Top 5 biggest non-COVID news stories in Mississauga in 2020

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Published December 30, 2020 at 3:41 pm

joanneshao

Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate the news, a lot has happened this year in Mississauga that has nothing to do with the novel coronavirus. 

It’s true that Mississauga has seen both good and bad news in 2020 (in fact, the pandemic made sure the news was mostly bad). That being said, a mix of different non-COVID news stories managed to pique your interest this year. But which stories were the most popular in Mississauga from the beginning of January all the way until the end of December?

New developments, an archaeological discovery and a 15-year-old beauty queen all made the list of Mississauga’s biggest news stories this year!

Here are five of our most-read news stories in Mississauga in 2020:


5) Mississauga introduces new bus that’s the first of its kind in Ontario

No matter what happens, transit is always crucial–and innovation is always welcome. On Oct. 30, MiWay announced the introduction of 11 new, second-generation 60 foot hybrid-electric buses that are convertible to full battery power. The city says these are the first buses of their kind in Ontario and the third in Canada. 

The city says the buses feature start-stop engine technology that shuts down the engine while stopped at bus stops and automatically restarts when the brake is released, a reduced number of drive belts (from four to one) that reduce the potential of breakdowns and electrically-powered subsystems such as power steering, HVAC, passenger door operation and air brake compressor.


4) The demolition of the famous “Tim Hortons building”

A well-known brutalist eyesore that was once home to a heavily-trafficked Tim Hortons has been torn down to make way for the Exchange District, a Camrost Felcorp development that will span two million square feet and feature condominium towers, a new boutique hotel, shops, restaurants, office and commercial spaces, new parks and more. 

According to Exchange District’s official website, the first phase, EX1, will be a sleek black and white metal and glass structure with a 24-hour concierge, pet spa, fitness centre, basketball half-court, indoor pool and hot tub, cold storage (for fresh produce), lobby access to a cafe and bar, executive boardrooms, work from home space, a lounge and more. EX2 will feature a ground-floor grocery store with direct lobby access, an outdoor lounge with BBQs and seating, a rooftop sky restaurant, a sky gymnasium and 360-degree running track, a private social gathering room with exclusive outdoor space, a games room and lounge, resident wine storage, a private dining room, a 24-hour concierge, parcel room and more.


3) Archaeological artifacts found at site of a proposed hotel in Mississauga

The site of a proposed hotel development in Mississauga is actually home to some 19th-century artifacts. Earlier this year The Archaeologists Inc. was contracted to conduct an assessment for 6710 Hurontario Street—a vacant lot that could become home to a nine-storey hotel, banquet hall, and restaurant. Over the course of the assessment, the organization discovered 23 ceramic, glass and metal artifacts dating from 1840 to 1870.  The report says most of the ceramic is refined white earthware, which came into common use in Ontario by 1835 and replaced earlier wares such as pearlware. The report says the glass found includes both clear and green bottles. 

The assessment also unearthed two machine-cut nails, pipe stem fragments, and red clay earthenware. 

To learn more about the people who owned the objects, click here

 


2) Mississauga’s oldest nightclub closes down

Blue Suede Sue’s, the longest-running night club in Mississauga (according to the club’s official website), seemingly closed its doors for good in 2020. Signage on the club’s door suggests it closed due to non-payment of rent early in the year.

The club, which has been around since 1989, was well-loved by more mature residents who spent many weekends enjoying the establishment’s three bars, two dance floors and eclectic decor. The news was upsetting for nightlife seekers, especially since residents also lost Failte Irish Pub to COVID. Failte was a near-legendary watering hole in the Square One area that functioned as a restaurant, live music venue and dance club for over 20 years.

Cover photo from iCLUBWORLD.com, via Blue Suede Sue’s official Facebook page


1) 15-year-old Mississauga girl crowned Miss Teenage Canada 2020

A 15-year-old Mississauga girl will remember 2020 as more than just the year she lived through a global pandemic. Despite the COVID-19 crisis and associated upheaval caused by a months-long lockdown, Joanne Shao, a Grade 11 student at John Fraser Secondary School, was crowned Miss Teenage Canada 2020. 

The Miss Teenage Canada 2020 pageant, which tells contestants to “be their own kind of beautiful,” says it’s a place where girls from across Canada can show off their “creativity, energy, passion and drive, get noticed for their achievements and dazzle the world from the inside out.” 

As for what prompted Shao to try out for the competition, she says her mother encouraged her to get involved after seeing a post on social media, telling her it would “look good on her resume.”

Shao said her platform focused on how social media can negatively affect younger girls, as they always see photoshopped and edited images posted by influencers and celebrities. 

Ultimately, Shao said she got a lot out of the experience and shifted her perspective on pageants in general.  

“I thought pageants were like the movies where the girls are super catty and rude, but these girls, I think I’ve made life-long friends. I think everyone should do at least one pageant just for the experience. I didn’t even think I would make it top 12, but here we are,” she says. 

“It still feels like a dream. I have a sash and crown, but it still doesn’t feel real. I think my family and friends were surprised and proud. I’m super proud of myself.”

Miss Teenage Canada 2019 winner Emma Jeapes (left) and Shao (right)

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