Summer festivals, events and gatherings within Mississauga facilities officially cancelled

Unless something changes quite dramatically over the coming days and weeks, we won’t be seeing any substantial events in Mississauga until September. 

On May 26, Mississauga city council approved the cancellation of permits for major festivals, large events and other gatherings in city facilities until Sept. 7, 2020. 

A recent corporate report says there are approximately 180 bookings for events scheduled to take place in city facilities between July 4 and Sept. 7.

At a May 17 press conference, Mayor Bonnie Crombie said about 550 events will be affected. 

The report says that approximately 30 community organizations and event organizers in Mississauga have already made the decision to cancel their 2020 summer events. Events that have been called off include Italfest, Rib Fest, Rotary Movies in the Park, Port Credit Busker Fest, Salmon Derby, Can Jam, Port Credit Art Fest and the Terry Fox Run. 

Unless the province changes its directives, events such as Fresh Air Fitness and Celebration Square movie nights will not take place. The policy will also affect various cultural events including the Mississauga Concert Series, afternoon teas, the Indigenous Walk, and parks stewardship and beautification initiatives.

Affected Celebration Square events will include Food Truck Fridays, Japan Fest, Muslim Fest, Portuguese Festival, Philippine Fest, Mosaic, Latin Fest, and Bollywood Monstrosity (which will now take place online).

Events at Streetsville Village Square such as yoga, movies, salsa, and concerts will not be permitted.

The report says that any customers with rentals during the cancellation period will be provided with a credit on their account for the affected time missed to be applied to a future booking. 

Refunds may also be requested.

At a May 27 council meeting, staff indicated that small events might be permitted if the province and public health agree that smaller gatherings can be held safely. 

“As provincial orders are revised, city staff will work with guidance from Peel Public Health on establishing parameters for the safe re-opening of facilities and permitting of small group activities,” the city said in a news release.