Mississauga has been named Ontario’s Most Active Community after thousands of locals joined in on programs and events focused on fitness, recreation, and healthy living throughout June.
The city received this provincial recognition during the 2026 Particip ACTION Community Challenge, a national effort aimed at getting Canadians more engaged in physical activities through sports, recreation, and daily movements. In addition to the title, Mississauga will be awarded a $5,000 grant to support future initiatives related to physical activity and sports.
This achievement builds on last year’s success when Mississauga was named a national finalist in the challenge. City officials say this year’s award showcases the increasing involvement of residents, schools, community organizations, and local partners.
Over 137,000 individuals participated through 48 community organizations during the month-long campaign. The city also set up more than 4,600 activities that drew nearly 122,000 residents across Mississauga.
Some of the initiatives included Fresh Air Fitness classes at Celebration Square which attracted over 1,000 participants across two events and will continue until Sept. 9. There was also the launch of a Get Outside Guide for Older Adults that highlights parks, trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities as well as the Sauga Summer Pass offering free swimming access to fitness centers and Mi Way transit for youth aged 12 to 16 throughout summer.
The challenge also spotlighted several year-round programs aimed at keeping residents active such as after-school cricket sessions, running clinics, bike safety workshops, and outdoor fitness classes.
Additional efforts include expanding the Library of Things which allows residents to borrow sports gear like pickleball paddles, cricket equipment, badminton sets, disc golf tools, and lifejackets. The City has partnered with Equip Sport and Jumpstart to install sports equipment lockers in 30 parks while recently reopening upgraded facilities at Gulleden Park and Anaka Park to enhance access to recreation.
Mayor Carolyn Parrish stated that this recognition belongs to everyone in the community.
“Mississauga is honoured to be recognized as Ontario’s Most Active Community,” Parrish said. “This achievement belongs to the residents, community organizations, schools and other groups who embraced the Particip ACTION Community Challenge alongside city programs and staff.”
She noted that Mississauga’s Healthy City Strategy continues creating more chances for residents of all ages to stay active mentioning that senior memberships at community centers have grown by “the tens of thousands.”
Raj Sheth, Mississauga’s Commissioner of Community Services stated that this award shows what can happen when people collaborate.
“Throughout June we saw how powerful partnerships can be and how essential it is to create accessible options for people of all ages and abilities to stay active connected and healthy,” Sheth said.
The Particip ACTION Community Challenge takes place each year encouraging communities across Canada to promote an active lifestyle while improving health through recreation sports along with everyday physical activities.
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