities (e.g. studios, performance venues, galleries, museums) and activities (e.g. events, shopping, dining, and public space activations). These neighbourhoods act as local cultural destinations that invite residents and visitors alike to engage in creative expression, social gathering and community building.


Physical features of Cultural Districts include:

Close Proximity to TransitA person waiting at a transit stopMix of Land UsesAn example of mixed usesInviting Parks and Public Spaces Gardens within a public space
Artful Public Realm Public art within a transit terminalVibrant Walkable StreetsGroups of people in a public spaceArts and Entertainment Facilities An exterior photo of an arts centre


Introducing Mississauga’s Cultural Districts

Building on recommendations in the 2019-2029 Culture Master Plan to focus cultural development and City services in distinct cultural districts, we have identified six neighbourhoods for the establishment of Cultural Districts:

  • Clarkson
  • Cooksville
  • Downtown
  • Malton
  • Port Credit
  • Streetsville

Click here for more information on Cultural District boundaries and the District-specific themes that will frame how these neighbourhoods develop as focal points for culture in Mississauga.

Mississauga’s Cultural Districts have been identified based on several characteristics shared by successful cultural districts worldwide – existing cultural assets to build on, increased development activity and government supported revitalization efforts, an established and engaged community, dedicated partners such as local Business Improvement Associations (BIAs), strong political support, and a budding arts and culture scene that attracts the community and spurs local tourism.

Each of Mississauga’s Cultural Districts has a unique vibe and range of cultural offerings and will evolve in a way that reflects local heritage, identity and community ambitions. Cultural Districts will provide an enriched neighbourhood experience, strengthen sense of place and provide opportunities for people to actively participate in creative placemaking, storytelling and cultural programming.


Developing Mississauga’s Cultural Districts

Recommended actions for developing Cultural Districts are outlined in the Cultural Districts Implementation Plan. The first phase of implementation will focus on flexible demonstration projects to test ideas within each Cultural District in 2021-2024 (e.g. marketing initiatives, wayfinding signage, temporary public art and public realm enhancements). The success of these projects will help to inform long-term plans for the Cultural Districts as well as build public and private sector support.

For more information, please see the Cultural Districts Implementation Plan and the FAQ section.


How you can get involved

Public engagement was held in Spring/Summer 2021 to help plan for Mississauga’s Cultural Districts. Community feedback was used to validate and refresh recommendations in the Cultural Districts Implementation Plan and inform planning for future implementation projects in the Districts.

You can take a look at the revised Implementation Plan here. The public engagement summary can be found on pg. 18.

Now that the Cultural Districts roadmap is set, we can move forward with making recommendations come to life. A lot of exciting initiatives are planned for 2022 and there will be new content for you to explore.

This page will be your one stop shop for everything related to the Districts, upcoming engagement opportunities and information regarding events and public space activations!


Discussions: All (1) Open (1)
  • District Themes

    over 2 years ago

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    The City has developed distinct themes for each Cultural District based on the unique identity, heritage and changing community interests of these neighbourhoods. The themes will help to frame the narratives built through placemaking projects, marketing and outreach efforts and strengthen sense of place in the Cultural Districts. Themes were developed through consultation with City staff, local Councillors and BIAs.

    Please see below an overview of the key ideas and existing neighbourhood assets that informed District-specific themes and the Cultural Districts boundaries.


    Clarkson is a Place For...

    Sustainability
    Agriculture & farming history, urban farming potential, green technology
    Cultural Heritage
    Heritage buildings, former strawberry farming capital of Ontario, Industrial Heritage, Museums of Mississauga
    Arts & Entertainment
    Restaurants, cafes, bars, growing culinary scene, unique retailers and antique shops, Clarkson Village Shopping Plaza
    Sustainable practices The Clarkson Street Sign Restaurants in Clarkson

    Proposed Clarkson District Boundaries

    Cooksville is a Place For...

    Food
    Ethnic food businesses, food fusion, culinary art, Mom and Pop Shops,
    Taste of Cooksville Festival
    Cultural Heritage
    5 &10, Dundas Street heritage, Cooksville brickyard, first winemaking capital of Canada, diverse community
    Arts & Entertainment
    Music and entertainment history, Cooksville Festival of Cultures, Paisley Boulevard, restaurants and cafes, Four Corners Square
    Food activities in Cooksville Outdoor festival Music performers

    Cooksville District Boundaries

    Downtown is a Place For...

    Arts & Innovation
    Living Arts Centre, Art Gallery of Mississauga, Sheridan College, Central Library, Mississauga Arts Council, Smart City Centre for Civic Curiosity

    Entertainment Mississauga
    Celebration Square, Living Arts Centre, Rec Room, Square One Shopping Centre, Experiential Programming
    Food
    Festival Food Vendors, Square One Shopping Centre Food District, small local food businesses
    Public Art examples Experiential programming example Various food vendors

    Proposed Downtown Core Boundaries

    Malton is a Place For...

    Cultural Heritage
    Aviation Heritage, Avro Canada monument, ethnic cultural-heritage dances, performances, diverse community, Places of Worship
    Community
    Malton Community Centre, Malton Community Hub, Westwood Square Mall, active local community
    Exploration
    Paul Coffee Park, Malton Greenway, parks and trails, cycling, Malton Community Centre, Malton Sign
    Avro Arrow and Fireworks photo Exterior photo of community centre Various Malton places

    Proposed Malton District Boundaries

    Port Credit is a Place For...

    Cultural Heritage
    Waterfront Parks, Marina, Waterfront Trail, local kayaking & canoe clubs, rowing, boat launches, fishing, cycling
    Entertainment
    Festivals, Restaurants, Outdoor Patios, Summer Concert Series, Sauga Busks
    The Arts
    Art Galleries, Studios, Public Art, Arts on the Credit Programming
    Cultural Heritage
    Indigenous Heritage - Mouth of the Credit River, Marina Industry, Port Credit HCD, brisk manufacturing & oil refinery legacy

    The Port Credit waterfront Buskers in costume Public art examples Indigenous ceremony

    Proposed Port Credit District Boundaries

    Streetsville is a Place For...

    Cultural Heritage
    Heritage Buildings, Queen Street heritage, Streetsville Cemetery, Streetsville Memorial Park
    Entertainment
    Festivals, Restaurants, Village Town Square, Summer Concert Series, Sauga Busks
    Education
    Credit River trail and bridge, Streetsville Memorial Park, Vic Johnson Community Centre, cycling, walking
    Heritage buildings Local restaurant Outdoor activities

    Proposed Streetsville District Boundaries

    Do you have any comments on the themes for the Cultural Districts?

    Quick Reply
Page last updated: 19 Mar 2024, 01:05 PM