As Ward 9 councillor, I’m sharing my thought process on the proposal for Mississauga’s largest ever data centre
The past few months have been some of the busiest—and most meaningful—of my time serving as your City Councillor.
Alongside responding to the everyday needs of our community, Ward 9 found itself at the centre of one of the most significant planning discussions Mississauga has ever faced.
The proposed major digital infrastructure project was unlike anything our city had considered before. While data centres already exist in Mississauga, this proposal was larger and raised important questions about long-term environmental impacts, energy demand, infrastructure, and community benefit.
When the application first came before Council in March, no approval was being sought. City staff recommended it be sent back for further work because critical information was still missing. The applicant would need to return with a more complete proposal before any planning decision could be made.
Looking back, I understand why many residents were concerned. My early comments about the possibility of new jobs created the impression that I had already reached a conclusion. As more information became available, it became clear that the expected permanent employment was far lower than initially believed—only 50 to 75 jobs in a development of approximately 200,000 square feet.
When the facts change, responsible leaders must be willing to change with them.
Then something extraordinary happened. Our community showed up.
Residents packed the town hall. Families asked thoughtful questions. Experts shared research. Environmental advocates brought valuable insight.
Most inspiring of all, our young people came prepared. They challenged assumptions, presented facts, and spoke passionately about the kind of Mississauga they want to inherit.
It became clear that we could not responsibly say yes to this proposal until we better understood its long-term impacts. So instead of rushing to a decision, we chose a different path.
Wait. Learn. Understand.
That belief became the foundation of the motion I brought forward to Council. I spent time learning from municipalities like Hamilton and Burlington, understanding both their successes and their challenges so Mississauga could build a stronger approach.
The motion, seconded by Councillor Sue McFadden, called for an Interim Control By-law and a temporary moratorium while the City develops a comprehensive planning framework for major digital infrastructure. Council supported that motion.
Now we turn our attention to September, when Council will consider the Interim Control By-law itself. This is about creating the time and the guardrails needed to make thoughtful, evidence-based decisions that protect our neighbourhoods while allowing responsible economic growth.
This has never been about saying no to business. It has always been about saying yes to good planning.
The expected permanent employment was far lower than initially believed—only 50 to 75 jobs in a development of approximately 200,000 square feet.
Thank you to every resident who attended meetings, sent emails, asked difficult questions, challenged my thinking, and stayed engaged throughout this process.
Thank you to those who supported me.
And thank you to those who disagreed with me.
You reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about listening, learning, adapting when new evidence emerges, and always being authentic with the people you serve.
Ward 9 has demonstrated what civic engagement looks like at its very best.
