January 1, 1974: Mississauga became a city seemingly without a great deal of fanfare. Perhaps a bit of fait accompli, the newspapers of the day did not expend a great deal of ink on celebrating the birth of the city. In 1968, with the creation of the Town of Mississauga, there was quite a bit of anticipation, excitement, and celebration. The 1968 festivities, which also included the official unveiling of the name “Mississauga”, were focused on a celebration at Confederation Square at the Town Hall in Cooksville, which received a great deal of newspaper coverage. Most of that focus and celebration was somewhat lacking six years later when the town became the city in 1974.

Between 1968 and 1974, the Town of Mississauga saw a great deal of upheaval. Suburban development was rapidly altering landscape, and long-time residents seemingly struggled with the pace of change. Newspapers covered contentious council meetings and resident discontent (and disconnect) with what was perceived as a pro-development council. The lengthy illness and passing of Town of Mississauga Mayor Robert Speck in 1972, together with the appointment of interim mayor Charles “Chic” Murray, was another change that the electorate grappled with.

The large-scale New Town developments of Erin Mills and Meadowvale, together with Mississauga Valleys and Square One by S.B. McLaughlin and Associates, pointed at the future direction of the soon-to-be City. Not all existing residents welcomed the “new” vision.

Throughout 1973 the newspapers also covered the story of amalgamation and what was the end of Port Credit and Streetsville, with the other towns being absorbed into a greater Mississauga. A great deal of coverage explored Streetsville’s opposition to the province’s announced amalgamation plan and explored different options – none of which were ultimately entertained by the provincial government.

The municipal election held in the fall of 1973 was contentious and was held amidst the perceived shadows of unchecked developments and “big city” politics. The electorate voted to replace the status quo, choosing instead the neophyte politician Dr. Martin Dobkin as the new mayor for the new city.

As quiet as the newspapers generally were around transition from town to city in 1974, some focus was given to “end” of individual identities of Port Credit and Streetsville (we will look at some of these stories in future articles). Undoubtedly 1974 was a significant date in our collective history, but in going through the newspapers, one cannot help but wonder if there was a sense of burnout and malaise amongst citizens and the newspapers in celebrating the birth of the city – that given the tumultuous nature of 1973, one comes away with the sense that the desire might have been to “just get on with it” and reclaim some sense of stability and normalcy within the rapidly changing landscape. 

Mississauga was born through amalgamation. It is not a hamlet that became a village that grew into a town, etc. It was made up of separate places that got “put” together to create a new place. In that sense the biggest step in the story of Mississauga’s evolution, with due respect to Port Credit and Streetsville, may well be the creation of the Town of Mississauga in 1968. In 1974, the Town of Mississauga transitioned into the City of Mississauga, and while 1974 did see the amalgamation of Port Credit and Streetsville into the new city, for many it seemed to be a more natural and logical process of growth and shared services – perhaps aside from those who lived in Port Credit and Streetsville.

 50 years as a city is certainly something to mark and celebrate – even if there was not a great deal of celebration 50 years ago.

To be fair, there eventually was a party – namely the Mississauga City Day Parade, which was held on September 7, 1974 (we will connect more to that story in a future article).

We will also explore different components of our city’s story from over the last 50 years in this series and in other 50th Anniversary programming here at Heritage Mississauga. Stay tuned for more!

Take part in the History Hunt!

One exciting city-wide program is the History Hunt! In honour of the City’s anniversary, the Museums of Mississauga have hidden 50 virtual artifacts as part of a city-wide scavenger hunt. Explore greenspaces, trails and parks, public art installations and learn some history along the way.

The Mississauga History Hunt features ten tours, each with five stops to explore. At each stop, there is a clue to find the next marker. Happy hunting! Participate in the scavenger hunt by scanning the QR codes on the signs located across Mississauga, or by downloading the STQRY app (Android / iOS) onto your device.

The History Hunt is a self-guided scavenger hunt, where you will not only unlock exclusive stories about the history of the city, but also earn virtual badges for a chance to win prizes throughout the year. Prizes include gift cards to local restaurants and experiences, and tickets to local shows and sports games.

Links:
https://mississauga.ca/anniversary/mississauga-turns-50/participate/join-the-history-hunt/

https://heritagemississauga.stqry.app/en/tour/22039

mississauga.ca/museum50

For more information on 50th Anniversary events and celebrations in the City of Mississauga, please visit: https://www.mississauga.ca/anniversary/mississauga-turns-50/events/