The history of Dixie and Dundas neighbourhood in Mississauga

Ever wondered where Dixie Road’s name comes from?

The historic community of Dixie (centred on Dixie and Dundas), was named after Dr. Beaumont Dixie (as seen in the cover shot above), a beloved doctor from nearby Erindale.

The road to Dixie became known as Dixie Road. According to Heritage Mississauga, before 1865, the community was known by names including Fountain Hill, Fonthill, Onion Town, Irish Town, Cork Town and Sydenham.

Built in 1846, the Atlantic Hotel was built by William Kennedy, the grandfather of Ontario Premier T. L. Kennedy. Charles Gill bought the hotel in 1906, adding a grocery business and the Dixie Post Office. The site is now a KFC.

What’s there today:

Dixie Public School, or Toronto Township School Section #1, was built in 1857. On the northeast corner of Dixie andDundas, now an industrial site.

As the community grew, a second school was built on the southwest corner. That building still stands, as part of the St. Sava Serbian Centre. If you’ve tried Chevape at Carassauga, you’ve been in the old school.

What’s there today:

The Dixie Arena opened December 16, 1949. Seating 3000 spectators, the area’s first arena was funded by the local farming community. Ontario Premier Leslie Frost is seen dropping the puck, for a game between the Dixie Staffords and, in a case of foreshadowing Mississaugateams to come, St. Michael’s College.

The arena became a dance hall in 1986 (Astralight), and was damaged by fire two years later. The building stood empty until 1996, and was replaced by Applewood On The Park. You can access the neighbourhood by Arena Road.

What’s there today:

The Dixie Beehives hockey team was named after the popular corn syrup made by their sponsor, St. Lawrence Starch, of Port Credit. Notable alumni of the team include Brendan Shanahan (1984-1985) and Nick Kypreos (1983-84).

The Dixie Fruit Market was built in the 1950s at Dixie and Tomken Roads, operating under various ownerships until 1985.

Leslie Pallett became a local politician and the head of the County of Peel in 1925, earning the nickname “Mr. Dixie”. The Brick took over immediately, after the grocery store closed.

What’s there today: