Mississauga Injunction Sparks Controversy

Business owners in Mississauga say their livelihoods are suffering after the city secured a temporary court injunction restricting large gatherings at Ridgeway Plaza, near Ridgeway Drive and Eglinton Avenue West.

Why the City Took Action

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice granted the injunction last Tuesday, following mounting complaints from residents about the plaza. Officials said the measure was timed to prevent mass crowds during Pakistan Independence Day on August 13–14 and Afghanistan Independence Day on August 19.

Impact on Local Businesses

Owners say the order has been devastating. Muneer Ahmed, operator of Nawab’s Legendary BBQ, reported a 40% sales drop compared to the same week last year. He said notice came only on August 12, leaving no time to adjust staffing or inventory.

Community Response to Enforcement

On the night of August 13, police placed yellow caution tape across parts of the plaza. Omama Mukhtar, general manager at Apna Farm grocery, said the tape gave the plaza a “crime scene” image, further discouraging customers.

Mayor Defends the Decision

Mayor Carolyn Parrish said the city acted out of necessity after repeated complaints about noise, unsafe driving, fireworks, and overcrowding. “We had no choice. People were being injured, property was being damaged, and residents couldn’t sleep,” she said.

Ongoing Dispute with Plaza Owners

The city said it attempted to work with the condominium corporations that own Ridgeway Plaza but received no cooperation. Requests for comment from the corporations have gone unanswered.

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Poilievre Plans National Push to Repeal EV Policy

Conservatives Outline Fall Parliamentary Priority

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre announced Thursday that his party will launch a national campaign this fall aimed at overturning the federal electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate. Speaking in Corman Park, Saskatchewan, Poilievre described the policy as “a complete disaster” and promised motions, petitions, and coordinated public pressure to force the Liberal government to reverse course.

Mandate’s Requirements and Deadlines

The Liberal plan sets binding sales targets for zero-emission vehicles, requiring 20 % of all new light-duty vehicle sales to be electric or hybrid by 2026, 60 % by 2030, and 100 % by 2035. Ottawa argues the mandate is a cornerstone of its climate strategy to cut transportation-related emissions.

Industry Pushback and Economic Concerns

Automakers, including executives from Canada’s three largest manufacturers, have warned that meeting next year’s 20 % target is not feasible. They cite falling EV demand, the expiry of the federal rebate program, and the strain of U.S. tariffs as major obstacles. Industry leaders argue that the mandate could lead to production cuts and significant job losses.

Political Pressure and Government Response

Poilievre has repeatedly urged Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to drop the policy, framing it as an infringement on consumer choice. Although Carney has already reversed other Trudeau-era policies—such as the carbon tax—the Liberals have not confirmed whether the EV mandate will remain in place following high-level meetings with industry in July.

Rebate Program Funding Shortfall

The federal EV incentive program, which offered up to $5,000 toward an electric car and $2,500 for plug-in hybrids, was paused in January after exhausting its funding months ahead of schedule. Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin has indicated a new rebate scheme is under consideration but has provided no timeline.

Upcoming Political Context

Despite losing his seat in the spring election, Poilievre is expected to return to Parliament quickly, with a by-election in a safe Conservative riding set for Monday. The House of Commons resumes mid-September, giving the Conservatives a platform to push the repeal effort as one of their first acts in the new session.

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City Council Advances Supportive Housing Initiative

Edmonton city councillors, including Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Councillors Paquette, Cartmell, Principe, and Tang, voted unanimously 5-0 on August 13 to recommend selling a 0.3-hectare parcel near Kingsway Mall for $1 to NiGiNan Housing Ventures.

Prime Location Secured for Project

Located along 106 Street in the Spruce Avenue neighbourhood, the site is earmarked for Ambrose Place II, a supportive five-storey housing development offering at least 60 units, including culturally informed spaces like a ceremonial room for activities such as beading workshops and medicine picking.

Timing and Financial Backing in Place

The city’s Affordable Housing Investment Program recommends providing around $5.2 million in grants, while project costs are expected to reach $30.7 million. NiGiNan anticipates closing the land sale by October, aiming to begin construction in spring 2026.

Focused Support Through Strategy and Location

NiGiNan CEO Keri Cardinal highlighted the site’s proximity to essential services—transit, Royal Alexandra Hospital, and Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital—making it “critical” for residents’ needs and supports. The organization’s Indigenous-led approach aims to foster healing and culturally informed recovery, addressing the community’s most marginalized individuals.

Local Needs Drive Development

According to Homeward Trust, Edmonton’s homeless population reached 4,697 as of last September, with nearly half identifying as Indigenous. Cardinal emphasized both the ongoing need for and hope to eventually render such services unnecessary.

Neighbours Want Engagement and Assurance

Residents voiced concerns over building height, infrastructure strain, and safety. Ellie Sasseville, CEO of the Kingsway District Association, supported the project with conditions: strong agency-community relationships, clean-up responsibility, and wraparound services. Many local businesses already invest in private security due to rising crime, and they expect NiGiNan to help mitigate these pressures.

Aiming for Long-Term Healing, Not Just Housing

Councillor Paquette acknowledged the community’s unease but stressed that truly ending homelessness means providing stable housing. Cardinal reiterated their mission: offering a “decolonized method of treatment” that empowers individuals to heal and find peace, making them “a successful solution to those… deemed hardest to house.”

Summary

Edmonton’s council has taken a decisive step—approving the sale of a high-potential site for a nominal fee—backing a culturally centered housing project designed to meet urgent community needs. With funding in place and construction slated for spring 2026, Ambrose Place II represents both immediate relief and a long-term investment in reconciliation and recovery.

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