We invited leaders and visionaries
to join the conversation at our Speaker Series

Dr. Roberta Bondar and Tim Jones

On the evening of October 16, 2007, the first of four Our Future Mississauga Speaker Series events was held at Hammerson Hall, Living Arts Centre. The Series is part of a larger project aimed at developing a new Strategic Direction and Plan for the City of Mississauga, as it positions itself to be a great city in the 21st Century. The objective of these events is to motivate and inspire the envisioning of our future Mississauga.

Nearly 900 people were in attendance to be part of the conversation, and to hear Stephen Lewis and Glen Murray, former Mayor of Winnipeg, discuss the opportunities available to Mississauga. Stephen Lewis discussed the importance of global citizenship and the imperative of planning for the human condition. Glen Murray encouraged Mississauga to take risks, invest in design, and have no small plans. Mr. Murray’s idea of running a gondola along Hurontario Street elicited a particularly strong reaction from the audience. In the Q&A that followed the presentations, the audience asked questions about youth involvement, public transit, the impact of gentrification, and planning for an aging community. The evening was moderated by Suhana Meharchand, and closing comments were made by Mayor McCallion.

The evening’s presenters, with their insight, inspiration and humour, provided a rousing kick-off to the 21st Century Conversation, initiating a broader dialogue and encouraging people to ‘dream big’ about the future of their city, and to participate in the process that will culminate in the creation of a new Strategic Plan for the City of Mississauga.