Task 1: Where do I live?

Mississauga is a beautiful, diverse, and lively city. Located in the province of Ontario, it is known for its close proximity to the city of Toronto and its own individual personality. Established as a town in 1968 and a city in 1974, Mississauga, lovingly called “Sauga” by its residents, is the sixth most populous city in Canada. 

This is a city well-known for its mayor, Hazel McCallion, who served 12 consecutive terms and held her position as mayor for 36 years. Also, Canada’s most famous and trusted airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, is located in Mississauga. It is also home to Canada’s second largest shopping mall, Square One, and the popular Marilyn Monroe buildings. Among the numerous parks throughout the city, Kariya Park has a special significance because it is named after Mississauga’s sister city in Japan. Being a city that is so close to the 5 Great Lakes, there are many beautiful lakeside attractions and activities that people can do at many locations, including the Port Credit Lakeshore Harbour and Marina. Although these attractions are vital to the city, what makes Mississauga such a wonderful and memorable city is its people and I am glad to call it my home.

Marilyn Monroe buildings in Mississauga

According to the 2011 Census, the population of Mississauga was 713,450. Males took up 48.9% of the population and females took up 51.1% of the population. The largest part of the population is people aged 45 and above. The population continues to grow at a steady rate. Mississauga is home to all kinds of people, from all kinds of places. This city is very accepting of and welcoming to immigrants. According to the 2001 Census, 59.3% of the city’s population was White, 14.9% was South Asian, 6.2% was Black, 5.9% was Chinese, 4.0% was Filipino, 1.9% was Arab, 1.6% was South-East Asian, 1.5% was Latin-American, 0.8% was Korean, 0.7% was West Asian, 0.3% was Aboriginal, 0.3% was Japanese, and 2.4% was other minorities. 

Mississauga has come a long way. A city that used to be predominately inhabited by white people is now home to one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in Canada. Mississauga encourages immigration and tries to make sure everyone’s needs are being met, people are happy and feel welcomed and accepted. Mississauga has a large Muslim community and they are often under scrutiny because of the misconception others have of associating all Islam believers with terrorism. Despite this, the city does all that it can to make sure its people are treated with respect and love, and that their rights are not infringed upon. 

In Mississauga, 66% of people are employed, 5% are unemployed, and the remaining 29% are not in the labour force. More than half of the population is working and only 5% are not working which says a lot about the integrity and hardworking nature of the people of Mississauga. Those who are not in the labour force, whether they be children, seniors, disabled people, or those on welfare, Mississauga makes sure that its people are cared for and protected. It has an ageing population but has a planned budget for the health care needs, services, and anything else that the seniors will need. It is ready to care for and accommodate the needs of its people, making sure that they always receive the best in care and services. 

This wonderful city is home to many people and has helped shape them as people. Mississauga always strives for greatness, to continue to improve and better itself for its people. This is a city that focuses on its people, catering to their needs, letting their voices be heard, and encouraging and helping them to do and be the best that they can. I don’t know who I would be without this city, and so I will always feel proud to say that I live in Mississauga.