Mississauga named Ontario’s Most Active Community in 2026 ParticipACTION Community Challenge

Recognition celebrates City and community efforts to help people stay active.

July 22, 2026

The City of Mississauga has been named Ontario’s Most Active Community in the 2026 ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk. As part of the recognition, the City will receive $5,000 to support physical activity and sport initiatives in the community. This recognition reflects the City’s commitment to promoting active healthy living for residents of all ages and abilities.

ParticipACTION is a national initiative that encourages people and communities across Canada to be active through recreation, sport and everyday movement.

The ParticipACTION Community Challenge provided an opportunity to showcase the many ways residents can get active in Mississauga while highlighting the City’s continued investments in recreation, sport and healthy living. The initiative aligned closely with the City’s Healthy City Strategy, which supports active living through programs, services and infrastructure designed to improve the health and well-being for all residents.

Earlier this summer, the City encouraged residents to take part in the ParticipACTION Community Challenge and discover new ways to move more throughout June and beyond. This was a practical, inspiring opportunity to remind residents about ways to move more in June and throughout the year. It became a city-wide effort, with residents, community organizations and City staff contributing to the momentum. The City’s campaign generated strong response, with more than 137,000 participants taking part through 48 community organizations and groups. The City also delivered more than 4,600 activities that engaged nearly 122,000 residents throughout June.

The activities included kick-off events and programs that connected residents to free and low-cost opportunities available throughout the summer, including:

  • Fresh Air Fitness – A City-led program which engaged over 1,000 participants across two events at Celebration Square in June. Classes continue to run up until September 9 for any residents looking to get involved.
  • Get Outside Guide for Older Adults – A resource developed to help older adult residents and the organizations that support them discover opportunities to get active outdoors, including Mississauga’s parks, trails, outdoor fitness equipment, multi-use sport courts and recreation programs.
  • Sauga Summer Pass – Providing free swim, fitness and transit access for youth ages 12 to 16 throughout the summer.
A group of adults participate in outdoor activities as part of the Get Outside Guide for Older Adults launch event.

Mississauga’s commitment to helping residents stay active is a year-round initiative. Key highlights include:

  • Community-led activities such as after-school cricket, running clinics, races and outdoor fitness classes.
  • School-led initiatives including bike safety workshops.
  • The expansion of the Library of Things, allowing residents to borrow equipment such as pickleball, cricket, badminton and disc golf gear, as well as lifejackets.
  • A partnership with EquipSport and Jumpstart to install sport equipment lockers in 30 parks across the city.
  • The reopening of two upgraded parks, Gulleden Park and Anaka Park to making active living more accessible.

In 2025, Mississauga was recognized as a national finalist in the ParticipACTION Community Challenge. This year’s designation as Ontario’s Most Active Community reflects the growing involvement of residents, organizations and community partners.

Learn more about recreation and sports programs at mississauga.ca/recreation.

Quotes

“Mississauga is honoured to be recognized as Ontario’s Most Active Community. This achievement belongs to the residents, community organizations, schools and other groups who embraced the ParticipACTION Community Challenge alongside City programs and staff. They all show that active living is for everyone. Through our Healthy City Strategy, we are creating healthy, active opportunities for residents, including seniors who have increased their memberships at our community centres by the tens of thousands. We are proud to be building a stronger and healthier Mississauga for current and future generations.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“Being named Ontario’s Most Active Community reflects what can be achieved when residents, community organizations, schools, businesses and City staff work toward a common goal. I want to thank the City’s Recreation and Culture staff for their efforts to engage residents and community groups. 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.” – Raj Sheth, Commissioner, Community Services