Mississauga Approves Healthy City Strategy to Combat Diabetes and Promote Health Equity

Mississauga, ON —  Mississauga City Council has taken a bold step towards improving public health with the unanimous approval of its Healthy City Strategy on December 11. The initiative focuses on addressing the risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes while embedding a health equity perspective into City planning, programs, and policies.

The strategy, developed in collaboration with key partners including Peel Public Health, the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations, Trillium Health Partners, and Cities for Better Health (CBH), seeks to create a city where residents are healthy, active, connected, and supported. It emphasizes compact, complete, and connected neighbourhoods; active living initiatives; and community-driven collaborations.

Mayor Carolyn Parrish lauded the initiative, highlighting its collaborative approach. “Diabetes is a growing concern in Mississauga. I’m pleased we have a strategy that empowers staff and decision makers to consider health impacts in City planning and policy development,” said Parrish. She noted the City’s reliance on partnerships with businesses, organizations, and higher levels of government to achieve the strategy’s goals.

Tackling Diabetes Through Health Equity

Mississauga’s diabetes prevalence rates, ranging from 13 to 16.9 per cent in certain neighbourhoods, far exceed the Ontario average of 9.8 per cent. The strategy identifies that areas with higher rates of diabetes often face other challenges such as climate change impacts, social vulnerability, poor air quality, and limited access to green spaces, transit, and healthy food options.

“This is not health equity,” said Paul Sharma, Director of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention at Peel Public Health. Sharma emphasized the vital role cities play in reducing chronic disease risks and promoting public health. “Peel Public Health looks forward to working closely with the City of Mississauga to put the strategy into action.”

The Healthy City Strategy also builds on Mississauga’s partnership with the CBH program, formerly known as Cities Changing Diabetes. The Urban Diabetes Declaration, signed by Mississauga City Council in 2021, connects the city with over 50 others worldwide to share resources and strategies for combatting diabetes.

Evidence-Based Action Plan

The strategy integrates insights from more than 1,000 community members, health researchers, and data experts, ensuring an evidence-informed approach. It outlines 25 actions aimed at fostering healthy living and addressing health inequities, including enhancing active transportation options and offering diverse wellness programs.

“The Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations applauds the City of Mississauga for approving the Healthy City Strategy,” said Lorraine Lipscombe, Executive Director of the Novo Nordisk Network. She highlighted the importance of reducing barriers to good health and expressed the network’s commitment to providing community-based research to support the strategy.

Looking Ahead

The City will now begin implementing the Healthy City Strategy across its planning and programs to improve public health outcomes. Residents can expect expanded wellness initiatives and infrastructure designed to encourage active, healthy lifestyles.

For more information about the Healthy City Strategy, visit Mississauga.ca/HealthyCity.

SOURCE City of Mississauga