Should street hockey be allowed in Mississauga? Survey results are now in

The debate on playing sports on city streets in Mississauga returns for discussion this week.

City bylaws have prohibited sports on streets since 1979 but that doesn’t stop people from playing.

Street hockey, often considered a national tradition, is not allowed in Mississauga, bylaws prohibit playing sports and using nets/equipment (hockey and basketball) on roadways.

However, the bylaw is not often enforced and if it is, it’s usually in response to a public complaint, city officials have said.

The issue came up from a resident at a city council meeting in June 2023, and councillors asked staff to report back on removing the bylaw.

This summer, staff conducted an online survey about allowing road hockey and other sports on neighbourhood streets, and the results are now in.

The survey received 1,178 responses; however, questions were not mandatory to proceed and complete the survey, according to a report to the Nov. 6 General Committee meeting.

Most respondents, 63 per cent, felt their street is safe for playing recreational sports. Out of 1,000 responses, 630 responses said their street was safe, while the remaining number of respondents either felt that their street was unsafe (333 responses) or had another perspective (40 responses).

The survey asked: Do you feel like your street is safe for residents to play on?

However, most people agreed not all sports are equal.

The vast majority of respondents said sports like golf, cricket and baseball should not be permitted on city streets.

Most agreed that equipment should be stored on the resident’s property when not in use.

The survey found most concerns were focused on the overall safety of sports being played.

“Many respondents indicated that it is not necessarily about the sport itself, but about the equipment being used for the sport and how it is being played on the street,” the report stated. “They recommended that parents supervise their children who are playing in the streets and that players be encouraged to be aware of their surroundings to ensure that they are being safe and respectful.”

People also noted that the use of speed bumps and low speed limits in residential streets has positively impacted the overall safety of their neighbourhoods.

Of those surveyed, 214 said all sports should be allowed on the street.

Staff recommend removing the section in the Mississauga bylaw that prohibits playing a game or sport on a roadway. This would deregulate the playing of sports on streets by neither prohibiting nor permitting the activity, the report states.

Bylaw officers would continue to respond to complaints about highway obstructions or noise, focusing on compliance with Highway Obstruction and Noise Control bylaws.

The General Committee will vote on the issue on Wednesday. For more information, see the agenda here.

Lead photo: kris krüg