Ridgeway Plaza’s Parking and Public Space Debated in Mississauga Mayoral Race

Ridgeway Plaza came up in Mississauga’s mayoral debate, with ideas for less surface parking, more public space and a possible four-storey parking garage.

Updated September 27, 2026

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Ridgeway Plaza storefronts, parking and sidewalk in Mississauga

Ridgeway Plaza became a topic in Mississauga’s mayoral debate on Friday, September 25, 2026. The plaza is a major destination for halal dining, and the candidates’ discussion put its parking and public space in focus.

A proposal to rethink the parking lot

In a debate clip shared by Toronto Muslims via 905hub, mayoral candidate Dipika Damerla suggests removing surface parking at Ridgeway Plaza while preserving the energy that draws visitors there. The clip also raises the idea of making more room for people to gather, with seating and a park-like space. These are campaign discussion points, not an approved redesign of the privately owned plaza.

Ridgeway Plaza storefronts and parking seen from the street in Mississauga
Ridgeway Plaza’s storefronts and parking area. Photo supplied to THF.

Four-storey parking garage idea

A post by Waveroom Toronto also highlights a four-storey parking garage suggested during the mayoral debate as a possible response to Ridgeway Plaza’s parking pressure. The Local reported before the debate that talks of a parking garage were already underway, citing Ward 10 councillor Sue McFadden. The number of storeys comes from the Waveroom post shared with THF; we have not found a public project plan confirming a design, capacity, cost or construction timeline.

Such a garage could be part of a discussion about making the plaza more walkable while retaining parking for customers, but it remains an idea, not an approved project. Any substantial change would need to address how customers reach the restaurants and shops, where they park, and how neighbouring streets and residents are affected. Those questions matter to the food businesses that have made Ridgeway a destination across the GTA.

Pedestrians crossing the road near Ridgeway Plaza in Mississauga
Pedestrians crossing near the plaza. Photo supplied to THF.

What happens next?

The City of Mississauga and Ridgeway Plaza’s owners announced safety and traffic measures in April 2026. The mayoral debate has brought the longer-term design of the space into the election conversation. For visitors planning a food trip, our Ridgeway Plaza guide covers the restaurants, parking and practical details.

Source: Toronto Muslims reel, credited to 905hub; Mississauga Board of Trade debate listing.

Meet the contributor

About the author

Salam Aljabban

Salam Aljabban

Contributor at The Halal Food

THF contributor

Salam Aljabban is a business-minded storyteller with an MBA and a deep-rooted love for traditional halal food and Middle Eastern culinary heritage. Her upbringing across multiple Ontario cities has given her a rich perspective on Canada’s multicultural food scene—especially within Arab and Islamic communities. Beyond writing, Salam loves to cook Middle Eastern food at home and runs a…

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