Mississauga’s 311 phone line provides callers with info and some music to their ears

Mississauga | Ontario | Entertainment | Latest News | Music |

By

Published December 7, 2021 at 4:12 pm

Cmagic5, a graduate of Cawthra Park Secondary School, is one of 16 Mississauga musicians to have their talents featured through the City of Mississauga's new Music 311 initiative.

The City of Mississauga has jumped into the music promotion business. 

Starting today, callers to the City’s 311 information line—aka the Citizen Contact Centre—can choose to listen to homegrown Mississauga music while they wait for a customer service representative to take their call. 

The City put out the call two months ago for interested Mississauga musicians to submit entries for consideration in the initiative, dubbed Music 311. 

An adjudication committee selected 16 recordings to be used for the next year. This time next year, other musicians will have the opportunity to be considered. 

“We have an incredible music industry in Mississauga and I am pleased to provide another opportunity to showcase our emerging musical talent,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Music 311 provides callers with the opportunity to experience music from local artists and provides our talented musical artists with the opportunity to share great tunes with new audiences. This is just one more example of how we are working to build an arts-friendly city, raising the profile of local musicians and highlighting the value the arts community brings to Mississauga.” 

Mississauga musicians who wanted to reach a new audience, and make $250 at the same time, responded to the City’s call for submissions in early October. 

Paul Damaso, Mississauga’s director of arts and culture, said the response was incredibly positive. 

“Music is such a huge part of our creative scene in Mississauga. I think residents will be excited to hear the amazing talent of our 16 showcased artists who exemplify the talent that’s emerging from our city,” he said.  

Callers should note they won’t always hear the Mississauga musicians when they dial 311—only when customer service reps are too busy during peak times to answer quickly will callers be given the option to wait with the music in their ears.  

The program includes a total of 16 recordings per year, with four recordings featured in each three-month period in 30-second segments. The City’s website will include accompanying information on the featured artists and their songs. 

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising