The Rise of the Shopping Centre
Contrary to older cities like Toronto and Hamilton which have evolved over time, Mississauga has been purposely planned largely influenced by City Council, urban planners and property developers. While it is true to say that the City is constantly evolving, the critical planning and “place-shaping” period was obviously in the late 1960’s and 1970’s at the beginning of development. It was visionaries like McLaughlin, Hancock, Shipp and Kaneff that saw the dream, and leaders like McCallion, Speck and Fix who provided the impetus for change. Lucrative tax incentives attracted business leaders who provided jobs, housing and infrastructure that transformed Mississauga from a bedroom community into the destination city that it is today.