With just under six weeks remaining until Mississauga residents cast their votes for a new city council, this mayoral race stands out from others in Ontario: the current mayor is up against her predecessor and two sitting councillors.
In total, there are 14 candidates vying for the position. Polling indicates that two candidates are leading, with a couple of others not too far behind and many undecided voters still available. All four leading candidates kicked off their campaigns over the weekend.
“This is definitely one to keep an eye on.. according to our latest polling, it’s shaping up to be a close contest between Ms. Parrish and Ms. Crombie – both well-known figures in Mississauga and there’s certainly been no shortage of back-and-forth between their campaigns,” Alex Nanoff, a partner at the polling firm Liaison Strategies, shared with City News on Monday.
The company’s mid-August poll surveyed 1,000 residents with a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points 19 times out of 20. It showed Carolyn Parrish and Bonnie Crombie tied at 26 percent each, while Dipika Damerla had 13 percent and Alvin Tedjo was at nine percent; 26 percent of those asked were undecided.
For decided voters only, Nanoff noted that Parrish and Crombie had equal support at 35 percent each, with Damerla receiving 18 percent and Tedjo getting 12 percent.
“There’s plenty of opportunity for candidates to capture attention with their proposals that set them apart from each other,” he explained.
Elected in a mid-2024 byelection with 31 percent of the vote after Crombie stepped down, Parrish – who has long experience as both a councillor and MP – aims to reclaim the mayoral position but this time for a full term. Driving around in a small vehicle wrapped with her image, she mentioned she’s presenting her case at community events attended by about 100 or 200 people each time.
“These backyard gatherings are beneficial because people can ask questions face-to-face; that’s how I won my last election,” Parrish told City News.
When discussing her major achievements, she highlighted a housing task force she established after taking office as mayor.
“We compiled 30 recommendations. The province adopted some into legislation. For instance, deferring development charges until occupancy is achieved helps keep housing prices down,” Parrish said, noting around 1,800 units are currently under construction.
She also emphasized improvements like driveway snow windrow clearing as well as free transit access for seniors and community centers.
However, tense exchanges between Parrish and Crombie on social media reveal some underlying friction regarding Crombie’s attempt to regain the office she previously held three times before resigning to lead the Ontario Liberal Party. She stepped down as party leader partly due to not winning her Mississauga riding during elections.
City News questioned both candidates about these heated exchanges mainly occurring between their teams.
“I don’t comment on my opponents’ actions or decisions; what she does is her business. She represents the past while I’m focused on the future,” Parrish remarked.
“I consider myself positive and energetic but I’ll call out inaccuracies when I see them,” Crombie stated when asked about criticisms directed towards her campaign.
Crombie responded to concerns raised by critics regarding her choice to pursue an office she left in early 2024 by mentioning encouragement she’s received from others wanting her return.
“There’s been a lack of direction and leadership lately which is why people approach me saying ‘Bonnie you’re experienced; you’re a strong leader,'” she explained while reflecting on economic initiatives developed during her prior tenure.
“In my last run for mayor I received support from78% of voters. Clearly within my riding they weren’t ready for Bonnie Crombie representing the Liberals but realistically I’m more centrist than right-wing.”
Alvin Tedjo who currently serves Ward 2 councillor lost his bid in the byelection against Parrish by six percentage points expressed his intent bring fresh perspectives if elected.
“People want change; they’ve shown interest in alternatives; research shows dissatisfaction exists among constituents towards traditional political approaches,” he shared adding doubts about recent polling methods.
“Previously I polled only two percent which is nowhere any politician wishes find themselves yet finishing second just two years ago demonstrates polls sometimes mislead.”
Tedjo took pride sharing his council achievements regarding affordability measures such as free transit options targeting seniors children veterans alongside water discounts aimed specifically at low-income households.
Dipika Damera representing Ward seven-previously serving as MPP under Liberal governance finished third during recent byelections holding slightly above nineteen percentage points-also argued she’d facilitate meaningful shifts if chosen.
“Engaging directly door-to-door shows promising momentum,” Damera explained further emphasizing “if you desire continuity there’s always choices available: either an ex-mayor or current one.”
Addressing accomplishments made during tenure representing Cooksville area included enhancing green spaces coupled success establishing local businesses through BIA thriving today alongside organizing festivals like Taste Cooksville.
