Mississauga Marks 10th Anniversary of Hickory Drive Explosion with Community Commemoration
The Hickory Drive explosion anniversary will bring residents, first responders and community leaders together to remember the 2016 tragedy.
MISSISSAUGA — The City of Mississauga will mark the 10th anniversary of the Hickory Drive home explosion with a community commemoration recognizing the lives lost, the residents affected and the collective response that helped the neighbourhood recover following one of the city’s most devastating residential disasters.
On June 28, residents, community leaders, first responders and emergency personnel will gather at Hickory Green Park in Ward 3 to reflect on the events of June 28, 2016, when a powerful explosion destroyed a home in the Dixie Road and Rathburn Road East area.
The blast claimed the lives of two people who lived in the residence, injured others and caused significant damage throughout the surrounding neighbourhood.
According to the Office of the Fire Marshal, the explosion was caused by natural gas inside the home after a gas supply line connected to a water heater was intentionally disconnected.
Lasting Impact on the Community
The explosion affected nearly 800 homes, condominiums and apartment units in the immediate area. In the aftermath, 37 homes near the explosion site were placed under building code orders, while four homes were ultimately demolished due to the extent of the damage.
Many residents were forced from their homes as emergency crews worked to secure the area and assess the destruction.
The incident prompted one of the largest coordinated emergency responses in the city’s history, involving municipal departments, emergency services, community organizations and volunteer agencies.
Supporting Residents Through Recovery
In the days following the explosion, the City established a reception centre at Burnhamthorpe Community Centre where affected residents could access emergency accommodation referrals, social services and recovery information.
Community partners, including the Canadian Red Cross, Salvation Army and Insurance Bureau of Canada, assisted displaced residents as they navigated the recovery process.
City officials say the coordinated response demonstrated the importance of providing clear information, immediate support and ongoing assistance during major emergencies.
The experience has continued to inform Mississauga’s emergency preparedness and response planning over the past decade.
Community Pop-Up to Honour Anniversary
To mark the anniversary, Safe City Mississauga will host a community pop-up event at Hickory Green Park on Sunday, June 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The event will provide residents with an opportunity to reflect, access information about available supports and share messages of community care.
Representatives from Peel Regional Police, Peel Regional Paramedics, Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services and Enforcement and Security Services will be present.
Mayor Carolyn Parrish said the anniversary serves as an opportunity to remember the tragedy while recognizing the resilience shown by residents and responders.
“Ten years later, we remember what happened on Hickory Drive, and I want to thank the first responders, City staff who were there from the beginning, our community partners who helped with the response and the neighbours who opened their doors and hearts to support those who were displaced,” Parrish said.
Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca noted that many residents continue to carry memories of the event a decade later.
“This commemoration is about remembering, supporting one another and recognizing the many residents who helped their neighbours during a difficult time,” Fonseca said.
Fire Chief Stephane Malo said the incident continues to shape how emergency services prepare for and respond to major incidents.
“The Hickory Drive incident in 2016 stands out for the profound effect it had on both the neighbourhood and the wider Mississauga community,” Malo said.
Looking Forward
As Mississauga marks the 10-year anniversary, city officials say the commemoration is intended not only to honour those affected but also to reinforce the importance of emergency preparedness and community resilience.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about emergency planning, including creating emergency kits and preparing for unexpected disasters, through the City’s emergency management resources.
Hickory Drive Community Pop-Up
When: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Hickory Green Park, 4252 Hickory Drive, Mississauga
Admission: Free
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