Court order will stop ‘dangerous’ public gatherings at Mississauga plaza, city says

Citing public safety concerns, the City of Mississauga says it’s armed with a court order to shut down, if necessary, two large-scale “unsanctioned events” in the coming days at a west-end plaza that’s become notorious for “dangerous nuisance gatherings” and other major disturbances in recent years.

Mississauga officials said Wednesday afternoon an Ontario Superior Court of Justice judge granted the city’s request for a temporary injunction “to enable stronger enforcement and order the condominium corporations that own Ridgeway Plaza to take further action to prohibit nuisance gatherings at the plaza.”

The city said in a news release late Wednesday afternoon it’s aware of plans for a pair of large-scale gatherings — on Aug. 13-14 to mark Pakistan Independence Day and on Aug. 19 to mark Afghanistan Independence Day.

Both events are expected to attract more than 3,000 people to Ridgeway Plaza, which opened in 2022 and is located to the southwest of Eglinton Avenue West and Ridgeway Drive.

Image shows location of Ridgeway Plaza (centre) and surrounding area.

If recent history is any indication, city officials say, the events will also bring with them numerous problems that include loud music and other noise well into the late-night and early-morning hours, parking lot and street racing, fights, the use of illegal fireworks and many other disturbances.

Many public complaints related to such late-night gatherings and traffic concerns at the plaza have been received since it opened.

“The city pursued this injunction to prevent the planned unsanctioned events which would disrupt public order and safety in the community,” the City of Mississauga said in its news release.

City officials added that “despite enhanced enforcement efforts and several attempts to work with the plaza condominium corporations, the issues continue.”

Street racing, stunt driving have attracted police attention

Peel Regional Police, who’ve paid considerable attention enforcement-wise to the plaza and surrounding neighbourhood in the past several years as disturbances, stunt driving, speeding and street racing have become regular occurrences, said on Wednesday afternoon they have “an operational plan in place” to enforce the city’s court order and “ensure public safety” at the plaza in the coming days.

“Officers will be on site to address any issues and, if necessary, may close the plaza, restrict surrounding streets and remove individuals who refuse to comply with lawful orders,” Peel police said. “It’s important to note that non-compliance may result in arrest. Public safety remains our top priority.”

The city said that as of Wednesday (Aug. 13), it will actively enforce the injunction orders and Mississauga’s nuisance gathering bylaw along with Peel police.

City officials added signage will be erected in the area of the plaza to inform people of the new rules and court order.

Plaza owner must do its part for public safety, city says

Among other things, the order from the Ontario court “makes it clear that the two condominium corporations have a direct responsibility to protect public safety at the plaza and stop the nuisance gatherings,” the city said in the news release. “People in attendance at the plaza are also required to comply with the injunction orders by not contributing to a nuisance gathering.”

The injunction orders are in effect from noon on Aug. 13 until 2 a.m. on Friday (Aug. 15) and from noon next Tuesday (Aug. 19) until 2 a.m. on Aug. 20, the city noted.

Under the orders, city officials say the plaza owner must:

• Regulate the flow of vehicle traffic in and out of Ridgeway Plaza.
• Install parking gate arms/barriers.
• Employ sufficient security and paid duty police officers to control and regulate pedestrian and vehicle traffic at the plaza.
• Regulate, prohibit and/or control pedestrian traffic/gatherings/loitering in the parking lot of Ridgeway Plaza that may lead to a nuisance gathering.

The city noted it has received numerous complaints about Ridgeway Plaza since June 2023, including:

• Excessively loud music.
• Large gatherings (thousands of people).
• Illegal patios.
• Illegal use of moveable barbecues.
• Littering, garbage and debris.
• Illegal use of fireworks.
• Physical fights and altercations.
• Threatening and aggressive behaviour among patrons.
• Vehicle noise.
• Erratic and dangerous driving of vehicles in the parking lot.
• Street racing on nearby roads.
• Difficulties with safe entry and exit out of the plaza.

“The local city councillors, the mayor and city staff, along with Peel police, have tried to work with the condominium corporation owners. To date, there has been no cooperation,” the city said, adding its goal is to have the owners address the issues at the plaza. “If this had been done, there would have been no need for the injunction orders.”

Mississauga officials noted they’re not targeting any specific groups or individuals, but are only “focused on ensuring public safety and reducing community disturbances.”

Ward 8 Coun. Matt Mahoney, who represents the area, told INsauga.com on Wednesday he wants businesses at Ridgeway Plaza to thrive, but not at the expense of public safety.

He added it’s unfortunate a court order had to be sought, but noted multiple attempts to get the owner of the plaza to comply with the nuisance gathering bylaw and discourage street racing and other dangerous driving behaviour have, to date, failed.