This city has been named the most physically active in Ontario

Mississauga has been recognized as Ontario’s Most Active Community after thousands of residents took part in programs and events promoting fitness, recreation and healthy living throughout June.

The city earned the provincial honour in the 2026 ParticipACTION Community Challenge, a national initiative that encourages Canadians to be more physically active through sports, recreation and everyday movement. Along with the title, Mississauga will receive a $5,000 grant to support future physical activity and sport initiatives.

The recognition builds on last year’s success, when Mississauga was named a national finalist in the challenge. City officials say this year’s award reflects growing participation from residents, schools, community organizations and local partners.

More than 137,000 people participated through 48 community organizations and groups during the month-long campaign. The city also organized more than 4,600 activities that engaged nearly 122,000 residents across Mississauga.

Among the initiatives were Fresh Air Fitness classes at Celebration Square, which attracted more than 1,000 participants over two events and continue through Sept. 9, the launch of a Get Outside Guide for Older Adults highlighting parks, trails and outdoor recreation opportunities, and the Sauga Summer Pass, which provides free swimming, fitness centre access and MiWay transit for youth between the ages of 12 and 16 throughout the summer.

The challenge also highlighted several year-round programs designed to keep residents active, including after-school cricket, running clinics, bike safety workshops and outdoor fitness classes.

Other initiatives include the expansion of the Library of Things, allowing residents to borrow sports equipment such as pickleball paddles, cricket gear, badminton sets, disc golf equipment and lifejackets. The City has also partnered with EquipSport and Jumpstart to install sports equipment lockers in 30 parks and recently reopened the upgraded Gulleden Park and Anaka Park to improve access to recreation.

Mayor Carolyn Parrish said the recognition belongs to the entire community.

“Mississauga is honoured to be recognized as Ontario’s Most Active Community,” Parrish said. “This achievement belongs to the residents, community organizations, schools and other groups who embraced the ParticipACTION Community Challenge alongside city programs and staff.”

She said Mississauga’s Healthy City Strategy continues to create more opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active, noting that senior memberships at community centres have increased by “the tens of thousands.”

Raj Sheth, Mississauga’s Commissioner of Community Services, said the award demonstrates what can be accomplished through collaboration.

“Throughout June, we saw the power of partnerships and the importance of creating accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active, connected and healthy,” Sheth said.

The ParticipACTION Community Challenge is held annually to encourage communities across Canada to promote active lifestyles and improve health through recreation, sport and everyday physical activity.