Mississauga issues $2 billion in building permits as new housing construction hits 30-year high

People and businesses in Mississauga are building new structures and renovating/expanding existing ones at a record pace as the city recovers from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In particular, City of Mississauga figures show, the number of new housing units under construction across the city is the highest it’s been in 30 years.

City officials say they issued 4,120 building permits in 2021, with a total construction value of $2.09 billion. That dollar figure represents a 36 per cent increase from 2020, the onset of the pandemic, when 3,709 permits worth $1.4 billion in construction value were delivered.

The City issues building permits to Mississauga property owners for a wide range of projects including new buildings, additions, garages, decks and sheds. A permit is needed when someone wants to construct, renovate, demolish or change a building.

Of the $2.09 billion in construction value last year across Mississauga, $1.4 billion was residential and just over $642 million non-residential construction value.

“These numbers show two important things,” began Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “One is that developers, businesses and other property owners want to build in Mississauga and take advantage of our thriving economy and the incredible amenities our city has to offer. And secondly, it shows that we’re doing everything we can at the City to ensure building permits are issued as quickly as possible in order to get shovels in the ground.”

In 2021, the City issued permits for a total of 5,456 new residential units, 16 new commercial permits, eight industrial permits and one institutional permit (hospitals, schools, churches, etc.).

“I’m extremely proud that we currently have the highest number of (housing) units under construction that we have had in 30 years,” said Crombie. “As mayor, I want everyone to have the opportunity to put down roots in our city. The new units we’re building will provide people with more housing options across Mississauga and is one way we are helping address the housing crisis that’s affecting communities all across Ontario.”

In its Official Plan, the City has a document that outlines where growth should occur, Mississauga officials note. This includes areas like the waterfront, the downtown core and along major transit corridors.

Andrew Whittemore, Mississauga’s commissioner of planning and building, said in a news release that 2021 saw steady growth with more housing, retail and commercial development.

“The City is being responsible about accommodating growth and development to ensure we build healthy, connected and complete communities,” he said. “Our main focus for growth is increasing the supply of housing and creating more affordable housing. We want the ability to create and provide more housing options for home ownership, including rent that is affordable for those living in Mississauga or considering living here.”

City officials also note that building permits are being issued more quickly than in the past.

“In Mississauga, we’ve seen a 57 per cent decrease in processing time for development applications because of our efficient online approvals process,” said Ezio Savini, the City’s director of building and chief building officer. “Our commitment is to ensure our review and approvals processes is easy and straightforward for developers to bring quality housing to Mississauga.”