Mississauga << `mihs` uh SAW guh >> (pop. 717,961) is one of the largest cities in Ontario, Canada. It was created in 1976 by combining several villages and towns west of Toronto.
Mississauga’s downtown area is in the center of the city. It includes the Civic Centre, which is the home of the city government; and Square One, a large shopping and office complex. Canada’s busiest airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, is located on the northeast side of the city. Mississauga’s industries include the production of aerospace equipment, electronic products, scientific instruments, and pharmaceuticals.
Mississauga is located on land purchased from the Mississauga Indians in 1805. Several communities sprung up in the area. The town of Mississauga was incorporated in 1968. In 1976, the Ontario government combined the town and about 110 square miles (290 square kilometers) of towns, townships, and villages to form the city of Mississauga. Many of these communities retain their small-town atmosphere.
