Will the kids be allowed to play on the streets of Mississauga?

Mississauga residents who want a say in whether or not a Canadian tradition should be legally allowed to take to the streets of the city need to act fast if they want in on the latest round of public feedback.

As City of Mississauga officials consider if road hockey and other sports should be allowed on neighbourhood streets, residents are being urged to complete an online survey that will inform officials as they discuss the matter further.

Deadline for the survey to be completed is end of the day on Tuesday.

Current Mississauga bylaws that prohibit playing sports and using nets/equipment (hockey and basketball) on roadways are not often enforced. When they are, it’s usually in response to a public complaint, city officials said during earlier public discussion.

Most city councillors who discussed the matter at a June 2023 council meeting were in favour of allowing the activity to continue, citing the exercise it provides young people and other benefits.

Moving forward, the city is reviewing its bylaws and seeking feedback from residents before it makes any decision.

“Currently, playing sports and using sports equipment on local roads is enforced on a complaint basis and issues are resolved through education,” the city said in a news release last month.

“The survey will help the city understand what sports are currently played on streets, how often sports are played on streets and if residents have any feedback or concerns.”

They added responses will inform recommendations for potential changes to bylaws, including:

• what sports, if any, should be permitted on Mississauga streets
• if allowed, when and where street sports should be permitted in Mississauga
• where sports equipment should be stored when not in use
• how the updated bylaws will be enforced

In June 2023, city council passed a motion directing staff to produce a report that would review the city’s current bylaws as they relate to sports and sports equipment on roads in Mississauga.

Following feedback from the public this summer, staff will table a final report at council this fall.