MISSISSAUGA: In a decisive move to tackle chronic parking shortages and escalating noise complaints, the Mississauga City Council has passed a new bylaw amendment to restrict the number of restaurants at the popular Ridgeway Plaza. The city aims to reduce the current density of eateries by approximately 15% to alleviate the chaos that has plagued the area since its opening in 2022. While the plaza hosts over 100 businesses, a city study confirmed that the lack of adequate parking has led to severe traffic congestion and public safety concerns, turning the vibrant commercial hub into a source of frustration for local residents.
Under the new regulations, the city will no longer issue permits for new restaurants within the plaza. Deputy Mayor Matt Mahoney clarified that the policy includes a “one-way” transition rule: if an existing restaurant closes and the space is converted into a different type of business, such as a hair salon or a pharmacy, it cannot be converted back into a restaurant in the future. This strategic “attrition” model is designed to slowly rebalance the plaza’s business mix and reduce the overwhelming demand for parking spaces typically associated with dining establishments.
The city has also placed the burden of responsibility squarely on the plaza’s private owners. Mahoney emphasized that ensuring sufficient parking and maintaining order is the duty of the landlords, warning that violations of the new standards could result in staggering fines of up to $100,000. By implementing these strict measures, Mississauga officials hope to restore peace to the surrounding neighborhood while ensuring the plaza remains a functional, rather than disruptive, part of the community’s commercial landscape.
