We Built This City

This episode of We Built This City explores the history of communities and immigration west of Toronto, focusing on Cooksville and the surrounding areas like Mississauga and Port Credit. From Mississauga's Welcome Wagon, a company that welcomed new residents to neighbourhoods across Canada, active from 1930, to the influx of immigrants from Italy, Croatia, Ireland, and Poland to Cooksville, becaus...

Today we reflect on the fascinating local history, of people, their names now marked on headstones, who have left an incredible mark on Canadians and who have left a lasting legacy on Mississauga. We remember Kate Aiken , a pioneering broadcaster and Canadian tastemaker; George Hunter a prolific documentary photographer, who captured iconic images of Canada over a seven-decade career; and Ruth Hus...

This episode revolves around Canada's significant contributions to aviation history, from its early beginnings to its current status as a global leader. Key players, events, and technological advancements are highlighted, including the development of the CANADARM, the establishment of Toronto Pearson International Airport, and the airport's ongoing evolution and expansion. We pay tribute to Canada...

In the 1930s, Ontario built the first intercity-divided highway in North America. Harold Ship revolutionized suburban development in Toronto in the 1950s and transformed what is now known today as Mississauga with innovative developments! Today's episode revolves around the history and significance of the joining of neighbourhoods in Clarkson and Lauren Park, Marigold Crescent and Applewood Acres....

The transformation of healthcare in Mississauga has been shaped by community involvement and philanthropy. From attaching bells onto horses to transport the sick so they can receive medical care, to multibillion-dollar healthcare centre developments in 2024, the growth of Mississauga's health industry is largely due to its community support and fundraising efforts. Community engagement and philant...

Undoubtedly, Mississauga has left a legacy in music! This episode of We Built This City explores the musical legacies of Oscar Peterson, Tommy Hunter, and Triumph. Oscar Peterson produces Canadiana Suite capturing Canada's landscapes, all while fighting for racial equality. Tommy Hunter's TV show elevated Canadian country music, inducting him into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Triumph, a rock ba...

Olympic athletes, coaches, and incredible amateur sports leagues have enriched the history and contemporary scene of sports in Mississauga! Particularly in rowing, canoeing, kayaking, cricket, and hockey, Mississauga has excelled in sports. In this episode, we dive into the contributions and incredible stories of Mississauga’s various clubs, and unsung sports legends, including Heather Hatton, Mic...

One of Canada's first, and most successful international, literary stars took inspiration for her best work, from her Summer retreat in Mississauga! This story explores the rich literary and cinematic history of Mississauga, highlighting the inspirations behind Mexican director Guillermo del Toro's "Dreams in the Witch House" and the best-selling "Jalna" series by Mazo de la Roche. It delves into...

Mississauga is filled with a rich history and relationship with food! In this episode of We Built This City , we dive into the fascinating history of food production, and its role in shaping the city we know today. From the humble beginnings of Ontario’s first commercial vineyard to the towering flour mills that once lined the Credit River, food has been a cornerstone of the community’s developmen...

In this episode, we explore the history and cultural significance of Mississauga, Ontario. The narrative begins with John Graves Simcoe’s influence on the town’s grid-like streets and transitions to the natural alignment of Mississauga Road along the Credit River. The discussion delves into the Mississaugas’ longstanding connection to the land, tracing their history from pre-contact times to the a...

We Built This City is a collection of stories from Mississauga! Capturing the rich history, founding, culture, sports, music, and people of Mississauga, this incredible series celebrates its 50th anniversary, paying homage to Ontario's vibrant, diverse and dynamic, 3rd largest city.