I am grateful to the hundreds of residents who have expressed their interest in hearing more about the efforts undertaken by City and Police to address concerns around Ridgeway Plaza. These efforts were shared at two Community Meetings I hosted – one in person on March 11 and a second virtual meeting on May 20. At the latter meeting, city staff from Planning, Enforcement and Legal Services gave brief presentations about their work on the matter and this was followed by an extensive opportunity to ask questions and hear answers from the appropriate staff who have the related authority and expertise.
Below are the many questions asked that were relevant to the topic, along with answers provided by staff. Questions were grouped by topic and similarity, so if you asked a specific question and it’s not listed here, it may be combined with another similar question, or it may have been a Ward 8 matter exclusively, or it may be included in the video and not transcribed in text below, or it may not have been relevant to the topic of addressing concerns raised by the neighbourhood around noise, traffic, congestion, nuisance gatherings, etc.
Again, thank you for your participation and interest. Councillor Mahoney and I continue to work with city staff and police to support the local businesses, create a safe space for patrons of the plaza and restore peace and order to the surrounding community. As always, reach out anytime with questions, comments or suggestions as together we work to achieve these important goals.
Sue McFadden
Councillor
Ward 10, Mississauga
LINK TO VIDEO
I am working with staff to provide a publicly accessible link to the video recording of the meeting and will post that link here when it is available.
QUESTION & ANSWER
Traffic
What measures are being taken to improve the illegal driving situation on Ridgeway, including U-turns and prohibited left turns?
As part of the signal installation at the intersection of Ridgeway Drive at Platinum Drive/Aquinas Avenue, proper left turn lanes will be installed which will eliminate the incidents of motorists making U-turns to access the plaza.
I would like to a hear a detailed overview of the studies being done to enhance controlled intersections with red light cameras.
Currently the City of Mississauga does not operate a red light camera program on City roadways. The Region of Peel does operate a red light camera program, however only at intersections under their jurisdiction. Staff anticipate assuming their program with the future download of Regional roads and programs to The City. At that time, staff will look to expand the program to City roadways and will evaluate intersections for deployment.
Has any consideration been given to do advance green lights at Churchill Meadows Boulevard and the entrance across the street to the plaza?
This inquiry has been forwarded to our Traffic Signals and Systems team for consideration and review.
You mentioned that the traffic signal changes proposed for Churchill meadows blvd/Eglinton Ave (advance turn signals) is being reviewed. How long on average would it take for this assessment take?
The City has commenced the review of the intersection and expects to complete the study by early July. If any improvements to the intersection are recommended as part of the study, the timing of implementing the improvements will be considered at that time.
There are municipalities in Peel, Brampton for example, that have deployed full time camera/speed management systems to control and punish speeders. Is there a plan being discussed to deploy similar systems in the area that includes the Ridgeway Plaza??
The Province of Ontario has banned the use of automated speed enforcement across the province. Mississauga discontinued our ASE program in November 2025 as a result.
What immediate actions will the City take to improve traffic flow, enforce stop signs, and address unsafe lane design at Ridgeway Plaza, including consideration of one-way lanes?
Traffic control within the plaza is outside of the jurisdiction of The City. That said, it is my understanding that as part of the agreement with The City, the plaza has agreed to make a number of safety improvements related to traffic control within the plaza.
The speed bump numbers are exaggerated and too high. They are damaging our cars. Is it possible to lower them and make them wider?
The speed cushions installed on Platinum Drive and Odyssey Drive were implemented to improve safety and reduce incidents of organized street racing. The cushions have been evaluated and meet our design specifications and are in line with devices used across the City. The cushion design ensures that wider axel vehicles like fire, ambulance and transit vehicles can travel the roadway unimpeded.
The speed cushions within the plaza were installed by a third-party company under the authority of the private Condominium Corporations. The City has no jurisdiction to determine the design of these humps on private property.
Why can’t we restrict the entry/exit points & have 1-way traffic to ease congestion inside the plaza? Please consider barricading the plaza entry from Ridgeway Dr side which is closest to the Eglinton Dr intersection. If not barricaded, allow ONLY exits on to Ridgeway Dr from the plaza.
The plaza development was approved with full-access at the driveways. The City does not have the jurisdiction or authority to limit access or mandate traffic flow within a private property development.
At present there are several plastic poles [bollards] intended to control traffic. Is there any intention to install a more permanent curb and median system to better control traffic flow? I have seen many illegal maneuvers as drivers attempt to go north for example out of driveways which only directs traffic southbound.
There are bollards located at the intersection of Platinum Drive and Ridgeway Drive, and on Eglinton Avenue east of Ninth Line. The devices at Platinum Drive are in place to supplement the existing right-in/right-out access to Platinum Drive at Ridgeway Drive. As part of the coming signal installation at this intersection, proper left turn lanes will be installed which will eliminate the incidents of motorists making improper turns to or from Platinum Drive.
The devices on Eglinton Avenue are to limit left turns in and out of the of the gas station located on the south side of the roadway. These devices will be replaced by a permanent concrete median island installed as part of the Ninth Line widening project.
Could we have an all-way stop where there is a connection between the two plazas on Platinum?
We don’t put stop controls at private access. However, we have looked at potentially adding a Pedestrian Crossover in the future. We are waiting for all the development to be completed before conducting our review and making recommendations.
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Transit
During this session operational measures directly within the plaza have been outlined. What public transit investments are being explored to reduce the stress on parking and traffic?
Miway (Mississauga Transit) has recently changed Route 35 to provide service in both directions along Eglinton Avenue just east of Ninth Line. Route 35 is a popular route and Miway continues to monitor this corridor making adjustments that meet the growing demand for service.
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Peel Health
My question is regarding health and safety issues inside the restaurants, cafes etc and I would appreciate if someone can guide to whom to contact regarding health and safety issues for clients having major health issues.
To make a confidential complaint, report a concern or ask a question you can contact a Peel Public Health inspector. They can investigate or can answer questions about food safety at a restaurant, unsanitary or unsafe conditions or other health hazards.
Contact an inspector by email: peelhealth@peelregionca or call 905-799-7700, toll-free 1-888-919-7800.
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Police Enforcement
How is the street racing being addressed on Ninth Line, as there is sporadic extreme high speed racing/driving and severe engine revving and modified muffler noise?
The street racing along major roadways is coming from anywhere, not just the plaza. When we focus on street racing, we have a number of projects in place is. One of these is Project ERASE: Eliminate Racing Activity on Streets Everywhere. This is targeted, proactive enforcement based on police patrols and intelligence gathered through previous experience and continual monitoring.
Peel Police has deployed more divisional traffic officers in the area of Ridgeway and Eglinton focussing on road safety. And we continue to work with the city to address speeding and racing through non-traditional enforcement measures like traffic calming devices.
On the question about mufflers, this is an ongoing concern not just here but all across the city and region. The biggest and best solution is at the source; enacting legislation that will make it illegal to install noise enhancing equipment on cars because then it is much less likely to occur and much easier to enforce if it does occur. Peel Police has advocated for change with provincial elected officials and recommend that residents do the same.
With the installation of the cameras how exactly will Peel Police be able to use footage from the cameras to enforce fines/arrests?
Peel Police is developing a plan and process with the property management group to allow for an easy transaction of footage for when it’s needed during an investigation. This is only done when needed for investigative purposes following an incident and is not done for general surveillance.
Residents want to know what concrete steps are being taken to improve safety in the surrounding neighborhood and on nearby roads.
From a Policing perspective, it’s the increased police presence in the area both in unmarked vehicles and police cruisers. The unmarked cars will generate more enforcement and the cruisers serve more as a deterrent and we try to balance both in order to change driving behaviour and improve safety.
Can stricter fines be introduced for driving stunts (ban people/vehicles from the plaza past a certain number of violations)?
The police do not have the authority to set or change fines. These are all established through the Highway Traffic Act which is provincial legislation. Again, to advocate for changes (increased penalties), contact your Member of Provincial Parliament.
Banning people from the plaza is through the Trespass to Property act and in working with the condominium corporations we can be granted authority to enforce individuals who have been banned from the property.
Can we have a police outpost set up at Ridgeway plaza?
A substation at Ridgeway Plaza does not eliminate issues. But, in partnership with the condo corps, we focus on gatherings and focus on historical data and real-time monitoring to help us know when to have an increased presence in the area focused on road safety.
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Parking / Bylaw Enforcement
I understand barriers are going to be installed at entrances. What is the timing? How will these operate?
The 11 gates at the plaza entrances have already been installed. The operation and use of the gates will be the responsibility of the plaza condo corps with input from City enforcement and Peel Police and Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services. The gates are private property and owned and operated by the property.
Ridgeway plaza is often busy with lines leading out of the restaurants. With increased density in the area along with increased pedestrian visiting the plaza how are we managing crowd control? With the installation of access gates, how will queues be managed?
Managing crowd control is a team effort. When a situation might trend toward something that is unmanageable and beyond the capacity of the space, the gates can be closed to ensure an orderly management of flow on site and keep additional vehicles from entering. These will be operated by the private security company and monitored by City forces to maintain public safety.
When parking gates/arms are put in place, what will be done to ensure that patrons of the plaza do not just park on our residential streets?
The intended use of the gates is for a time-limited closure just to manage the immediate concerns around capacity. It’s not meant to be closed for an extended period whereby people will then park on neighbouring streets.
Parking on any residential street is permitted for up to 5 hours between 6 am and 2 am unless otherwise signed. If vehicles are parking beyond this time without the benefit of a parking consideration or they are parked illegally, residents can call 311 or submit a report online to request enforcement.
What measures are being taken to curb overcrowding and loitering during various cultural holidays and events?
During known high‑activity periods, enforcement increases proactive patrols and inspections. Where warranted, enforcement operations are coordinated with private security, Peel Regional Police and Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services. Enforcement follows a graduated enforcement approach, escalating when non‑compliance continues or when public safety is at risk. Access gates may be closed during peak times or major holidays at the discretion of the property’s on-site private security or based on safety recommendations from Peel Regional Police or emergency services.
The security cameras and gates are key measures that have been employed to address large gatherings. This has proven to be quite successful at Westwood Mall (Malton) in managing large cultural gatherings there.
The condo corps is a partner in this and has set up its own private security company to help manage the property for safety and securit
In addition, city staff are monitoring social media where unsanctioned gatherings are sometimes promoted and can prepare in advance to increase their presence at a given location.
What actionable enforcement mechanisms do City By-law officers have for repeat offenders, and how can residents efficiently log complaints that trigger a direct response
Educational opportunities, financial penalties, and court charges are some of the tools available to City Bylaw Enforcement Officers. Complaints can be submitted by calling 311 or reporting online. Each one is logged and tracked and enforcement officers are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Where do residents call to have parking enforcement come to tag cars that are parking within 9m of an intersection or 15m of a controlled one?
A resident can call 311 or file an online report for most parking contraventions. Under the City’s by-law, Parking Enforcement is only authorized to enforce parking within 5 metres of an intersection. Distances of 9 metres or 15 metres referenced in the question are not reflected in the current by-law
Is there an established direct line of communication or escalation protocol between the neighborhood association, plaza management, and local enforcement for urgent, after-hours disturbances?
The City’s enforcement division has an established link with the condo corps as well as with police, fire and public health. With respect to the neighbourhood associations, that can be reviewed and evaluated for a feasible way to integrate that into the communication process as well as the property’s private security company.
Also, as part of the mediated settlement, four meetings per year will take place between city officials and the condo corps to review and enact processes aimed at public safety and property security, identify concerns and make adjustments on a go-forward basis.
Is there a longer term plan that considers a time where we don’t need police presence or these meetings to continue? Have goals been built and what do those goals look and when do you aim for this to happen?
The City’s approach is focused on achieving sustained compliance and stability, rather than relying on a continued heightened enforcement presence. By law Enforcement applies a proactive, responsive, and consistent approach, using visibility and early intervention as key deterrents to reduce recurring issues and prevent escalation. The objective is to reduce complaints, increase compliance, and improve community safety, allowing for the gradual normalization of enforcement presence over time. However, timelines are not fixed and are based on on-the-ground conditions and observed improvements in behaviour. Success in this case will be measured over the long term with consistent and reliable action from all parties.
Is there data on the number of education encounters and warnings?
Enforcement activities, including education, warnings, and enforcement actions, are tracked as part of overall inspection and complaint response processes. While education and warnings are key components of the City’s graduated enforcement approach, specific counts of those interactions are not typically reported in isolation, as they form part of broader enforcement activities that include inspections, penalties, and charges.
Can noise detection devices be installed and is there a way to use such technology to enforce noise at the plaza beyond what is permissible in the bylaw and charge the property owner?
At this time, the City does not use noise detection devices as a standalone enforcement tool. Noise enforcement is governed by the Noise Control By-law, which requires officers to investigate complaints and, where possible, directly witness violations in order to take enforcement action. While technology such as noise monitoring devices continues to evolve, its use in enforcement must align with legislative authority, evidentiary standards, and privacy requirements. The current by-law framework does not provide for automated or technology-based or permit penalties beyond what is authorized. Responsibility for managing and mitigating noise on private property rests with the property owners, tenants/operators, and individuals. The City responds to verified violations using a graduated enforcement approach that includes education, warnings, and enforcement action where warranted. The City will continue to monitor emerging tools and best practices as part of ongoing efforts to improve enforcement effectiveness.
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Planning
If there is a parking issue, isn’t it the City’s responsibility to arrange more parking? There is still land available behind the storage centre.
The vacant lands surrounding Ridgeway Plaza are privately owned and are not City-owned parking reserves. While municipalities do have the ability to acquire land in certain circumstances, including through expropriation, that process is typically complex, costly, time-consuming, and involves significant legal and property rights considerations. Expropriation is generally used for essential public infrastructure purposes such as roads, transit, utilities, or public facilities.
More broadly, the City does not typically provide or construct parking facilities for privately operated commercial plazas. Parking for commercial developments is generally the responsibility of the private property owner or developer and is addressed through the development approval and zoning process. If the City were to assume responsibility for providing parking for one private commercial development, it could create broader expectations for similar treatment elsewhere across the city.
The City’s role is to establish zoning regulations, review development applications, and ensure that private developments provide appropriate parking and function safely over the long term. In the case of Ridgeway Plaza, the Parking Study evaluated parking demand and operational impacts across the entire property. The study found that the current concentration of restaurant and restaurant-like uses is generating parking demand that is operating at or near capacity during peak periods.
Based on those findings, the City’s focus has been on managing future parking demand and preventing further intensification of high parking-demand uses, while also working with the property owners on operational improvements to the site. Staff will continue to monitor conditions at Ridgeway Plaza, and should issues persist or worsen over time, additional recommendations or alternative solutions may be considered in the future.
Why were the safety measures of the plaza not checked by the relevant institutions before construction began?
The plazas were reviewed through the City’s standard development approval process, which included review by Planning, Transportation & Works, Fire, and other relevant departments. Matters such as fire access, emergency access, site circulation, parking layout, and general safety requirements were reviewed as part of the site plan approval process, and the developments were required to comply with the applicable standards and regulations in place at that time.
At the time approvals were granted, the plazas were assessed as a typical mixed commercial developments containing a range of retail, office, service commercial, and restaurant uses (much like all other plazas across the city). While restaurants were permitted, the long-term concentration and intensity of restaurant and take-out restaurant uses that ultimately developed over time was significantly greater than what is typically seen in comparable commercial plazas.
The operational challenges being experienced today are largely related to how the plaza evolved over time, particularly the concentration of high parking-demand uses and the resulting peak evening and weekend activity levels. In response, the City undertook the Ridgeway Parking Study and is now proposing zoning and operational measures intended to better manage parking demand, circulation, and overall site functionality moving forward.
Is the plan to build a hotel in the area still being considered?
Yes. There is currently a hotel proposal within the broader Ridgeway study area. The proposal has not yet received final approval, as the City is awaiting a final resubmission to address outstanding technical and administrative matters associated with the application.
Based on the plans reviewed by the City to date, the hotel site is intended to function independently with its own parking supply and site access. The hotel is also expected to operate differently from the existing and proposed commercial plaza developments within the Ridgeway Special Area, as it is not anticipated to contain the same concentration or intensity of restaurant and restaurant-like uses that generate high peak parking demand during evening and weekend periods.
Why not redesign the plaza similar to Toronto Premium Outlets with pedestrian-only areas, dedicated parking areas, waste facilities, and traffic calming measures?
The City and the Ridgeway Plaza Condominium Corporations are already working together on a number of operational and safety improvements intended to address concerns related to traffic, parking, circulation, and nuisance activity at the site.
Following mediation discussions, several privately funded measures are being implemented, including security cameras, speed humps, access gates, additional signage, increased security staffing during peak periods and special events, and enhanced parking enforcement. The City and the condominium corporations will also continue meeting regularly to monitor conditions and discuss additional operational improvements as needed.
However, Ridgeway Plaza is an existing privately owned commercial development that was not originally designed as a pedestrian-oriented outlet-style centre. Significant physical redesigns — such as converting internal drive aisles into pedestrian-only spaces or substantially reconfiguring parking areas — would require major reconstruction, coordination between multiple private property owners and condominium corporations, and additional approvals and investment.
As Ridgeway Plaza is privately owned, the City does not control the day-to-day operation or redesign of the site. The City’s role has therefore focused on implementing zoning changes, enforcement coordination, and working collaboratively with the property owners and condominium corporations on practical operational and site management improvements intended to improve safety, circulation, and parking conditions over time while allowing the plaza to continue functioning as an active commercial destination.
How can we celebrate the success of this plaza? Can parking spaces be used for outdoor tables and chairs?
The City recognizes that Ridgeway Plaza has become a very popular destination and an important commercial hub within Mississauga. The goal of the current study and proposed zoning changes is not to eliminate that success, but rather to better manage the operational impacts associated with the intensity of activity at the site.
At this time, the Parking Study identified that the existing plazas are functioning with a very limited parking surplus during peak periods — effectively operating at or near capacity during busy evenings and weekends. Given the current parking and safety concerns, reducing the number of available parking spaces to accommodate outdoor tables, chairs, or patio-style expansions would not be appropriate at this time, as it could further impact parking availability, site circulation, and emergency access.
As commercial space becomes vacant, will it still be approved for food establishments?
Potentially, yes — but only within units that already have an existing approved restaurant permission. In other words, the restaurant permission stays with the approved restaurant unit. If a restaurant closes and another restaurant opens in that same approved restaurant unit, that is considered a continuation of an existing restaurant permission — not new restaurant growth. Existing legal restaurants can continue operating.
However, the zoning now limits the overall amount of restaurant space permitted across the plaza. This means restaurants generally cannot expand into units that were not previously approved for restaurant use.
Over time, if restaurant units naturally transition to non-restaurant uses, the overall amount of restaurant space within the plaza is expected to gradually decrease. The goal of the zoning changes is to prevent the concentration of restaurant uses from continuing to grow while still allowing existing approved restaurant units to continue operating.
Was there any monitoring of the mix of commercial/ restaurants throughout the time that units were opened compared to when the zoning planning occurred (between 2021 and 2024/5) so that we wouldn’t end up in this position to begin with? Perhaps this needs to be considered in future developments.
Site plan approval for Ridgway Plaza followed the typical City process, including circulating the application to various departments and obtaining required Committee of Adjustment approvals. Building permits were subsequently issued in compliance with the approved site plan and zoning regulations. Occupancy permits for the tenants were then issued in accordance with zoning regulations and any minor variances issued by the Committee of Adjustment.
With the implementation of the Ridgeway Zoning Study the City will monitor the area to ensure new regulations are enforced and that there is a gradual rebalancing of uses. Where the zoning for developments like Ridgeway plaza often required a single parking rate, the City now requires developments to incorporate specific rates for certain types of tenants (e.g. large restaurants require more parking spaces than retail stores). This change should help the City monitor and manage change should there be a greater than anticipated concentration of uses like restaurants.
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Legal Services
Is there an option to close the plaza by midnight? Why is there no bylaw in place to control hours of operation to respect ‘quiet time’ to respect the surrounding residents?
Ridgeway Plaza is a private enterprise. The City does not control private enterprise beyond our ability to regulate under the Municipal Act. In terms of the ability to close the plaza, we simply do not have the authority.
The only scenario where we could effect a closure was similar to what happened last August where we obtained a court injunction and the plaza was closed as the situation developed into what was declared a nuisance gathering. That’s a very unique circumstance and one we would like to avoid. We want to work with the Condo board so that closures are not necessary in the future. The expectation is that this will be a better summer; that we have measures in place to avoid nuisance gatherings and constant issues that we were experiencing in previous years.
With respect to regulating the operating hours of businesses, the Municipal Act simply does not give Cities the power to do so when it comes to restaurants.
Section 148(4) of the Ontario Municipal Act, 2001 prohibits municipalities from enacting by-laws that would regulate the operating hours of the retail establishments serving prepared meals.
The Board of Directors for the two condominium corporations operating the Plaza have the sole authority to regulate and change the operating hours of the businesses at the Plaza. This is a good question that should ideally be directed to the Board of Directors or the property manager. The property manager is as follows: Mr. Leonard Bitri, Y.L. Hendler Ltd., Property Manager, leonard@ylhendler.com, 647-924-7266.
The Plaza parking lots are owned by the Condominium Corporations, and the city cannot unilaterally close that space without a benefit of a court order. The city’s Legal Division is of the opinion that the circumstances that would lead to a court application and a court order to close the Plaza by midnight do not exist.
Does the fact Ridgeway Plaza is a condominium have any effect on the city’s ability to control the situation there?
The difference is that perhaps with a sole owner operation we can work with the single entity to resolve issues. Condominium corporations unique in that a requirement under the Condominium Act that condo owners elect representatives to a Board and the Board is the key body that makes decisions about the management of the property and the City then works with an elected board.