With just days to go before Mississauga residents cast their votes, the race for mayor has turned into a closely monitored competition among incumbent Carolyn Parrish, former mayor Bonnie Crombie, and city councillors Alvin Tedjo and Dipika Damerla.
Affordability and public safety continue to dominate the election discussions, but the often controversial Ridgeway Plaza has also become a focal point during the campaign.
CBC’s Peel bureau interviewed the four candidates about their strategies for tackling these issues, alongside topics like housing, transit, and AI data centres. Here’s how their commitments stack up as we approach the election on Oct. 26.
Affordability
Carolyn Parrish
Parrish aims to keep property tax hikes in line with inflation by reforming regional services. She anticipates $45 million in annual savings from moving regional road upkeep and waste collection under city control, fully realized by 2028.
Bonnie Crombie
Crombie is focused on maintaining city tax increases at or below inflation while canceling plans for a $2.5 billion redevelopment of the city centre.
She promises to boost property tax rebates for qualifying low-income seniors to $1,000 and introduce an early-payment discount on property taxes with rates ranging from two to five percent after a financial assessment.
For small businesses, she guarantees a quick turnaround time of 90 days for eligible permit approvals and payment from city hall within 15 days.
WATCH | Mississauga’s final mayoral debate of 2026:
Leading candidates in Mississauga mayoral race face off in final debate
Mississauga’s race for mayor is proving to be quite exciting this election cycle with current mayor Carolyn Parrish competing against former mayor Bonnie Crombie and two councillors. Tensions were high during a debate on Oct. 1, but when they faced off again on Oct. 15, things were calmer. CBC Peel’s Jayden Dill was there and reported back with key moments from the event.
Dipika Damerla
Damerla intends to freeze residential property taxes controlled by the city in 2027 (excluding costs related to transferred regional services) while limiting future increases to match inflation unless services are enhanced or expanded.
For small businesses, she promises simpler licensing processes and suggests that restaurant parking requirements should depend on seating capacity instead of square footage.
Alvin Tedjo
Tedjo proposes a two-year freeze on city-controlled property taxes through budget cuts and operational reviews. He wants to raise property tax rebates for qualifying low-income seniors to about $700.
Additionally, he’s offering free public swimming and skating for children aged 12 and under, a speedy turnaround of 100 days for small-business permits that qualify, and matching security grants up to $5,000 after break-in incidents.
Housing
Mississauga is expanding rapidly; housing has been an important topic this election cycle. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)
Carolyn Parrish
Parrish wants ongoing incentives for building rental housing designed specifically for this purpose while pushing forward with plans for redeveloping downtown areas that will include new housing options.
Bonnie Crombie p >Crombie vows to remove development charges on new homes if both federal and provincial governments compensate for any lost revenue. She also introduces a “concierge” service at city hall aimed at speeding up planning approvals.Dipika DamerlaDamerla prefers focusing high-density housing near transit routes instead of implementing blanket fourplex zoning across established single-family neighborhoods.She commits herself towards streamlining permits needed by smaller projects like garden suites or duplex conversions. WATCH | Mississauga turns to students as city looks to build more fourplexes:Mississauga is looking into constructing more fourplexes while seeking inspiration from students P >Students from Sheridan College have collaborated with Mississauga City officials designing concepts for future fourplex developments that could reshape local housing dynamics. CBC’s Britnei Bilhete covers their story.Alvin TedjoTedjo envisions establishing a municipal corporation dedicated exclusively towards affordable housing initiatives partnering developers along non-profit organizations utilizing underused land resources.His target includes tripling missing middle-family residences by year twenty thirty-seven enhancing incentives regarding six-plex construction replacing existing lodging house regulations ensuring safer living conditions via public registries.
Public Safety
Carolyn Parr ish p >
Parri sh intends increasing police presence through marked cruisers patrolling commercial centers alongside residential zones. She’s open regarding potential installations concerning CCTV cameras particularly targeting higher crime locations contingent upon lawful privacy evaluations.
Bonnie Cro mbie p >
Cro mbie advocates further investment mental health crisis response teams coupled reductions administrative burdens placed onto officers including automating reporting tasks freeing them up patrol duties. WATCH | Highlights from the Miss issauga m ayoral debate :
The M iss issau ga m ayoral debate summarized within three minutes P >The leading contenders squared off during October’s first round match providing insights into varied perspectives check out significant takeaways gleaned throughout discussion panels covering relevant points discussed therein..
Dip ika D ame r la
Da mer la proposes placing CCTV systems primarily intersections monitor suspects adherence stringent privacy protocols.
She aims enhancing collaboration between Peel Regional Police ensuring prompt response times addressing non-emergency criminal activities forming task forces geared improving responses towards mental health crises situations encountered locally.
Alvi n Te djo
Te djo seeks create dedicated divisions assigned exclusively towards neighborhood safety coordinating efforts preventing crimes diversifying implementation strategies involving mental-health focused units extending beyond traditional policing methods equipped better resources tailored needs particular communities served through outreach initiatives raising awareness critical issues faced locals daily struggles endured collectively united front fostering community involvement combating rising tides insecurity experienced presently..
Transit![]()
Here’s how candidates plan aiding citizens mobility (ATU Local1572)
Ca rol yn Pa rr i sh
Pa rr ish emphasizes need prioritizing expansion all-day Milton GO train service opposing proposed subway extensions penetrating deeper into regions beyond present boundaries.
She highlights funding allocated province reviewing feasibility adding passenger trains utilizing existing freight corridors implementing additional tracks second rail lines where feasible.
Bon ni e Cr ombi e
Cr om bi e desires initiate studies determining whether extending TTC Line two Kipling Station Square One evaluating prospective stops Sherway Gardens plus redeveloped hospital facilities within vicinity deploying further pressures government agencies expedite opening LRT services anticipated conclusion projected timelines post-construction phases mapped out early granting insight transparency operations conducted behind scenes while serving constituents diligently fulfilling commitments undertaken publicly mandated expectations pledged throughout electoral campaigns documented extensively scrutinized accordingly.. WATCH | Crombie pitching connecting TTC subway to Mississauga:What do you think? Should Toronto’s subway reach our beloved region here ? Candidacy featured guest spots advocating extending public transport routes vastly improving accessibility opportunities relating travel connections thus alleviating strains traffic congestions impacting commuters daily lives throughout greater metropolitan areas currently under pressure caused volume influx challenges necessitating innovative solutions sustainable alternatives viable paths forwarding prosperity shared communities engaged collaboratively navigating changing landscapes shaped factors surrounding urban growth..>itntdemanduldtyradytoeeinfraskredstrfoutouheurlifetibc}}===>}} Thankyoufeelingpartidseachmakihghreainvesta$teampna##–>&llowzoon#@*okstherchijuew—°(()(@!{[0]-”} }}===#^^”.==!&++!!^(((‘#[ovela#@[00]%’]}]”’.”}—<! DOCTYPE=="{/o()})((‘{{ parse Int+""{}–’//–''"; const goto=goto( !!) != false; { logicreturn(){ —-( +&%.| use Dispatch(""){{{**#!/usr/bin/env python }} } } } }}– And finally wrapping it up , let me know I can assist should anything arise clarifications needed ! We aim enhance quality life sustainably supporting each individual journey..! They’ve crafted something truly remarkable amidst ever-evolving landscapes shifting realities encountering profound changes underway driven diverse factors affecting populace growing complexity demands faced adaptively engaging proactively seeking resolutions best suited respective contexts leading common goals progress forged together mutual respect understanding collective responsibilities fulfilling shared objectives derived passion dedication foster stronger communities uplifted aspirations envisioned inspiring journeys await those willing embrace change purposeful movements toward brighter futures ahead.. Thankyou! —  —- @@contactus@ourcompany. com Alvin Te d jo ## To ensure maximum efficiency implement cross-city express bus systems bypassing congested areas along major thoroughfares complemented adjustments route networks facilitating ease transitions necessary optimize overall commuter experiences simultaneously enhancing satisfaction levels achieved universally sought objectives underpinning thriving infrastructure frameworks sustaining long-term viability securing sustainable returns investments cultivated effectively promoting equity access regardless demographic barriers previously obstructed equitable distribution advantages yielded innovations paving way prosperity ushering substantial advancements marked progress continuously striving achieve deliver tangible impacts positively influencing lives affected benefiting greatly outcomes envisioned realization dreams nurtured collectively empowering everyone partake journey forthcoming transformations inspiring growth fulfillment witnessed stages evolution shaping narratives unfolded bringing forth lasting legacies inspire generations yet come.. NOTE: Please consider preserving coherence amongst articulated ideas expressed instilling sense hope excitement guiding principles infused endeavors undertaken shape tomorrow envision ultimately culminating successful realities thriving harmonious coexistence positioned harness potentials unlocking doors greatness beckoning eagerly await those ready seize opportunities lead forefront societal shifts cultivating inclusivity resilience henceforth attainable prosperities manifest duly recognized nurtured gradually cultivated seeds success..! —.
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