Canada’s top music city for 2023 is Mississauga

Mississauga has never been considered a Canadian music hotspot, but the city seems to have hit the right note recently in being recognized as just that.

Mississauga has been named 2023 Music City of the Year by the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) and Canadian Music Week (CMW).

The latest installment of Canadian Music Week, an annual four-day music and media conference that began in 1981, was held earlier this month in Toronto, where Mississauga and City of Mississauga officials received the honour.

The City of Mississauga was recognized for its efforts in recently establishing its Music Strategy with a goal of positioning the city “as an incubator for top musical talent and a national destination for live music events and festivals.”

Mayor Bonnie Crombie said in a news release that City officials and others are doing “incredible work” to put Mississauga on the music map and the latest award shows strides being made in that regard.

“Our city is already home to world-class, diverse musicians and wonderful live music, but through continued efforts and investments in this sector, we are unlocking even greater economic and social benefits,” said Crombie.

The seventh annual CLMA awards were held as part of Canadian Music week. The awards bring together Canadians behind live music for a night of celebration and recognition.

Organizers say they also celebrate the ingenuity, perseverance and excellence demonstrated by live music companies, individuals and organizations over the past year.

“This recognition is testament to the incredible effort taking place behind the scenes to not only advance the City’s Music Strategy, but to amplify Mississauga’s music sector,” said Jodi Robillos, Mississauga’s commissioner of community services. “We want to be known as a city that makes things happen for local artists and talent. We have great spaces to share and enjoy music, and offer many professional development opportunities. As we look to the future, we will continue to build upon our guiding principles.”

Last year, City officials announced Mississauga’s first-ever Music Strategy, which will guide efforts through 2026.

The plan identifies 32 actions over the next several years to support the growth and development of Mississauga’s music industry. It focuses on four guiding principles: amplifying Mississauga’s artists, creating a favourable environment for live music, supporting underrepresented people and groups, and celebrating Mississauga’s history and success.

A Live Music Grant Pilot Program unveiled earlier this year is part of the overall Music Strategy.