Crombie Pledges to Scrap Parrish’s $2.5-Billion Vanity Project and Put Residents First

MISSISSAUGA — Bonnie Crombie today unveiled her full election platform, pledging to scrap Carolyn Parrish’s proposed $2.5-billion downtown redevelopment and focus City Hall on what residents need: affordable taxes, good jobs, safer neighbourhoods and less time stuck in traffic.

“We are in an affordability crisis. This election is about needs, not wants,” said Crombie. “Carolyn Parrish has raised taxes 15% in two years. Now she is championing a $2.5-billion vanity project. Billion with a B. Her priorities are wrong, and residents are paying the price.”

The proposed redevelopment of the Living Arts Centre and surrounding civic lands includes a hotel, convention centre and elevated park. Crombie pledged to stop the scheme, preserve the Living Arts Centre’s community and cultural role and redirect City resources and future spending toward residents’ priorities.

“People are asking for homes they can afford and transit that gets them where they need to go,” said Crombie. “I want to get housing built, secure funding to deliver the downtown loop and bring a subway into the heart of Mississauga. That is how we build a downtown that works for the people who live here.”

Crombie’s platform puts five priorities first:

• Bring taxes under control. Review the budget line by line, establish an independent Auditor General and work to keep City tax increases at or below inflation while protecting frontline services. Bring forward an early-payment property tax discount, with the rate determined through a public financial review.
• Bring the subway to Mississauga and tackle traffic now. Pursue a Line 2 extension into downtown, press to open the Hazel McCallion Line by the end of 2028 and improve bus and GO connections. Synchronize traffic lights, fix bottlenecks and coordinate construction so residents can get home sooner.
• Back frontline police. Return to the Peel Police Services Board, support officers tackling home invasions, auto theft and extortion and reduce unnecessary paperwork so police can spend more time protecting the public.
• Protect jobs and attract investment. Provide targeted tax deferrals for tariff-affected businesses, pay qualifying local suppliers within 15 days, buy Canadian and fast-track investments that protect and create Mississauga jobs.
• Help seniors stay in their homes. Work to increase the annual property tax rebate to $1,000 for eligible seniors with low incomes, protect free seniors’ transit and fitness memberships and provide practical help to remain safely at home.

Cancelling the redevelopment, reviewing spending and finding administrative savings would help make room for these priorities. The platform also increases annual recreation assistance to $500 for each eligible participant and strengthens partnerships to prevent evictions, support food programs and advance affordable rental housing.

“Hazel taught me to respect taxpayers’ money and do my homework,” said Crombie. “We can look after the Living Arts Centre and support local artists without pursuing Parrish’s $2.5-billion scheme. We have more pressing work to do.”

“Mississauga has a bright future. We can attract good jobs, build homes and get this city moving. But it starts with a mayor who understands your priorities and has the experience to deliver.”

“I will scrap the vanity project and get to work on a future you can afford.”

A Future You Can Afford. Experience You Can Trust.