Mississauga: City of Growth & Prosperity

Mississauga is perhaps not first, second, or many rankings down on most people's list of tourist destinations. However, the chances of being in this 'over 600,000 and still growing' city are greater than one may conceive.

Most would conclude it is due to Mississauga's top attraction, Toronto Pearson International Airport. Canada's biggest and busiest airport is a portal to roughly 25 million passengers each year. Ranked in the top 10 largest cities in Canada, Mississauga is quickly becoming prosperous in business and gaining in residents. This is largely due to its location: west of Toronto, approximately 90 minutes from the United States border and on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Whether one is in Mississauga for hours, days or longer, there are places to see, food to enjoy and shopping to be done. So rather than 'killing time' watching the Arrivals/Departures board flip, lamenting about big-city traffic, or falling into a catatonic stupor gazing at the hotel TV, step outside and take a moment in Mississauga.

Inside the Living Arts Centre Photo Courtesy of Christina Loeffel

WHAT'S IN A NAME

Although history may not be a big concern to the casual visitor, one cannot deny the name is unusual (and a possible clincher at a spelling bee). The city is named after the Mississaugas, a Native tribe that occupied the Credit River area (named after the European/Native Indian business practice of trading on credit). The Mississaugas gradually sold the land to various groups, which in time formed many small communities. In 1968, six of the communities went from the designation of Villages of Toronto Township to the Town of Mississauga. In 1974, the last two villages in the area, Port Credit and Streetsville, were amalgamated with the City of Mississauga.

Similar to Toronto, there are a multitude of ethnicities that patchwork Mississauga. This is a source of pride for the community as evident by the Carassauga festival, an event that celebrates the cultural diversity of the area.

GETTING AROUND

Mississauga is a pleasant mixture of residential, corporate and green space, thus it stretches out over a fair amount of land. It is not difficult to manoeuvre through the city for those with access to a vehicle (rentals are easily obtained) or willing to take public transit. The City Centre Shuttle Bus is available for transportation around the centre of Mississauga, near the Mississauga Civic Centre. In popular areas such as the airport and Square One Shopping Centre, which is right by the Civic Centre and the Living Arts Centre. There are several marinas in Port Credit, occupying the southern portion of Mississauga.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT

This understated city has a bubbling cultural and artistic community. Mississauga is home to the mammoth Living Arts Centre, where performances of dance, music and theatre are held regularly, as well as a plethora of special events. Depending on availability, tickets may be purchased at the door or on the day of the performance or event. The Mississauga Symphony, which performs in the Centre, offers rush seating at slightly reduced prices.

	Mississauga Civic Centre Photo Courtesy of Christina Loeffel

Other live production venues include Meadowvale Theatre and Stage West, which serve up light-hearted stories and food with gusto. The Art Gallery of Mississauga is worth a peak, especially with its great admission price (free!), and there is a splattering of fine art galleries to browse.

For film, join the bevy of stargazers at one of the various theatres in the area. Of the choices offered, the Playdium is unrivalled. If watching the latest flick on one of the numerous screens is not enough, toddle over to the virtual games for an out-of-this-world experience, or hit a few at the year-round batting cage. In the summer, visitors can romp in the almost five hectare (11-acre) outdoor playground that features a long go-kart track.

SPORTS & RECREATION

Fitness regimes need not suffer when in the Mississauga area. The city has 25 major trails varying in length from one to 22 km (one to 13 miles). The trails are suitable for walking, jogging, inline skating and cross-country skiing during the winter months. Comprehensive trail maps can be obtained from the City of Mississauga. There are also 18 public pools, 11 are indoor, as well as 'pay-as-you-go' fitness centres offering weight training, fitness classes and racquet sport courts.

How about a picnic in the park? There are 10 parks with barbecue facilities, some with picnic shelters. Put together a feast from one of the numerous food stores in the locale, or stop for take-out at an interesting restaurant. The Mississauga Garden Park encompasses over 64 hectares (160 acres) of land, and the Rhododendron Gardens' blossoms are exquisite in the spring. Kariya Park, dedicated to Mississauga's sister city Kariya, Japan, is a smaller spot with lovely statues and foliage. It provides a nice outdoor break from shopping at Square One, as it is a walkable distance.

Spring in Kariya Park Photo Courtesy of Christina Loeffel

A game of golf often releases stress (or dependant on the outcome, adds a bit). The Grand Highland Golf Club is good for a quick game. For those who wish to drive the ball a few more yards, there are several more courses, including the Lakeview Golf Course. The majority of golf clubs throughout the city offer club rentals. A word of caution: some courses book tee-times up to seven days ahead. Preplanning this activity is advised. The DiMarco Golf Dome, located five minutes away from the airport, offers indoor practice facilities in the off-season. Those who prefer the mini version of golf could head over to the Playdium or Putting Edge, which offers glow-in-the dark mini-golf.

DINING & SHOPPING

Perhaps it is time to experiment at a new restaurant. Trying to find something 'Canadian' is a challenge, but there is no shortage of ethnic restaurants or neighbourhood drop-ins.

Rack up the credit card at Square One Shopping Centre, the largest shopping mall in the province. Port Credit has numerous specialty shops and boutiques. Streetsville also has a small stash of unique shops. For Asian flare, venture to the Mississauga Chinese Centre, otherwise known as Golden Square. Bargain hunters will feel sated at the Dixie Outlet Mall, with its large collection of fashion, recreation and home décor outlet stores.

LITTLE EXTRAS

Two houses of note are the Bradley Museum and Benares Historical House. The Bradley house is a simple 1830s settler home, while the Benares structure (circa 1857) was the residence for three generations of an affluent family. Original artifacts have been preserved in each of the dwellings, typifying the lifestyle of the times. It is particularly

	Lakefront Promenade Park - Port Credit Photo Courtesy of Christina Loeffel

interesting to note how the residents of the Benares house benefited from the advancements in technology, specifically the luxuries of central heating and indoor plumbing.

Although part of Mississauga, the districts of Port Credit and Streetsville have retained some of their original village charm. Port Credit is located on Lake Ontario and has the bonus of the large Lakefront Promenade Park. The trails around the park are perfect for ambling or in-line skating, and the view of Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto are lovely. Simply watching the boats, with their billowy sails blow out into the lake, is a tranquil experience. Many an angler can be seen on the rocky shore, but most will attest they use the 'catch and release' method, as they are a bit dubious of the quality of the fish. Port Credit is seeing a growth in housing, and many new developments are on the verge of completion. A heap of fun can be had in spring at the Mississauga Waterfront Festival, which features talented Canadian musicians and fun family activities. The Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival is also a hopping event.

The Streetsville district, some distance north, appears more like an older small village than a portion of thriving Mississauga. The shop fronts and houses are less modish, with more of a charming 1800s effect. A few of the restaurants in the locale are indicative of a relaxed way of life, including a tearoom and an all-day breakfast diner.