Major Spending, Limited Oversight, and
the Growing Risk to Future Budgets
Last updated: Mar 28, 2026
Mississauga City Council is now considering a transformative, but
potentially costly, vision for the redevelopment of the Living Arts Centre
(LAC) lands, estimated at $2.3 to $2.5 billion.
The proposal includes a convention centre, hotel, entertainment venue,
residential development, and expanded public space on approximately 12 acres of
publicly owned land.
City officials have described the project as a “once-in-a-generation
opportunity.” However, early debate at Council has already highlighted a
critical concern: financial risk to taxpayers and the lack of detailed cost
clarity.
One Councillor cautioned that Council does not yet know the full cost or
the potential burden on taxpayers, warning of the risk of creating a “white
elephant” project.
A Familiar Concern
The proposal has also drawn comparisons to a similar hotel-convention
centre plan from decades ago under former Mayor Hazel McCallion, one that
ultimately failed amid controversy and concerns over transparency and financial
risk.
Today’s discussion raises similar questions:
Do we fully understand the
financial implications?
What safeguards are in place to
protect taxpayers?
Is the full financial picture
being clearly communicated?
At the Same Time: No Independent
Auditor
These concerns are unfolding alongside Council’s recent decision not
to proceed with an Independent Municipal Auditor.
An Auditor General would provide arms-length, independent review of major
expenditures, financial assumptions, and long-term risks which would be particularly
important for projects of this scale.
Instead, Council has chosen to rely on internal oversight and alternative
“compromise” measures, which:
Do not provide independent
financial scrutiny
Do not address broader concerns
about transparency
Do not include a clear plan to
resolve existing credibility concerns
The 2026 Budget: A Managed Outcome
At the same time, the City has presented its 2026 tax increase as
moderate. However, available information indicates that:
Underlying increases are
approximately 4.4% (City) and 7.5% (Region), both above
inflation
These were reduced through one-time
measures, including using reserve funds and deferrals
These measures do not eliminate
costs, they shift them forward
This broader context has not always been clearly communicated in budget
discussions or public materials.
Connecting the Dots: 2026 → 2027
When viewed together, a clear pattern emerges:
Large-scale spending proposals are being advanced with limited
financial detail
Independent oversight has been
declined, reducing external scrutiny
Short-term financial tools are being used to moderate
current tax increases
The result is a growing structural pressure on future budgets.
As these one-time measures unwind:
This creates a strong likelihood that 2027 will reflect the “true”
cost pressures that were partially deferred in 2026.
Why Independent Oversight Matters More
Than Ever
This is precisely where an Independent Auditor General would add value, not
by opposing projects, but by ensuring:
Full financial transparency
Clear disclosure of risks and
long-term costs
Objective review of major capital
decisions
Confidence for residents that
decisions are evidence-based
The RRA has submitted a letter in support for hiring an independent auditor. Letter is attached HERE.
The RRA's deputation to Mississauga City Council on the 2026 City Budget is attached HERE.
The Bottom Line
Mississauga is entering a period of significant financial decisions, from
major capital projects to rising operating costs. Without independent
oversight, and without full transparency around current and future tax impacts,
residents are left asking:
As the City moves toward the 2027 budget, these questions will only
become more important.
