What to Know About Living in Mississauga, ON

Aerial view of downtown Mississauga in the evening

Arabnews24.ca:Monday 19 December 2022 04:54 PM: Moving to Canada is a big decision. Living in a new country will change your way of life. There are new opportunities and things to explore. Mississauga, Ontario is a popular city for new immigrants to call home. It’s multicultural, and diverse, and has a strong support system for newcomers.

Choosing the right landing spot is a major decision. So, researching potential cities in Canada is necessary. This will give you information about the local job market, housing, and career opportunities. These factors will play a key role in your financial success.

Prepare for Canada can guide you with helpful information about living in Mississauga.

About Mississauga, Ontario

Mississauga, Ontario located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to thousands of immigrants. It’s located in Peel region on the shores of Lake Ontario. Only 24 km from Toronto, it’s a popular location for commuters and a great alternative to the City of Toronto.

Mississauga has grown significantly over the years and is one of the biggest municipalities in Canada. It was originally founded in 1805 as Toronto Township. It was reclassified as Mississauga Township in 1968 and then became the city of Mississauga in 1974. Today, the city is known for being home to Pearson International Airport and the headquarters of many local and international corporations.

How Many People Live in Mississauga, Ontario?

The population of Mississauga is 717,961 as of 2021. This is a 0.5% drop from 2016 when the population was 721,599. It remains the third-largest city in Ontario and the seventh-largest in Canada. 52.2% of Mississauga’s population was born outside of the country, making it one of the largest landing spots for immigrants in Canada.

How to Find a Job & Build a Career in Mississauga

Careers in Mississauga - Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals is one of the top industries in Mississauga.

Mississauga’s Local Economy

As home to Pearson International Airport, and with access to all major highways in the GTA, Mississauga is an attractive location for business. It’s a top destination for corporate offices, supply chain, transportation, and manufacturing.

The top industries in Mississauga are:

Major Employers in Mississauga

The are more than 60 Fortune 500 companies with a head office within the city’s borders. There are a lot of opportunities in many industries and professions. Some of the top companies you can work for include:

Amazon Google Oracle Walmart Region of Peel Air Canada Microsoft Canada Research in Motion (RIM) Canada Post Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Bell Canada.

Career Pathways in Mississauga

Many newcomers choose to move to the Mississauga area because of the diverse career opportunities in the area. There are jobs in dozens of industries with career paths for people in all professions and skill levels.

You can explore career options by using a local recruitment agency. Some of the top firms are Randstad Canada, Robert Half, Resolve Recruit Inc., and AppleOne Employment Services. Or begin browsing jobs here.

The Mississauga Housing Market

Mississauga residential district offers many different types of housing options.
Mississauga residential district offers many different types of housing options.

Mississauga is a big place. There are many different housing options depending on your budget and lifestyle. It is on the more expensive side compared to other cities in Canada. You also have a lot of rental options. It’s common for newcomers to rent or live in short-term accommodations before looking to purchase a home.

Is Housing Expensive in Mississauga, Ontario?

The housing market in Mississauga is more expensive than in other areas in Ontario and Canada. But it tends to be more affordable compared to other areas of the Greater Toronto area.

Where you choose to live within the city will affect how much you pay for a mortgage or rent. Some of the most expensive areas are Lorne Park, Gordon Woods, and Credit Mills. Some of the most affordable areas are Applewood, Meadowvale, Fairview, and Mississauga Valleys.

Finding a Place to Rent in Mississauga 

Rent is expensive in Mississauga. The city commonly ranks in the top five most expensive cities for rent in Canada. Rent is typically higher than $2,000 per month. According to data from Renters for Newcomers.

The average rent for an apartment in Mississauga is $1832 for a Bachelor, $2290 for a 1 Bedroom, $2681 for a 2 Bedroom, and $3095 for a 3 Bedroom (as of December 2022). Rental prices will fluctuate based on market trends. Use Rentals for Newcomers to search for available rental units in Mississauga. You can search the current inventory.

Renter’s insurance is an important consideration when renting. It protects your family, belongings, and finances. While renters’ insurance is optional, many property owners may require you have it as part of your rental application. Get more information about renting a home: Renting in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know.

Buying a Home in Mississauga 

Purchasing a home in Mississauga is expensive. The average house price is $1,032, 069 according to data from Zolo.ca (as of December 2022). The average price for a townhouse is $856,000 and the average cost of a condo is $603,000. Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips

Driving & Public Transit in Mississauga

Burnhamthorpe Road is a major roadway in Mississauga used for public transit.
Burnhamthorpe Road is a major roadway in Mississauga used for public transit.

Driving in Mississauga, Ontario

Commuting to work is normal for residents. It’s common for people to spend a lot of time driving to and from work. Fortunately, there all major highways pass through the city, making it easy to get around. Highway 401 passes through the north end. Residents also have access to Highway 403, Highway 409, Highway 410, and Highway 427. If you want to avoid some of the traffic, you can also access Highway 407 ETR, which is a toll road.

Learn more about driving in Canada with these 10 essential facts. Also, see:

Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide

Getting Your Drivers License in Ontario

Tips for Winter Driving to Ensure Your Safety

Mississauga Public Transit

Mississauga has an extensive public transit system. Residents can use a combination of commuter rail (GO Transit), Mississauga Transitway, and Hurontario LRT. These options provide residents with access to most of the Greater Toronto Area. There are also plans to extend the Toronto subway to the city by 2030.

Newcomers to Mississauga have access to support through a variety of community organizations. The Newcomer Settlement Program can help you get information about everything you need to get settled. The City of Mississauga also offers a variety of services and programs for newcomers.

Language Support in Mississauga

Public libraries offer programs to help immigrants learn English and improve their language skills. You can also take language classes through Settlement.org, Immigration Peel, and other community groups throughout the region. Learn more about Services in Canada to Help Newcomers Settle.

Personal Finance & Banking

It’s important to have a strong financial base when you move to Canada. All local banks and financial institutions have programs to assist newcomers. You can open a bank account, apply for credit cards, open a line of credit, and apply for a mortgage. You can also get assistance for many other financial products. Visit a local bank branch in person or online to start the process. 

Get more banking and finance tips:

Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada

Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables

Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada

Mississauga’s Education System

University of Toronto - Mississauga Campus
University of Toronto – Mississauga Campus

Mississauga offers children and adults vast education options. There are four school boards and university and college campuses across the city. Parents have access to daycare and preschool options. There are also before and after-school programs.

Elementary and High School Education

There are four school boards that run more than 150 schools. They are the Peel District School Board, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, the Conseil scolaire Viamonde, the Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud. Overall, there are 121 elementary and secondary public schools and 114 Catholic elementary and secondary schools.

If you prefer, you can enroll your children in one of the private schools or English as a second language (ESL) schools in the city. Multiple schools also offer specialized programs in the Arts, Business, Technology, and Sports.

Post Secondary Institutions

Newcomers have several post-secondary education options. The University of Toronto has a campus in Mississauga. The Sheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning Hazel McCallion Campus is located downtown. Lambton College and Mohawk College also have a satellite campus in the city that is specifically intended for international students.

You are also only a short commute away from many other world-class post-secondary institutions within the Greater Toronto area. Read more about education in Canada:

Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System

Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers

Where To Get Medical Care in Mississauga, Ontario

Mississauga has two hospitals that are part of Trillium Health Partners. Credit Valley Hospital is in the northwest and Mississauga Hospital is in the southeast. The city also has hundreds of smaller medical and dental clinics. In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada. 

Permanent residents can get publicly funded health care through the provincial government’s Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP). There is no waiting period for OHIP coverage. You can apply as soon as you arrive in Ontario. You can pay for additional health insurance plans for prescription drugs and some services that Ontario Health does not cover. Some people have third-party health insurance through their employer benefits packages.

How to Find a Family Doctor in Mississauga

Taking care of your health is a priority. Finding a family doctor is a crucial step to take when you arrive. There are two ways to look for a doctor in Mississauga: through Health Care Connect or The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Get more information about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada.

Ontario Health Card Application Process

What is Day-to-Day Life Like in Mississauga?

Things to Do in Mississauga

Mississauga offers newcomers a variety of things to do year-round. The city has a vibrant arts community, cultural celebrations, festivals, and cuisine from around the world.

Public Spaces & Attractions 

Mississauga has a lot to explore. It’s perhaps best known for the unique Absolute World Towers. If you are into shopping, Square One Shopping Centre is a must-see. Erin Mills Town Centre, Dixie Outlet Mall, and Playdium are also popular. If you enjoy the arts, a trip to the Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is a must-visit. The city is also close to all major attractions in Toronto.

Absolute World Condominium Towers
The Absolute World Condominium Towers are a must-see in downtown Mississauga.

Restaurants & Nightlife

Mississauga offers a variety of international cuisine from around the world. You can find diverse cultural restaurants throughout the city. A visit to the local communities of Port Credit and Streetsville are great ways to spend the day.

Nature & Natural Landscapes

There are lots to explore for those who enjoy the outdoors. Some of the top places to visit include Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, Lakefront Promenade Park, and Jack Darling Memorial Park.

Sporting Events & Concerts

The city is home to a number of minor sports franchises. They include the Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League and the Raptors 905 of the NBA G League. Mississauga was also recently the host of the 2022 Ontario Summer Games. You can see concerts and live music at Paramount Fine Foods Centre, in addition to many bars and clubs throughout the city.

Culture & Diversity in Mississauga

Diversity

Mississauga is one of the most diverse cities in Canada. This is a top reason immigrants choose the city as a landing spot. Over half of the population are immigrants, which is more than 350,000 residents. Based on 2021 Census data, the largest ethnocultural background is European (37.6% of the population). This is followed by South Asian (25.4%), Chinese (7.3%), Black (6.9%), Filipino (5.4%), and Arab (6%).

Outside of English, the most common first language was Urdu (5.0%), Arabic (4.7%), Mandarin (3.2%), Polish (3.1%), and Punjabi (2.9%).

A group of dancers, singers, and performers from the many cultures that participate in this multicultural festival.
Dancers, singers, and performers from many cultures that participate in Mississauga’s multicultural festival.

Worship

There are a variety of religious beliefs represented in the city. Mississauga is a primarily Christian community. 49.9% identify as Christian, 30.4% as Catholic, and 3.6% as Orthodox.

Other religions include Islam (17%), Hinduism (8.8%), Sikhism (3.4%), Buddhism (2%), and Judaism (0.2%). 18.1% have no religious affiliation.

The Weather in Mississauga

The weather in Mississauga is like other cities across the Greater Toronto Area. It has a continental climate that is like the rest of Southern Ontario. July is the warmest month with an average temperature of about 27 degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of -10 degrees. Expect changing weather conditions throughout the year. You’ll get sunny summer days, rain in the spring and fall, and cold snowy days during the winter.

Common Questions Immigrants Ask About Living in Mississauga

Is Mississauga a good place for immigrants?

Mississauga is a good landing spot for newcomers because of its diversity. People from all over the world call the city home. There are lots of job opportunities in a lot of different industries, and there are many community organizations that can help you get settled. It has a beautiful waterfront and there are lots of things for people to see and do.

What are some of the disadvantages of living in Mississauga for new immigrants?

Housing prices are one of the main concerns for newcomers considering moving to Mississauga. Prices can be expensive. The city also experiences significant traffic on major highways and city streets. This could add time to your daily commute.

What are the benefits of living in Mississauga?

There are many advantages to choosing Mississauga as a place to call home. It offers a great transit system and schools, and it has a diverse economy. As well, there are many unique neighbourhoods and cultural communities.

For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle successfully!

This article was published by the Canadian Media, please inform us by email if there is is any copyright infringements.

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